If this is your first summer as a parent in Israel, brukhim ha-ba’im—welcome to one of the hottest, loudest, and most memorable seasons of the year. Whether you’ve arrived recently or you’re still finding your rhythm, Israeli summers can feel like both a cultural adventure and a logistical puzzle. Here at Belong, we want to make your summer a little easier, a little cooler, and a lot more connected. So take a deep breath (preferably indoors with air conditioning), and enjoy our parent-friendly guide to surviving—and dare I say, even enjoying—your first Israeli summer.
1. The Schedule Is Different—And That’s OK
Israeli families tend to live life a little later in the summer. Don’t be surprised if you see kids play outside until 9 or 10 p.m., or a dinner invite might happen after 8. Teens often hang out until after midnight, and things generally move more slowly during the day and pick up in the evening.
Parent tip: Don’t fight it. Let your family adjust naturally. A later bedtime and a slower morning might just make things smoother (and less sweaty).
2. Schools Are Out... for a Long Time
The summer vacation is long…really long. Primary school kids are out of school from the 1st of July till the 31st of August. Junior High and High School kids have a whole 10 days more. (And yes, parents feel those 10 extra days.) That means parents are often left scrambling to fill weeks of time.
What helps:
- Short-term kaytanot (day camps) are everywhere—ask around in the neighborhood WhatsApp or Facebook groups. Some schools offer them too.
- Teenagers can often volunteer or work as junior counselors.
- Don’t stress if you don’t have something scheduled every week—many Israeli families improvise too.
3. Heat: Plan For it Like a Local
It’s not just hot. It’s Israeli hot. The kind of heat that makes you question every outdoor plan after 10 a.m. And yes, this year seems to be extra hot with real-feel already reaching nearly 40°C in coastal cities, and we are just at the beginning of July.
Beat the heat:
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Stick to outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon.
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Hydrate constantly, every parent I know has a favorite reusable water bottle. And there’s a reason why you often find water coolers in many outdoor places. Heatstroke isn’t fun; it happens a lot in this country.
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Keep a pack of wet wipes in your bag (you’ll thank me).
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Visit air-conditioned spaces, such as libraries, malls, or indoor play centers.
4. August is Basically a National Timeout
You might notice that everything slows down, or even stops, in August. Many professionals go on extended vacation, and getting anything official done can be tricky.
Set expectations:
If you’re waiting on bureaucracy, paperwork, or appointments, pause those hopes until September. You’re not doing anything wrong. It’s just August.
5. Embrace Simple Summer Joys
You don’t need to spend a fortune or plan elaborate outings to make summer meaningful. In fact, some of the best memories come from the little things:
Easy summer fun:
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A watermelon picnic in the park after sundown.
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Sprinklers, water balloons, or even buckets in the backyard.
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A sunset beach trip with pizza and popsicles.
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Friday morning visits to the local shuk, followed by malabi.
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Hosting a low-key potluck with other olim families
And if you run out of fun, low-cost ideas (and the costs can add up quickly in this country), you can contact Aviva Ainbinder, PhD, and she will provide you with her complimentary printable of fun but low-cost ideas of what to do during the holiday.
You’re Doing Better Than You Think
Parenting in a new country is no small feat. Parenting in a new country during a nine-week summer break? You deserve a medal…and some ice cream.
So whether today feels like a win or a mess, know this: You’re not alone. You belong here. And every small win, every cold drink, shaded walk, or spontaneous dance party in the living room, is a step toward feeling more at home.
