Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Roman Theatre
Activity
🕑 1.5 to 2 hours including time to explore the amphitheater and both small museums👶 Best for ages 8 and up. Older children and teens who enjoy history, archaeology, or ancient civilizations will appreciate the scale and significance of this site. Younger children may find it less engaging unless they've been introduced to Roman history beforehand, though they often enjoy climbing the steep steps.
About
The Roman Theatre is a spectacular 6,000-seat amphitheater built in the 2nd century AD that brings ancient history to life in the heart of downtown Amman. Kids with an interest in history or archaeology will be fascinated by the well-preserved structure, the chance to stand where Roman audiences once sat, and the small museums housed within the site that showcase traditional Jordanian culture and artifacts.
Highlights
- ✓Climbing the 44 rows of steep stone seating to the top for sweeping views of Amman and the citadel
- ✓Testing the incredible acoustics by having kids stand on the stage while parents listen from the upper rows
- ✓Exploring the Folklore Museum with traditional Jordanian costumes, jewelry, and everyday objects that help kids imagine life in centuries past
- ✓The Museum of Popular Traditions showcasing embroidered garments and cultural artifacts in another vault within the complex
- ✓Photo opportunities throughout this remarkably preserved 2,000-year-old structure that still hosts occasional cultural events
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit early morning (8-9am) before tour groups arrive and while temperatures are cooler, especially important during summer months when the stone amphitheater offers little shade.
- 2.Wear comfortable shoes with good grip as the ancient stone steps can be steep and uneven. Let kids burn energy by climbing to the top rows for fantastic panoramic views of Amman.
- 3.The Folklore Museum and Museum of Popular Traditions are included with your ticket and located within the theatre complex, providing air-conditioned relief and cultural context that helps kids understand daily life in Jordan's history.
- 4.Bring Jordanian Dinars in cash as card payment is not always reliable at the ticket booth. Keep your ticket as it grants entry to all three sites (theatre plus both museums).
- 5.Download photos of other Roman amphitheaters beforehand to show kids how this connects to the broader Roman Empire, making it more meaningful than just old stairs.
Best Time to Visit
Visit during spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) for pleasant weather. Arrive right at opening time (8am in summer, 8:30am in winter) on weekdays to avoid crowds and heat. Avoid Friday mornings when many locals visit after prayers.
What to Know
Entry costs 2 JD for adults and 1 JD for children (though prices may vary for non-Jordanians without a Jordan Pass). The site involves significant stair climbing and is not wheelchair accessible. No food is sold on-site, so bring water and snacks.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, but summer months (June to August) can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F) and no shade in the amphitheater. Winter can be surprisingly cold and occasionally rainy. Spring and fall offer ideal weather for exploration. The site occasionally closes for special cultural events or performances.
Nearby Eats
Hashem Restaurant, a beloved Amman institution just a 5-minute walk away, serves inexpensive and delicious falafel, hummus, and foul in a casual setting perfect for families. For a sit-down meal with more variety, Al Quds Restaurant nearby offers traditional Jordanian dishes including kid-friendly grilled meats and rice dishes.
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