August rolled in, school let out, the heat took over – summer is here! While much of the world swelters through another record-breaking summer, Jerusalem’s mountain air still offers cool mornings, golden evenings and just the right excuse to spend another hour outdoors.
For generations, the Jerusalem Foundation has helped create the parks where Jerusalem childhood unfolds. They’re the places where toddlers splash through fountains, teenagers meet friends after dark, grandparents unpack picnic baskets and families from every corner of the city make summer memories together. Whether you’re visiting Jerusalem or grew up here yourself, these five parks are part of the city’s soundtrack every summer.
Teddy Park, Mitchell Parks and Gardens
On a hot afternoon, few sights capture a Jerusalem summer quite like dozens of children darting through the Hassenfeld Family Fountain, laughing as 256 water jets dance to music and light. Set beneath the walls of the Old City, Teddy Park welcomes families from every neighborhood and community in Jerusalem, making it one of the city’s most joyful shared spaces. Established in memory of legendary Jerusalem mayor and Jerusalem Foundation founder Teddy Kollek, the park sits just outside Jaffa Gate, where the city’s ancient history meets everyday life.
The Richard & Rhoda Goldman and Walter & Elise Haas Promenades
The promenades offer one of Jerusalem’s quintessential summer rituals: watching the sun set over the Old City. Couples linger on benches, photographers wait for the golden light, families stroll with ice cream in hand and friends gather simply to enjoy the breeze. Residents from nearby Arnona and Sur Baher mingle with visitors from across the city, sharing one of Jerusalem’s most spectacular views. This open landscape remains just that after architect Louis Kahn persuaded Teddy Kollek to preserve it as a public space rather than allow hotel development.
The Wohl Rose Park
Hidden between the Knesset, the Supreme Court and the Israel Museum, the Wohl Rose Park feels like a secret oasis in the heart of the capital. It wasn’t always this welcoming. Originally known as the President’s Park, it was intended solely for state ceremonies and was closed to the public, however, after public protest, it is today a site where families spread blankets beneath the trees, children weave through the gardens and office workers escape for a peaceful lunch break. Following the Jerusalem Foundation’s extensive restoration of the park in 2023, it continues to welcome Jerusalem’s wonderfully diverse mix of residents as a place to relax, learn and simply enjoy being outdoors.
Liberty Bell Park
Few parks offer something for every generation quite like Liberty Bell Park. Established in 1977 following the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations, the park was inspired by the gift of a replica of Philadelphia’s Liberty Bell, donated by supporters from across the United States. Today, younger children race between playgrounds, skateboarders perfect new tricks, fitness enthusiasts make use of the exercise stations and families end the day with a performance at the beloved Train Theater. One of Jerusalem’s favorite gathering places, the park naturally brings together people from every part of the city, united by the simple pleasures of a summer afternoon.
The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Gazelle Valley
For those looking to escape the bustle of the city without leaving it, the Mandel Gazelle Valley offers a rare chance to experience Jerusalem’s wild side. Home to a herd of around 80 Israeli gazelles, along with dozens of species of birds, insects and native plants, the park is a haven where nature thrives in the heart of the capital. Families wander along streams and lakes, children peer through observation points in search of wildlife and walkers enjoy the peaceful trails winding through orchards and Mediterranean landscapes. Throughout the summer, the Jerusalem Foundation, in partnership with the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, fills the park with activities for every age, from children’s theater and nature film screenings to yoga, dance and bi-lingual (Hebrew-Arabic) community events in partnership with Kulna, welcoming Jerusalem’s diverse communities to connect with nature together.
The Wohl Rose Park photo credit: Arnon Bossani
The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Gazelle Valley photo credit: Jerusalem Foundation
The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Gazelle Valley photo credit: Kulna