Things to do near Hashmonaim: Ben Shemen forest, Route 443 sites and Modi'in

Hashmonaim sits right by Route 443, the Ben Shemen forest and Modi'in, so most outings are a short drive. Here is what I found, with the source for each. See also Things to do and the itineraries.

In the yishuv

• The Hashmonaim playroom (ages 0-7, with a parent) on HaTavor St, next to the maon: Sun-Wed 16:00-18:00, plus Wednesday mornings 10:30-12:00. Entry is 5 NIS in cash (community website flyer (opens in a new tab)).
• Kathedra lectures for seniors (Binyamin and Beit El vatikim, 5787): lecture series held every other Wednesday morning, 09:00-12:30, in Ofra and in Hashmonaim (community website flyer (opens in a new tab)).
• Matan Hashmonaim beit midrash: a 5787 timetable of Torah classes in Hebrew and English, all also broadcast on Zoom (community website flyer (opens in a new tab)).

Ben Shemen forest

KKL-JNF's Ben Shemen forest is the largest forest in central Israel, about 22,000 dunams, with six entrance gates, marked trails, picnic areas and two mountain-bike loops (32 km in all) that start at Mitzpe Modiim (KKL-JNF (opens in a new tab)). Sites include the Maccabean tombs (nine rock-cut tombs linked by tradition to the Hasmoneans) and Monks Valley.

• Mitzpe Modiim: a torch-shaped lookout tower from 1963, on Route 443 between km 7 and 8, with views over the forest, the coastal plain and the Jerusalem hills (Hevel Modiin tourism (opens in a new tab)).
• Nachal Modiim and the Shilat cliffs: exit Route 443 at the Maccabean Graves and take the KKL dirt track; the walk to the cliff is under 1 km and suits young children. After heavy rain the stream can block the track (ModiinApp (opens in a new tab)).

Before you go: KKL-JNF says the restrooms are closed until further notice, and that because of pine processionary caterpillars, hikes and activities for teenagers, including overnight camping, are not approved until further notice.

Along Route 443

• Horvat Prosh, north-east of the Maccabim checkpoint and south of Kfar Ruth: a hilltop with Second Temple remains, a Roman fort, a two-storey 4th-century watchtower that still stands and a Byzantine church (Hevel Modiin tourism (opens in a new tab)).
• Israel Primate Sanctuary, at the entrance to Kfar Daniel (Route 443 eastbound): a rescue centre for confiscated, smuggled and ex-laboratory monkeys, with guided visits, feeding times and workshops (Hevel Modiin tourism (opens in a new tab)).
• Kfar HaKesef in Kfar Daniel: a silversmiths' visitor centre where you walk along a bridge with eight explanation points above the workshop (Hevel Modiin tourism (opens in a new tab)).
• Neot Kedumim, the biblical landscape reserve: tickets online only, entry Sun-Thu 14:30-16:00 (exit by 17:30) and Fri 09:00-11:30 (exit by 13:30); 30 NIS from age 16, 20 NIS for children 3-16, seniors, soldiers and people with disabilities (Neot Kedumim (opens in a new tab)).

In Modi'in

• Anava Park on Sderot HaHashmona'im: free entry, a lake, a 1,000-seat amphitheatre, an adventure playground and a spray park that runs 30 minutes every hour (Sun-Thu 15:00-17:30, Fri 12:00-17:30, Sat 10:00-17:30; until 18:30 in July and August). Parking is paid (ModiinApp (opens in a new tab)).
• Hasmonean Heritage Museum, 24 Dam HaMaccabim St: the city's story from the Hasmoneans to today, with a guided tour, an interactive room and a 3D film ride. Closed Sunday; book a timed entry online (ModiinApp (opens in a new tab)).
• Umm el-Umdan, by the Buchman neighbourhood: graves, a bathhouse and a synagogue from the 2nd century BCE, which the excavators believe was ancient Modi'in (ModiinApp (opens in a new tab)).

Good to know

Hours and prices change; check the source before you set out. Mini Israel near Latrun says some attractions are being renovated and may be out of action, and lists closure dates on its site (Mini Israel (opens in a new tab)).