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If you’re planning a trip to Jordan with kids, you have come to the right place. In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know to plan an epic trip to Jordan with kids in 2025.
This is an in-depth, detailed, and comprehensive guide. We will try to answer all of your questions and equip you with all of the information you need to help you plan and prepare. Jordan is a very unique and impressive country with some amazing things to see and do.
However, traveling in Jordan does have some big challenges and complications, so it is important to be fully equipped and prepared for your trip. Please don’t skim read this article; we have included some very important information that will save you money, time, and stress.
We really enjoyed traveling in Jordan with our own kids. Traveling to Jordan was genuinely one of our most enjoyable and memorable trips. We have used our own experience, both good and bad, to help inform this article.
This is a One-Stop comprehensive guide – so you don’t need to look anywhere else. We have included the best things to do with in-depth and detailed information for families. We have also included a number of sections on practical issues like finding accommodation, food, and transport to help you get a better feel for your trip to Jordan.
The only way to travel with kids is to get organised! Don’t miss our hyper organised guide on things to know before you go to Jordan
Don’t miss our very important article: Is it safe to travel Jordan at the moment? AND you may also be interested in this intrepid 7 day Jordan itinerary
Things to do in Jordan with kids
A massive part of your planning process for Jordan will be working out your itinerary: where will you go, when will you go there, and how long will you spend there? We have actually written an article to help you plan How long to spend in Jordan
Our main advice if you’re planning a trip to Jordan with your family is to work out a good pace. Avoid trying to pack too much in, and remember to plan rest time and downtime for your family. Depending on exactly what you want to see in Jordan, we recommend spending at least 4 days to 1 week.
Here are some of the best things to do in Jordan with kids:
- Visit the Amman Citadel
- The Roman Theatre
- Amman Waves Water Park
- Explore a local market (souq)
- Explore the Treasury in Petra
- Visit the Petra Museum
- Visit the Dead Sea (great for older kids)
- Visit the Ma’in Hot Springs (close to the Dead Sea near Amman)
- Try Glamping at Wadi Rum
Here is a little bit more in-depth information about two of the most popular activities in Jordan if you’re planning to visit with kids:
1. Petra with kids
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to Petra with kids
We really enjoyed visiting Petra with our kids. It is clear why this is one of the wonders of the world. If you are visiting Jordan with kids, we do highly recommend a trip to Petra. However, it is important to recognize that Petra is a challenging adventure for a family. From the entrance to the treasury, this walk takes around 20 minutes with kids. The walk is mostly in the shade throughout the day due to the deep canyon. Also, the route is very well paved, and the terrain is easy and suitable for families. The walk to the Petra treasury is suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
It’s important to recognize that there are lots of animals around the treasury, including dogs, camels, and donkeys, so if you are visiting the treasury with young kids, it’s important to supervise carefully. The area in front of the treasury can get quite crowded, and by around 10 am, the area is exposed to the sun as well, so it gets very hot, especially during the summer months of July and August. Some people do take animal rides in the area; however, in our opinion, the animals are not particularly well cared for. Therefore, we chose not to do this.
Many people also like to visit the viewpoints overlooking the treasury on the cliff opposite. In our opinion, this is not suitable for families, especially if you have younger kids. These cliffs do not have any safety rails or safety fencing.
Don’t miss our step-by-step guide: How to get to Petra (from Amman)
How long should you spend in Petra with kids?
Another thing to consider if you’re planning to visit Petra with kids is whether you are going to try and do a day trip or whether you spend a night in Petra. In our opinion, a day trip would be pretty tiring for a family, and you would also have a very limited time at Petra. If you’re planning to visit Petra with kids, we recommend spending at least one night and two days. On the second day, you can arrive at the treasury nice and early in the morning and enjoy the coolest and quietest part of the day.
2. Dead Sea with kids
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to the Dead Sea with Kids
Another very popular activity in Jordan is visiting the Dead Sea. We just wanted to say a few things about this if you plan to visit the Dead Sea with kids. Visiting the Dead Sea is a very unique and special experience. Taking a dip in the super-buoyant Dead Sea water is likely to be very fun and memorable for kids. We really enjoyed visiting the Dead Sea as a family. This was a very unique and fun experience.
However, the environment is extremely challenging, especially if you’re visiting with younger kids. If you do plan to visit the Dead Sea, you will need to access it from one of the resorts in the area; you do need to pay for a day pass to do this. Once you pay for a pass, this gives you access to the resort facilities, such as showers, mud spas, and swimming pools. We recommend doing this, especially if you are visiting with kids. It’s important to be aware that the Dead Sea is a very challenging environment; it is extremely hot, and the saltwater is intense.
The rocks around the edge of the Dead Sea are very sharp, and if kids get splashed in the face with the intensely salty water or they have any cuts, this can be very painful. It is important to work out whether your kids will enjoy the challenge or whether they will just find the whole experience miserable. This comes from knowing your kids well. If you do visit the Dead Sea with kids, we recommend preparing well. Make sure you use SPF 50 Sun cream and that your kids stay in the shade as much as possible. Bring plenty of water and snacks, towels, and a dry change of clothes.
Best areas to stay in Jordan with kids
Amman Old City Here are some of the best areas to stay in Jordan with kids. Firstly, we strongly recommend that you spend some time in Amman, which is the capital city of Jordan. We particularly recommend that you stay around the old city area. The Amman Old City is situated to the west of the Amman Citadel. Sha’aban Street & King Faysal Square Street are the main streets in the Amman Old City. The Amman Old City has a really lovely vibe; there are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants in this area, and it is a lot of fun to stay around here with kids. There is also plenty of accommodation to choose from around the Amman Old City.
What things can you buy in Jordan for kids?
If you’re traveling to Jordan with a baby or toddler, then we recommend bringing your own nappies, wet wipes, and changing mat. You can buy nappies and wet wipes in Jordan, especially in larger shops and supermarkets; however, these are few and far between. What’s more, it is unlikely that you will be able to find your preferred brand of nappies, so we do recommend traveling with a supply of nappies.
We also recommend that you bring plenty of baby milk if your toddler or baby is on formula; again, you’ll be unlikely to find your preferred brand, so we recommend having a backup supply in case you have any issues with your main bag of formula. We also recommend bringing your own milk bottles for your baby; you can buy bottles in Jordan, but if your baby is comfortable with the bottle you use at home, we recommend bringing your own bottle.
FIND OUT MORE about travelling Jordan with a toddler.
Jordan does have plenty of gift shops and toy shops, so your kids will be able to find interesting trinkets, souvenirs, and toys. There are plenty of convenience stores around Jordan selling a wide range of drinks, snacks, and, of course, ice creams. We found the food in Jordan to be very kid-friendly and extremely affordable. If you are visiting market stalls and gift shops, you can also buy kids’ clothing in Jordan.
What are prices like for families in Jordan?
- Nappies 5 – 6JOD for 30 nappies (roughly £6 – £8)
- Water 0.35 – 0.50JOD for a 1.5 litre bottle of water (roughly £0.40 – £0.60)
- Triple rooms start at around 15 – 20 JOD per night (£16 – £22)
- Bread – very cheap normally 0.1 – 0.5JOD (around £0.10 – £0.60)
- Ice cream – Also very cheap (not cheap in tourist areas) normally 1 – 2JOD (around £1 – £2)
What are the facilities like for families in Jordan?
It is important to be aware that family facilities in Jordan are often very basic or else entirely absent. It is very rare to find baby changing rooms. Kids play parks and kids spaces are also rare in Jordan. There is generally no extra or special provision for families with kids. Shops, guest houses and restaurants can be tricky to access with prams. However, some restaurants may have baby chairs available. So be prepared for pretty basic facilities in Jordan with kids.
What is food like in Jordan for kids?
We were very impressed with the quality, standards, and price of food in Jordan. In our opinion, Jordan offers some of the best value for money, especially if you get away from tourist hotspots like Petra. We were particularly impressed with the restaurants in Amman. The Jordanian food is not too spicy, and it is fairly similar to European food. You can easily find things like bread, chips, kebabs, and cakes. It is also reasonably easy to find fresh fruit and fruit shakes around town and Jordan. Western food like pizzas, burgers, and pasta are also reasonably common in Jordan. If your kids are picky eaters, they may struggle with the food a little bit, after all, it is likely to be different from what they have at home. However, the chances are you will be able to find many of your home-comfort foods in Jordan.
In Jordan, there are plenty of small independent convenience stores. You can easily find things like crisps, biscuits, packaged bread. If your kids like dried fruit, then they will be very happy in Jordan; you can find plenty of dried fruit, including dates, figs, raisins, and dried mango. It is also reasonably easy to find fresh fruits in Jordan. Fruit markets typically have a wide range of fresh fruit, including apples, oranges, bananas, and figs.
Is breastfeeding culturally acceptable in Jordan?
Jordan has a relatively conservative culture and it is not considered appropriate to breastfeed in public without a scarf or cover. What’s more, Jordan does not have dedicated or protected areas for breastfeeding. So if you are travelling with a breastfeeding child in Jordan, you will need to be able to coverer your child as they feed. This can be done using a light scarf. If you have never done this before your baby may get a little distressed.
However, with a little practice this technique is quite straight foward. The best way to start is to use the scarf over your head to fully cover your baby whilst they latch. Once they have settled into a feed, you can drop the scarf down so your head is not covered. Over several feeds your baby will probably become comfortable being covered, and you may not need to cover your head at the start of the feed. A sling can also be used to make a discreet cover whilst you nurse your baby.
How do you travel around Jordan with kids?
Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to getting around in Jordan
This is one of the most important sections of the article. If you are visiting Jordan with kids, you are likely to travel around a lot. Before you read on, it is very important to know that traveling around Jordan can be challenging, and you do need to be prepared. We’re going to summarize the main ways of traveling around Jordan with kids and help you picture some of the challenges and the best ways to prepare.
1 Long distance buses
Don’t miss our very helpful guide on how to book long distance buses in Jordan
If you’re planning to do long journeys around Jordan, the most cost-effective and affordable method of transport is the bus. However, there is only one long-distance bus company operating in Jordan. This company is called Jett. Because this is the only company operating in Jordan, bus tickets can get booked up well in advance, so don’t leave your booking to the last minute. It is possible to book bus tickets with Jett up to 30 days in advance. If possible, we recommend booking as close to 30 days in advance as possible.
We found that we were unable to book our bus tickets on the main Jett homepage outside of Jordan. Although the website took all of our journey details, we were unable to proceed with the payment. If you are hoping to book your ticket before you arrive in Jordan, you can either use a VPN for Jordan, or you can book your tickets as a “Day Tour” option. Booking your bus tickets as a “Day Tour” does not include anything other than the transport; however, we do recommend this if you’re traveling with kids because kids under 12 years old are not charged for a tour.
So actually, it turns out this is the cheapest and most convenient way for a family to book bus tickets in Jordan. If you’re traveling with kids under 12 years old and you book a tour with Jett, we highly recommend that you send them an email to request seats for your kids. They should assign seats for kids older than 2 or 3 years old. But you do need to email to confirm and keep a record of your email to show when you arrive at the bus station.
2 Local Taxis
Don’t miss our guide to taxis in Jordan
For short journeys around Jordan, the most cost-effective and convenient way to get around is to use local taxis. We found the local taxis to be cheap, readily available, and very easy to arrange (no app needed; there are plenty around towns). If you’re hoping to arrange a local taxi in Jordan, just speak to a driver and agree on the price. We found it was relatively easy to agree on a fair price with drivers. Expect to pay around 2 – 3 JOD for short local journeys around town, for longer journeys around town, you may need to pay 3 – 8 JOD.
It is worth mentioning that taxis are noticeably more expensive in Petra. This is unsurprising given the touristy nature of this area. Expect to pay 3JOD – 5JOD for a very short journey. You can also use taxis to take day trips; for example, if you are staying in Amman, you can arrange a full day trip to the Dead Sea with a local taxi driver for around 40 – 50 JOD. Some drivers may try and charge more than this; however, this is a fair price to aim for. Remember to check that the cost includes your whole group, and also remember to agree on waiting time with your driver before you finalize a deal for a longer day trip. It’s worth making a deal with a driver the day before you plan to go and make sure that you exchange phone numbers. Many local taxi drivers in Jordan use WhatsApp.
Safety in Taxis
If you’re using taxis to travel around Jordan with kids, it is important to be aware of safety. Firstly, many of the taxis in Jordan do not have functioning seat belts in the back, so if you’re traveling in the back seat of a taxi with kids, don’t expect a working seat belt. In some cases, you may be able to pull the seat belt clip up from under the seat. Rear seat belts in Jordan are not really a thing, and drivers found it fairly surprising and unusual when we insisted on pulling the seat belt clip up from underneath the back seat. We were also concerned by the speed and lack of stopping distance between cars on some of the highways. So if you are concerned about safety when you are traveling around Jordan with kids, we do recommend considering whether you will use local taxis.
TOP TIP: If you are able to drive, you may prefer to rent a car in Jordan. It is possible to find car rental in Jordan for around 30 – 50 JOD per day, depending on the car, the season, and the dealer.
3 Tours
Another way to get around in Jordan is to book local tours. Many tours include transport, a guide, and they may also include entrance fees. As always, we highly recommend that you check exactly what is included before you book. It is also important to establish whether your tour charges full price for kids or whether they offer discounts or free places for children. In some cases, you may not be able to barter for a lower price, but you may be able to ask people to include your children for free.
Taking a tour is a great way to explore Jordan with kids, and this allows you a fun, convenient, and stress-free experience. No need to get lost or rely on your own planning; you can just follow your tour guide and enjoy the experience. The main disadvantage of taking a tour is that you need to go at the pace of your group.
4 Car rental
Another way to travel around Jordan with kids is to rent a car. This has several advantages. Firstly, rental cars tend to be well serviced with functioning seatbelts front and rear. Secondly, you can drive more slowly and cautiously with your own kids. Thirdly, you may be able to get kids seats included in your rental deal. Expect to pay around 40 – 50JOD per day for car rental in Jordan. This may sound like a lot – but remember, this cost is for your whole family (in contrast to buying separate tickets for each family remember). Make sure you have an appropriate international lisence to drive in Jordan.
Jordan Pass & Visas for Families
In order to visit Jordan, you will either need to obtain a Jordan pass or buy a Jordan visa. If you’re planning to visit Petra and you are not traveling with kids, it is a pretty straightforward decision. Getting a Jordan pass is the most cost-effective and simple way to visit Jordan and see Petra. Here are the prices for a Jordan pass versus a Jordan Visa:
The cheapest way to visit Jordan & see Petra:
| The cheapest way to visit Jordan & see Petra | Total cost | |
| Adult (12 years and older) | Jordan Pass (no visa needed & includes entry to Petra) | 70JOD |
| Child (under 12) | Visa 40JOD, entry to Petra FREE | 40JOD |
Note that if an adult purchased a visa (40 JOD) and then purchased an entry ticket to Petra (50 JOD), the overall cost would be 90 JOD, which is more expensive than the Jordan Pass. What’s more, the Jordan Pass also includes entry to other attractions in Jordan. Also, notice that a visa for a child is cheaper than the Jordan Pass. Children under 12 get free entry to Petra and other attractions in Jordan.
Important: If you’re using the Allenby Bridge – King Hussein border crossing, there are no visas available on arrival. So you will need to purchase an e-visa in advance online.
The Jordan Pass is very simple to purchase online. Once you have completed your purchase, you receive an email with a PDF of the pass which includes a QR code. Just present the pass at immigration when you arrive and also show the Pass at the ticket office in Petra. If you’re using the Jordan Pass for visa-free entry into Jordan, you need to stay in the country for at least 3 nights.
PURCHASE YOUR JORDAN PASS – The official Jordan Pass Website
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE JORDAN PASS – Is the Jordan Pass Worth it?
Tips for Traveling Jordan with Kids
Make sure you pack some entertainment for your kids. Whether it’s books, lego or some toys. If you are travelling with a device download some movies. There are some long bus journeys around Jordan and this can be challenging – especially with younger kids.
If you’re traveling Jordan with kids, it is important to recognize that the climate is hot and dry, especially in the summer months of July and August. If you’re traveling with a toddler or baby, we recommend bringing a small portable fan. We traveled around Jordan in August with a baby, and we found an umbrella to be absolutely essential.
If you’re traveling around Jordan with kids, make sure that your kids stay very hydrated. Bring a water bottle and encourage your kids to keep drinking throughout the day. You can buy water from most convenience stores and small shops around towns and also at popular tourist destinations such as Petra.
When you’re looking for places to stay in Jordan with kids, we strongly recommend that you look for rooms that have air conditioning and not just a fan. It is very easy to find air-conditioned rooms in Jordan, and even relatively cheap budget rooms often do have air conditioning; however, we strongly recommend that you check this.
Is it Safe to Travel Jordan with Kids?
1 Getting Up-to-Date Information
Jordan is a relatively safe and peaceful country to travel with kids. We really enjoyed traveling around Jordan with our three kids. However, it is always important to keep an eye on the latest travel news and safety updates. We have found the UK FCO website to be a great source of accurate, reliable, and up-to-date travel safety information.
2 Road Safety
There are a few risks that you need to be aware of when you’re traveling in Jordan with kids. One of the things that we were most concerned about was the lack of road safety. Many cars and taxis drive quite fast on the highways and don’t leave sufficient stopping space. Also, when we took taxis, we often found that there were no functioning seat belts in the back, which is quite concerning when you were traveling with kids. In some cases, you may be able to pull the seat belt buckle up from underneath the rear seat. If you’re concerned about the lack of safety belts in the back of a car, talk to the driver before you get in.
We did have one sad situation with a local taxi driver who agreed on the price and was very easy-going about taking us for a day trip to the Dead Sea. However, when we returned to Amman, the driver tried to charge a higher price than we had agreed. We had to be strong and confident and ended up walking away. This was the only problem we had in Jordan. If you do make an agreement with a local taxi driver, make sure it is absolutely explicit where you want to go, how long you plan to wait, and how many people are in your group, and make sure they are happy with the cost of the whole trip for your whole group. It is important that your taxi driver has a reasonably good level of English so that the agreement is very clear.
3 Visiting Petra
If you are planning to visit Petra with kids, it is important to recognize that young kids will need careful supervision, especially around the treasury area. This is a beautiful and fascinating location; however, there are some risks that you need to be aware of. Firstly, there are lots of animals in the area, including dogs, donkeys, and camels; this can pose a risk to young children. It is also worth mentioning that the viewpoints overlooking the Petra Treasury are not particularly safe, especially for younger kids, and these viewpoints are situated high up on the cliffs without any safety rails. We both visited the viewpoint, leaving our kids with the other parent at the bottom.
What Is the Climate Like in Jordan for Kids?
Jordan has a hot, dry climate throughout the year. The temperature can be particularly hot during the summer months of July and August, often reaching 40°C or above. In the spring and autumn, the average temperatures are a little bit cooler, and Jordan can actually have quite a pleasant climate. If you’re traveling to Jordan in the winter months of December and January, it can actually be a little bit cold, especially in the desert or mountain regions.
Jordan really is a country of extremes, and it is important to be well prepared, especially if you’re visiting with kids. If you’re planning to visit toward the winter, we do recommend bringing a few warm layers, especially if you’re planning to spend some time in the desert at night or in hilly regions. If you’re planning to visit Jordan in the summer, it is very important to make sure you have plenty of sun protection and that you plan an itinerary which allows you to take rest and shade during the hottest hours of the day.
When Is the Best Time of Year for Family Travel in Jordan?
The best time of year to visit Jordan with kids is probably in the spring or autumn. It is important to recognize that tourism is likely to be a little higher in these months, and places are likely to be more crowded. However, the temperature in autumn and spring is much nicer. The peak months to travel to Jordan are between September and November. The main disadvantage of visiting Jordan during the peak season is bigger crowds and higher prices. However, if you are able to travel in these months, the weather conditions will be much better for kids.
Family Accommodation in Jordan
And finally, we want to share some advice about family accommodation in Jordan. We have already mentioned that you need to look for a room that includes air conditioning, especially if you’re planning to travel during the summer months. It is generally quite easy to find rooms with air conditioning, and this is pretty standard even at the budget end. However, it is always worth checking to make sure that air conditioning is included with the price of your room.
In Jordan, you often have to pay an additional tax to stay in hotels or guest houses. It is important to check whether this is included in the price that you are quoted, and if it is not, make sure you check how much you will need to pay, including tax.
One of the biggest challenges if you’re looking for family accommodation in Jordan is finding rooms that have sufficient capacity for a family. Many small guest houses and hostels cater to a maximum of two people with double and twin rooms; however, in some places, you can find properties that offer triple rooms and quadruple rooms. It may cost a lot more to stay in a larger capacity room like this because they are much more rare.
However, if you are willing to hunt around, you can find some budget hostels and guest houses that will offer triple rooms or may be able to add an extra mattress to a double room. It is important to contact your hotel or guest house in advance if you’re traveling with kids. Even if you enter your kids on the booking, email your hotel to confirm that the kids are included with the stay.
What is the Jordanian culture like for families?
Jordan does have a warm and welcoming culture for families. Locals would often engage with our kids and be very positive and friendly. Family travel in Jordan has its challenges. But in our view, the rewards definitely outweigh the challenges.
