Amman is Jordan's dynamic capital city, a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern urban life set across a dramatic hillside landscape. The city is home to Roman ruins, vibrant souks, world-class restaurants, and a thriving arts scene, making it one of the Middle East's most compelling destinations.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Children's Museum Jordan
One of the Arab world's finest children's museums with dozens of interactive exhibits covering science, nature, technology, and culture — plus a planetarium, wind tunnel, climbing wall, and a dedicated toddler section
Duration: 3–4 hours
Dead Sea Floating Experience
Floating effortlessly in the saltiest sea on Earth is a magical experience for children and adults alike — the inability to sink is genuinely thrilling. Apply mineral mud together as a family for memorable photos.
Duration: Full day
Jerash Roman Ruins with RACE Show
Jerash's remarkably preserved Roman city comes alive for families through the Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE) — a theatrical performance with centurion drills, gladiatorial combat demonstrations, and actual chariot races in the ancient hippodrome
Duration: 4–5 hours including travel
King Hussein Park Family Picnic
Amman's largest park offers playgrounds, shaded picnic areas, fountains, and jogging paths — a peaceful respite for families needing outdoor time between sightseeing
Duration: 2–3 hours
Beit Sitti Family Cooking Class
Learning to cook traditional Jordanian dishes with three Jordanian sisters in their grandmother's house is a uniquely engaging family experience — children especially love making their own hummus and rolling vine leaves
Duration: 3.5 hours
Royal Automobile Museum Visit
King Hussein's extraordinary personal car collection — from a 1916 Cadillac to vintage motorcycles and exotic sports cars. Car-enthusiast children (and adults) will be transfixed by the 70+ vehicles on display.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Amman Citadel Exploration
Walking among ancient Roman columns, Umayyad palace ruins, and Byzantine church remains on a dramatic hilltop above the city is inherently exciting for children — combine with the small archaeological museum for context
Duration: 2 hours
Hashem Restaurant Breakfast
Taking children for falafel, hummus, and fuul at the legendary Hashem Restaurant — open since 1952 and visited by Jordanian kings — is an authentic cultural experience that children universally enjoy. The open-air setting and bustling atmosphere adds to the adventure.
Duration: 1 hour
Jordan Museum Children's Gallery
The Jordan Museum has an excellent children's gallery designed to make archaeology and history engaging for young minds — hands-on learning stations and age-appropriate displays about Jordan's ancient civilizations
Duration: 1.5 hours
Qasr Al-Abd Valley Walk
A gentle half-day excursion to the Wadi Al-Seer valley combining a walk through olive groves with exploration of a remarkable 2nd-century BC Hellenistic palace — excellent for history-interested older children
Duration: Half day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Four Seasons Hotel Amman
Amman's premier luxury family hotel with a dedicated kids club, family suites with interconnecting rooms, outdoor pool, and outstanding room service menu for children
Family features: Kids club (ages 4–12), family suites, outdoor pool, babysitting service, children's menu
Grand Hyatt Amman
A family favorite with spacious rooms, a large outdoor swimming pool, and the hotel's excellent location for exploring West Amman
Family features: Large outdoor pool, family rooms, kids' amenities on request, central location
Landmark Hotel Amman
A solid value family hotel with a rooftop pool, family rooms, and a convenient location — one of the best mid-range family choices in Amman
Family features: Rooftop pool, family rooms, free breakfast, parking
Nomads Hotel
While primarily a backpacker hostel, Nomads offers private family rooms in a fantastic downtown location perfect for families exploring the historic city center
Family features: Private family rooms, rooftop terrace, budget prices, ideal location
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Jordanian restaurants are extremely family-friendly — children are warmly welcomed everywhere without exception
High chairs are available at most mid-range and upscale restaurants; not always at street food stalls
Kids' menus are uncommon but restaurants almost always accommodate smaller portions at reduced prices on request
Street food (falafel, kanafeh, shawarma) is excellent for children and available throughout the city
Avoid food from street vendors in the heat of summer — opt for established restaurants
Fresh juices (orange, pomegranate, mango) from juice bars are a healthy and delicious treat for children
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Purchase the Jordan Pass before arrival — it includes visa fees and all major site entries, saving significant money for families
The Children's Museum must be booked in advance on busy weekends — check their website
Plan for nap times when visiting sites in summer — the heat between 12–3 PM is intense for young children
Keep hydration bottles constantly filled — Amman's summer heat is significant even at the city's elevation
Hotel staff in Amman are exceptionally helpful with families — don't hesitate to ask for recommendations or arrangements
Jordan is remarkably safe for families — crime against tourists (including children) is extremely rare
The Dead Sea experience is unforgettable for children but requires close supervision — no submerging heads, and rinse eyes immediately if splashed