An active family holiday in Jordan

From exciting camel safaris through the desert and bobbing in the buoyant Dead Sea to Indiana Jones-style adventure at Petra and exploring crusader castles, holidays to Jordan are perfectly suited to family fun and adventure. It's not the most obvious family destination, but travel in Jordan is a rewarding experience for young and old alike. There are plenty of hotels catering for children, some with kids clubs to keep your children entertained so you can take time to totally relax.

Family fun

Forget theme parks, there's no shortage of exciting and authentic family adventures to be had in Jordan. The country's number one attraction, the ancient rock-hewn city of Petra, is an awesome sight that will stay with you forever. The Treasury's stunning façade is featured in the classic adventure film, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Watch the film with your children before you go and get ready to set off on your very own voyage of discovery.

Next on the list of fun activities for the whole family is a visit to the ancient Roman city of Jerash in northern Jordan. The city's amazingly well-preserved ruins include an oval plaza surrounded by impressive columns – the ideal stage for your children to re-enact gladiator battles while you marvel at the centuries-old squares, baths, fountains and theatres.

Water babies will find much to like about Jordan too. In the south, the Red Sea resort of Aqaba has a clutch of family-friendly hotels right on the beach. With warm, clear and calm waters and a gently shelving shoreline, Aqaba's sandy beaches are ideal for families. A range of watersports are available in the resort, but the real stars of the show lie underwater. Donning a mask, fins and snorkel and exploring the coastal coral reefs is an absolute must. You and your children will be amazed at the colourful array of subtropical marine life existing in this sub-aquatic garden, from clown fish and turtles to parrotfish and starfish.

For an altogether different aquatic experience, head to the Dead Sea. The world's lowest saltwater lake is so mineral-rich that it is impossible to sink. The buoyancy of the water makes for a strange and unexpected experience that kids find enthralling – it is possible to float in the water holding a drink or even reading a book.
Adventurous families looking to get immersed in the moon-like landscape of Jordan's southern desert should not miss the chance to take a camel safari, visit a local Bedouin camp and even sleep under the stars. Families with younger children can also opt for a safari in the comfort of a four-by-four, though exploring on camel-back is by far the more exciting option. If your family are happy to camp, there's desert accommodation offering varying degrees of comfort and a night spent here is rewarded with spectacular star-gazing that's difficult to match.

Family-friendly hotels in Jordan

If you are heading to the Dead Sea region, you will find a number of hotels geared towards families and children. One of the best is the Dead Sea Spa Hotel, which features an aqua fun centre and swimming pools customised for families, with water slides and a mushroom shower.

For a mix of five-star luxury and excellent children's facilities on the beautiful shores of the Red Sea, the Intercontinental Hotel Aqaba is highly recommended. The Kids Club is open daily from 9am to 6pm and activities include face painting, water and beach games, themed parties and much more. So there's plenty to keep your children busy if you want to relax in the sun.