5 Days in Jordan with kids
This is the perfect itinerary for 5 days in Jordan with kids, so look no further. You will find here the top tourist attractions in Jordan and best places to visit in Amman, Jordan too. This itinerary, just like all the other travel I do, is fully balanced in history, fun and unique experiences. Read more on my idea of Balanced Family Travel.
Reaching Jordan
Most of the international flights fly into and out of Jordan, either in Amman or Aqaba. Amman is in the north of Jordan and Aqaba in the South, at the other end. You can start at either place and still fly out of the same airport or fly in at one and fly out the other depending on flight availability, time and cost of flights. I highly recommend taking a good airline. From amongst the ones I have personally flown, I recommend Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airlines in this part of the world.
Take a look at my post on 10 Ways for hassle free travel with kids, for more ideas on making traveling with kids easy and fun.
Day 1: Dead Sea, Madaba and Mt Nebo
Of the 5 days in Jordan with kids, we started Day 1 with Dead Sea as we were flying in and out of Amman. Of course the kids had all sorts of images conjured up when we told them we’ll be visiting Dead Sea. I had a small fun sheet designed for the kids to ensure a mix of fun and learning. Stay tuned to check out the resources page for activity sheets and other treasure hunt I have designed for my kids during our many travels, as I make it ready to be downloaded by parents all over the world.
Dead Sea, while at some driving distance, makes to the top things to see in Jordan as well as well as one of the best places to visit in Amman.
We were staying in Holiday Inn Dead Sea Resort, amongst the best property in terms of value for money – with access to Dead Sea and the mineral enriched Dead Sea mud, in 2 minutes of walking distance from the rooms. It was not luxury, like the wing we were staying seemed like it had been recently renovated and parts of it were still dusty but rooms were comfortable and bathrooms good.
We reached here the night before and one day was good enough for us to enjoy Dead Sea, you can read more about it here on how to enjoy Dead Sea
Madaba and Mt Nebo:
30km south of Amman, is Madaba, the one mentioned in Bible. Jordan is like a cradle of religions with a whole host of historical sites in close proximity. Mt. Nebo is said to be the location where Moses saw the promised land. It’s also the best vantage point for stunning views of the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and Palestine.
Madaba and Mt Nebo is the second in the list of best places to visit in Amman, Jordan.
Apart from sightseeing, Madaba is also famous for mosaics where you can find the most commonly made Tree of Life mosaics made with both the traditional and new technique.
Day 2: Petra
A UNESCO world heritage site and one of the new seven wonders of the world. Petra is also known as the Lost City for having been deserted between 7th century AD to early 19th century and the Rose Red City for the color of rock from which many of the city’s structures were carved. While it’s not known exactly when it was built, Petra began to prosper as the Nabatean capital around 1st century BC as it was a vital part of the major trading route between ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt.
For all the right reasons, Petra is definitely one of the top tourist attractions in Jordan and not to be missed.
If you only have 5 days in Jordan with kids, plan to start early and expect to be completely exhausted by the end if you do end up hiking with the kids. There are a lot of options available like horse ride, horse cart ride and donkey rides upto the Monastery too. You can check out the hiking route and more details about Petra here.
Imposing views of Treasury and of and from Monastery put Petra in the top things to see in Jordan.
Day 3: Wadi Rum
Within a span of 5 days in Jordan, you can experience a World wonder and many UNESCO WHS, probably one of the highest density in any part of the world. Wadi Rum protected area is another one of them. It is an interesting site for many reasons like being similar to the Martian surface, its natural rock structures, echo points, and the night sky laden with so many stars that it is almost difficult to find a dark spot.
In 5 days, Wadi Rum would fall in top things to see in jordan for a family with kids.
Makes sure you have ½ or 1 day and 1 night in Wadi Rum. Check this post for top 7 things to do in Wadi Rum. You can also read our experience in staying at the bubble tent or the Martian tent as its also called here.
Day 4: Jerash
One of the best preserved Roman ruins can be found in Jerash. It’s a bit of walk but if you have been to Ephesus in Turkey or other similar Roman ruins, it’s a slightly shorter walk with more things to see closer together. Jerash is north of Amman and hence if you are driving from Wadi Rum or Petra to Jerash, you will be crossing Amman on the outskirts to reach Jerash.
While I will not put Jerash as one of the top tourist attractions in Jordan, is definitely is one of the best places to see in Amman.
Day 5 Amman, souvenir shopping and fly out
We started with the Mosque, the oldest and biggest one in Amman. While there is not much in the mosque itself (after having seen Blue Mosque of Istanbul and Sheikh Zayad Grand Mosque), there is a basement shopping area. I highly recommend it for any souvenirs especially if you want to buy mosaics, spices, magnets, Jordan rugs etc. You can read my other posts to know more about the souvenir shopping in Jordan.
After the mosque, we headed to Amman Citadel from where the Roman Amphitheatre is also visible. Amman Citadel and Roman Amphitheatre are both included in Jordan Pass.
