Visiting Petra is an unforgettable experience for adults — but for young children, the long walk through the canyon can feel… very long. The good news? With a bit of imagination, the journey becomes an adventure in itself.
At Mini Travel Book, we believe that traveling with kids is not about rushing to the destination, but about transforming every step into a playful discovery. Here are some easy, screen-free ideas to keep kids engaged while visiting Petra, especially along the famous Siq.
1. The Walk Through the Siq (about 40 minutes)
The visit starts with a long walk through the Siq, a narrow canyon with towering rock walls. This is the longest part of the visit — and the most important one to turn into a game.
🪨 Rock Shape Guessing Game
Invite your child to look closely at the rocks and ask:
- “What do you see here?”
- “Does this look like a monster, a camel, or a sleeping giant?”
Take turns inventing names and stories:
- The Friendly Sand Monster
- The Dragon Guarding Petra
- The Camel King of the Canyon
This simple game makes kids walk much longer without even realizing it.
🔍 Petra Treasure Hunt (No Paper Needed)
Turn the walk into a mini scavenger hunt. Ask your child to spot:
- A rock that looks like an animal
- A heart shape in the stone
- Three different colors in the canyon walls
- A carved detail made by humans
- Paw prints in the sand (cats, donkeys, camels)
You can make it cooperative (“Let’s find them together”) or playful (“Who finds it first?”).
🧭 Become Little Explorers
Explain that Petra was hidden for hundreds of years and rediscovered like a secret treasure. Give your child a mission:
- Pretend to lead the group
- Watch for clues carved in the rock
- Announce discoveries out loud (“I found a tomb!”)
Suddenly, the walk feels purposeful — not tiring.
2. The Big Reveal: The Treasury
After about 40 minutes, the canyon opens and suddenly reveals the Treasury. This moment is magical for kids — especially if they have “earned” it through play.
- Let them describe what they see
- Compare it to a palace or a fairy-tale castle
- Take photos and enjoy the moment
3. Facade Area: Break Time (Very Important with Kids!)
Just after the Treasury, you reach a more open area with:
- 🚻 Toilets
- 🧴 Small shops where you can buy water and drinks
This is the perfect moment to take a break before continuing. You can also play a counting game and ask your kids to count how many Jordanian flags they see.
4. The Tombs: A Great Stopping Point with Kids
After the facade area, you’ll reach several tombs carved into the rock. This is an ideal place to continue exploring with children without going too far.
Fun ideas at the tombs
- Look for stairs carved into the rock and guess where they lead
- Play with echoes inside the tombs by clapping or whispering
- Observe details, doors, and carvings up close
For many families, this is a perfect place to stop and head back. Beyond this point, the other Petra sites are much further away and involve long walks and steep stairs.
🐫 Optional Fun Along the Way
Kids will likely notice donkeys and camels along the path. You can take photos with them or choose a short ride. These are optional and paid activities, but they can be a fun reward for tired little legs.
Travel Tips for Parents
- Go early in the morning for cooler temperatures
- Bring water, hats, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes
- Take breaks often — Petra is not a race
Make Petra a Memory They’ll Never Forget
With a bit of imagination, Petra becomes more than a historical site — it becomes a living story your child helped create.
And if you want to extend the magic before, during, and after your trip, the Mini Travel Book in Jordan is designed to turn Petra into a playful adventure your kids will remember long after the journey ends.
Happy exploring!
