How to spend 10 days in Jordan with children

Jordan is excellent for family travel with proper planning. Base yourself in Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum for 3-4 nights each. Focus on half-day activities, pack plenty of water and snacks, and book family rooms or apartments. Most children love Petra's adventure feel and floating in the Dead Sea.

  1. Plan your route around nap times and short travel days. Book 3 nights in Amman, 4 nights near Petra (Wadi Musa), and 3 nights in Wadi Rum or Aqaba. Keep driving to 2-3 hours maximum between stops. Children handle Jordan's main sites well if you plan morning visits before heat peaks around noon.
  2. Book family-friendly accommodation with kitchenettes. Choose hotels with family rooms or apartments where you can store snacks and prepare simple meals. Amman's Abdoun area has several apartment hotels. Near Petra, look for places with pools - children love cooling off after site visits. Wadi Rum has family-friendly camps with proper bathrooms.
  3. Pack for desert conditions and conservative dress. Bring sun hats, sunscreen SPF 50+, and long-sleeve shirts for everyone. Pack closed-toe shoes for Petra's rocky terrain. Children need their own water bottles - at least 2 liters per child per day. Bring familiar snacks from home as backup food options.
  4. Plan Petra visits in 2-3 shorter trips. Don't attempt the full Petra circuit with children. Day 1: Walk to Treasury and back (2 hours). Day 2: Take donkeys or horses to Treasury, continue to Royal Tombs if energy allows. Day 3: Monastery hike only if your children are strong hikers - it's steep and takes 3+ hours round trip.
  5. Use guides for major sites to keep children engaged. Hire local guides at Petra and Jerash who can tell stories and point out details children miss. A good guide keeps 8+ year olds interested for 2-3 hours. Guides cost 50-80 JD for half-day tours and know where to find shade and rest stops.
  6. Plan Dead Sea and Aqaba time for easy beach days. The Dead Sea is magical for children but limit swimming to 10-15 minutes - salt stings cuts and scratches. Bring fresh water to rinse immediately. Aqaba offers normal swimming and snorkeling. Both locations provide break days from cultural sites and long walks.
Is Jordan safe for traveling with children?
Yes, Jordan is very safe for family travel. Locals are welcoming to children, infrastructure is good, and medical facilities in major cities are reliable. Take normal precautions about sun exposure and hydration.
What age children can handle Petra?
Children 4+ can walk to the Treasury and back. Ages 8+ can handle longer walks to Royal Tombs or Monastery with breaks. Bring strollers for toddlers only if they're all-terrain - paths are rocky and sandy.
Do we need a car or can we use public transport?
Rent a car or hire a private driver. Public buses exist but are challenging with children and luggage. Private drivers cost $40-50 per day and know child-friendly stops and restaurants.
What about food safety for children?
Stick to busy restaurants, avoid raw vegetables and tap water. Most hotels serve international food children recognize. Bring probiotics and basic stomach medications. Bottled water is essential - buy in bulk.
Can children handle the Dead Sea?
Yes, but limit time to 10-15 minutes maximum. Salt stings any small cuts. Bring fresh water for immediate rinsing and don't let children put their hands near their faces while in the water.