Jordan packs an incredible variety of landscapes and history into a compact, easily navigable country. For families, it offers a perfect mix of education and adventure. Geographically, it bridges the sea and the desert; you can drive from the pine forests of the north to the coral reefs of the Red Sea in under five hours. The culture is deeply rooted in hospitality; children are adored here, and you will frequently be welcomed with tea and genuine warmth.
While the ancient Nabataean city of Petra is the headline act, the country is far more than a single monument. It is a vast open-air museum where kids can scramble over Roman columns, ride camels across red sand dunes, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. The infrastructure is good, with modern highways connecting the main sights of Amman, the Dead Sea, and Aqaba, making self-drive holidays a popular and safe option for families.
Key Attractions
No trip to Jordan is complete without visiting Petra. The approach through The Siq-a narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs-builds suspense until the iconic Treasury is revealed. To experience the desert, head to the Wadi Rum Protected Area. Here, families can take 4x4 jeep tours, ride camels, and sleep in 'Martian' domes or traditional Bedouin tents, offering an unforgettable astronomy lesson under clear night skies.
For a unique swimming experience, the Dead Sea is unmissable; at the lowest point on Earth, the saline water makes sinking impossible. Nearby, the Mujib Biosphere Reserve offers adventurous canyoning (age restrictions apply), while history buffs will love the Jerash Archaeological Site, a sprawling Roman city where kids can race chariots in their imagination at the Hippodrome. In the capital, the Amman Citadel offers panoramic views and ancient ruins, while The Children's Museum Jordan provides a world-class educational break.
Practical Advice
The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) when temperatures are pleasant. Summer can be fiercely hot, and winter surprisingly cold with snow possible in Amman. Crucial Tip: Purchase the Jordan Pass online before arrival. It covers your visa fee (if staying 3+ nights) and entry to over 40 attractions, including Petra, saving a family significantly.
Safety
While Jordan is an oasis of stability in a turbulent region, visitors should stay informed. Avoid the borders with Syria and Iraq (often restricted zones). Demonstrations can occur in Amman, usually downtown after Friday prayers; it is wise to avoid large gatherings. Petty crime is rare, but standard precautions apply. Desert activities in Wadi Rum should always be done with licensed guides.
Food & Drink
Typical meal times: Lunch is often the main meal, served late from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Dinner is typically lighter or social, served from 8:00 pm onwards.
Typical meal costs: 5–10 JOD (approx. $7–14 USD / €6.50–13 EUR) for street food/budget meals; 30–50 JOD (approx. $42–70 USD / €39–65 EUR) for a mid-range family meal.
Dietary requirements: Excellent for vegetarians; mezze (appetizers) are largely meat-free (hummus, falafel, salads). Gluten-free can be tricky due to bread being a utensil, but rice-based dishes like Mansaf (ask for no bread underneath) are available.
Family-friendly dining: Children are welcome everywhere. Mezze style dining is perfect for kids as they can try small portions of many things (dips, bread, grilled meats).
Signature dishes:
- Mansaf – The national dish: tender lamb cooked in fermented dried yogurt (jameed), served over rice and flatbread.
- Maqluba – Literally "upside down," a one-pot dish of rice, vegetables (often cauliflower or eggplant), and chicken/meat flip-turned onto a platter.
- Zarb – A Bedouin barbecue where meat and vegetables are slow-cooked in an underground earth oven-a hit with kids in Wadi Rum.
- Kunafa – A warm, stretchy cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup and topped with pistachios.
A family of four can expect to spend around 150–220 JOD (approx. $210–310 USD / £165–245 GBP) per day. This budget covers mid-range hotels, car hire, and meals. Entry fees (especially Petra at 50 JOD/person) are significant but are best managed by buying the Jordan Pass in advance.
Age Suitability
Did you know? Jordan welcomes approximately 5.2 million international visitors per year. Most visitors come from Middle East.
Explore Regions
6 Regions
Amman
Ancient history meets modern family fun 🏛️🌇
Aqaba & Red Sea
Sun, sea, and snorkeling in Jordan's coastal haven 🐠🏖️
Dead Sea
Float at the lowest point on Earth 🌊⛰️
Jerash & North
Roman ruins and rolling green hills 🏛️🌲
Petra
Discover the Lost City of stone 🏜️🐫
Wadi Rum
A Martian adventure on Earth 🏜️✨
Click on a region marker to explore details. Use the dropdown to color regions by activity suitability.
Getting There & Around
Getting There
- By Air – Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) is the main gateway, located 30km south of Amman. King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) serves Aqaba & Red Sea.
- By Land – The King Hussein/Allenby Bridge connects Jordan with the West Bank, while the Sheikh Hussein and Wadi Araba crossings connect with Israel. Border rules are complex and subject to change; check thoroughly.
- Entry Requirements – Many nationalities (US, UK, EU, Aus, Can) can obtain a visa on arrival (40 JOD). Check your government website for the latest visa requirements, or use the IATA Travel Centre entry-requirements checker. Tip: Buy the Jordan Pass online before travel to waive the visa fee.
Getting Around
- Car Hire – The most popular option for families. Roads are generally good, and it allows flexibility to stop at viewpoints along the The King's Highway (Highway 35). Driving in Amman can be chaotic; use taxis there.
- JETT Bus – Reliable, air-conditioned tourist buses connecting Amman, Petra, and Aqaba & Red Sea. Must be booked in advance.
- Taxis/Uber – Widely available and affordable in Amman. For longer inter-city trips, private drivers can be hired for a surprisingly reasonable daily rate.
Packing List
The Dead Sea bed is covered in sharp salt crystals that can cut feet; standard flip-flops may get ruined by the brine.
Essential for shielding your face from sand and dust during 4x4 jeep tours in Wadi Rum.
The combination of dry desert air and intense salinity at the Dead Sea dehydrates skin very quickly.
Flies can be surprisingly persistent and annoying in Petra and Wadi Rum, especially near animals.
Many Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum have limited electricity or turn generators off at night.
Desert temperatures drop drastically at night; it can be freezing in Wadi Rum even after a hot day.
Activities & Best Times
Adventure & Nature
ExcellentHiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Wadi Rum is a UNESCO World Heritage site and globally recognized as one of the world's premier desert wilderness experiences. It should be rated 'excellent' to reflect its status as a bucket-list adventure destination.
Petra's desert trekking, including the Dana-to-Petra trail and Siq canyon exploration, is internationally iconic and draws adventure travelers from around the world. This warrants 'excellent' rather than being grouped with lesser adventure regions.
Offers a unique desert-to-sea experience via the Jordan Trail and significant marine conservation at the Aqaba Marine Reserve. Summer months are classified as off-season due to dangerous heat levels for desert hiking and outdoor exploration.
City & Cultural
ExcellentUrban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Jerash is one of the world's best-preserved Roman Decapolis cities, offering an authentic, world-class archaeological experience. Spring and autumn provide ideal walking temperatures; summer is classified as off-peak due to intense, direct sun exposure with minimal shade at the ruins.
A historic capital blending ancient Roman ruins like the Citadel with a vibrant modern arts scene in galleries like Darat al Funun. The city is best explored in the temperate transition seasons; summer months are avoided by sophisticated travelers due to oppressive heat in the downtown basins.
While Nabataean petroglyphs and archaeological sites are present, Wadi Rum is fundamentally a nature/adventure destination. The cultural elements are supplementary. 'Good' better reflects the secondary nature of cultural attractions here.
Sports & Active
Very GoodSport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
The region features world-class infrastructure for endurance sports, specifically the Northern Jordan Trail and Jordan Bike Trail. Optimal conditions for these high-exertion activities are restricted to the mild transition months, avoiding the extreme summer heat and winter mud.
Features internationally recognized trekking routes and aero sports facilities. Physical exertion is best scheduled for the transition seasons to avoid the risk of heat exhaustion in the peak of summer or extreme cold in January.
Boasts specialized infrastructure including the Ayla Wake Park and internationally recognized long-distance cycling routes. The peak season provides optimal conditions for high-intensity activity, avoiding the debilitating summer heat that makes daytime sports impossible.
Beach & Sea
Very GoodBeach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Aqaba offers world-class Red Sea diving at sites like the Japanese Garden and Cedar Pride wreck, comparable to Sharm el-Sheikh or Eilat. The 'marginal' rating severely understates its international reputation as a marine destination. While beach infrastructure is limited compared to Mediterranean resorts, the diving quality justifies 'very_good'.
Unique hypersaline floating experience at the earth's lowest point, though it lacks traditional marine life and coral reefs. Best visited in spring and autumn to avoid punishing summer heat and winter rains.
Relaxation & Wellness
Very GoodSpa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
The Dead Sea is globally famous for therapeutic mineral mud and Ma'in Hot Springs thermal facilities. Rating this 'marginal' is inappropriate for a world-renowned wellness destination. Upgrade to 'very_good' aligns with international reputation.
Features authentic Roman-era thermal baths and natural hot springs like Al-Himma, which offer a unique historical wellness experience. These are most popular and effective during the cooler winter months; the summer heat makes thermal bathing unappealing.
Road Trips & Scenic
GoodScenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Celebrated for its 4WD desert circuits and access via the historic King's Highway. While vehicle-based tours offer protection, the peak months provide the most pleasant conditions for the frequent stops required to see major landmarks.
Acts as the southern gateway for iconic routes like the King's Highway and the Dead Sea Highway. While driving is possible year-round, the peak period offers the best visibility and comfortable temperatures for scenic stops and photography along the South Coast Road.
The Dead Sea Highway is one of the world's most dramatic coastal drives along the rift valley floor. Spring and autumn offer the best visibility and comfortable conditions for roadside exploration.
Educational & Exploratory
MarginalLearning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Offers specialized stargazing at Rum Sky and geological education at the Visitor Centre. Stargazing is optimal during months with clear skies and manageable overnight temperatures.
Provides specialized learning opportunities at the Aqaba Aquarium and the Bird Observatory, which is of particular interest during peak migration seasons. These facilities are generally visited as part of a broader cultural itinerary rather than as standalone destinations.
Specialized museums focus on the unique geology and biblical significance of the Dead Sea basin. Best visited during general peak travel months when facility access and environmental conditions are optimal.
Theme Park & Entertainment
MarginalAmusement parks, family entertainment venues
Small-scale entertainment facilities like Rise Adventure Park provide supplementary activities for families but lack the international scale of major theme park destinations. Operational peaks align with school holiday windows and more temperate outdoor weather.
Local water parks like Amman Waves offer relief for families during the height of summer, though they lack the international prestige of major global theme parks. These facilities are primarily seasonal and become unsuitable during the cooler months when outdoor swimming is unappealing.
Festivals & Seasonal
MarginalEvents, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Public Holidays & Calendar Next 12 months
Public holidays, festivals, cultural celebrations, and seasonal natural phenomena coming up in Jordan over the next 12 months.
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Climate & Weather
Amman
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Aqaba & Red Sea
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Dead Sea
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Jerash & North
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Petra
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Wadi Rum
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Travel Advisory
All major agencies have recently elevated their warnings to the second-highest level due to a severe escalation in regional military conflict. Travelers are advised to defer non-essential trips as security conditions are volatile and could worsen without notice. This consensus is driven by risks of military activity, terrorism, and potential airspace closures.
Safety Topics
Traveller Advice (3 groups)
Respect local cultural standards by dressing modestly and avoiding traveling alone after dark, particularly in less tourist-heavy areas.
While private acts are not legally prohibited, public displays of affection are not socially accepted and may lead to harassment or legal scrutiny under public morality laws.
Ensure you have an emergency supply of food, water, and medication. Register your presence with your national embassy to receive urgent updates and be prepared to follow shelter-in-place orders during security incidents.
Agency Summaries
Regional escalation has created significant security risks and potential for travel disruption. Extremist attacks are considered very likely and could be indiscriminate. The government specifically advises against any travel within 3km of the Syrian border.
Heightened potential for neighboring conflicts in Syria and Israel to impact Jordan's safety. New Zealanders should maintain high personal security awareness and avoid large public gatherings which can turn violent quickly.
Citizens are advised to limit travel to essential trips only as the regional security situation is closely monitored. Those currently in the country should monitor local media and be prepared to shelter in place if instructed by authorities.
The risk level was raised due to the volatile regional security environment and the threat of retaliatory strikes. Australians are urged to avoid potential targets like diplomatic missions, military sites, and energy infrastructure.
The Department of State has ordered the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their families due to safety concerns. Travelers should reconsider visits because of terrorism risks and potential armed conflict. Certain areas, including border regions and specific neighborhoods like Baqa'a, are under 'Do Not Travel' warnings.
The security situation has deteriorated due to regional hostilities, resulting in an increased risk of military debris from intercepted projectiles and sudden airspace closures. Highly dangerous conditions exist near the borders with Syria and Iraq.
Information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute travel, safety, medical, or legal advice. Conditions may change. Users are responsible for independently verifying information before travel.