Yarkon Park (Park HaYarkon) in Tel Aviv: What to See and Do

By Solomon Wiesen, TLV Beaches. Last reviewed October 2026.

On the edge of Tel Aviv and close to Ramat Aviv, Park HaYarkon (Yarkon Park in English) is the city’s green lung, stretching over 3.5 square kilometers (865 acres) along the Yarkon River. It is so so stunning, you must see it in person!!!

Often compared to New York’s Central Park, this park is a Middle Eastern mix of nature, recreation, and adventure, and it gets over 16 million visitors annually! Wowee!

Nature & Wildlife of Park HaYarkon

Park HaYarkon has several themed gardens, and entry to them is free. The Tropical Garden covers 20 dunams of exotic plants. The Rock Garden covers 40 dunams, and next to it the Cactus Garden has about 3,500 species on 26 dunams. The gardens are open from 10:00 to 17:30 in summer and until 16:00 in winter. Bird watchers can visit the free Rosh Tzipor birdwatching park, where water birds such as herons can be spotted.

Activities for Every Visitor: Kids and Adults Alike!

Before you enter the park, just know that you are a mere 35 minutes away from Tel Baruch beach if your kids need to frolic in the sand!

Cycling enthusiasts can ride the park’s paths along the river. Water lovers can rent pedal boats and motor boats on the park lake, which is open from 10:00 to 19:00 (paid). Families love the Meymadion Water Park, which opens from June to October and on holidays (paid), the mini train and the rope park. One thing you will no longer find is the Tzapari bird park: it closed in October 2017.

Sports & Entertainment

The Sportek complex has sports courts and a climbing wall, while runners use the riverside paths. Live concerts at the park’s outdoor venues have hosted international stars like Michael Jackson, Paul McCartney, Madonna, and Britney Spears.

Nature lovers, sports people and anyone who needs a quiet hour all end up at Park HaYarkon. Admission is free, so there is no reason not to go when the city gets to be too much.

10 More Details about Park HaYarkon:

1. Where is Park HaYarkon located? The park stretches along the Yarkon River from Tel Aviv’s eastern neighborhoods to the Mediterranean Sea. The main areas include Ganei Yehoshua and the Rosh Tzipor area.
2. What are the park’s opening hours? The park is open 24/7. However, specific attractions and facilities have their own operating hours.
3. Is there an entrance fee? No, entry to the park is free. The gardens are free too. The boats on the lake and the Meymadion water park charge separately.
4. What are the main attractions inside Park HaYarkon? The park features:
   • Boating on the Yarkon River (kayaks, pedal boats)
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   • Rock Garden (40 dunams, next to the Cactus Garden)
   • Tropical Garden (with exotic plants and ponds)
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   • Rosh Tzipor Birdwatching Park
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   • Sport facilities (basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts)
   • Luna Park Tel Aviv (amusement park nearby)
   • Yarkon River boardwalk (for walking, jogging, and biking)
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   • Outdoor gyms and fitness stations
5. Are there public restrooms? Yes, public restrooms are available throughout the park.
6. Can I have a barbecue in the park? Yes, barbecuing is allowed in designated areas. Open fires outside these areas are prohibited.
7. How do I get to Park HaYarkon by public transport? You can take several buses from central Tel Aviv. Routes change, so check a journey planner for the lines that stop on Rokach Boulevard. The Tel Aviv University train station is also close to the eastern part of the park.
8. Is there parking available? Yes, the park has multiple parking lots, including free and paid options. The largest lots are near Ganei Yehoshua and the Sportek complex.
9. Is the park safe for tourists? Yes, Park HaYarkon is considered safe, especially during the day. However, as with any large park, it’s best to stay in well-lit areas at night and keep an eye on your belongings.
10. Can I rent a bike in the park? Yes, you can rent bicycles and electric scooters from rental stations around the park, including Tel Aviv’s Metrofun bike-share service, which replaced Tel-O-Fun.
11. Are guided tours available? Ask the park company, Ganei Yehoshua, or a private tour company; we could not confirm a regular tour schedule.
12. What is the best time to visit? The best times to visit are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when temperatures are mild. Early mornings and evenings are ideal in summer.
13. Is Park HaYarkon family-friendly? Absolutely! The park has several playgrounds, picnic areas, and attractions suitable for children.
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14. Can I bring my dog? Yes, dogs are allowed in the park and there are designated dog parks where they can be off-leash. Otherwise, dogs must be leashed in all other areas.
15. Who manages Park HaYarkon? The park is managed by Ganei Yehoshua Ltd., a municipal company under the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality.
16. Is there an official contact for park inquiries? You can contact the Ganei Yehoshua office at +972-3-6422828 or visit the park’s website, park.co.il, for more details.

Sources: the park’s official website (about, gardens, lake and Meymadion pages), Wikipedia on Yarkon Park and Ynet on the closure of the Tzapari (Hebrew, 2017). Checked October 2026.

Solomon Wiesen

Solomon (Shlomo) Wiesen is the author and photographer behind TLV Beaches. Originally from New York, he moved to Israel in 2011 and lives in Tel Aviv, a short walk from Frishman and Bograshov beaches. Every guide on the site is written from the beach, with more than 200 of his own photos of the Tel Aviv coast. He works in marketing, SEO and startups.