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 minimize travel fatigue. Renting a car is essential for families, as it allows you to control the pace and stop for bathroom breaks whenever necessary.

  1. Secure the Jordan Pass. Purchase the Jordan Pass online before you arrive. It covers your visa fee and entry to over 40 sites, including Petra. Buy the 'Jordan Explorer' version to get two or three days in Petra, which is vital for pacing with kids.
  2. Rent a car at Queen Alia International Airport. Don't rely on public buses. Renting a car gives you the freedom to store snacks, water, and extra clothes. Ensure the rental agency provides age-appropriate booster or car seats, as these are not always standard in local fleets.
  3. Map your route by age tolerance. Limit drive times to under 3 hours per day. Plan the 'big' activities (like walking through the Siq to the Treasury) for early morning to beat the heat and the crowds.
  4. Prioritize shade and hydration. Even in spring or autumn, the sun is intense. Pack lightweight, long-sleeved linen shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and collapsible water bottles for everyone.
Is Jordan safe for children?
Jordan is very family-oriented. Locals are generally welcoming and helpful toward families with children.
Can I bring a stroller to Petra?
You can take it through the Siq, but the terrain becomes sand and rock very quickly. A hiking carrier is a much better option for kids under 4.