Jordan for the Whole Family

Jordan is a family-friendly destination packed with adventure, history, and unforgettable experiences. From exploring ancient crusader castles and floating in the Dead Sea to camel rides across the desert and snorkeling in the Red Sea, there are plenty of things to do for the whole family in Jordan. Families will find Jordan accessible, with baby-changing facilities and high chairs in most restaurants and shopping centers, as well as plenty of kid-friendly food options like traditional sweet shops and juice stalls. In this guide, we’ll highlight the best activities and landmarks for families visiting Jordan, helping you plan a trip that’s fun, safe, and stress-free.

Explore a Crusader Castle

Almost every town, city, and village in Jordan is home to a significant historical site. From the Roman amphitheaters to the crusader castles of the Ottoman Empire, Jordan is full of fascinating things to see. For children who are studying the Roman Empire, World War I, or Lawrence of Arabia, a vacation to Jordan will be a history lesson like no other. Karak Castle is one of the best crusader castles for children to explore. Builders constructed this castle in the 12th century, complete with passageways, dungeons, kitchens, and a chapel. There is also a museum that contains artifacts, gifts, and historical information about the castle. If they have the energy, let the children climb to the top of the castle to enjoy views as far as the Dead Sea.

Float in the Dead Sea

One exciting family activity that you will not find on most vacations is a dip in the Dead Sea. Due to its high salt content, as soon as visitors enter the water, they will naturally float without having to do anything. Visitors of all ages can enjoy this world-famous salt lake for a unique water-based experience.

Desert Adventures

For a family adventure across the desert, look no further than Jordan. Wadi Rum spans 278 square miles of mountains, rock bridges, sand dunes, and notable sites, including the alleged house of Lawrence of Arabia. The best way to experience Wadi Rum with the whole family is to take a camel ride across the desert and camp overnight in a traditional Bedouin tent. Taking a guided tour of Wadi Rum is recommended, as local guides ensure safety, share fascinating stories about Bedouin culture and the desert’s history, and help families access hidden viewpoints that might otherwise be missed. An overnight stay in Wadi Rum usually includes traditional food, campfire tales, and the starry night sky, creating a memorable outing for visitors of all ages.

See Below the Ocean

Whether you are competent swimmers or beginners, there are plenty of water-based activities to choose from in Jordan for the whole family. Located directly on the Red Sea, Aqaba is the only coastal city in Jordan, and the best way to make the most of this seaside destination is to take to the water. Visitors can choose from an array of activities, including windsurfing and scuba diving. The Red Sea is particularly famous for its dazzling array of marine life and coral reefs.

Families with older children may wish to learn how to scuba dive or try out snorkeling to see what’s below. If, however, you have younger children, then the best option is to take a glass-bottom boat ride. These boats collect passengers from the dock near the Mövenpick Hotel and Aqaba Castle. This allows families to experience the Dead Sea without stepping into the water.

Discover Ancient History on Horseback

For families who wish to learn more about Jordan’s impressive history, a trip to Petra should be on your itinerary. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a Nabatean city located in the desert. It consists of monasteries and temples that are carved from sandstone into the cliff faces. Some children may recognize Petra from the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. If you and the family want to be explorers for the day, then put on your Indiana Jones hats and head to this world-renowned archaeological site.

As Petra is very large, be prepared for a lot of walking and climbing. For those who prefer a less strenuous option, short horseback, camel, or donkey rides are available at various points throughout the site, such as near the Visitor Centre, the Siq, or the Treasury. Local handlers usually arrange these rides on the spot, and families pay in cash, making it easy to see the highlights without tiring everyone out.

Plan a Family Journey Through Jordan’s Wonders

With so much to see and do, Jordan is a fantastic destination for the whole family. The Jordanian people deeply value family and warmly welcome children. Most hotels in Jordan cater to young children, but it is always best to check before booking. Also, expect hot summer weather, and make sure to carry plenty of bottled water. With camel rides across the desert in Jordan, wild camping excursions, and snorkeling in the Red Sea, it’s impossible for anyone to get bored.

For families who want to experience all of Jordan’s highlights without worrying about planning logistics, our Jordan Package Tours, especially our 6 Day Best of Jordan Tour Package from Aqaba, are perfect. For example, this comprehensive tour includes visits to Aqaba, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and Amman, featuring expert guides, seamless transfers, family-friendly accommodations, and all the activities arranged for you.

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