Visiting Petra With Kids: A Practical Family Guide to Planning the Lost City

If you’re researching visiting Petra with kids or wondering “is Petra suitable for children?”, this guide is for families who want a realistic view — not just inspiration. If you’re planning a family trip to Jordan, and trying to work out what to expect at Petra with kids, this will help you decide if it’s the right fit.

Quick answer: is Petra good for children?

Yes — but only with the right planning. Petra isn’t compact, shaded or easy to navigate, and the walking distances can be significant. For kids, though, it can be one of the most unforgettable travel experiences you’ll have together.

We visited Petra with our 7‑year‑old, and while it was more physically demanding than places like Wadi Rum, it was also one of the most rewarding. The key is understanding how hard Petra is for kids, planning your route properly, and setting a pace that works for your family rather than trying to see everything in one go.

This guide breaks down exactly how to plan a Petra visit with kids, including walking distances, how long to spend, what to pack, and what makes the difference between a day that feels magical and one that feels overwhelming. It’s designed to help you build a realistic Petra family itinerary, not just tick off highlights.

Just a quick note: some links in this guide are affiliate links. This doesn’t affect the price you pay, and we only recommend tours, hotels and planning tools we’ve either used ourselves or would confidently choose again for a family trip.

What Should Parents Realistically Expect From Petra With Kids?

Petra is much bigger than many families expect. It isn’t a quick sightseeing stop where you walk in, see the Treasury and leave feeling like you’ve “done” it.

The main visitor route starts at the Petra Visitor Centre, then continues through the Siq before reaching the Treasury. The official main trail is listed as 3.9km and easy, but that only gives part of the picture because most families will walk much further once they continue deeper into the site or add routes such as the Monastery.

For us, the biggest thing was understanding that Petra is not just about distance — it’s about heat, exposure, uneven ground and stamina. We visited with Joshua aged 7, and while he managed it brilliantly, it was definitely a full family effort rather than an easy day out.

The single best decision we made was arriving at opening time. Petra’s official opening hours vary by season, with the site and visitor centre currently listed as 06:00–18:00 in summer and 06:30–17:00 in winter.

Getting there early meant we reached the Treasury before the crowds built up and before the heat became difficult.

To make Petra manageable with kids:

• start as early as possible

• prioritise your top two or three highlights

• accept that you probably won’t see everything

• build in breaks and food stops

• avoid treating Petra like a checklist

Parents often overestimate how much can comfortably be done in one day. If you want to include the Treasury, Monastery and a major viewpoint trail, a two-day ticket is far more realistic for families.

Is Petra Suitable for Children?

Yes — Petra is suitable for children, especially school-aged children, but it needs realistic planning.

I wouldn’t describe Petra as easy with kids. It involves long walking distances, limited shade, uneven paths and plenty of moments where you need to manage energy levels. But for children who can cope with a full day of walking, it can be genuinely unforgettable.

For Joshua, Petra felt like an adventure. The Siq felt like walking through a canyon, the Treasury reveal had a real sense of excitement, and the Monastery climb became something he was proud to complete. It wasn’t passive sightseeing — it felt like a shared challenge.

Petra works best for:

• children who can walk longer distances

• families who are happy to start early

• parents willing to pace the day carefully

• children who enjoy exploring rather than being entertained

It is harder for:

• toddlers

• pushchairs or strollers

• children who struggle in heat

• families expecting a short, shaded, easy attraction

If you’re still deciding whether Jordan as a whole is right for your family, Is Jordan Good for Children? is a helpful internal link here because it sets expectations for the wider trip, not just Petra.

Petra Tickets, Jordan Pass and What Families Need to Know

There are two main ticket options:

Option 1: Jordan Pass (Recommended for Most Families)

The Jordan Pass costs between 70–80 JOD, depending on whether you select a 1, 2 or 3-day Petra visit. It includes:

• Tourist visa fee (if staying 3+ nights in Jordan)

• Entry to Petra

• Entry to many other Jordan sites

For families, the key detail is this: Children under 12 enter Petra free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. The Jordan Pass is only required for visitors aged 12+. This makes the pass particularly good value for families with primary school children.

Option 2: Buy on the Day

If not using the Jordan Pass, Petra tickets cost:

• 50 JOD (1 day)

• 55 JOD (2 days)

• 60 JOD (3 days)

Petra by Night is not included in the Jordan Pass and costs approximately 30 JOD per person, typically charged for children aged 10+.

Petra is the most significant part of any Jordan itinerary. Before deciding between one or two days, read our detailed guide on 10-Day Jordan Family Road Trip: A Practical Itinerary With Kids

Is One Day Enough for Petra With Kids?

One day is enough to experience Petra’s main highlights with kids, but only if you are realistic.

In one day, most families can comfortably aim for:

• the Siq

• the Treasury

• the Roman Theatre and Street of Facades

• the main route deeper into Petra

• the Monastery, if your child has the stamina

For us, one long day worked because we started early, paced ourselves and returned to the hotel in the afternoon before Petra by Night. But we didn’t try to do every viewpoint as well.

If the Treasury viewpoint or Al-Khubtha trail is a priority, I would strongly consider two days. Combining the Monastery climb, viewpoint trails and the main route in one day would be a lot for most children.

A good rule:

• If you want the “classic Petra experience,” one day can work

• If you want Petra plus viewpoints, photography stops and a slower pace, book two days.

Where to Stay in Petra With Kids

This is one part of the trip where I’d probably make a different decision next time.

When visiting Petra with children, location matters because the day is so physically demanding. Staying close to the entrance makes early starts much easier, especially if you want to be inside Petra as soon as it opens.

In hindsight, I would probably spend a bit more and choose one of the larger hotels near the entrance, ideally with a pool or more space to relax. After a long day of walking, having somewhere comfortable to cool off would have made a noticeable difference.

Hotels such as the Movenpick Resort Petra or Crowne Plaza Resort Petra are popular because they are close to the Petra Visitor Centre, which is helpful when you’re managing early starts, tired children and potential afternoon rests.

If you have a rental car, staying slightly further out can also work. Petra has visitor parking, so you don’t have to stay directly beside the entrance, but with kids I’d still prioritise convenience over saving a small amount on accommodation.

This is a good place to link to Realistic Cost of a 10-Day Jordan Family Road Trip, because hotel choice is one of the biggest budget decisions on a Jordan itinerary.

Which Route Through Petra Works Best With Kids?

There are two main ways families usually approach Petra: the traditional main entrance route or the “back door” route via Little Petra.

Main Entrance Route

This is the classic route. You enter through the Petra Visitor Centre, walk through the Siq, reach the Treasury, then continue deeper into the site.

This is the route I’d recommend for most families, especially first-time visitors. Walking through the Siq and seeing the Treasury appear at the end is one of the most memorable parts of Petra. For us, that reveal was part of the magic.

Back Door Route

The back door route starts near Little Petra and takes you towards the Monastery first, before descending into the main site.

This route can reduce doubling back, but it needs more planning. You’ll need transport logistics to get to the starting point, and you lose the dramatic first reveal of the Treasury through the Siq.

For families, the back route could work well. But for a first family visit, especially if the Treasury reveal matters to you, I’d choose the main entrance route.

Petra Highlights to Prioritise With Children

Petra is vast, so the goal with kids should not be to see everything. The goal is to choose the moments that give you the strongest experience without exhausting everyone.

The highlights I would prioritise are:

The Siq

The Siq is the dramatic canyon entrance into Petra and one of the best parts for children. It feels adventurous before you even reach the Treasury, with high rock walls, narrow passages and changing light.

The Treasury

The Treasury is the moment everyone waits for. It is crowded later in the day, which is why arriving early makes such a difference. For families, this is the emotional high point.

The Roman Theatre and Street of Facades

These are easy to include because they sit along the main route and don’t require a major detour. They help children understand that Petra is much more than one famous building.

The Monastery

The Monastery is the big challenge. The climb is often described as around 800 steps, and it is definitely a stamina test. But for children who enjoy a challenge, it can feel like a real achievement.

For Joshua, the Monastery climb became part of the adventure. But I would not attempt it late in the day, in peak heat, or after already pushing too hard.

Al-Khubtha viewpoint

At the time of our visit, the elevated Treasury viewpoint trail (often referred to as the Al-Khubtha viewpoint, which overlooks the Treasury from above) was closed for construction. This is the iconic “view from the top” photo many people associate with Petra.

Had it been open, we would likely have needed to plan two days in Petra — not because of time constraints, but because of stamina.

Combining the Monastery climb, the Treasury viewpoint ascent and the core walking route in a single day would have been a resilience challenge for a school-age child.

If seeing both major climbs is a priority for your family, I would strongly recommend a two-day ticket to spread the physical effort more realistically.

How Hard Is Petra With Kids?

Petra is physically demanding with kids, but it is manageable if you plan properly.

The challenge is not one single walk. It’s the combination of:

• early start

• heat

• long distances

• uneven surfaces

• hills and steps

• limited shade

• the walk back out

We found the morning enjoyable because we started early. By later in the day, fatigue became much more noticeable. That is why I would always recommend planning Petra around your child’s best energy window rather than trying to squeeze in every trail.

For most families, Petra is not about whether your child can do it. It’s about whether you pace the day so they still enjoy it.

We returned to our hotel around 2pm to rest before returning for Petra by Night. That break was essential. On the return journey from the Treasury toward the entrance, Joshua took a short horse ride, which shaved roughly 20 minutes off the walk and conserved energy for the evening.

Animal rides are widely available throughout Petra — horses near the main entrance, and donkeys (and occasionally mules) operating deeper inside the site, particularly on the climb toward the Monastery.

While walking is often quicker and gives you more control over pace, these rides can be useful if a child becomes unexpectedly fatigued. As with any animal-based activity, parents should assess comfort levels, safety and cost clearly before agreeing, but it is reassuring to know that support options are available if little legs begin to struggle.

Can You Use a Stroller in Petra?

I would not rely on a stroller for Petra.

The route through the Siq towards the Treasury is the most manageable section, but Petra overall has uneven ground, steps, slopes, sand and rocky paths. Once you go beyond the Treasury, a stroller becomes much less practical.

For toddlers or younger children, a carrier is usually a better option than a pushchair. For children, comfortable shoes and careful pacing matter more than anything else.

If your child cannot comfortably walk for several hours, I would either keep the visit short or plan a very limited route focused on the Siq and Treasury.

What to Pack for Petra With Kids

Packing well makes Petra much easier. This is not a place where you want to be caught out by heat, hunger or uncomfortable shoes.

Bring:

• plenty of water

• snacks or a packed lunch

• high SPF sunscreen

• hats

• sunglasses

• comfortable walking shoes

• a small day backpack

• tissues and hand sanitiser

• a light layer if starting early

• cash for small purchases

There are toilets at key points, including the visitor centre and parts of the main site, but standards vary. There are also small stalls and cafés inside Petra, which can be very useful with children.

A small snack stop or ice cream break can make a big difference to morale. This is where travelling with kids is different — sometimes the success of the day depends less on the itinerary and more on keeping everyone fed, hydrated and rested.

Staying Connected in Petra

Reliable navigation and mobile data make a big difference when visiting Petra with kids. In Petra, it helps with managing timing, checking routes and coordinating meeting points if you split up. We used an Airalo eSIM set up before departure, which meant we had instant access to Google Maps, bookings and communication as soon as we arrived. On a self‑drive route between Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea, that consistency removed a lot of small stresses.

Set up an eSIM before you travel so you have data from the moment you arrive — it’s one of the simplest ways to make a Jordan road trip with kids feel easier.

Do You Need a Guide for Petra With Kids?

You don’t need a guide for Petra with kids. The main route is straightforward, and if you’re happy to do a bit of reading beforehand, you can explore independently without any issue.

For most families, I think the bigger priority is pacing, not guiding. Petra is huge, and children are more likely to struggle with the walking, heat and tiredness than with the lack of historical detail. We found that keeping the day simple — arriving early, focusing on the Siq, Treasury and Monastery, and building in breaks — mattered far more than having someone talk us through every stop.

Common Mistakes Families Make at Petra

The biggest mistake families make at Petra is trying to do too much.

Other common mistakes include:

• arriving too late in the morning

• underestimating the walking distances

• not bringing enough water or snacks

• trying to combine too many trails in one day

• assuming the Treasury is the “end” of Petra

• booking accommodation too far away without thinking about tired children

• not building in a rest before Petra by Night

For us, the early start and afternoon break made the day work. Without those two things, I think Petra would have felt much harder.

Petra by Night With Kids: Is It Worth It?

Petra by Night can be magical with children, but only if they have enough energy left.

Petra by Night experience runs from 8:30pm–10:30pm, Sunday to Thursday, with children up to 10 free of charge and adult pricing around 17 JOD. Petra by Night is not included in the Jordan Pass and requires a separate ticket.

The experience involves walking back through the Siq in the dark, with candlelight leading towards the Treasury. Followed by a music show. It’s atmospheric, but it does mean repeating the same walk after a very long day.

For us, the only reason Petra by Night worked was because we went back to the hotel in the afternoon to rest. I’d also recommend taking snacks, because for children it can feel like sitting through an outdoor show after a long day of exploring.

My honest view: Petra by Night is worth considering with children, but I wouldn’t push it if everyone is exhausted. Petra by day is the priority.

Is Little Petra Worth Visiting With Kids?

Yes, Little Petra can be worth visiting with kids if you have time, especially as a low-pressure introduction before the main Petra visit.

Little Petra is much smaller, quieter and easier to explore. It gives children a sense of carved sandstone buildings and narrow passages without the huge distances of Petra itself.

It will not replace the main Petra experience, but it can work well:

• the afternoon before visiting Petra

• the morning after Petra if you want something shorter

• as part of the back door route planning

• for children who may feel overwhelmed by Petra’s scale

If your itinerary is tight, I wouldn’t prioritise Little Petra over more rest time. But if you have a spare hour or two, it’s a useful add-on.

Final Assessment: Is Petra Good for Kids?

Yes — Petra is good for kids, but it is not effortless.

It works best if your child can manage a long walking day, you start early, and you focus on the main highlights rather than trying to complete every route. Petra is not a theme park, and it is not designed around children, but that is also what makes it special.

For us, visiting Petra with Joshua felt like a shared achievement. It was tiring, but it was also one of the most meaningful experiences of our Jordan trip.

If you’re asking, “What should we know before visiting Petra with kids?”, the answer is simple: plan for the walking, start early, prioritise the Treasury and Monastery, and treat Petra as an expedition rather than a checklist.

That mindset makes all the difference.

FAQs - Visiting Petra with Kids

How does Petra fit into a Jordan family itinerary?

Petra is usually the most physically demanding part of a Jordan trip, so it’s best placed early in your route before heading to more relaxed stops like Wadi Rum or the Dead Sea.

You can see how this works in practice in our 10‑Day Jordan Family Itinerary, which maps out the full route step by step.

How long should you spend in Petra with kids?

Most families should plan at least one full day in Petra, but two days is better if you want to include the Monastery and viewpoint trails without rushing.

Is Petra too much walking for children?

Petra can involve a lot of walking, but most school‑aged children can manage it with early starts, regular breaks and realistic pacing.

We covered around 13 miles including Petra by Night, but it didn’t feel excessive because we went early and kept Joshua engaged throughout.

Can you visit Petra with a stroller?

A stroller is not ideal for Petra because of uneven paths, steps and sandy ground. A carrier is better for younger children.

Is Petra by Night worth it with kids?

Yes — Petra by Night can be a really magical experience with kids, especially the candlelit walk through the Siq and seeing the Treasury in a completely different way.

It works best if they’ve rested beforehand, as it’s a late evening and involves more walking, but for children it can be a memorable highlight.

Can you combine Petra by Day and Petra by Night with kids?

Yes, but only if you build in a rest period in the afternoon. Petra by Night involves walking the same route again, so without a break it can feel too much for children.

Is Wadi Rum a good follow-on from Petra with kids?

Yes — Wadi Rum works really well after Petra because it’s less walking and feels more like an adventure. After a long day at Petra, the jeep tours and desert camp experience give kids a chance to reset.

You can read more in Wadi Rum With Kids, which explains what that experience is like.

What is the best route through Petra with kids?

For most first-time family visits, the main entrance route through the Siq to the Treasury is the best option because it gives the most memorable first experience.

How long does it take to walk from the entrance to the Treasury?

It takes around 20–30 minutes to walk from the Petra Visitor Centre to the Treasury through the Siq. The walk itself is relatively easy and one of the most engaging parts for kids.

What time should you arrive at Petra with kids?

Arrive at opening time (around 6:00am) to avoid crowds and heat. Early mornings are far easier for children, and you’ll experience the Treasury before it gets busy.

Do you need to buy Petra tickets in advance?

You can buy tickets on arrival, but most families use the Jordan Pass, which includes entry and can waive visa fees. It’s usually the easiest option for UK travellers.

Are food and drinks available inside Petra?

Yes — there are small cafés and stalls throughout Petra selling drinks, snacks and simple meals. However, bringing your own snacks and water makes the day easier with kids.

Are there toilets inside Petra?

Yes — toilets are available at the visitor centre, near the Treasury and at a few points deeper inside Petra. They are basic but functional, so it’s best to plan stops when you see them.

Can kids ride horses or donkeys in Petra?

Yes — animal rides are available throughout Petra, including horses near the entrance and donkeys or mules deeper inside the site. These can be helpful if children get tired, but parents should check pricing and comfort levels before agreeing.

Is Little Petra worth visiting with kids?

Yes — Little Petra is a quieter, shorter and easier site that works well as a low-pressure introduction. It’s a good option the day before or after visiting Petra.

Do you need cash in Petra?

Yes — many stalls, cafés and animal rides inside Petra are cash-based, so it’s worth bringing small denominations rather than relying on cards.

How much does it cost to visit Petra with kids?

Costs depend on how long you stay and whether you use the Jordan Pass, but Petra is overall is not too expensive to visit.

For a realistic breakdown of tickets, hotels and overall trip costs, see Realistic Cost of a Jordan Family Road Trip, where we share actual numbers from our trip.

What is the best age for visiting Petra with kids?

Petra works best for children aged around 6+ who can handle longer walking distances. Younger children may find the heat, distance and terrain more challenging.

What is the biggest mistake families make when visiting Petra?

The biggest mistake is trying to see everything in one day. Petra is vast, and focusing on a few key highlights with a slower pace makes the experience much more enjoyable.

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.