Jordan is a fascinating land and an Arab nation that lies on the east bank of the Jordan River. With a culture that is thousands of years old adding value to its biblical history, this amazing place should be next on your bucket list. Jordan with kids will not only be an amazing desert excursion, but also a wonderful getaway to the orient. Read on to learn more about the things and places you can see in the land that Pharaohs, Persian monarchs, and Syrian kings once fought for.
1. Explore the capital
A trip to Jordan with kids means a chance for the family to explore this Middle Eastern country’s capital city of Amman. With a history that dates back to some 5,000 years ago, the city offers a number of places and things to see with the little ones. You can start with a visit to Amman Citadel. This historical site is perched on the highest hill in Amman and is a famous archaeological site with remnants of the past civilization. One of the site’s most notable attractions is the Jordan Archaeological Museum, presenting visitors with artifacts from archaeological sites in the country.
2. Float in the Dead Sea
Another reason why kids will love to visit Jordan is the Dead Sea. It’s a destination on your family’s bucket list that needs to be ticked off during your visit to Jordan with kids. The Dead Sea is considered to be the lowest point on earth and one of the saltiest bodies of waters in the world. Because of its high salt concentration, you easily float on its surface, which the kids will definitely love.
3. Mask your kid’s skin with mud
Floating on the Dead Sea is not the only thing that attracts domestic and international tourists. The mineral-rich black mud found in the area is famous for its health benefits. hat is why resorts along the coastline use it for therapeutic and cosmetic treatments. Do not miss masking your child’s skin with the nutrient-filed mud for 15-20 minutes.
4. Glamp at Wadi Rum
Imagine wandering on the desert during the day and spending the night on a camp site, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the sky. A trip to Jordan with kids will not be complete without exactly doing that. It will be a rewarding experience for the kids to enjoy glamping at Jordan’s most famous national park, the desert of Wadi Rum. Away from the chaos of the city, Wadi Rum’s isolation and clear skies make it an incredible spot for stargazing and relaxation after a long day on the dessert. To maximize a trip to the desert regarded as the “Valley of the Moon,” you can take the kids for an overnight stay in the nomad’s campor Bedouin Beit Shar camp that not only offers a view of the pink sand desert during the day and the star-filled sky at night, but also serves amazing Jordanian food.
5. Trek with the camels
While you are in Wadi Rum, a trek with the gentle-natured camels is a must. It’s an adventure like no other. Kids will find it amazing to interact with the locals and at the same time enjoy the company of the friendly nomadic camels. There are several trek options for your kids to try, such as the 1-hour or 2-hour camel rides that offer short and long routes branching out from Rum and Disi.
6. Explore Petra
Petra’s The Treasury or Al-khaznah monument is undoubtedly one of the most notable monuments and tourism icons in all of Jordan. You can’t be talking about the country without really mentioning Petra. The kids will be delighted if they can visit the amazing structure carved out of the pink sandstone cliffs on mountain walls. It is a true star that your kids might have seen in their favorite movies, such as “Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade.” But Petra, the Rose City, is not just about The Treasury. There are hiking trails up to the cliff ridge of Al-Habees that can also be visited to take the front seat for the best views of the ruins.
7. Visit the Red Sea town of Aqaba
Aqaba is like the summer capital and aqua hub of the country. The plethora of activities to choose from is limitless. They range from snorkeling, swimming, diving, and many more. Sailing while enjoying the heat of the sun is also popular among families. Daily Red Sea excursions not only offers a majestic view of Jordan’s Red Sea, or chance for leisurely swim and relaxation, but also an unforgettable experience for your little ones.
8. Tour around Jerash
If you come to Jordan for the megalithic monuments, then the country will not disappoint. Visiting Jerash, normally regarded as the “Pompeii of Asia,” offers visitor some of the best-preserved ruins in the world. Ruins of the Roman empire’s mighty and glorious past are displayed everywhere, so walking around the place offers visitors a piece of history. Among the well-preserved structures you will find in this Greco-Roman town are the Cardo Maximus, South Theater, Temple of Artemis, and many others.
9. Eat like a local
For the ultimate Jordanian getaway experience, it is a must for you and your kids to taste Jordan’s famous local delicacies. With the mixture of North Africa, the Middle East, Persia, and the Mediterranean influences, food and local dishes surely offer a gastronomic treat for the family. For starters, try falafel, hummus, maklouba, moutabel, and Shish kebabs, which are popular in the regions. You can also try distinctly Jordanian food such as mansaf and Maqluba. Kanafeh is a dessert that is everyone’s all-time favorite.
10. Visit the King’s automobile collection
To put contrast and color into your trip, aside from the usual historical site-visits, visiting the royal Automobile Museum is a good idea. Unlike the other museums in the country that showcase artifacts from the past, the Automobile Museum offers a unique experience for you and your kids. It features a rare collection of King Hussein’s classic cars, motorbikes, private plane. This attraction is unlike any other on your bucket list, but may end up as one of the most memorable for the kids.
This article is part of our popular series, Place To Go With Kids!
