Family-Friendly Activities to Do in Amman with Kids

Traveling to Amman with children can be a rewarding experience for the whole family. Jordan's capital offers a wealth of kid-friendly attractions and activities that combine fun with cultural and educational value. From interactive museums and expansive parks to ancient ruins and hands-on experiences, Amman provides plenty of opportunities to create lasting family memories. This guide highlights the best family-friendly activities in Amman, along with practical tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit with children of all ages.

Interactive Museums and Educational Attractions

The Children's Museum Jordan

Located in Al Hussein Public Parks, the Children's Museum Jordan is the premier destination for families visiting Amman. This world-class facility offers over 150 indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits designed to make learning fun for children aged 1-12.

• Highlights:
  • Flight simulation zone where kids can "pilot" an airplane
  • Construction area with real tools and materials
  • Art studio with daily creative workshops
  • Secret garden with environmental exhibits
  • Toddler area for children under 4
• Practical information:
  • Open Tuesday-Sunday (closed Mondays)
  • Plan for at least 2-3 hours to explore properly
  • On-site café with kid-friendly options
  • All exhibits have information in both Arabic and English

Royal Automobile Museum

Car-loving kids will be thrilled by this museum showcasing the late King Hussein's impressive collection of vehicles. From vintage classics to modern sports cars and military vehicles, the diverse collection appeals to visitors of all ages.

• Highlights:
  • Interactive driving simulators
  • Royal motorcycles and cars from different eras
  • Military vehicles children can climb into (on designated days)
  • Short films about automotive history
• Practical information:
  • Located in King Hussein Park
  • Allow 1-2 hours for your visit
  • Stroller-friendly with good accessibility

Jordan Museum

While not specifically designed for children, the Jordan Museum offers several exhibits that captivate young visitors, particularly those interested in archaeology and ancient history. The museum presents Jordan's cultural heritage in an accessible way.

• Kid-friendly highlights:
  • Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit
  • Ancient Ain Ghazal statues (some of the oldest human figures ever discovered)
  • Interactive timeline of Jordanian history
  • Traditional costume displays
• Tips for visiting with kids:
  • Focus on the archaeological sections which are most engaging for children
  • Use the museum's scavenger hunt sheets available at the entrance
  • Visit in the morning when children are typically more receptive to learning
  • Limit your visit to 1-1.5 hours to prevent museum fatigue

Outdoor Adventures and Parks

King Hussein Park

This expansive green space in west Amman is perfect for families seeking outdoor recreation. The park offers plenty of room for children to run and play, along with several specific attractions for families.

• Attractions within the park:
  • Cultural Village with traditional Jordanian architecture
  • Multiple playgrounds for different age groups
  • Bird sanctuary
  • Walking and cycling paths
  • Royal Automobile Museum (mentioned above)
• Practical information:
  • Bring a picnic or purchase snacks from vendors in the park
  • Most active in the late afternoon when local families gather
  • Shaded areas available for hot days
  • Free entry to the park itself (museums have separate entrance fees)

Al Hussein Public Parks

Located in the heart of Amman, these well-maintained parks offer multiple family-friendly attractions in one convenient location, including the Children's Museum mentioned above.

• Highlights:
  • Amusement park with rides suitable for various ages
  • Bird garden with exotic species
  • Large playground areas
  • Sports facilities including mini-golf
• Practical information:
  • Small entrance fee for the parks
  • Amusement rides require separate tickets
  • Busiest on weekends (Friday-Saturday in Jordan)
  • Food vendors and restaurants available throughout

Adventure Parks and Outdoor Activities

For families with energetic children or teenagers, Amman offers several adventure-focused attractions:

• Jungle Bungle - Indoor play center with climbing structures, ball pits, and slides for younger children
• Amman Waves - Water park with slides, pools, and splash areas (open seasonally)
• TEP (The Extreme Park) - Adventure park with zip lines, climbing walls, and obstacle courses for older children and teens
• Skate Park Amman - For skateboarding enthusiasts, located in 7th Circle area

Cultural Experiences for Families

Roman Theater and Citadel

Amman's ancient sites can be fascinating for children when approached with their interests in mind. These archaeological wonders offer space to explore and imagine life in ancient times.

• Making history engaging for kids:
  • At the Roman Theater, have children test the acoustics by whispering from the center stage
  • Play "I Spy" at the Citadel, looking for different architectural features
  • Bring a sketchbook for children to draw what they see
  • Tell stories about the people who might have lived there
• Practical information:
  • Visit in the morning to avoid midday heat
  • Wear comfortable shoes as there's considerable walking on uneven surfaces
  • The Citadel has steep sections that may be challenging for very young children
  • Consider hiring a guide who can make history come alive for children

Hands-On Cultural Workshops

Several organizations in Amman offer workshops where children can learn traditional crafts and skills:

• Beit Sitti Cooking Classes - Family cooking classes where children can learn to make traditional Jordanian dishes like falafel and baklava
• Jordan River Foundation - Occasional workshops in traditional handicrafts suitable for older children
• Naqsh Design House - Arabic calligraphy workshops where kids can learn to write their names in Arabic script
• Jadal for Knowledge and Culture - Various cultural activities including music and art workshops

Most workshops require advance booking and have minimum age requirements, so check before planning your visit.

Rainbow Street Exploration

This pedestrian-friendly street in Jabal Amman offers several attractions that appeal to families:

• Souk Jara (Fridays during summer) - Open-air market with crafts, food, and sometimes children's activities
• Al Pasha Turkish Bath - Some locations offer family sessions where children can experience a traditional (mild) hammam
• Specialty ice cream and dessert shops - Try Arabic ice cream with its unique elastic texture
• Street performers - Occasional musicians and artists, especially on weekend evenings

Shopping and Entertainment with Kids

Family-Friendly Malls

Amman's modern shopping malls offer climate-controlled environments with numerous entertainment options for children:

• Taj Mall:
  • Jungle Bungle indoor playground
  • Cinema showing international films (some in English)
  • Family-friendly restaurants with kids' menus
• Mecca Mall:
  • Fun City amusement center with arcade games and rides
  • Bowling alley
  • Large food court with diverse options
• Abdali Mall:
  • Kidz Zone play area
  • Regular children's events and activities
  • Open-air section for pleasant weather days

Souvenir Shopping for Kids

Help children find meaningful souvenirs that connect them to Jordanian culture:

• Jordan Craft Center - Quality handicrafts including child-sized traditional clothing and toys
• Wild Jordan Center Shop - Nature-themed gifts with proceeds supporting conservation
• Naqsh Design House - Modern items with Arabic calligraphy, including personalized name plaques
• Downtown souks - Inexpensive trinkets and treasures (adult supervision recommended due to crowds)

Family-Friendly Dining

Restaurants Kids Will Love

• Fakhreldin - Upscale Lebanese restaurant with garden seating and a welcoming attitude toward children
• Levant Restaurant - Traditional Jordanian food with a children's play area
• Blue Fig - International menu with dedicated kids' options and drawing materials provided
• Wild Jordan Cafe - Healthy options with a terrace where kids can move around
• Hashem Restaurant - Casual, authentic falafel restaurant where children can watch food being prepared

Food Experiences for Adventurous Young Eaters

Encourage culinary exploration with these kid-friendly Jordanian foods:

• Falafel - Crispy chickpea fritters that most children enjoy
• Hummus - Smooth chickpea dip perfect for dipping bread
• Knafeh - Sweet cheese pastry with syrup that appeals to most children's sweet tooth
• Shawarma - Thinly sliced grilled meat wrapped in bread (similar to tacos)
• Fresh fruit juices - Available at stands throughout the city

Practical Tips for Families Visiting Amman

Getting Around with Kids

• Taxis - Abundant and affordable; no car seats provided, so bring your own if needed
• Ride-sharing apps - Uber and Careem operate in Amman and allow you to request larger vehicles
• Walking - Many attractions in specific neighborhoods are walkable, but be aware of Amman's hilly terrain and limited sidewalks
• Public buses - Generally not recommended for tourists with children due to crowding and limited information

Health and Safety

• Sun protection - Amman's elevation means intense sun; bring hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses
• Water - Carry bottled water; tap water is generally safe but has a mineral taste children may dislike
• Medical facilities - Excellent private hospitals with English-speaking staff; keep your travel insurance information handy
• Pharmacies - Well-stocked and numerous; pharmacists often speak English and can recommend medications for minor ailments

Cultural Considerations

• Child-friendly culture - Jordanians adore children and will often interact with your kids
• Modest dress - While children have more flexibility, it's respectful for older children to dress modestly in more conservative areas
• Timing considerations - During Ramadan, plan activities around iftar (breaking of the fast) when many venues become busy
• Photography - Ask permission before photographing local children

Sample Family-Friendly Itineraries

One-Day Itinerary with Young Children (Ages 3-8)

• Morning: Children's Museum Jordan (2-3 hours)
• Lunch: Wild Jordan Cafe with city views
• Afternoon: King Hussein Park for outdoor play
• Dinner: Blue Fig with kid-friendly menu

One-Day Itinerary with Older Children (Ages 9-14)

• Morning: Citadel and Roman Theater exploration
• Lunch: Hashem Restaurant for authentic falafel experience
• Afternoon: Royal Automobile Museum followed by TEP Adventure Park
• Dinner: Rainbow Street for casual dining and people-watching

Amman offers a wonderful blend of educational opportunities, cultural experiences, and pure fun for families traveling with children. The city's family-friendly atmosphere, combined with Jordan's legendary hospitality toward children, makes it an ideal destination for travelers seeking to introduce their kids to a different culture in a safe and welcoming environment. By balancing historical exploration with interactive museums and outdoor activities, families can create a memorable Jordanian adventure that appeals to all ages.