Taking children to ancient ruins might sound like a recipe for boredom-induced tantrums, but Petra isn’t your average archaeological site.
This ancient city, carved into rose-coloured cliffs, sparks imagination in ways that history books never could.
From secret caves to hidden staircases, Petra transforms into the world’s most spectacular natural playground for young adventurers.
Before You Go: Setting the Scene
After sorting out your Jordan Pass, it is time to get the whole family pumped for the adventure! Get your junior explorers excited about their adventure by watching ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ as a family.
While Indy’s version of Petra might be Hollywood-enhanced, the real Treasury is no less impressive. The Royal Geographic Society’s children’s guide to Petra offers excellent background material for school-aged kids, mixing history with fun facts about ancient Nabataean life.
Timing Your Visit Just Right
Early mornings work best with children. Not only will you avoid the worst of the desert heat, but you’ll also experience the magical moment when the sun first hits the Treasury’s facade. The site is typically quietest between 6:30 and 8:30 AM, making it ideal if you are travelling with kids or even pets who might get overwhelmed by many other visitors and scorching temperatures.
Kid-Friendly Highlights
The walk through the Siq (the narrow canyon leading to Petra) becomes an adventure when you turn it into a game. Look for ancient water channels carved into the walls – they’re evidence of the Nabataeans’ engineering skills. Children can count the number of niches they spot or search for carved camel caravans in the rock walls.
While the 800-step climb to the Monastery sounds daunting, breaking it into segments makes it manageable for children over eight. Local Bedouin shops along the way offer perfect rest stops where kids can watch traditional weaving or sample Bedouin tea.
The massive facades of the Royal Tombs also become more engaging when children learn they were ancient people’s homes for their afterlife. Let them spot different patterns and symbols carved into the rock – it’s like a giant archaeological I-Spy game.
Planning Your Day
Children typically manage 3 to 4 hours of exploration before energy levels dip, so strategic planning makes all the difference. The Petra Map and Guide recommends starting your day early at the Treasury when the morning light creates a magical atmosphere and temperatures remain pleasant.
From there, make your way to the Royal Tombs before the midday heat sets in. A well-timed lunch break at the Basin Restaurant offers a chance to rest and refuel in the heart of the ancient city. For the early afternoon, families can choose between two excellent options depending on their energy levels and interests.
The ambitious might tackle the Monastery climb, while others may prefer a gentler exploration of the Colonnaded Street with its fascinating merchant stalls and ancient pavements. This flexible afternoon schedule allows families to adapt their plans based on their children’s stamina and interest levels throughout the day.
Making Learning Fun
Archaeological Adventure Games
Create simple scavenger hunts using features found throughout Petra. The Jordanian Department of Antiquities provides educational materials that can be adapted into games suitable for different age groups.
Local Connections
Encourage children to interact with Bedouin families who still live in the area. Many operate small shops where they demonstrate traditional crafts. These encounters offer authentic cultural experiences and teach children about modern life in Petra.
Rest and Refuel
The site includes several rest areas and restaurants. The Basin Restaurant, located in the heart of Petra, offers child-friendly menu options. Local cafes serve fresh juice and ice cream – perfect rewards for young adventurers.
Little Petra
Often overlooked, Little Petra offers a more intimate experience for families. Children can explore Nabataean houses and water systems without large crowds. The site takes about an hour to visit and provides excellent hands-on learning opportunities.
Evening Activities
The Petra by Night show, while starting late for very young children, creates unforgettable memories for families with older kids. The candlelit Siq and traditional Bedouin music offer a magical experience.
Cultural Learning and Respect
Teaching children to respect local customs transforms a simple sightseeing trip into a valuable cultural education. Start by explaining the importance of modest dress in Jordanian culture – this opens conversations about different cultural practices around the world.
Also encourage children to ask permission before taking photos of local people, teaching them about privacy and respect in different cultures. Supporting local businesses becomes a lesson in community economics, while learning basic Arabic greetings helps children understand the value of communication across language barriers.
These cultural lessons blend naturally with Petra’s rich educational opportunities. The ancient city becomes a living classroom where children discover engineering marvels in the water conservation systems that kept the city thriving in the desert.
They’ll learn about desert ecology as they observe how ancient builders worked with the natural landscape, and how modern conservationists protect these historical treasures. The site’s position on historical trade routes offers fascinating insights into ancient commerce, while the preservation efforts visible throughout Petra demonstrate the ongoing work of protecting our global heritage. Each step through the ancient city provides opportunities to connect past and present, making history tangible for young minds.
Making Memories Last
Help your children preserve their Petra adventure through creative documentation of their journey. A travel journal becomes a treasured keepsake where they can write down their observations, feelings, and discoveries throughout the day.
Encourage them to pause at beautiful viewpoints to draw what they see – their artistic interpretations often capture details adults might miss. Photography offers another way to document their unique perspective of the ancient city, whether they’re zooming in on interesting rock formations or capturing the grandeur of the Treasury. Round out their collection of memories with carefully chosen souvenirs from local artisans, just be sure to check which items are permitted to be taken from the site. Years later, these personal records will help them relive their day as junior explorers in Rose City.
Closing Thoughts
Remember, exploring Petra with children isn’t about ticking off every site on the map. It’s about inspiring young minds with the wonder of ancient engineering, the beauty of natural rock formations, and the rich culture of Jordan’s people. Take it slow, follow your children’s interests, and watch as history comes alive through their eyes!
