13-Day Classic Jordan Family Adventure: Kid-Friendly & Relaxed Route
Jordan is an exceptional destination for families, offering a blend of ancient history, world-class hospitality, and outdoor adventures that are surprisingly accessible for children. This 13-day route focuses on the 'Classic Route' but adds a layer of comfort and flexibility, ensuring that parents can enjoy the wonders of the Middle East without the stress of a rushed schedule.
We have carefully selected locations like the Dead Sea for relaxation, the Children’s Museum in Amman for active play, and the wide-open spaces of Wadi Rum. With travel times kept under three hours between major stops and a focus on stroller-accessible pathways where possible, your family can experience the majesty of Petra and the Red Sea at a pace that keeps everyone happy.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival & Settling In
Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport
After landing, clear customs and pick up your pre-arranged airport transfer. The drive to downtown Amman takes approximately 45 minutes in comfortable traffic.
Check-in at Hotel
Choose a family-friendly hotel in the Shmeisani or Abdali districts, which offer modern amenities and wider sidewalks for strollers.
Walk Around Al-Abdali Boulevard
This pedestrian-only zone is perfect for kids to run around safely. It features modern shops and plenty of international dining options.
Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a relaxed meal at a local cafe. Try some mild hummus and fresh pita bread, which are usually a hit with younger travelers.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - Ancient History & Play
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Explore the Temple of Hercules. While there are some uneven stones, the main paths are manageable and the views of the city are spectacular.
The Children's Museum Jordan
Located in Al Hussein Park, this museum offers over 180 interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits specifically designed for kids under 12.
Roman Theater
A short drive from the museum, this 2nd-century theater is impressive for kids to see. Stick to the lower levels for safety with toddlers.
Rainbow Street Stroll
A vibrant street with colorful umbrellas and family-friendly ice cream shops like Gerard Ice Cream.
Day 3: Amman, Jordan - A Day Trip to Jerash
Drive to Jerash
A comfortable 1-hour drive north brings you to one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world.
Exploring the Oval Plaza
The vast open spaces of Jerash are great for children. The Oval Plaza is flat and easy to navigate with a sturdy stroller.
Lunch in Jerash
Eat at the Lebanese House (Umm Khalil), which features a lovely garden setting and high chairs for children.
Return to Amman
Head back to the capital for a quiet evening at the hotel pool or a local park.
Day 4: Madaba, Jordan - Mosaics & Mount Nebo
Drive to Madaba
A short 45-minute drive south. Madaba is famous for its Byzantine and Umayyad mosaics.
St. George’s Church
See the famous 6th-century Mosaic Map of the Holy Land. It's a small church, making it a quick and easy visit for kids.
Mount Nebo
Drive 15 minutes to the spot where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. The site is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Overnight in Madaba
Madaba is much quieter than Amman, offering a more relaxed atmosphere for a family night stay.
Day 5: Dead Sea, Jordan - Relaxation & Floating
Drive to the Dead Sea
Descend to the lowest point on Earth. The drive from Madaba is scenic and takes about 45 minutes.
Resort Check-in
Stay at a resort with a private beach. This ensures clean facilities, towels, and fresh-water showers to rinse off salt immediately.
Floating in the Dead Sea
Supervise children closely as the salt water can sting eyes. For toddlers, the resort pools are a safer alternative to the sea.
Sunset Dinner
Enjoy a buffet dinner at the resort, which usually offers plenty of kid-friendly international options.
Day 6: Dead Sea, Jordan - Religious Sites & Pools
Bethany Beyond the Jordan
Visit the site of Jesus' baptism. Shuttle buses take you to the site, making it easy for families to navigate the distance.
Leisurely Lunch
Head back to the resort for lunch. Mid-day heat is best spent in the shade or the hotel room for nap time.
Dead Sea Panorama Complex
A short drive uphill offers a museum about the Dead Sea and a stunning terrace view that is safe for children.
Evening Resort Activities
Many resorts offer evening entertainment or movie nights for children.
Day 7: Wadi Musa, Jordan - The Gateway to Petra
Drive to Wadi Musa
A 3-hour drive via the scenic King’s Highway or the faster Desert Highway. The Desert Highway is recommended for families to save time.
Lunch in Wadi Musa
Try 'My Mom's Recipe' for authentic Jordanian food in a setting that feels like a cozy home.
Petra Museum
Located at the entrance of the site, this modern museum is air-conditioned and has interactive displays that are great for kids.
Check-in & Rest
Stay at a hotel close to the Petra Visitor Center to minimize walking distance for the next morning.
Day 8: Petra, Jordan - The Rose Red City
The Siq & The Treasury
Arrive early to beat the crowds. The walk through the Siq is flat and stroller-friendly. The reveal of the Treasury is a magical moment for all ages.
Golf Cart Transfer
If children are tired, you can hire a licensed electric golf cart to take you from the entrance to the Treasury and back.
Picnic Lunch
Pack a lunch to eat near the Royal Tombs, where there is space for children to move around away from the main path.
Exit & Relaxation
Head back to the hotel early. Exploring Petra is exhausting; an afternoon by the pool is the perfect reward.
Day 9: Wadi Rum, Jordan - The Martian Desert
Drive to Wadi Rum
A 2-hour drive south. The landscape changes into a dramatic red desert that looks like another planet.
Jeep Tour Arrival
Meet your Bedouin guide at the Visitor Center. Switch to a 4x4 jeep equipped with seats in the back—a thrilling ride for kids.
Sand Dune Sliding
Visit the big red dunes. Children love running down the soft sand, which is a safe and fun energy burner.
Bedouin Camp Dinner
Stay in a 'Martian Dome' or a traditional tent. Enjoy 'Zarb,' a traditional meal cooked underground in a pit.
Day 10: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Camels & Stars
Short Camel Ride
A 30-minute camel ride near the camp is usually enough for children to experience the 'ship of the desert' without discomfort.
Lawrence’s Spring
A short walk to see the ancient inscriptions and the greenery of the spring. The walk is easy and fascinating for young explorers.
Camp Relaxation
Wadi Rum camps are great for slow afternoons. Let the kids play in the sand while you enjoy Bedouin tea.
Stargazing
The desert sky is incredibly clear. Many camps offer guided stargazing sessions with telescopes.
Day 11: Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Fun
Drive to Aqaba
A 1-hour drive from Wadi Rum. Aqaba is Jordan's only coastal city, offering a warm, tropical vibe.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
For kids too young to snorkel, a glass-bottom boat tour allows them to see the coral reefs and colorful fish without getting wet.
Check into a Beach Resort
Stay in the Tala Bay area south of the city for a more secluded, family-friendly beach experience with multiple pools.
Dinner at the Marina
Tala Bay has a beautiful marina with several restaurants where kids can watch the boats as they eat.
Day 12: Aqaba, Jordan - Sun, Sea & Souqs
Aqaba Marine Park
The beach here has shallow entries, making it safe for children to splash around while you take turns snorkeling just offshore.
Lunch in Aqaba City
Try 'Sayadieh,' a local spiced fish and rice dish that is flavorful but not too spicy for children.
Aqaba Old City & Souq
Explore the local market. It’s less overwhelming than Amman's souqs and a great place to buy spices and toys.
Farewell Beach BBQ
Many resorts host beachside BBQs on your final night by the Red Sea.
Day 13: Amman, Jordan - Journey Home
Drive to Amman
The drive back north via the Desert Highway takes approximately 4 hours. Plan for at least one stop at a rest station.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Stop at the Wild Jordan Center in Amman for high-quality, ethically made souvenirs that support local communities.
Queen Alia International Airport
Drop off your rental car and head to the terminal. The airport has a dedicated play area for children near the duty-free section.
Departure
Board your flight home with wonderful memories of a family adventure in Jordan.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The best time to visit Jordan with a family is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, temperatures are pleasant (20°C to 28°C), making it comfortable for outdoor exploration and long walks. Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot, especially in Petra and Wadi Rum, while winter (December to February) can be surprisingly cold and rainy in Amman.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). While credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shopping malls in Amman and Aqaba, you will need cash for smaller shops, market stalls, and tipping. Tipping is expected in Jordan; 10% is standard in restaurants if a service charge isn't included. ATMs are readily available in all major cities.
Getting Around Jordan
The most comfortable and efficient way to travel around Jordan with a family is by renting a private car or hiring a driver. Jordan’s roads are generally well-maintained, and signage is in both Arabic and English. While JETT buses offer a reliable intercity service between Amman, Petra, and Aqaba, they follow strict schedules that may not align with a child's needs. For intra-city travel in Amman, using the 'Uber' or 'Careem' apps is highly recommended for safety and fixed pricing.
