The summary
| Activity | Why children like it | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Petra | The Siq, the Treasury, the animals | A lot of walking; carriages and horses offered, agree the price |
| Dead Sea | Floating effortlessly | No water in the eyes, no shaving the day before |
| Wadi Rum by jeep | Dunes and rocks | Bring a hat and water |
| Aqaba | Snorkelling, glass-bottom boat | Cool water in winter |
| Amman | Roman theatre, Citadel | Short walks, ice cream downtown |
Petra with children
The Siq is a canyon walked on foot to the Treasury; for little legs, carriages exist in the Siq and horses on the first stretch: ask what is included in the ticket and agree the price before getting on. Arrive at opening time, avoid midday in summer and do not attempt the climb to the Monastery, Ad Deir with young children. See how to visit Petra and the Jordan Pass.
Dead Sea
Floating in the Dead Sea amuses all ages. The water is very salty: no sudden movements, no splashing towards the face, rinse off afterwards. Swimming is mostly done at resort hotels; a day pass avoids sleeping there.
Wadi Rum
The jeep ride in the desert is the highlight for children: dunes, scrambling on rocks and a night in camp. For a comfortable stay, choose a camp with beds and bathrooms and ask whether it is heated in winter: see which Wadi Rum tour and the bubble camp.
Aqaba and the Red Sea
A boat trip or glass-bottom boat and a little snorkelling suit children who swim; the water is cooler in winter.
When to go, and pace
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable: see Jordan weather, month by month, Jordan in April 2027 and Jordan in October 2027. A week is enough for Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea: see Jordan in 7 days. To reduce travel fatigue, a private driver helps; ask for a child seat when booking.
Precautions
Plenty of water, hat, sunscreen, closed shoes. See is Jordan safe? and plan travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Do children enter Petra free?
According to our pages, under-12s enter free with the Jordan Pass in the daytime; confirm before departure.
From what age is Petra suitable?
As soon as the child can handle several hours of walking, with a carriage or horse as backup.
Can children swim in the Dead Sea?
Yes, with care: the very salty water must not reach the eyes.
La rédaction Jordan Authority, 24/10/2026.
