19-Day Ultimate Family Journey in Jordan: An Epic Slow-Paced Adventure
Jordan is a playground for the imagination, offering a perfect blend of high-energy exploration and restorative downtime that suits families of all ages. This 19-day itinerary moves away from the typical 'rush' and focuses on 'slow travel,' allowing your children to truly absorb the history of the Nabataeans, the vastness of the desert, and the warmth of Bedouin hospitality without the burnout.
We have carefully selected routes that utilize comfortable private transfers and the reliable JETT bus network to ensure travel between cities is a breeze. Whether you are navigating the flat paths of Petra with a sturdy stroller or building sandcastles in Wadi Rum, this guide prioritizes comfort, accessibility, and unforgettable family memories.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival & Easy Exploration
Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport
Touch down in Amman and breeze through customs. A pre-arranged private transfer will take you directly to your hotel in the city center.
Stroll through Rainbow Street
An easy, stroller-friendly street filled with colorful cafes and shops. It's the perfect gentle introduction to the city's vibe.
Dinner at Sufra
Enjoy a family-style Jordanian feast in a beautiful garden setting. The hospitality here is legendary and very welcoming to children.
Rest & Acclimatization
Early night to help the little ones adjust to the new time zone.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - Ancient History for Little Explorers
The Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Explore the Temple of Hercules. The open spaces are great for kids to run around while you soak in the panoramic views of Amman.
Roman Theatre & Odeon
Marvel at the massive stone seats. The plaza in front is a lively spot where kids can watch local life unfold.
Lunch at Hashem Restaurant
A legendary spot for falafel and hummus. It’s fast, casual, and a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Jordan Museum
A modern, air-conditioned space featuring the Dead Sea Scrolls and interactive exhibits that keep children engaged.
Day 3: Amman, Jordan - Science and Greenery
The Children's Museum Jordan
A must-visit for families. Over 180 interactive indoor and outdoor exhibits designed purely for kids' learning and play.
Picnic at King Hussein Park
Located right next to the museum, this is a beautiful green space to relax while the children enjoy the playgrounds.
Royal Automobile Museum
Even if you aren't a car enthusiast, the collection of King Hussein’s vintage cars and motorcycles is visually stunning for all ages.
Kunafeh at Habibah Sweets
End the day with Amman's most famous dessert—warm cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup.
Day 4: Jerash, Jordan - The Pompeii of the East
Day Trip to Jerash Archaeological City
One of the best-preserved Roman cities in the world. The Oval Plaza and Cardo Maximus are largely stroller-accessible with a little effort.
Lunch at Lebanese House
Relax after your walk with a massive spread of mezze in a spacious, shaded restaurant nearby.
Ajloun Castle
A short drive from Jerash, this hilltop fortress offers towers to climb and tunnels to explore—pure magic for kids.
Return to Amman
A comfortable drive back to the city for a quiet evening.
Day 5: Madaba, Jordan - The City of Mosaics
St. George’s Church & Mosaic Map
See the oldest floor map of the Holy Land. It's a quick, visual stop that captures the imagination.
Madaba Archaeological Park
Walk across ancient mosaic floors in this open-air museum. It's less crowded and easier for kids to navigate than larger sites.
Lunch at Haret Jdoudna
A beautiful restored house offering traditional food and a cozy atmosphere that is very family-welcoming.
Mount Nebo
Visit the spot where Moses looked over the Promised Land. The views of the Jordan Valley are breathtaking and easy to access.
Day 6: Dead Sea, Jordan - Floating Fun
Check-in at Dead Sea Resort
The Dead Sea resorts offer the best infrastructure for families, including kid-friendly pools and easy beach access.
The Famous Float
Experience the sensation of weightlessness in the hyper-saline water. Note: Keep the water out of kids' eyes!
Dead Sea Panorama Complex
Drive up for a sunset view over the lowest point on earth. There's a small museum and a flat terrace perfect for photos.
Resort Dinner & Entertainment
Most resorts offer evening shows or play areas, making the night easy for parents.
Day 7: Dead Sea, Jordan - Relaxation and Mud Baths
Morning Pool Time
Enjoy the resort's temperature-controlled pools, which are often more fun for younger children than the sea itself.
Spa & Mud Treatment
While one parent watches the kids, the other can indulge in the famous Dead Sea mud treatment.
Visit Bethany Beyond the Jordan
A short drive away, this UNESCO site is peaceful and spiritually significant, with well-maintained paths for walking.
Sunset Walk by the Shore
Collect salt crystals and watch the stars begin to appear over the distant hills of Jerusalem.
Day 8: Dana, Jordan - The King's Highway
Drive to Dana via Kerak Castle
Stop at the massive Crusader fortress of Kerak. Its dark tunnels and secret passages are a hit with older children.
Lunch in Kerak Town
Try Mansaf, Jordan’s national dish, at a local eatery before continuing south.
Arrival at Dana Biosphere Reserve
Check into your eco-lodge and watch the sunset over the dramatic canyon. This is true peace.
Traditional Bedouin Dinner
Eat by candlelight and share stories with local hosts in the historic Dana Village.
Day 9: Dana, Jordan - Nature and Easy Trails
Dana Village Trail
An easy 2km walk through the terraced gardens and old stone houses of the village. Very manageable for kids.
Picnic Lunch in the Reserve
Enjoy locally made bread and labneh with a view of the sandstone cliffs.
Wildlife Spotting
Keep an eye out for the Nubian Ibex and various desert birds that inhabit the reserve.
Rest & Tea Time
Jordanian tea with sage is the perfect way to wind down the afternoon.
Day 10: Petra, Jordan - The Rose City Begins
Entry into Petra & The Siq
The 1.2km walk through the narrow gorge is flat and stroller-friendly. The reveal of The Treasury is a core memory moment.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Spend time taking photos and letting the kids see the camels. Avoid the steep climbs for today.
Lunch at Basin Restaurant
Located deep inside Petra, this buffet provides a needed energy boost before the walk back.
Explore the Street of Facades
Wide, flat areas where kids can explore the lower caves safely without strenuous hiking.
Day 11: Petra, Jordan - Royal Tombs & Donkey Rides
The Royal Tombs
These massive structures are carved into the rock face. They are easily visible from the main path with minimal climbing.
Colonnaded Street
Walk the ancient Roman road. It's wide and easy to navigate with a stroller or young children.
Camel or Donkey Experience
For kids who are tired of walking, a short camel ride near the center of the city is a thrilling highlight.
Petra Museum
Located at the entrance, this modern museum is air-conditioned and excellent for summarizing what you've seen.
Day 12: Petra, Jordan - Little Petra & Cooking Class
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
A smaller, quieter version of Petra. It's much easier to manage with small children and features unique frescoes.
Lunch in Wadi Musa
Enjoy some local shawarma or manakish in the bustling town center of Wadi Musa.
Rest at the Hotel Pool
After two days of walking, a dedicated 'pool afternoon' is essential for keeping kids happy.
The Petra Kitchen
A family-friendly cooking class where you help prepare a traditional Jordanian meal and then eat it together.
Day 13: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Entering the Martian Desert
Transfer to Wadi Rum
A scenic 2-hour drive south brings you to the visitor center of Jordan's most famous desert.
4x4 Desert Jeep Tour
A private jeep tour is the best way for families to see the dunes, rock bridges, and inscriptions without long hikes.
Sandboarding
The soft red dunes are perfect for kids to try 'surfing' the sand. It's messy but incredibly fun.
Zarb Dinner
Experience a traditional Bedouin barbecue cooked in an underground oven—a true culinary spectacle.
Day 14: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Camel Caravans & Stargazing
Morning Camel Trek
A gentle 1-hour camel ride through the silence of the desert is a quintessential Jordanian experience.
Bedouin Tea in a Tent
Visit a local camp and learn about the nomadic lifestyle over sweet tea and local stories.
Exploring Lawrence’s Spring
A short walk to see the ancient water source and inscriptions. The shade makes it comfortable for kids.
Wadi Rum Stargazing
The lack of light pollution makes this one of the best spots on earth to see the Milky Way with the kids.
Day 15: Aqaba, Jordan - Red Sea Relaxation
Drive to Aqaba
A 1-hour drive from the desert brings you to Jordan's only coastal city on the Red Sea.
Lunch at Sayadiyah Fish
Try the local specialty, Sayadiyah, which is fresh fish with spiced rice and caramelized onions.
Beach Club Relaxation
Spend the afternoon at a private beach club with pools and shallow water access for the little ones.
Aqaba Fort & Museum
A quick visit to the historic fort near the flagpole, offering a bit of history before dinner.
Day 16: Aqaba, Jordan - Glass Bottom Boats
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
See the vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish without getting wet—perfect for toddlers and young children.
Lunch by the Marina
Enjoy a relaxed meal overlooking the yachts and the blue waters of the Gulf of Aqaba.
Shopping in the Souq
Aqaba is a duty-free zone. It's a great place to buy spices, nuts, and toys for the journey home.
Evening Promenade Walk
Join the local families walking along the waterfront in the cooler evening air.
Day 17: Aqaba, Jordan - Snorkeling & Sun
Snorkeling at Berenice Beach
Older kids can snorkel right off the shore to see Nemo and his friends in the clear, calm water.
Poolside BBQ Lunch
Relax with a casual lunch at the beach club while the kids play in the designated shallow pools.
Marine Science Station
A small aquarium that showcases the local marine life of the Red Sea in an educational setting.
Relaxed Dinner
Enjoy some international cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the Tala Bay complex.
Day 18: Amman, Jordan - Journey North
JETT Bus back to Amman
The high-end coach service is the most comfortable and reliable way for families to travel the 4 hours back to the capital.
Late Lunch in Amman
Try some modern Jordanian fusion at one of the trendy cafes in the Abdali district.
Abdali Boulevard
A pedestrian-only shopping and dining area. It's modern, very stroller-friendly, and perfect for a final stroll.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your 19-day journey with a spectacular meal at Wild Jordan Center with views of the Citadel.
Day 19: Amman, Jordan - Final Souvenirs & Departure
Souvenir Shopping at Al-Afghani
Pick up some last-minute sand bottles or Dead Sea products to take home.
Leisurely Brunch
Enjoy a final Arabic breakfast of eggs, labneh, and fresh za'atar bread.
Transfer to Airport
A comfortable 45-minute drive back to Queen Alia International Airport.
Departure
Wave goodbye to Jordan with a camera full of family memories.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The ideal 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 long walks in Petra and desert explorations in Wadi Rum comfortable for children. Winter (December to February) can be surprisingly cold and rainy, especially in Amman and Dana, while Summer (June to August) can see temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F) in the Jordan Valley and the desert.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), which is pegged to the US Dollar. While credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and malls in Amman and Aqaba, Jordan remains a cash-heavy society. You will definitely need cash for souqs, local taxis, and smaller shops in places like Wadi Musa or Wadi Rum. Tipping (Baksheesh) is common and appreciated—usually 10% in restaurants if a service charge isn't already included.
Getting Around Jordan
For a family-friendly experience, the most comfortable way to get around is by hiring a private driver or using the high-quality JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transportation) buses for intercity travel. Within Amman, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are the most reliable and transparent way to travel with kids, as they avoid the need to negotiate taxi fares. If you prefer more freedom, renting a car is a viable option as the main highways (The Desert Highway and The King's Highway) are well-maintained and easy to navigate.
