The Dead Sea with a Toddler

I was a little nervous visiting the Dead Sea with Kayleigh after all the warnings I got about making sure not to get any of the water in your eyes. I heard horror stories from people who were extremely careful! We knew Kayleigh was too young to go in, but how were we going to entertain her and keep her out of the water while we each took turns?! I hoped that she would conveniently nap in her stroller … of course that didn’t happen! Turns out watermelon (what kid doesn’t love snack?) and the free showers kept her entertained long enough!

“I hoped that she would conveniently nap in her stroller … of course that didn’t happen!”

We weren’t spending a night near the Dead Sea, so we parked near the hotel district of Ein Bokek. We found reasonable public parking just a short walk from the Sea. There is a a paved path that runs between the hotels and the Dead Sea beaches, along with many areas with free shade, chaise lounges, showers and changing booths. We kept walking until we found an area with hardly any people.

The last time my husband was in Israel (mid-late August many years ago), the sand was so hot it was unbearable to stand on and the Dead Sea felt like a hot, uncomfortable bath. Fortunately, our weather at the end of April/beginning of May was perfect. The only disappointing part was the haze in the air. The air temperature for our trip averaged between 80-90 degrees, however there was no humidity. Much more enjoyable than what 80-90 degrees back home on the East Coast feels like!

From the beach, there are boardwalks that lead you into the Sea – this is to protect your feet. The bottom of the Sea is covered in salt balls that range in size from about the size of a dime to softballs! Not super comfortable to walk on – but manageable if you go slowly (or wear water shoes). The boardwalk helps you get out into the deeper water, but be careful, it can be very slippery! Once you’re in waist-deep water, as soon as you slightly lean backwards, the buoyancy of the water scoops your legs right up and you’re floating. You know you’re going to float, but it’s hard to imagine until you experience it for yourself! It’s amazing how buoyant you really are – you feel that you could topple right or left like a canoe if you lean over too far! When you’re ready to get up, you have to use your core to push your legs back down – all while being graceful as not to splash any water onto your face!

Immediately upon getting out of the Dead Sea we rinsed off in the showers. This was to wash the grime off our skin as well as rinse out our bathing suits to protect them. (The water and especially the mud, can discolor bathing suits, so a dark color is recommended.) Turns out, the showers were the highlight of Kayleigh’s vacation. She LOVED running through them, repeatedly asking ‘again’ for us to turn it on. She was the show not only for us, but the few people around us on the beach. Who doesn’t love a little kid giggling and running through water having the time of her life?! It also helped to wash off the watermelon juices that ran down her face!

At the end of our visit, we ended up walking Kayleigh into the Dead Sea … just so we could say she has been in it. Ben held both her hands and walked her down the boardwalk until both feet were in – it only lasted 30 seconds before she tried to wriggle free, but it was worth it!

A Few Fun Facts & Tips for Visiting the Dead Sea

• The Dead Sea – is actually a lake! It is the lowest spot on Earth, 430 meters below sea level.
• It is receding – but there are projects in place to help stabilize its shore lines & depth.
• Historically it has been known as healing area for various skin conditions & even arthritis.
• There isn’t mud around the area of Ein Bokek, but there are areas near there where you can buy packets to cover yourself with if you wish!
• Don’t shave for a day or two before getting in, it might sting!
• Don’t get water in your eyes or mouth!
• If you have sensitive feet, wear water shoes to protect your feet from the salty bottom.
• Make sure to rinse off well once you get out.