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If you’re planning to visit Petra with kids in 2025, preparation is everything. If you are like us you will probably have LOADS of questions about Petra. This is especially true when visiting an intrepid and stunning attraction like Petra.
We visited Petra with our three children who are 6 years old, 3 years old, and a 6-month-old baby. In this article, we are going to draw on our own first-hand experience to provide you with top tips and advice. We hope that this article helps you prepare for your own family trip to Petra.
As a full-time travel family, we have many years of experience exploring some of the most beautiful and stunning attractions around the world. The aim of this website is to help equip you and your family to plan and enjoy your own adventures.
What is it really like to visit Petra with kids?
This vlog gives you a real FEEL for what it is actually like to visit Petra with kids
VISITING WITH A BABY? – there are some important things you need to know before you go to Petra with a baby
VISITING WITH A TODDLER? – Don’t miss our full guide to traveling Jordan with a toddler
What is the Best Way to Get to Petra with Kids?
Check out our full guide on how to travel from Amman to Petra
1 Avoid Taxis and Tours
There are several different ways to get to Petra. In our opinion, the best way to travel to Petra with kids is to use a bus. Taxis in Jordan are relatively expensive, especially if you plan to travel further. For example, if you want to use a local taxi for a day trip to Petra from Amman, it is likely to cost you at least 100 JOD or more. We were also concerned about the safety standards of taxis in Jordan. Many taxis do not have functioning rear seat belts, and the roads are relatively fast and quite dangerous. Tours can also be very expensive – especially for a family. BUT if you do have the budget a tour can be a nice low stress option. Just make sure you work out exactly what is included in the price.
2 The Best Option is the Bus
Find out everything you need to know about booking a bus in Jordan
So, if you’re traveling to Petra with kids, we recommend taking the bus. There is one bus company that travels between Amman and Petra, called Jett. We highly recommend that you book your Jett bus tickets online in advance (you can book up to 30 days in advance). Buses can fill up quite early. If you are traveling with young kids, it is actually cheaper to book your journey as a tour rather than booking a bus ticket. This is also a better option if you are trying to buy your tickets overseas. It is not possible to buy tickets on the homepage; instead, you have to book your tickets as a tour.
3 Bus Ticket Prices from Amman to Petra (Wadi Musa)
One-way ticket costs 10 JOD for an adult (around £11 or $13). It is the same price for children (2 – 10 years old). If you are not in Jordan at the time of booking, you may need to book this journey as a tour with Jett, in which case the ticket costs 18 JOD each way (around £20 or $25). Children (6 – 12 years old) are free of charge.
4 Prepare for the Bus Journey
The best bus from Amman to Petra sets off early in the morning at 6:30 a.m. There are two possible pickup locations; you need to select your preferred location when you book your tickets. The bus journey itself takes around 4 or 5 hours and there is a simple toilet on the bus. The bus also takes one stop at a service station, which also has toilets. It is possible to buy snacks and hot food at the service station, but your choices will be relatively limited. We strongly recommend that you bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and food for the journey if you’re traveling from Amman to Petra with kids.
How Long Should You Spend in Petra with Kids?
We recommend spending at least two days and one night if you’re planning to visit Petra with kids. It is possible to visit Petra as a single-day trip; however, this would be a lot of journey time. The long journey could be very challenging with kids. Furthermore, if you try to visit Petra in a single day, you will find that you only have a limited amount of time in Petra itself, and you’ll be visiting during the most crowded and intense part of the day.
If you spend two days at Petra, you can explore Petra in the afternoon on your first day and then get up early (Petra opens at 6 a.m.) and visit at the quietest time on your second day. The nicest time to explore Petra is between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. If you do have time to spend two days exploring Petra, remember that you will need to get a two-day entry pass. This does not cost a lot more than a one-day entry pass.
Suggested Itinerary for Visiting Petra with Children
Day One:
- 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Arrive by bus and check into your accommodation.
- 12:00 p.m.: Find some food and take a rest. Buy snacks and drinks.
- 3:00 p.m.: Explore Petra for a few hours, enjoying Al-Siq & the Treasury.
- 6:00 p.m.: Return to your accommodation in Wadi Musa.
- Evening: Rest well so you can get an early start the following day. We recommend packing your day bag for the following day so that you could just get up and go in the morning. You may want to notify your hotel that you plan to leave early as they may be able to provide an early breakfast. Alternatively, you can buy some breakfast items from one of the shops in Wadi Musa.
Day Two:
- 6:00 a.m.: Arrive at the entrance to the Petra archaeological site.
- 6:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.: Enjoy some photography in front of the treasury and visit the viewpoints.
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.: Explore the street facades, visit the tombs, and the theater. If you have some energy, you could also trek up to the High Place of Sacrifice. Alternatively, you can get a refreshing drink in the Starbucks cave on the street of facades.
- 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Return to the entrance of the archaeological site and explore the Petra Museum. This is a nice air-conditioned museum and a great way to learn about the history of Petra.
- In the afternoon: We recommend that you relax, grab some lunch, check out of your accommodation, and make sure you arrive early for your bus. The Jett bus returns from the same point that you were dropped off, located in the car park near the entrance to the Petra archaeological site.
What Are the Best Places to Stay in Petra with Kids?
Petra Rest Home – Best budget option for families. Family rooms available and only 15 minutes from the entrance of Petra. There is a steep walk uphill from the entrance of Petra to this property. You can reserve Petra Rest Home on Agoda and on booking.com.
Petra Marriott – Best Luxury option (pictured above). Stunning hotel with amazing family friendly facilities including an outdoor pool – perfect for a refreshing dip with the kids after a day of exploring. Kid friendly food and family rooms available. Reserve the Marriott on Agoda or on booking.com.
TOP TIP: If you have the money we recommend a luxurious hotel in Petra. Visiting Petra is a very special experience. AND it is also a real endurance too. Finding a place that you and your family can rest is a good way to help everyone enjoy the experience more.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Petra with Children?
The cost to visit Petra depends on whether you use a Jordan Pass or whether you buy your ticket on arrival. The advantage of using a Jordan Pass is that it also includes Visa-free entry to Jordan (as long as you stay for more than 3 nights). Even if you are only visiting Petra and no other attractions, you will save money using a Jordan pass.
PURCHASE YOUR JORDAN PASS – The Official Jordan Pass Website
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE JORDAN PASS – Things to know about the Jordan Pass
The prices for a Jordan Pass are as follows: 70 JOD (1-day entry to Petra) 75 JOD (2-day entry to Petra) 80 JOD (3-day entry to Petra) Remember, this includes a Visa Waiver (no visa needed) as long as you stay in Jordan for at least 3 nights.
Iif you do not get a Jordan Pass, you will need to pay for a Visa and then also pay for an entry ticket to Petra. The prices are as follows: Jordan Visas cost 40 JOD for a single entry visa.
Entry to Petra costs 50 JOD (1 day), 55 JOD (2 days), and 60 JOD (3 days). This is £50 – £60 or $60 – $80.
If you are planning to visit Petra for one day, it will cost you 70 JOD in total with a Jordan Pass. However, if you buy a Visa and then pay for entry, it will cost you 90 JOD. This is £90 or $110.
NOW here’s the important thing to be aware of. Kids under 12 can enter Petra for FREE. Kids 12 and over need to pay a full adult ticket price. SO if you’re visiting with kids under 12 years old it is not worth getting a Jordan pass. If they don’t have a Jordan pass your kids will need a visa instead. This is full price for any age costing 40JOD (£40 or $50). So you will need to purchase a visa online in advance for kids under 12.
Summary
- Buy your Jordan Pass online in advance
- Recieve your pass by email (PDF with a QR code)
- Print your Jordan Pass and save a copy on your phone
- But visas for kids under 12
- Show Jordan Passes (or Visas for under 12’s at immigration)
- Show your Jordan Pass at the ticket office in Petra to get your tickets
- Get your tickets checked at the entrance to the site
Challenges of Visiting Petra with Kids
Visiting Petra with kids definitely has its challenges. We will talk about the specific risks in a few moments, but we first wanted to share some of the challenges of visiting Petra with kids.
Climate in Jordan can be quite challenging and extreme throughout the year. During the summer months, it is extremely hot and dry, and the heat can be too intense for children, especially later in the morning and during the early hours of the afternoon. Alternatively, if you are visiting in the winter, it can actually get very cold in Petra, so we recommend bringing plenty of layers.
The area in front of the Treasury also has lots of animals and can be very crowded. This can make it quite challenging to supervise children. From time to time animals gallop through this area.
Although the locals are friendly, welcoming and warm, they can also be quite intense, making it tricky to parent. It is important to be firm and friendly and not feel like you need to get drawn into a conversation if you need to focus on your kids.
There is around 2 km of walking from the entrance of Petra to the Treasury (and then 2 km back). This can be quite challenging for children. The terrain is relatively smooth, and navigation is easy. However, if your children are likely to struggle with this distance, you can also use prams and take a rest along the route. The walk itself is very dramatic and fascinating as you walk down a deep rocky canyon called the Al Siq. The route from the entrance to the treasury is pram friendly.
Risks of Visiting Petra with Kids
Here is a picture of Pete balancing precariously at the viewpoint. AND yes, Pete left Emma and the kids at the bottom…
There are also some risks of visiting Petra with kids. We already mentioned the animals in front of the Treasury. This area can be quite crowded and dangerous, especially for younger children. Watch out for horses, camels, donkeys, carts, and feral dogs in this area. In some cases, the animals are not well looked after by the locals, making it even more dangerous for visitors, especially with children.
There are several viewpoints situated on cliff ledges opposite the Treasury. We do not recommend visiting these viewpoints with kids. The viewpoints can only be accessed by steep rocky paths. There are no handrails, safety rails, or fencing at the viewpoints.
If you’re visiting Petra with kids during the summer, it is very important to ensure that your kids drink plenty of water to stay well hydrated, keep monitoring them, remain in the shade, and take plenty of rest, especially during the hotter parts of the day.
Don’t miss our full guide: Is it safe to travel Jordan at the moment?
Suggested Packing List for Visiting Petra with Kids
This is not meant to be a comprehensive packing list; rather, this is a list of ideas to help you get started.
- Umbrella for shade
- Sun hats
- Small portable electric fan
- Sunglasses
- SPF 50 Sun cream
- Warm layers if you are visiting in the winter
- Water bottle and plenty of water
- Plenty of snacks
- Money and phone
- Camera and any camera equipment you need, such as tripods and lenses
- Jordan passes or enough money to buy entry tickets
- Sling, pram or carrier (where relevant)
How Do You Get the Best Family Photography at Petra?
Don’t miss our full guide to getting the best photos at the treasury
If you’re planning to do some family photography at Petra, we recommend spending a little time planning your shots. The best time to get photography at Petra is between 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. when it is relatively cool, calm, and quiet. The lighting on the Treasury is also uniform at this time. Later in the day, the sun casts a shadow across the Treasury, which can make photographs look strange.
If you are hoping to get the classic camel shot, you need to wait for the first camel owners to arrive. They normally arrive around 7:00 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. at the latest. It costs around 2 to 3 JOD to pose with a camel. When you agree on the price, we recommend that you ask if they can also help you take the photographs.
Consider your position carefully. If you are too close to the Treasury, you will not be able to capture the whole structure. If you’re too far away, there is a higher chance of people getting in your photo.
We also recommend that you consider clothing for your family photography. Aim for bold, vibrant colors if you’re looking for a photo that pops. We have also found that white clothing really stands out, especially in beautiful arid locations like Petra. You can also buy Jordanian head scarfs from the gift shops around Petra. We managed to find a head scarf for as little as 3 JOD; however, locals may charge a lot more than this.
You may have also seen this shot before…
If you’re hoping to get this unique shot, then there is a low ledge, which is very close to the ground. This gives you a nice opportunity for a clear and undisrupted photo of the Treasury. The low ledge is located behind you and to the right if you are standing facing the Treasury. The angle of this shot means people cant get in the way of your photo.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Petra with Children?
The best time of year to visit Petra with children is during the Spring and Autumn months. During these months, the temperature is relatively mild and less extreme. It is worth recognizing, however, that Jordan is busier during these months, so Petra may be more crowded, and you may find that accommodation and transport book up earlier. If you plan to visit Petra in the Autumn or Spring, we recommend booking your accommodation and transport as early as possible.
