Jordan with Kids: Family Itinerary and Travel Tips

A family-friendly country

Family life is at the heart of Jordanian culture, and children are greeted with warmth in shops, restaurants and hotels. People may smile at babies, offer small sweets or start a friendly conversation with older children. Restaurants welcome families at all hours, and many hotels offer connecting rooms or family suites. In general, travelling with children in Jordan feels relaxed, and many parents find that their children help to open conversations with local people.

Pacing the trip

Children enjoy Jordan most when the days are not too full. Plan one main activity in the morning, when it is cooler, and keep afternoons for swimming, resting or a short walk. Try to limit drives to about three hours, with stops for snacks and stretching. The itinerary below spreads the main sights over a week, with some stops close together so that the family spends more time exploring and less time in the car.

Health and safety

The sun is strong in every season, so bring hats, sunscreen and refillable water bottles, and make sure children drink often. Bottled water is sold everywhere. Pharmacies are found in every town and can provide basic medicines and advice. In Petra and Wadi Rum, paths can be steep and uneven, so keep young children close near drops and cliff edges. Child car seats are not always available, so request them in advance or bring your own.

Choosing what to see

Not every site will appeal to every child. Younger children often prefer animals, water and open spaces, while older children may enjoy stories of the Nabataeans, Roman soldiers and Bedouin life. Involve them in planning, show them pictures of Petra and Wadi Rum before you go, and give them a role, such as finding the next sign on a trail. Short, active visits usually work better than long guided tours.

The plan

Day 1

Amman at an easy pace

Start gently in Amman. Climb to the Citadel, where children can explore old columns and walls and look down over the city. In the afternoon, visit the large hands-on children's museum in a park in west Amman, where science, nature and history are explored through play. End with a walk downtown and a taste of fresh falafel and sweet pastries.

Amman

Day 2

Jerash and Ajloun

Drive about an hour north to Jerash, where wide Roman streets and theatres give children plenty of space to explore. On some days, performers recreate Roman army drills and chariot races in the hippodrome. Continue to Ajloun Castle, with its towers, stairways and narrow passages, then enjoy a picnic in the nearby forest before returning to Amman.

Jerash Ajloun

Day 3

The Dead Sea

Drive about an hour down to the Dead Sea and spend the day at a hotel beach with a pool. Older children can float in the sea for a few minutes with an adult beside them, and most enjoy painting themselves with the dark mud. Keep the salty water away from eyes, and move between the sea and the pool. Stay the night by the shore.

Dead Sea

Day 4

South to Petra

Drive south to Wadi Musa, about three hours from the Dead Sea along the valley road and up into the mountains. Arrive in time to rest, then in the late afternoon visit Little Petra, a small Nabataean site a short drive north of the town. Its narrow passages and rock stairs are perfect for a first exploration, and it is far less crowded than Petra itself.

Dead Sea Petra

Day 5

Petra for families

Enter Petra early, while it is cool. The walk from the entrance through the Siq to the Treasury is about two kilometres and mostly gently downhill, and the moment the Treasury appears delights children and adults alike. Continue to the theatre and the Royal Tombs, where children can peer into carved chambers. Rest in the shade often, and keep enough energy for the walk back.

Petra

Day 6

Adventure in Wadi Rum

Drive about one and a half to two hours to Wadi Rum. A jeep tour is the highlight for many children: running down red sand dunes, scrambling under rock bridges and sitting in Bedouin tents with sweet tea. A short camel ride can also be arranged. Spend the night in a desert camp, and look for shooting stars in the dark sky.

Wadi Rum

Day 7

Aqaba and the Red Sea

Drive about one hour to Aqaba. Take a glass-bottom boat to see coral and fish without getting wet, or snorkel from a beach south of the city, where reefs begin close to the shore. The calm, warm water makes Aqaba ideal for young swimmers. The next day, fly from Aqaba or drive north to Amman, a journey of about four hours.

Aqaba

Frequently asked questions

Is Jordan safe for families with children?

Jordan is generally considered a safe and welcoming destination for families, and children are treated with great warmth. The main risks are practical: strong sun, heat, uneven paths and traffic. Supervise children closely near cliffs in Petra and Wadi Rum and in the water at the Dead Sea, carry water and sun protection, and choose a pace that allows plenty of rest.

Is Petra suitable for young children?

Yes, with some planning. The walk from the entrance to the Treasury is about two kilometres and mostly gentle, and many families with young children reach it comfortably. Longer climbs, such as the steps to the Monastery, suit older children better. Start early, carry water and snacks, and use a carrier for toddlers, as strollers are difficult on the uneven ground.

Can children float in the Dead Sea?

Children can enjoy the Dead Sea with close adult supervision. The water is very salty and stings eyes, cuts and scrapes, so keep each swim short and make sure children do not splash or put their faces in the water. Rinse them with fresh water afterwards. Many hotels also have freshwater pools, which younger children often prefer.

What is the best time to visit Jordan with children?

Spring and autumn are usually best, with warm days and comfortable nights, and spring or autumn school holidays often fit well. Summer is very hot in the desert and at the Dead Sea, though Aqaba and the highlands can still be enjoyable with early starts. Winter suits the Dead Sea and Aqaba, while the highlands can be cold and rainy.