Jerash, a historical site of a Roman empire trade center, is a fantastic experience for families visiting Jordan. There is something for everybody here, with plenty of room to run and ramble, plenty of history to learn, and easy to access.
In short – Jerash rocks!
Our Visit
We did not hire a guide for this site, as we wanted to take our time and allow our kids to dictate some of the experience. But there are plenty of guides for hire that speak many languages that you can hire next to Hadrian’s Arch. My husband and I are Roman Empire history buffs. We had just finished the podcast series History of Rome (all 179 episodes) and we were dying to see Rome. So until our Rome trip, Jerash would have to substitute. And what a substitute it was!
Forum with Oval Colonnade
The Amphitheater.
This was cool but a bit strange too. On the stage area was a group dressed in Bedouin/Arab costumes, playing the drums and bagpipes. Hmmmm… well anyways, the kids loved climbing up the steep stones steps and seats while I watched on terrified.
The forum
Jerash Rocks! Literally, there are lots of rocks.
Do your kids love climbing over rocks?
Easy Visit.
Jerash is very easy to visit. One nice surprise was that it was not crowded – Hurray! For families I recommend going early to be there as soon as gates open (9 am for us). There is parking right outside Hadrian’s Gate.
Hadrian’s Gate – Guides for hire found here
A big site – be ready to walk
This is a very big site and you could spend all day here if you wanted to. Prepare for some walking. We brought a jogging stroller with us plus a baby carrier. The stroller did
well on the main paths, but had to be left behind when we wanted to climb up into places. There were bathrooms and a place to buy drinks and souvenirs by the entrance gate.
Jogging stroller in Jerash
Did you visit Jerash? What advice would you give to families traveling there? Don’t be shy –
let me know in the comments.
For more information on our trip to Jordan with Kids, see my posts:
– Jordan with Kids – Yes You Can Do It!
– Petra with Kids – Walk, Climb, Ride, Nap
– Camping in Wadi Rum with Kids
– Trading in the Roman Forum – Jerash Educational
– Camel Crafts for Kids
