12-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guide to Jordan's Classic Routes
Jordan is an incredibly welcoming destination for families, known for its warm hospitality and world-class historical sites. This 12-day itinerary follows the classic route through the country, but with a specific focus on keeping things manageable for parents and engaging for children, ensuring a mix of education and play.
We have carefully selected stroller-accessible sections of major ruins and included plenty of downtime at resorts to keep energy levels high. Traveling at a relaxed pace allows you to truly soak in the Bedouin culture without the stress of constant transit.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival and Easy Evening
Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport
Complete your visa formalities and collect your luggage. For families, the airport is modern and easy to navigate.
Transfer to Hotel & Check-in
Take a private transfer to your hotel in the Shmeisani or Abdali district for a central home base.
Walk through Rainbow Street
A gentle introduction to Amman. This paved street is stroller-friendly and lined with cafes and ice cream shops.
Family Dinner at Sufra
Enjoy traditional Jordanian food in a beautiful garden setting that is very welcoming to children.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - Ancient History at a Slow Pace
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Explore the ruins of the Temple of Hercules. The flat grassy areas are perfect for kids to run around safely.
Jordan Archeological Museum
Located within the Citadel, this small museum is climate-controlled and offers a quick look at ancient artifacts.
Roman Theatre
Visit this massive amphitheater. While the steps are steep, the flat stage area is fun for kids to explore.
Al-Balad Downtown Markets
A sensory experience for kids. Visit the spice markets and gold souks for a vibrant look at local life.
Day 3: Jerash, Jordan - Chariots and Columns
Travel to Jerash
A comfortable 1-hour drive north of Amman. Hire a driver to make the transition easy with strollers and gear.
Exploring Jerash Ruins
One of the best-preserved Roman cities. The Oval Plaza is flat and easy for strollers to navigate.
Roman Chariot Show
Watch a live re-enactment of Roman chariot racing at the Hippodrome, a massive hit with younger travelers.
Return to Amman
Enjoy a quiet evening at the hotel to recharge for the move to the Dead Sea tomorrow.
Day 4: Dead Sea, Jordan - Floating Fun
Transfer to the Dead Sea
A scenic 1-hour drive descending to the lowest point on Earth. The roads are well-paved and safe.
Check-in at Dead Sea Resort
Resorts here are built for families, offering multiple pools and private beach access.
The Dead Sea Float
Experience the unique buoyancy of the water. Note: Small children should be careful with the salt water near eyes.
Sunset Dinner by the Water
Relax with an early dinner as the sun sets over the hills of Jerusalem in the distance.
Day 5: Dead Sea, Jordan - Relaxation and Mud
Resort Leisure Time
Spend the morning at the family pools or the designated kids' splash zones.
Dead Sea Mud Bath
Kids usually find the process of painting themselves with mineral-rich mud absolutely hilarious.
Dead Sea Panoramic Complex
A short drive away, this museum explains the geology of the area and has a stroller-friendly lookout point.
Outdoor Movie Night
Many resorts offer evening entertainment for children, including movies under the stars.
Day 6: Madaba & Kerak, Jordan - Mosaics and Castles
Madaba Mosaic Map
Visit St. George's Church to see the famous 6th-century floor map made of millions of mosaic pieces.
Mount Nebo
Take in the views where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. The site is very accessible and easy to walk.
Kerak Castle
Explore the tunnels and halls of this Crusader fortress. It’s like a giant playground for kids with imagination.
Arrival in Dana
Continue your journey south to the Dana Biosphere Reserve for a change of scenery.
Day 7: Dana Biosphere, Jordan - Nature and Villages
Dana Village Walk
A very relaxed walk through the 15th-century stone village. Most paths are wide and safe for walking with children.
Bird Watching and Flora Tour
Join a local guide for a short, easy nature trail to spot some of Jordan’s unique wildlife.
Tea with a Local Family
Experience Bedouin hospitality. Jordanians love children, and this is a great cultural bridge for kids.
Rest and Reflection
Enjoy the cooler mountain air and the silence of the valley before tomorrow's big adventure.
Day 8: Petra, Jordan - The Rose City Arrival
Drive to Wadi Musa
A 2-hour drive to the town adjacent to Petra. Settle into your hotel and prepare your day bags.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
A smaller, less crowded version of the main site. It’s a great "warm-up" for kids and much easier to walk.
Petra Museum
Located at the entrance of the main site, this modern museum is air-conditioned and very child-friendly.
Petra by Night (Optional)
If the kids are old enough to stay up, see the Siq lit by thousands of candles. It’s magical but involves a long walk.
Day 9: Petra, Jordan - Exploring the Treasury
Walking the Siq
Start early to beat the heat. The Siq is a flat, paved 1.2km walk that is fully stroller-accessible leading to the Treasury.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Take photos and enjoy the scale of this ancient tomb. There are plenty of places to sit in the shade.
Camel or Donkey Ride
If little legs get tired, a short camel ride across the flat areas is a highlight for most children.
Colonnaded Street
Explore the central part of the city. The path is wide and relatively flat, passing by the Great Temple.
Day 10: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Landscapes
Drive to Wadi Rum
Head south into the desert. Arrive at the visitor center to transfer to a 4WD jeep.
Family Jeep Tour
A private jeep tour is the best way for families to see the red sand dunes and rock bridges without long hikes.
Sandboarding
Find a soft dune and let the kids try sandboarding—it's safe, fun, and burns off plenty of energy.
Traditional Zarb Dinner
Watch as your dinner is unearthed from an underground pit. It’s a fascinating culinary experience for kids.
Day 11: Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Adventures
Travel to Aqaba
A short 1-hour drive from the desert to the coast. The change from red sand to blue water is stunning.
Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
The easiest way for families with small children to see the coral reefs and colorful fish without getting wet.
Aqaba Marine Park Beach
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon on the beach. The water is calm, clear, and very shallow at the shoreline.
Evening Walk in Aqaba
The city comes alive at night. The markets are bright and the waterfront is perfect for a family stroll.
Day 12: Aqaba, Jordan - Final Splashes and Departure
Leisurely Hotel Breakfast
Enjoy a final traditional breakfast with views over the Gulf of Aqaba.
Last-Minute Souvenirs
Pick up some Dead Sea salt products or local handicrafts from the shops in the Ayla Marina area.
Departure Transfer
Head to King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba for your flight home, or take a domestic flight back to Amman.
Farewell Jordan
Reflect on a journey filled with history and hospitality as you begin your journey home.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The best time to visit Jordan with a family is during the shoulder seasons of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm but not scorching, making it comfortable for kids to spend the whole day outdoors. Winter can be surprisingly cold and rainy, especially in Amman and Petra, while the peak of Summer (July and August) can be too hot for comfortable sightseeing with little ones.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). While credit cards are widely accepted in major hotels, upscale restaurants, and malls in Amman and Aqaba, you will definitely need cash for smaller shops, tipping, and in remote areas like Wadi Rum. Tipping (baksheesh) is a standard practice in Jordan; a 10% tip at restaurants and small change for porters or drivers is highly appreciated.
Getting Around Jordan
For a family of four or more, the most comfortable and efficient way to travel between cities is by hiring a private driver or renting a car. The roads in Jordan are generally in good condition, and the main highway (the Desert Highway) is straightforward. Public buses (JETT) are available and high-quality, but they follow fixed schedules that may not always align with a relaxed family pace. There are also domestic flights between Amman and Aqaba for those looking to save time on the final leg of the trip.
