Jordan Beyond Petra: Wadi Rum Bedouin Camps, Dead Sea Floats & a Full Family Adventure

Everyone knows Petra is Jordan’s superstar – that iconic Treasury reveal after the

Siq is pure magic. But Jordan offers so much more for families craving adventure, history, and relaxation. From the otherworldly red sands of Wadi Rum to the buoyant, mud-slathered fun of the Dead Sea, and beyond to ancient ruins, vibrant cities, and Red Sea snorkeling, this country is a playground for all ages. We've expanded our guide with family-friendly hotel options, restaurant suggestions, must-do activities, what not to miss, and a comprehensive 10-day itinerary to experience all Jordan has to offer. Pack your sense of wonder – Jordan is safe, welcoming, and endlessly surprising for kids and parents alike.

Wadi Rum: A Giant Desert Playground for Families

Wadi Rum’s towering sandstone cliffs, vast dunes, and star-filled skies feel like Mars – perfect for kids imagining themselves as explorers or astronauts. This UNESCO site is all about immersive Bedouin culture and outdoor thrills.

Family-Friendly Hotel Options (Bedouin Camps)

Opt for camps that blend authenticity with comfort – think private tents with beds, bathrooms, and AC for those hot days. Many are family-run and cater to kids with activities like storytelling around the fire.

• Bedouin Family Camp: A traditional setup with social tents, cave fires, and family rooms featuring terraces and kitchenettes. Great for an authentic vibe without roughing it too much.

• Wadi Rum Fire Camp: Family-owned with cozy tents near sunset spots. They offer kid-friendly tours and a warm Bedouin welcome.

• Obeid's Bedouin Life Camp: Small and away from crowds, ideal for families wanting a peaceful, genuine experience with home-cooked meals.

• Wadi Rum Serenity Camp: Comfortable family rooms with AC, mountain views, and options for private bathrooms – perfect for luxury glamping.

• Jamal Rum Camp: Real Bedouin-run with bubble dome rooms, Wi-Fi, and private baths. Kids love the stargazing setups.

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Budget: $80–250/night, often including meals. Book 1–2 nights for the full desert immersion.

Restaurant Suggestions

Dining in Wadi Rum is mostly camp-based, focusing on traditional Jordanian fare cooked Bedouin-style.

• Camp dinners: Expect zarb (meat and veggies slow-cooked underground) or mansaf (lamb in yogurt sauce) served family-style around a campfire. Most camps include this – picky eaters often warm up to the flavors under the stars.

• For variety, some camps offer Bedouin tea sessions with sweets – a cultural must-try that's free and fun for kids.

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Things to Do & What Not to Miss

• Jeep Tours & Camel Rides: Bounce over dunes in a 4x4 (roller-coaster vibes!) or take short camel rides (15–30 minutes for little ones).

• Sandboarding & Hiking: Slide down slopes or scramble to rock bridges like Lawrence's Spring.

• Stargazing: Don't miss the Milky Way – camps have telescopes, and the zero light pollution is unreal.

• What Not to Miss: Sunset over the dunes, ancient petroglyphs, and a Bedouin storytelling session. Kids will rave about sleeping under the stars.

The Dead Sea: Floating, Mud & Zero-Gravity Fun

At the lowest point on Earth, the hyper-salty waters make everyone float effortlessly – hilarious for kids! Pair it with mineral mud masks for a natural spa day.

Family-Friendly Hotel Options (Resorts)

Choose resorts with private beaches, kids' pools, and family rooms to avoid the sting of the seawater.

• Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea: Top-rated with kids' facilities, infinity pools, and ground-floor rooms for easy access.

• Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea: Family-oriented with playgrounds, kids' meals, and spacious rooms.

• Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa: Luxurious with family rooms, excellent value, and kid-friendly beaches.

• Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa: Modern with private pools, spas, and activities for all ages.

• Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea: Ultra-luxury with lagoons, waterfalls, and family enclaves.

  
  

Budget: $150–400/night. Day passes available if not staying over.

Restaurant Suggestions

Resorts have on-site dining, but venture out for local flavors.

• Resort buffets: Family-style with international and Jordanian options like grilled meats and salads.

• Nearby: Try fresh fish or mezze at spots like the ones in Sweimeh village for an authentic twist.

  
  

Things to Do & What Not to Miss

• Floating Sessions: 10–15 minutes max – read a book while bobbing!

• Mud Masks: Slather on, dry, rinse – instant mud monsters.

• Kids' Pools & Spas: Resorts offer safe alternatives to the sea.

• What Not to Miss: The surreal buoyancy, sunset views, and a dip in nearby hot springs if time allows. Don't forget water shoes for sharp salt crystals!

Beyond Wadi Rum & Dead Sea: More Family Adventures in Jordan

Jordan's diversity shines in its cities, ruins, and coasts. Here's what to add for a full experience.

Key Things to Do

• Jerash Ruins: Wander Roman streets, theaters, and columns – like a time machine for kids.

• Aqaba Snorkeling: Spot colorful fish in the Red Sea – family boat trips are easy and fun.

• Amman Citadel & Roman Theatre: Explore hilltop ruins and a massive amphitheater.

• Mount Nebo & Madaba Mosaics: Biblical views and ancient maps – short, educational hikes.

• Dana Biosphere Reserve: Easy nature walks with wildlife spotting.

• Ajloun Castle & Cable Car: Medieval fortress with panoramic rides.

What Not to Miss Across Jordan

• Petra's full trail to the Monastery (beyond the Treasury).

• Floating in the Dead Sea and camping in Wadi Rum.

• Jerash's chariot races reenactments (if timed right).

• Red Sea beaches and snorkeling in Aqaba.

• Sipping tea with locals and exploring desert castles.

• The Baptism Site and Azraq Wetland for history and nature.

  
  

Restaurant Suggestions for Families

Jordanian cuisine is hearty and shareable – focus on mezze, grills, and sweets.

• In Amman: Jubran for upscale Jordanian (great for kids with varied menu), Hashem Restaurant for falafel and hummus (king-approved and casual), Sufra for high-end traditional dishes in a historic setting.

• Nur Lebanese Dining: Family-friendly Lebanese with playground vibes in some spots.

• Local Experiences: Lunch with a family for authentic mansaf – book via tours for cultural immersion.

• In other areas: Resort buffets or camp meals; in Madaba, try Hikayet Sitti for home-style Jordanian.

A 10-Day Family Itinerary: Experiencing All Jordan Has to Offer

This self-drive or driver-guided plan starts in Amman (fly into Queen Alia Airport) and covers history, adventure, and relaxation. Adjust for pace – it's kid-friendly with short drives and downtime.

Day	Highlights	Where to Stay	Meals & Tips
1: Arrival & Amman	Explore Citadel, Roman Theatre, and Rainbow Street for street food.	Amman hotel (e.g., Fairmont Amman).	Dinner at Hashem Restaurant – falafel fun!
2: Jerash & Ajloun	Day trip to Roman ruins and castle with cable car.	Return to Amman.	Picnic at ruins; evening at Sufra.
3: Madaba, Mount Nebo & Dead Sea	Mosaics, biblical views, then float time.	Dead Sea resort (e.g., Mövenpick).	Resort buffet; mud masks post-float.
4: Dead Sea Relaxation	Full day floating, spa, kids' pools.	Dead Sea resort.	Lunch with locals if arranged.
5: King's Highway to Petra	Scenic drive with stops at castles. Explore Little Petra.	Petra hotel (e.g., Petra Moon Hotel).	Mezze dinner in town.
6: Petra Full Day	Siq, Treasury, hike to Monastery.	Petra hotel.	Pack snacks; evening at Jubran if nearby.
7: Wadi Rum	Drive south; jeep tour, camel ride, sunset.	Wadi Rum camp (e.g., Bedouin Family Camp).	Camp zarb dinner under stars.
8: Wadi Rum & Aqaba	Morning sandboarding, then Red Sea for snorkeling.	Aqaba hotel (e.g., Mövenpick Aqaba).	Seafood mezze by the beach.
9: Aqaba Beach Day	Relax, boat trips, or Dana hike detour.	Aqaba hotel.	Family Lebanese at Nur-inspired spot.
10: Back to Amman & Depart	Optional Baptism Site; fly out.	N/A	Breakfast at resort; airport transfer.

This hits all highlights: Amman/Jerash for culture, Dead Sea for fun, Petra/Wadi Rum for adventure, Aqaba for sea. Drives are 1–4 hours; rent a car with driver for ease. Best time: March–May or September–November to avoid heat.

Practical Tips for Families Traveling to Jordan

• Safety & Welcome: Jordan is very family-oriented – expect smiles, free treats for kids, and English widely spoken.

• Dress & Etiquette: Modest outside resorts; swimwear fine at beaches/pools.

• Transport: Private driver recommended; public options limited.

• Health: Drink bottled water; pack sunscreen, hats, and eye protection for Dead Sea.

• Budget: $150–300/day for family of 4 (excluding flights). Visas on arrival for most.

Jordan gave our family desert epics, floating giggles, ancient wonders, and meals we'll crave forever. It's more than Petra – it's a full-spectrum adventure. Ready to plan? Comment for personalized recs! 🌅🛁🏛️

PS - Don't forget, we offer customized trip itineraries built to your specifications! Trip length, destination, budget, family size, and preferences are all taken into account when designing your trip. Hotels, restaurant recommendations, things to do, what not to miss, interesting food dishes in that area and much more are included in your personalized itinerary. Click here for more information.