Places to Play in Jerusalem

Jerusalem boasts dozens of city parks. Recently, many of them have gotten makeovers, especially to their playground areas, making a morning or afternoon at a local park a great option for families with young children.   One of the most anticipated parks to undergo renovation recently was Gan Sacher, nestled below the Knesset and within walking distance to landmarks like the Mahane Yehuda market and the Central Bus Station. Its playground now has some of the city’s tallest slides, as well as a whimsical climbing structure and plenty of swings. Large parts of the playground are shaded, and other amenities include drinking fountains and charging stations for mobile phones. The renovation of the playground follows upgrades to the park’s walking and bike paths, and the opening of the Gan Sipur cafe in the park. “Over the years, the park has become one of the main symbols in the capital and a place of gathering, meeting and entertainment for all residents of the city and the country,” Jerusalem’s Mayor Moshe Lion said at the playground’s opening ceremony in November.   But Gan Sacher isn’t alone. Just around the corner from the Inbal, the Rose Park on Dubnov Street is an elegant green space. Although the playground is small, the park itself  is full of open places to play, and winding stone paths through gardens filled with roses, palm trees and other plants. This park also has plenty of benches and shade, making it a great place for a picnic.   Further afield, just beside the German Colony, on Rachel Imenu Street sits another attractive playground, with paths and obstacle course around its perimeter, a model car and plenty of fun things to climb. A treasure also lies beneath this park; when renovating it in 2019, archeologists found a large 1,500-year-old water cistern just under the ground. A series of signs tells the story of this find, which has now been covered back up for preservation.   All of these parks make great destinations for families looking to fill a morning or afternoon; they are also great places to stop for rest and relaxation while out exploring the city. For more information about the locations of all of Jerusalem’s parks, check out this interactive map on the city’s website. Jerusalem boasts dozens of city parks. Recently, many of them have gotten makeovers, especially to their playground areas, making a morning or afternoon at a local park a great option for families with young children.   One of the most anticipated parks to undergo renovation recently was Gan Sacher, nestled below the Knesset and within walking distance to landmarks like the Mahane Yehuda market and the Central Bus Station. Its playground now has some of the city’s tallest slides, as well as a whimsical climbing structure and plenty of swings. Large parts of the playground are shaded, and other amenities include drinking fountains and charging stations for mobile phones. The renovation of the playground follows upgrades to the park’s walking and bike paths, and the opening of the Gan Sipur cafe in the park. “Over the years, the park has become one of the main symbols in the capital and a place of gathering, meeting and entertainment for all residents of the city and the country,” Jerusalem’s Mayor Moshe Lion said at the playground’s opening ceremony in November.   But Gan Sacher isn’t alone. Just around the corner from the Inbal, the Rose Park on Dubnov Street is an elegant green space. Although the playground is small, the park itself  is full of open places to play, and winding stone paths through gardens filled with roses, palm trees and other plants. This park also has plenty of benches and shade, making it a great place for a picnic.   Further afield, just beside the German Colony, on Rachel Imenu Street sits another attractive playground, with paths and obstacle course around its perimeter, a model car and plenty of fun things to climb. A treasure also lies beneath this park; when renovating it in 2019, archeologists found a large 1,500-year-old water cistern just under the ground. A series of signs tells the story of this find, which has now been covered back up for preservation.   All of these parks make great destinations for families looking to fill a morning or afternoon; they are also great places to stop for rest and relaxation while out exploring the city. For more information about the locations of all of Jerusalem’s parks, check out this interactive map on the city’s website.