Jordan captivates travelers with its blend of ancient history, dramatic desert landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the rose-red city of Petra to the otherworldly wadis and the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, this Middle Eastern kingdom offers unforgettable experiences. Whether floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, camping under stars in Wadi Rum, or exploring Roman ruins at Jerash, Jordan rewards visitors with authentic culture and timeless beauty.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Dead Sea Floating Experience
The impossible-to-sink sensation of the hypersaline Dead Sea delights children and adults equally. Float effortlessly while applying therapeutic black mud to skin, then rinse off in the freshwater pools. Keep children supervised at all times as the water is extremely salty.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Petra Exploration (Donkey/Horse Option)
The Treasury reveal at the end of the Siq canyon is one of travel's most memorable moments for children. For tired younger legs, horse and donkey rides are available between key monuments. Pack snacks and water as the site is extensive.
Duration: Half or full day
Wadi Rum Camel and Jeep Tour
Children are captivated by camel rides between towering red sandstone formations and 4x4 jeep adventures over sand dunes. Evening Bedouin camp dinners with campfire stories and star-gazing create unforgettable family memories.
Duration: 3-6 hours
Jerash Chariot Race Experience
The Roman Army and Chariot Experience at Jerash brings ancient history to life with costumed soldiers and horse-drawn chariot races in the original hippodrome. Held daily and specially popular with children who can interact with performers.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Children's Museum Jordan - Amman
Jordan's dedicated children's museum in Amman features interactive science exhibits, outdoor playground, arts and crafts workshops, and hands-on learning activities. One of Amman's best options for entertaining children on a rest day between excursions.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Aqaba Snorkeling and Glass-Bottom Boat
The crystal-clear Red Sea at Aqaba with its vibrant coral reefs just meters from shore is ideal for introducing children to snorkeling. Glass-bottom boat tours for non-swimmers reveal the same colorful fish and coral without getting wet.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
The miniature version of Petra with carved Nabataean facades, cave rooms, and painted ceilings is completely free and less overwhelming than the main site for young children. A perfect introduction to Nabataean archaeology at a manageable scale.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
Jordan's most family-friendly luxury resort on Dead Sea shores with dedicated kids' club, multiple pools including a shallow children's pool, private beach, and family suites. The buoyant Dead Sea is entertaining for children though supervision is essential.
Family features: Kids' club (3-12 years), multiple pools, private beach, family suites, children's menus
Mövenpick Resort Petra
Positioned at the gates of Petra with excellent family facilities including a large pool, family rooms, buffet restaurant with wide choices, and evening Bedouin cultural entertainment that children love.
Family features: Family rooms, large pool, buffet restaurant, evening cultural show, tour desk for Petra arrangements
The Old Village Hotel - Petra
Affordable family accommodation near Petra designed as a traditional Jordanian village with spacious family rooms, large pool area, playground, and a comprehensive buffet. Excellent value for families watching their budget.
Family features: Family rooms, pool, children's playground, shuttle to Petra, buffet restaurant
Mövenpick Tala Bay Aqaba
Beachfront Red Sea resort with direct beach access, dedicated children's pool, kids' club, water sports, and multiple dining options. Perfect for a relaxing family beach holiday after desert adventures.
Family features: Private beach, kids' club, children's pool, water sports, family suites
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Jordanian restaurants are universally welcoming to children — don't hesitate to bring babies and young children to any restaurant
Most hotel buffets offer enormous variety that satisfies picky eaters — the Mövenpick and Marriott buffets are particularly comprehensive
Hashem Restaurant in downtown Amman is a perfect first meal for families with children — endless hummus, falafel, and bread arrive automatically in a chaotic but fun atmosphere
Children's menus ($5-10) available at international restaurants and hotel dining rooms; traditional Jordanian restaurants serve smaller portions on request
Bring snacks for long drives and day trips — Amman supermarkets (Safeway, Carrefour) have good selections of packaged food suitable for children
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Purchase the Jordan Pass before arrival — it covers children's entry to many sites and saves significant money for families
Dead Sea precautions are critical: no submersion of heads, avoid contact with eyes, cover any cuts, limit children's time to 10-15 minutes maximum
Carry significantly more water than you think you need — children dehydrate faster in Jordan's desert climate
Hire a private driver rather than struggling with public transport when travelling with young children — typically $80-120/day