Planning a 7-Day Jordan Family Adventure

Focus your 7-day trip on a loop from Amman to Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea to keep travel times under 4 hours per day. Prioritize hiring a private driver for the week to avoid the stress of navigating rural roads with children.

  1. Purchase the Jordan Pass before arrival. Buy the 'Jordan Explorer' pass online. It covers your visa fee and entry to over 40 sites, including Petra. It saves a family of four roughly $150 USD.
  2. Book a private driver. Do not rent a car if you want to avoid navigation stress. A private driver will cost $100–$120 USD per day, including fuel, and allows you to pull over whenever the kids need a break.
  3. Time your Petra visit. Start at the visitor center at 6:00 AM. It keeps the kids out of the midday heat and puts you ahead of the tour buses that arrive at 10:00 AM.
  4. Select kid-friendly lodging. Choose camps in Wadi Rum that offer 'martian dome' tents with attached private bathrooms; it makes the desert experience much easier with younger kids.
Is it safe to travel in Jordan with kids?
Yes. Jordanians are incredibly hospitable and family-oriented. You will find that locals are very welcoming to children.
Do I need to carry cash?
Yes. While hotels take cards, carry Jordanian Dinar for small shops, tips, and roadside snacks.