17-Day Ultimate Family Adventure: An Epic Jordan Journey
Jordan is an incredibly welcoming destination for families, offering a blend of ancient wonders, safe environments, and warm hospitality that makes traveling with children a joy. This 17-day route is designed to prioritize a relaxed pace, minimizing long travel days while maximizing the awe-inspiring sights of the Middle East.
From floating in the buoyant Dead Sea to exploring the rose-red city of Petra with donkey rides for the little ones, this itinerary balances education, adventure, and comfort. We focus on stroller-accessible paths in Amman and Jerash, while providing tips for baby carriers in the more rugged terrains of the desert.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival and Easy Evening
Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport
Clear customs and pick up your pre-arranged airport transfer. The airport is modern and very easy to navigate with children.
Hotel Check-in & Relaxation
Check into a family-friendly hotel in the Shmeisani or Abdali districts, known for being quieter and modern.
Abdali Boulevard Stroll
A pedestrianized, stroller-friendly area with plenty of cafes and shops, perfect for a low-energy first afternoon.
Dinner at Tawaheen Al-Hawa
Enjoy a traditional Jordanian meal in a spacious, kid-friendly outdoor setting with local music.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - Ancient History & Modern Vibes
The Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Explore ruins dating back to the Bronze Age. The wide-open spaces are great for kids to run around while you enjoy the panoramic city views.
Roman Theatre
Visit this 6,000-seat theater. It's centrally located and provides an impressive backdrop for family photos.
Jordan Museum
A modern facility that is very stroller-friendly, housing the Dead Sea Scrolls and interactive historical exhibits.
Rainbow Street Walk
A colorful street filled with ice cream shops and handicrafts, ideal for a slow family walk.
Day 3: Jerash, Jordan - Roman Ruins & Chariots
Drive to Jerash
A comfortable 50-minute drive north through the rolling hills of Jordan.
Jerash Archaeological Site
Known as the 'Pompeii of the East', the Cardo Maximus is flat enough for strollers, though a carrier is better for the theaters.
Lunch at Lebanese House
A famous spot in Jerash with high chairs available and excellent mezze that kids will love.
Ajloun Castle
A short drive from Jerash, this Islamic fortress offers great views and exciting 'secret' passages for older kids.
Day 4: Dead Sea, Jordan - Floating and Fun
Departure for the Dead Sea
A scenic one-hour drive descending to the lowest point on earth.
Resort Check-in
Check into a Dead Sea resort with family pools and direct beach access.
Dead Sea Floating
Experience the unique sensation of floating. Note: Keep water out of children's eyes!
Sunset Dinner at the Resort
Enjoy a buffet dinner that caters to picky eaters with international options.
Day 5: Dead Sea, Jordan - Relaxation Day
Leisurely Breakfast
Slow morning enjoying the resort facilities.
Dead Sea Museum & Panorama
A short drive up the cliff for educational exhibits about the sea's geology and a stunning viewpoint.
Kids Club and Pool Time
Most resorts here have excellent supervised kids' clubs and shallow splash pools.
Stargazing
The clear desert skies at the Dead Sea are perfect for introducing kids to the constellations.
Day 6: Madaba, Jordan - Mosaics & Mountains
Drive to Madaba
A short 40-minute drive uphill to the 'City of Mosaics'.
St. George’s Church
See the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. It's colorful and fascinating for kids to spot the fish in the Jordan River.
Mount Nebo
Visit the spot where Moses supposedly saw the Promised Land. The site is very accessible and has a modern museum.
La Storia Tourism Complex
An interactive museum in Madaba that depicts Jordan's history and religious heritage with life-sized models.
Day 7: Dana, Jordan - Castles and Eco-Living
Kings Highway Drive
A stunning scenic drive south. It's slower but much more beautiful than the Desert Highway.
Kerak Castle
Explore this massive Crusader fortress. It's full of tunnels and towers that feel like a real-life playground for kids.
Arrival at Dana Biosphere Reserve
Check into an eco-lodge or a local guesthouse in the historic stone village.
Village Walk
Walk through the ancient village of Dana as the sun sets over the valley.
Day 8: Dana, Jordan - Nature and Easy Trails
Easy Hiking Trail
Take the 'Campsite Trail' or a guided walk tailored for families. Spot local birds and unique rock formations.
Bedouin Tea Experience
Meet a local shepherd family and learn how to make traditional tea over a fire.
Jewelry Making Workshop
Many lodges offer workshops where kids can make their own souvenirs from local stones.
Traditional Mansaf Dinner
Try Jordan's national dish—lamb cooked in fermented yogurt—served family-style.
Day 9: Petra, Jordan - The Arrival
Drive to Wadi Musa
A two-hour drive from Dana to the gateway of Petra.
Lunch in Wadi Musa
Try the local shawarma or falafel wraps for a quick and easy family lunch.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
A much smaller, less crowded version of the main site. It's free to enter and a great 'warm-up' for children.
Petra by Night (Optional)
If the kids are old enough, the candlelit walk to the Treasury is magical, though it involves a lot of walking.
Day 10: Petra, Jordan - The Rose Red City
The Siq Walk
The 1.2km walk through the narrow gorge. For little ones, horse-drawn carriages are available for this section.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Behold the iconic facade. Take time for photos before the crowds arrive.
Colonnaded Street
A flat area where kids can see the remains of ancient shops and temples.
Petra Museum
Located at the exit, this modern museum is air-conditioned and has great interactive displays for children.
Day 11: Petra, Jordan - Leisurely Petra
The Monastery via Donkey
For a less strenuous day, consider hiring donkeys to take the kids up the 800 steps to the Monastery.
Monastery Cafe
Rest at the top with fresh pomegranate juice and snacks while enjoying the views.
Royal Tombs
Explore the large carved facades. They are impressive and involve less climbing than other trails.
Petra Kitchen Cooking Class
A fun evening for families to learn how to cook Jordanian dishes together.
Day 12: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Landscapes
Drive to Wadi Rum
A 1.5-hour drive south into the heart of the desert.
Visitor Center & Jeep Pick-up
Transfer from your car to a 4x4 jeep for your desert adventure.
Lawrence’s Spring
A short stop to see the desert spring and ancient rock inscriptions.
Sand Dune Sliding
Find the large red dunes where kids can run and 'surf' down the sand.
Day 13: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Desert Life
Camel Trek
A gentle 1-hour camel ride through the desert—most kids find this the highlight of the trip.
Bedouin Lunch in the Shade
Enjoy a simple lunch prepared by your guide in the shade of a massive rock canyon.
Khazali Canyon
An easy walk into a narrow canyon to see Petroglyphs of humans and animals.
Zarb Dinner
Watch as your dinner is unearthed from a traditional underground Bedouin oven.
Day 14: Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Relaxation
Drive to Aqaba
A short 1-hour drive from the desert to the coastal city of Aqaba.
Beach Resort Check-in
Stay in the Tala Bay area for better family beaches and quieter surroundings.
Pool and Beach Time
Let the kids burn off energy in the Red Sea’s calm, warm waters.
Aqaba Night Market
Explore the bustling town center and try some fresh local fish for dinner.
Day 15: Aqaba, Jordan - Under the Sea
Glass-Bottom Boat Tour
Perfect for kids who are too young to snorkel—see the coral reefs and shipwrecks from the dry boat.
Aqaba Marine Park
A protected area with shallow reefs accessible right from the beach for older kids to snorkel.
Berice Beach Club
A well-maintained beach club with excellent facilities for families, including clean changing rooms.
Sunset Walk on the Corniche
Enjoy the evening breeze as the locals gather by the sea.
Day 16: Amman, Jordan - The Journey Back
Flight or Drive to Amman
A 45-minute domestic flight is the most comfortable way to return north with children.
Amman Souk Shopping
Pick up last-minute souvenirs like spices, olive oil soap, or embroidered textiles.
Children's Museum Jordan
Located in Al Hussein Park, this is one of the best children's museums in the region with over 150 exhibits.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your trip at a rooftop restaurant with views of the illuminated Citadel.
Day 17: Amman, Jordan - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final Arabic breakfast with labneh, hummus, and fresh bread.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Grab some Jordanian sweets (like Baklava) from Zalatimo for the flight home.
Airport Transfer
Head back to Queen Alia International Airport for your departing flight.
Departure
Fly home with incredible family memories of the Hashemite Kingdom.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The ideal times for a family trip to Jordan are during the 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 explore ruins and the desert. Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot, while winter (December to February) can be surprisingly cold and rainy, even with occasional snow in Amman and Petra.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). While major hotels and upscale restaurants in Amman and Aqaba accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are most common), cash is essential for smaller shops, markets, and Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum. Tipping (Baksheesh) is a standard part of the culture; around 10% in restaurants and a small amount for guides or drivers is always appreciated.
Getting Around Jordan
For families, the most comfortable way to get around is by hiring a private driver or renting a car. The roads are generally in good condition and well-signposted. The JETT bus service is a reliable and affordable option for intercity travel (Amman to Petra or Aqaba), featuring air-conditioned coaches. Within Amman, ride-hailing apps like Uber and Careem are very popular, safe, and often easier than negotiating with local taxis.
