Movies under the stars come to Israel's national parks

By the Editorial Team · Monday, August 10, 2026

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority is hosting outdoor family film screenings at various national parks and historical sites throughout the country this month as part of its Summer at the Movies program. These events combine movie viewing with guided tours, games, and sunset experiences, encouraging visitors to explore natural and cultural landmarks during cooler evening hours.

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority is hosting a series of outdoor family film screenings this month across several national parks and historical sites throughout the country. The events, part of the authority’s Summer at the Movies program, offer visitors an opportunity to enjoy classic and animated films in unique open-air settings, combining entertainment with cultural and natural exploration.

The program takes place at various venues, including ancient fortresses, Roman amphitheaters, desert landscapes, and other scenic locations, such as a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret). Visitors can participate in guided tours, games, and sunset viewing experiences alongside the film screenings, all designed to take advantage of the cooler, quieter evening hours.

Sarit Falchi Miara, director of visitor services and the visitor experience for the Nature and Parks Authority’s northern district, emphasized the appeal of evening visits. She noted that national parks and reserves transform into calmer, more pleasant environments after sunset, inviting the public to experience nature and history in a distinct way.

Among the featured locations is Yehiam Fortress National Park in the Western Galilee, where attendees can explore the Crusader and Ottoman fortress ruins before watching the animated film *Night of the Zoopocalypse*. The site offers opportunities to climb fortress towers and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

At Sussita (Hippos) National Park, located near Lake Kinneret, visitors can enjoy a guided tour of the ancient city's basalt columns and ruins before viewing *Zootopia 2* as the sun sets over the lake. Similarly, The Good Samaritan Museum, near Ma’aleh Adumim, is hosting outdoor screenings of *Tom and Jerry: The Lost Compass* and *Friends on Full* amid its collection of ancient mosaics.

Herodium National Park will also feature screenings of *Zootopia 2*, with attendees able to explore King Herod’s palace remains and take in sunset views from the summit prior to the movie. The Tzipori National Park incorporates an interactive historical game, Mysteries in Time, that guides visitors through ancient buildings and mosaics before culminating in a family screening of *Ice Age: Collision Course* in the site’s Roman theater.

Admission to these events requires advance registration via the Nature and Parks Authority’s website. Members of the Matmon program—as well as residents of Yehiam—are eligible for discounted entry. The Matmon membership offers additional benefits, including free admission to around 65 parks and reserves nationwide, discounts on campsites, guided tours, and select activities. A recently introduced Matmon app provides digital membership cards, event information, and navigation assistance.

Details and scheduling for all Summer at the Movies events are available on the Nature and Parks Authority website.

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