9-Day Family Adventure: The Ultimate Jordan Classic Route
Jordan is a playground for the imagination, offering families a safe and welcoming gateway to the wonders of the Middle East. From the towering facades of Petra to the buoyant waters of the Dead Sea, this route is designed for families who want to see the icons without the rush. We've focused on accessible paths, engaging activities for children, and comfortable intercity transfers to ensure a stress-free experience for parents and kids alike.
This classic route emphasizes 'slow travel,' allowing for mid-day breaks and flexible mornings. Whether you are navigating the Roman ruins of Amman with a stroller or exploring the sands of Wadi Rum in a 4x4, you will find that Jordanians have a deep-seated respect for family, making it one of the most hospitable destinations for travelers with children.
Day 1: Amman, Jordan - Arrival & City Heights
Arrival at Queen Alia International Airport
Complete your visa formalities and take a pre-arranged private transfer to your hotel in Amman. The airport is modern and offers plenty of space for families to regroup after a flight.
Amman Citadel (Jabal al-Qal'a)
Start your journey at the city's highest point. The Citadel offers vast open spaces where children can run safely among Roman ruins while you enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Rainbow Street Walk
Stroll down this famous street for a relaxed introduction to Amman's modern culture. Stop at 'Gerard Ice Cream' for a local treat that the kids will love.
Welcome Dinner at Hashem Restaurant
Enjoy an authentic, casual dinner at this legendary spot. It is bustling, kid-friendly, and serves the best falafel and hummus in the city.
Day 2: Amman, Jordan - Roman Glory & Children's Play
Jerash Archaeological Site
Take a 1-hour drive north to one of the world's best-preserved Roman provincial cities. The main colonnaded street is flat and mostly stroller-accessible.
Lunch in the Olive Groves
Enjoy a traditional mezze lunch at a nearby garden restaurant, offering plenty of shade and fresh air for the family.
The Children's Museum Jordan
Located in Al Hussein Park, this world-class museum features over 180 interactive exhibits. It is the perfect place for kids to blow off steam and learn through play.
Relaxed Evening at Al Hussein Park
Enjoy the evening breeze in the park’s gardens before heading back to your hotel for an early night.
Day 3: Madaba & Mt. Nebo, Jordan - Mosaics & Mountains
St. George’s Church & The Map
Depart Amman for Madaba (45 mins). View the famous 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land. The church is small and easily accessible for a quick, engaging visit.
Mount Nebo Views
A short drive leads to the spot where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land. The view across the Jordan Valley is breathtaking and the site is very well-maintained with paved paths.
Madaba Institute for Biblical Manuscript
See local artisans at work creating intricate mosaics. Kids often get a chance to try placing a few stones themselves.
Drive to the Dead Sea
Descend to the lowest point on earth (1 hour). Check into your resort and enjoy the sunset over the salty horizon.
Day 4: Dead Sea, Jordan - Floating and Fun
Morning Floating Session
Experience the unique sensation of floating in the Dead Sea. Note: Ensure kids don't get salt water in their eyes! Most resorts have fresh-water showers right on the beach.
Resort Lunch & Siesta
Take advantage of the resort facilities. A midday nap or pool time is essential for keeping the kids energized for the second half of the trip.
Mud Bath Experience
Cover yourselves in mineral-rich mud—a fun and messy activity that children usually find hilarious and adults find therapeutic.
Sunset Dinner by the Water
Enjoy a buffet dinner featuring both international and Jordanian dishes, catering to even the pickiest eaters.
Day 5: Dana, Jordan - Eco-Adventures & Nature
Scenic Drive to Dana
Travel south along the King's Highway (approx. 2.5 hours). This historic road offers stunning canyon views and several photo stops.
Dana Biosphere Reserve
Explore the charming stone village of Dana. It’s a quiet, car-free environment where you can enjoy a traditional tea with the local Bedouin community.
Guided Family Nature Walk
Take a short, easy hike on the Dana Village Trail. It’s relatively flat and offers a great introduction to the local flora and fauna without being too taxing for little legs.
Stay in an Eco-Lodge
Experience a night without electricity (candlelit) at a local lodge. It’s a magical experience for kids to see the stars so clearly.
Day 6: Petra, Jordan - The Rose City Entrance
Arrival in Wadi Musa
Drive from Dana to Wadi Musa, the gateway to Petra (1 hour). Check into your hotel and have a hearty lunch before heading to the site.
Little Petra (Siq al-Barid)
Visit 'Little Petra' first. It’s free, less crowded, and provides a great 'preview' of what's to come, with easier walking paths for children.
Petra Museum
Visit the modern museum at the entrance of Petra. It is interactive and air-conditioned, providing great context for the history of the Nabataeans.
Petra by Night (Optional)
If the kids aren't too tired, see the Siq lit by thousands of candles. It's a slow, quiet walk that feels truly otherworldly.
Day 7: Petra, Jordan - Exploring the Treasury
The Siq Walk
Enter the main site early to avoid the heat. The walk through the Siq (the narrow gorge) is about 1.2km. While gravelly, it is manageable with a sturdy stroller or a baby carrier.
The Treasury (Al-Khazneh)
Marvel at the iconic facade. Spend time here taking photos and letting the kids watch the camels. Avoid the steep climbs with young children; the main valley floor is plenty to see.
Donkey or Carriage Ride
For the return trip or to explore further into the basin, hire a horse-drawn carriage. It’s a highlight for kids and saves their energy.
Afternoon Pool Time
After a morning of walking, return to the hotel for a swim. This helps everyone cool down and relax after the dusty trails.
Day 8: Wadi Rum, Jordan - Martian Landscapes
Drive to Wadi Rum
A 2-hour drive south brings you to the protected desert wilderness of Wadi Rum. Leave your car at the Visitor Center and meet your Bedouin host.
4x4 Desert Safari
Board the back of a modified pickup truck for a tour of the dunes, ancient rock inscriptions, and natural bridges. Kids love the 'bumpy' ride through the sand.
Sandboarding & Sunset
Find a soft dune for some sandboarding. Watch the sunset turn the mountains a deep red while your hosts brew fresh sage tea over a fire.
Zarb Dinner
Enjoy a traditional Bedouin dinner cooked in an underground oven. The smoky, tender meat and vegetables are a crowd-pleaser.
Day 9: Wadi Rum to Amman, Jordan - Homeward Bound
Morning Camel Trek
Take a short 30-minute camel ride near the camp. It’s a peaceful way to say goodbye to the desert before the journey back.
Return Drive to Amman
Begin the 4-hour drive back to Amman via the Desert Highway. There are several rest stops with facilities and snacks along the way.
Souvenir Shopping at Souk Jara
If your flight is in the evening, stop for last-minute gifts like Dead Sea salts, olive wood carvings, and local spices.
Final Dinner & Departure
Enjoy a final meal in Amman before heading to Queen Alia International Airport for your flight home, concluding your 9-day Jordanian adventure.
Best Time to Visit Jordan
The best time for a family trip to Jordan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm but not scorching, making it ideal for exploring ruins and the desert with children. Spring also brings beautiful wildflowers to the northern hills. Avoid the peak of summer (July-August) when temperatures in the desert and the Jordan Valley can exceed 40°C (104°F), which can be quite taxing for young travelers.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). While high-end hotels and large restaurants in Amman and Petra accept major credit cards (Visa/Mastercard), Jordan remains a cash-centric society, especially for tipping, small shops, and Bedouin camps. ATMs are widely available in cities, but it's wise to carry sufficient JOD when heading into Wadi Rum or Dana. Tipping (baksheesh) is customary; 10% is standard in restaurants if a service charge isn't included, and small tips for guides and drivers are appreciated.
Getting Around Jordan
For families, the most comfortable and flexible way to get around is by renting a private car or hiring a driver. The roads between major sites like Amman, the Dead Sea, and Petra are well-maintained. The JETT Bus is a reliable and affordable public option for intercity travel between major hubs, but it operates on fixed schedules. Within cities like Amman, 'Careem' (the regional version of Uber) is the most convenient and transparent way to secure rides with children.
