Are you considering traveling to Jordan with kids, but aren’t sure whether it’s the right destination for your family?
Personally, taking the leap and going on our first international trip to Jordan turned out to be one of the best decisions we’ve ever made as a family. We traveled with my husband’s family, which made everything so much easier; having extra hands is truly a gift when you’re traveling with young children.
While I still believe cruising is the best way to travel with family, exploring a new country in a different way was a refreshing way to broaden our travel experience. Here’s my honest take on our family trip to Jordan and the unforgettable places we visited. Family vacations come with so many benefits, you just need to prepare yourself and your kids.
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A Note About the Photos: All photos featured in the sections below, with the exception of the “What to Wear” section, were taken by our family during our trip to Jordan. These are our personal photographs. Please do not copy, reproduce, download, or use these images without our permission. We hope you enjoy seeing a little piece of our journey!
Traveling to Jordan With Kids
We traveled to Jordan in mid-November, and the weather was perfect. The first couple of days were a little chilly but not uncomfortable, and by midweek we didn’t even need jackets. It only rained on our last day, lucky us!
Best Time to Visit
If you’re planning a trip, my mother-in-law (who has a house in Jordan) recommends visiting in spring or autumn. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the desert, while winters can be surprisingly cold.
What to Wear
Jordan is a conservative country, so I highly recommend dressing modestly to respect the culture.
Even when swimming in the Dead Sea, I wore long pants and a long T-shirt. I was grateful I did, because there was a large conference nearby in the hotel, and I would have felt uncomfortable otherwise.
Think comfortable, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Add layers for cooler mornings and evenings.
What to Bring
A backpack is a must! Here’s what I recommend packing for family comfort:
- Water bottles
- Lots of snacks
- A small travel dictionary
- A portable fan (for hot days)
- A travel-size portable potty (trust me, you’ll thank yourself at Petra!)
- A hat or cap
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Of course, your camera
These little things made our trip so much smoother, especially with a preschooler in tow.
Unforgettable Places to Visit
Jordan is home to countless unforgettable places, each with its own story and sense of wonder. These highlights made our trip especially memorable and show why traveling to Jordan with kids is truly worth it.
1. Petra: Wonder of the World
Our family standing in front of The Treasury in Petra, Jordan. Seeing this incredible ancient wonder in person was truly breathtaking.
Petra is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and seeing it in person felt surreal. This ancient city, carved into rose-colored stone, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colors, the history, and the size of the monuments left me speechless.
Some of the must-see highlights in Petra include:
- The Siq (the narrow canyon leading to Petra)
- The Treasury
- The Royal Tombs
- The Silk Tomb
- The Palace Monument
- The Corinthian Tomb
Walking through Petra with kids is doable if you pace yourself, take breaks, and if you’re lucky like me, have extra family to help. Keep in mind that it’s a long walk with lots of steps, uneven surfaces, uphill climbs, and bathrooms are nowhere to be seen, so plan accordingly.
Personally, I wouldn’t recommend visiting Petra with a child younger than four because of the amount of walking and the long distances involved.
We stayed at the beautiful Old Village Resort, just minutes from Petra. The service was excellent, and the hotel even had a small shop selling souvenirs, teas, and incense.
The food was delicious, and the property was clean and beautifully maintained. I highly recommend this hotel for families.
2. Wadi Rum: Sleeping Under the Stars
Next, we visited Wadi Rum, often called the Valley of the Moon.
Staying in a bubble hotel, a luxury camp in the desert, was one of the most magical parts of our trip.
Imagine lying in bed, gazing up at a sky filled with stars, surrounded by peaceful desert silence. In the evenings, we enjoyed traditional Arabic songs around the campfire while sharing delicious local food.
During the day, Wadi Rum is a playground for both kids and adults. My daughter had the time of her life rolling down the sandy dunes, while we soaked in the breathtaking desert views.
We also went on a jeep tour through the rugged landscape and stopped to take photos, which was unforgettable.
And moms, be prepared to snap a lot of amazing photos!
3. The Dead Sea: Floating Without Effort
One of the most unforgettable experiences was visiting the Dead Sea.
Posing in front of the Dead Sea. I still can’t believe I was actually there!
At 427 meters below sea level, it’s the lowest point on earth.
The sensation of floating effortlessly in the salty water is something everyone should experience at least once.
And yes, I joined in on the fun with the famous Dead Sea mud mask. People were covered head-to-toe in it, and I couldn’t resist trying it myself. While it didn’t magically make me look 20 again, it was fun, and my skin did feel refreshed afterward.
4. Amman Citadel: A Step Back in Time
In Amman, we explored the Citadel, which is filled with incredible archaeological remains such as the Temple of Hercules, the Umayyad Palace, and a Byzantine Church. The Jordan Archaeological Museum gave us a deeper look into the region’s fascinating history.
Walking through these ancient ruins with my daughter reminded me how powerful travel can be, it connects us to stories far older than ourselves.
5. Jerash
One of the most surprising and beautiful stops on our trip was Jerash, often called the “Pompeii of the East.” Just an hour north of Amman, Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside of Italy, and it truly feels like stepping back in time.
Walking through the ancient streets, we saw grand colonnades, Roman theaters, temples, and plazas. It was incredible to imagine life here thousands of years ago.
My daughter loved running up and down the wide stone pathways and climbing around the old steps, proof that history can be fun for kids too!
Family-friendly tip: Jerash involves a fair bit of walking, so comfortable shoes and water are a must. Strollers don’t do well on the uneven stones, so a carrier or just letting kids roam is easier.
If you’re exploring Jordan with kids, Jerash is a wonderful mix of history and open space where little ones can burn off some energy while parents soak up the culture.
6. Downtown Amman: Food and Shopping
Finally, we wrapped up our trip in Downtown Amman, which was the perfect way to slow down and enjoy everyday life in Jordan.
We wandered through shops, bought souvenirs, and indulged in delicious food. The culture, hospitality, and vibrant energy of the city made a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Jordan with kids isn’t easy, but with flexibility, support, and a sense of adventure, it can become a truly rewarding experience. Jordan gave us memories we’ll treasure forever and showed me that being a mom doesn’t mean putting travel dreams on hold.
So if you’re a busy mom thinking about an international trip with your family, take the leap. Jordan was the perfect place for our first adventure abroad and it might be the perfect destination for you too.
Best wishes,
Meli
