6-Day Family Adventure in Wadi Rum: A Classic Desert Guide
Wadi Rum, the 'Valley of the Moon,' offers an otherworldly experience that is surprisingly accessible for families. This itinerary focuses on a relaxed pace, ensuring that even the youngest travelers can enjoy the towering sandstone mountains and vast red dunes without feeling rushed. By utilizing 4x4 vehicles as your primary mode of transport, we’ve created a route that minimizes long treks while maximizing the 'wow' factor of Jordan's most iconic desert.
Our Family Travel Guides approach prioritizes comfort and engagement. We recommend staying in a fixed Bedouin-style camp that offers modern amenities like private bathrooms and air conditioning to ensure everyone gets a good night's rest. From sandboarding down gentle slopes to learning about ancient Nabataean history, this 6-day journey balances education with pure desert fun.
Day 1: Arrival and Ancient Foundations
Wadi Rum Visitor Center
Start your journey at the main gateway. The Visitor Center is stroller-accessible and features a small museum that introduces kids to the geology and history of the area. It is the perfect spot to pick up your entrance permits and meet your guide.
Nabataean Temple
Located just a short drive from the village, these ruins are easily reachable. Children can explore the remains of this ancient place of worship dedicated to the goddess Allat, while parents admire the intricate stone carvings and the view of the village.
Rum Village Discovery
Take a gentle stroll through the local village. This is one of the few paved areas where a stroller can be used easily. It’s a great way to see how the local Bedouin community lives and to grab some fresh Jordanian bread from a local bakery.
Village Sunset Point
End your first day at a rocky outcrop near the village. It’s an easy climb for kids and offers a spectacular first view of the desert turning deep shades of orange and purple as the sun dips below the horizon.
Day 2: Legends of the Desert
Seven Pillars of Wisdom
Named after T.E. Lawrence’s famous book, this iconic rock formation is a must-see. The scale of the mountain is breathtaking, and there is plenty of flat ground at the base for children to run around safely while you take photos.
Lawrence’s Spring
A short, guided 4x4 ride brings you to this natural spring. While the climb to the actual water source might be steep for toddlers, the base area offers shade and a chance to see local camels stopping for a drink.
Khazali Canyon
This narrow fissure in the mountain is famous for its well-preserved Petroglyphs. The walk inside is short and flat, making it very kid-friendly. Look for the ancient carvings of humans, camels, and feet on the canyon walls.
Traditional Zarb Dinner
Return to your camp for a traditional Bedouin barbecue known as Zarb. Kids will love watching the chefs 'unearth' the meat and vegetables that have been slow-cooking in an underground oven.
Day 3: Inscriptions and Red Sands
Anfishieh Inscriptions
Drive to the side of a massive mountain to see Thamudic and Nabataean inscriptions. These drawings of camel caravans are easy to see from the ground and serve as a great 'treasure hunt' activity for the little ones.
Red Sand Dunes (Al Hasany Dunes)
This is the highlight for most families. The dunes are soft and safe for kids to roll down. Many guides provide sandboards, which older children will find exhilarating, while younger ones can simply enjoy playing in the world’s biggest sandbox.
Jebel Umm Ulaydiyya
A lesser-visited but beautiful area perfect for a quiet afternoon. The rock colors here are particularly vibrant, and the terrain is relatively flat, allowing for a relaxed walk as the heat of the day fades.
Desert Stargazing
Wadi Rum has some of the clearest skies in the world. Many camps offer professional stargazing sessions with telescopes, where children can see the rings of Saturn or the craters on the moon.
Day 4: Natural Bridges and Small Wonders
The Little Bridge
One of the most photographed spots in the desert, the Little Bridge is easy to climb, even for children with a little help. It provides a great vantage point of the surrounding valley without the physical exertion of the higher arches.
Lawrence’s House
Explore the ruins of a stone house believed to have been used by Lawrence of Arabia. The site is surrounded by piles of balancing stones (cairns). Kids often enjoy adding their own stone to these towers.
Mushroom Rock
A quirky, naturally formed rock that looks exactly like a giant mushroom. It’s a fun, quick stop that provides great shade for a family picnic or a mid-afternoon snack in the desert.
Bedouin Tea Ceremony
Visit a local Bedouin tent for a demonstration of how desert tea is made. It’s a sweet, sage-infused drink that kids usually love, served with a side of traditional hospitality and storytelling.
Day 5: Canyons and High Arches
Um Frouth Rock Bridge
This is a much higher arch than the Little Bridge. While the climb is for the more adventurous, the view from below is just as spectacular. Families can relax in the shade of the mountain while watching others make the ascent.
Abu Khashaba Canyon
This is a beautiful, narrow canyon filled with desert trees and soft sand. It’s an easy, flat walk that takes about 45 minutes from one end to the other, providing a natural playground for children to explore.
Burdah Rock Bridge Viewpoint
Burdah is the highest bridge in the area. The climb is too difficult for children, but the 4x4 drive to the viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the Jebel Burdah massif that the whole family can enjoy safely from the vehicle.
Henna and Crafts Night
Many camps offer evening activities like henna painting or traditional weaving. It’s a great way for children to engage with the culture through hands-on art and bring home a temporary souvenir.
Day 6: Village Life and Farewells
Wadi Rum Village Markets
Head back into the village for some final exploration. This is the best place to buy local spices, handmade jewelry, and embroidered scarves. The shops are small, friendly, and very welcoming to families.
Farewell Camel Trek
Before leaving, enjoy a traditional camel ride. For families, many camels can carry a parent and a small child together. It’s a slow-paced, rhythmic way to say goodbye to the desert landscape.
Local Lunch in Rum Village
Enjoy a final meal of hummus, falafel, and fresh salad at a local restaurant in the village. It's affordable, delicious, and offers a chance to reflect on your desert adventure before the journey home.
Departure from Visitor Center
Return to the Visitor Center to collect your main luggage and begin your transfer to your next destination, whether it's the beaches of Aqaba or the historic city of Petra.
Best Time & Weather
The best time to visit Wadi Rum with a family is during the shoulder seasons of Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these months, daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm (around 25°C), making outdoor activities comfortable for children. Summer can be dangerously hot, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, while Winter nights can drop to freezing, which may be difficult for younger kids in desert camps.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). While most high-end camps and the Visitor Center accept credit cards, it is essential to carry cash for village shops, camel rides, and tipping your guides. Tipping is a significant part of the culture in Jordan; a tip of 5-10 JOD per day for your 4x4 driver or guide is customary and greatly appreciated.
Getting Around
Inside the Wadi Rum Protected Area, the only way to get around is by 4x4 vehicles provided by your camp or hired at the Visitor Center. These are usually open-back trucks with benches, which kids find very exciting. For the arrival, most travelers rent a car or take a private taxi from Aqaba (approx. 1 hour) or Amman (approx. 4 hours). There is no public transport inside the desert itself, so all movements should be coordinated with your tour provider.
