9-Day Jordan Itinerary With Kids: A Practical Family Road Trip Guide (Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum & Aqaba)

If you’re looking for an adaptable Jordan itinerary with kids that actually works in practice, this guide is for families who want a clear, realistic road trip plan — not an overpacked schedule.

Whether you’re planning a Jordan family road trip to Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Aqaba, or trying to work out what to do each day with kids, this is a step‑by‑step itinerary based on what worked for us travelling with a school‑aged child.

Quick answer: what is the best Jordan itinerary for families?

A well‑structured Jordan road trip itinerary with kids should balance big experiences (Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea) with shorter driving days and downtime. Done properly, Jordan is one of the most manageable and rewarding family road trips in the Middle East.

9‑Day Jordan Family Itinerary – Quick View

• Day 1: Arrival – Amman
  Late arrival, easy transfer and settle into your hotel

• Day 2: Jerash & Ajloun
  Roman ruins at Jerash, Ajloun Castle, return to Amman

• Days 3–4: Madaba, Mount Nebo & Dead Sea
  Drive to Madaba, visit Mount Nebo, then relax at a Dead Sea resort

• Day 5: Salt Lakes, Shobak & Little Petra
  Scenic drive south with stops, arrive near Petra

• Day 6: Petra (Day & Night)
  Explore Petra by day, optional Petra by Night experience

• Day 7: Wadi Rum
  Desert jeep tour and overnight in a desert camp

• Day 8: Aqaba (Red Sea)
  Relaxation day by the sea, snorkelling or pool time

• Days 9–10: Return to Amman
  Drive back via the Desert Highway, final night and departure

What surprised us most wasn’t just how much you can see in a relatively small country, but how straightforward Jordan felt as a self‑drive trip with a child. Distances are manageable, the route flows well, and you can easily mix adventure with relaxation — which is key when travelling as a family.

This guide lays out our adaptable 9 to 10‑day Easter Holidays Jordan family itinerary (Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum & Aqaba) day by day, including how we structured the route, where we stayed, and why the pacing worked for kids.

Just a quick note: throughout this guide, you’ll find links to hotels, tours and planning tools we used. Some are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — but we only recommend options we’ve personally used or would book again as a family.

If you’re still deciding whether this trip is the right fit, start with Is Jordan Good for Children? A Parent’s Planning Guide, which explains what this kind of trip really feels like with kids.

Practical Planning Essentials for a Jordan Family Road Trip

Jordan isn’t difficult to travel — but it really rewards good preparation, especially when you’re travelling with kids. A few key decisions before you leave make the whole Jordan family road trip itinerary (Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, Aqaba) feel far smoother once you’re on the ground.

Self‑Drive is the Best Way to Travel Jordan with Kids

Jordan works exceptionally well as a self‑drive family road trip, and this is one of the biggest reasons the itinerary feels manageable.

Having your own car means you can:

• start early at major sites like Petra

• build in afternoon downtime (which you will need with kids)

• stop whenever children need a break

• avoid rigid tour schedules

We booked through Trip, which made it easy to compare providers and keep flexible cancellation — something we really valued travelling as a family. This flexibility is what allowed us to keep a realistic pace, which is the key to making a Jordan itinerary with kids work.

We set up an Airalo eSIM before departure, which connected instantly on arrival. That meant we had google maps, easy access to stay in touch with hotel bookings.

The Jordan Pass For Sight Seeing (It Simplifies Everything)

If you’re staying at least three nights in Jordan and planning to visit Petra, the Jordan Pass is one of the easiest ways to simplify both logistics and cost.

It includes:

• your tourist visa fee (for stays of 3+ nights)

• entry to Petra

• access to 40+ sites, including Jerash, Wadi Rum and Shobak

Children aren’t included, but most major sites are free for under‑12s, and we found the visa process on arrival quick and straightforward.

From a family perspective, this made a real difference — fewer queues, less admin, and much easier budgeting across the trip.

Our Recommended Jordan Family Road Trip: Day-by-Day Breakdown

Days 1–2: Arrival & Northern Jordan

Day 1: Arrival in Amman

We flew British Airways from Heathrow Terminal 5 (14:55 departure, 23:05 arrival).

After landing, we collected our pre-booked rental car — a Nissan Kicks. It was entirely adequate for the trip: economical, comfortable and easy to drive, with enough space for luggage without feeling oversized on Jordan’s roads.

We stayed at Rival Hotel Amman, a practical base offering:

• 1 bedroom + sofa bed

• Indoor pool

• Breakfast included

With a late arrival, this was simply a functional overnight stop.

Day 2: Jerash & Ajloun

We began by heading north from Amman. The full circular route involved approximately three hours of total driving.

Jerash (Included in Jordan Pass)

Jerash is one of the best-preserved Roman cities outside Italy.

Expect:

• Colonnaded streets

• A vast oval plaza

• Roman theatres

• Temple ruins

It is compact enough to explore without excessive walking, yet large enough to feel significant. Surprisingly, it was quiet — far less crowded than comparable European sites.

Ajloun Castle (Included)

Approximately 30 minutes from Jerash, Ajloun Castle is a 12th-century Islamic fortress built to defend against Crusader invasions.

Children respond well to:

• Narrow corridors

• Tower viewpoints

• Maze-like interior layout

By mid-afternoon, we returned to Amman for pool time — establishing a rhythm of sightseeing followed by recovery.

Jerash

Ajloun Castle

Days 3–4: Madaba, Mount Nebo & The Dead Sea

We drove 1.5 hours south toward the Dead Sea, stopping en route.

Madaba (Partially Included)

Known as the “City of Mosaics,” Madaba’s key highlight is the 6th-century mosaic map inside St. George’s Church. The archaeological park is included in the Jordan Pass; the church requires a small fee.

Mount Nebo (Not Included)

Believed to be the place where Moses viewed the Promised Land, Mount Nebo offers expansive views across the Jordan Valley.

A short, reflective stop before descending to the Dead Sea.

Dead Sea Strategy: Why Hotel Choice Matters

We stayed at the Hilton Dead Sea Resort

Key benefits:

• Private beach access

• Dedicated mud pits

• Direct Dead Sea entry

• Pool facilities

This is one location where hotel choice directly affects experience. Public access is limited; staying at a major resort simplifies logistics.

Floating in the Dead Sea is unique — you genuinely cannot sink. However, this is where expectations require adjustment. Joshua has eczema, and the salt concentration caused immediate stinging.

Even adults feel irritation after several minutes. The experience was memorable but short. Beach showers are essential. The pool ultimately proved more enjoyable for longer periods.

Day 5: Salt Lakes, Shobak & Little Petra

Leaving the Dead Sea, we stopped at the roadside salt lakes — vivid blue water against bright white salt formations. A simple roadside pull-off allows you to walk directly down.

Shobak Castle (Included)

A rugged Crusader fortress set dramatically above the desert. Less restored than Ajloun, but atmospheric and quiet.

We then drove onward to Wadi Musa (Petra).

Little Petra (Free Entry)

Smaller, quieter and free, Little Petra is a useful introduction before visiting Petra itself. Easy parking and short walking distances make it suitable as a low-effort afternoon stop.

Salt Lakes & Shobak Castle

Little Petra

Day 6: Petra by Day & Night

We stayed in Petra Aretas, a small local guest house, offering triple family rooms, walking distance from the main Petra entrance. Although we enjoyed our stay, on reflection

I would have spent a bit more and stayed in one of the big local chains that had a pool on offer, such as the Crowne Plaza or the Movenpick.

Petra (included)

Breakfast at 5:20am. Gates opened at 6:00am. Arriving early was essential.

We opted for a one-day ticket, fully aware that it’s often described as ambitious. However, we were realistic about our priorities. With a school-age child, we focused on Petra’s major highlights rather than attempting to see everything.

After the 20 minute walk into Petra, the experience begins with the walk through the Siq — a narrow sandstone canyon that builds anticipation with every turn.

Emerging from the rock face to see the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) for the first time remains one of the most impactful travel moments we’ve experienced as a family. No photograph truly prepares you for the scale.

From there, we continued deeper into the site, passing the Street of Facades, the Royal Tombs, and the Roman Theatre, before making the climb up to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) — approximately 800 steps and 45–60 minutes at a steady pace.

For families, the Monastery is worth the effort. It is less crowded than the Treasury and equally impressive in scale. We stopped here to enjoy the view with a coffee and toilet break.

Key highlights to prioritise in one day:

• The Siq canyon walk

• The Treasury

• The Royal Tombs

• The Roman Theatre

• The Monastery

Petra is vast. Attempting to “see everything” in one day with children would be unrealistic. Concentrating on the major landmarks allowed us to experience the essence of Petra without pushing beyond reasonable fatigue levels.

On the return journey toward the entrance, Joshua opted for a short horse ride from near the Treasury to conserve his energy — a practical option that shaved some walking off tired legs before we headed back to rest.

By mid-afternoon, as temperatures and visitor numbers increased, we returned to the hotel to rest before heading back for Petra by Night.

Petra by Night (Not Included in Jordan Pass)

• Runs Monday, Wednesday & Thursday

• Tickets purchased same day

• 20-minute walk each way through the Siq

• 8:30pm–10:00pm event

The candlelit path to the Treasury creates a completely different atmosphere. Music and soft lighting transform the space.

Total walking that day exceeded 13 miles — ambitious, but manageable with pacing and rest.

For full strategy, see: Visiting Petra With Kids

Day 7: Wadi Rum (Included)

Two-hour drive from Petra. Entry is included in the Jordan Pass. There are checkpoints at the park entrance. We pre-booked a half-day private jeep tour via Viator, which is essential for seeing key desert sites.

Expect:

• Sand dunes

• Natural rock arches

• Expansive desert views

Camping under the stars was one of the most memorable parts of the trip — quiet, remote and deeply peaceful.

There are multiple camp sites on offer in Wadi Rum.

Full breakdown of our experience here: Wadi Rum With Kids: What Parents Should Know

Day 8: Aqaba

One hour south lies Aqaba — Jordan’s Red Sea destination. After several active days, this was pure recovery.

We stayed at Grand Tala Bay a family friendly beach front hotel with big pools and waterslides, here we prioritised:

• Beach time

• Pool time

• No fixed schedule

The balance was important.

Days 9–10: Return to Amman

The drive back north took approximately four hours. We stayed at the Grand Hotel Madaba near the airport for convenience. If you want something closer Amman Airport Hotel is also a good option we considered.

On our final day, we visited the Amman Citadel. While historically interesting, it was less impactful than Jerash or Petra.

Our 8:30am flight home was efficient and straightforward.

Why Jordan Works So Well for Families

Jordan delivers an incredible range of experiences without exhausting travel days. In just over a week, we moved from Roman ruins and Crusader castles to Petra, desert landscapes and finally time to unwind by the sea — all without ever feeling constantly on the road.

What stood out most was how manageable it felt. Driving distances were realistic, accommodation was consistently welcoming, and we always felt comfortable travelling as a family.

The difference comes down to how you approach it. Starting early at major sites, balancing busy days with downtime, and choosing the right places to stay all make a big impact. Trying to do too much is what makes it hard — giving yourself space is what makes it work.

Get the pacing right, and Jordan becomes one of the most rewarding and surprisingly easy adventure destinations you can visit with school‑aged children — big on experiences, but still genuinely family‑friendly.

For detailed planning insight, explore the full guide on our dedicated Jordan hub. Jordan is not a passive holiday. It is active, educational and varied. But when structured correctly, it works exceptionally well with school-age children.

FAQ's - Jordan Family Itinerary

Is 10 days enough for a Jordan itinerary with kids?

Yes — 10 days is a good amount of time for a Jordan family itinerary covering Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Aqaba, as long as the route is structured well. The key is balancing major sights with travel time and downtime so it doesn’t feel rushed with children.

What is the best route for a Jordan family road trip?

The best Jordan road trip itinerary with kids typically follows a loop: Amman → Dead Sea → Petra → Wadi Rum → Aqaba → back to Amman. This route keeps driving manageable and allows you to gradually build up to bigger experiences like Petra and the desert.

Do you need a car for a Jordan family itinerary?

For most families, a self‑drive itinerary is the easiest and most flexible option. It allows you to control your pace, stop when needed, and avoid rigid tour schedules — which is particularly helpful when travelling with kids.

How do you keep a Jordan road trip manageable with kids?

Focus on pacing. Plan shorter driving days, mix sightseeing with downtime, and choose comfortable hotels. If you follow a structured route like this one, it becomes one of the most manageable family road trips in the Middle East.

About Plan Family Escapes

We’re a UK-based family sharing real, experience-led travel guides based on trips we’ve taken with our school-age son Joshua across destinations like Lapland, Turkey and India.

Everything we share is based on what we’ve personally experienced — with honest advice on what actually works when travelling with kids, focusing on making family travel easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable.