At 1,000 acres, Hayarkon Park is considered Israel’s equivalent to New York’s Central Park, and it offers endless activities for families, sports fans and nature lovers. Also known as Ganei Yehoshua, the park comprises sprawling lawns, playgrounds, jogging and bike paths, gardens, two outdoor concert venues and an artificial lake. Popular children’s attractions include Tzapari, showcasing thousands of exotic birds, and Junga Junga, featuring numerous games for kids of all ages. History buffs will enjoy Seven Mills, the site of a flour mill that had provided water power until the 1940s, and architectural remnants from the Roman period. Fitness enthusiasts, meanwhile, can take advantage of Sportek, a multipurpose sports and recreation facility.
Visitors can rent a motor, row or pedal boat and go for a leisurely spin around the artificial lake, or cruise along the Yarkon River.