If you’re a parent, the thought of performing Umrah with kids can feel both exciting and overwhelming. On one hand, it’s a dream to take your little ones to Makkah and Madinah — to let them see the Ka’bah, drink Zamzam, and walk in the footsteps of the Prophets. On the other hand… we know what travel with children can be like: snacks everywhere, meltdowns mid-flight, and endless “Are we there yet?”
But here’s the good news: with the right preparation, Umrah with kids can be one of the most rewarding family experiences of your life. It’s not just about the rituals — it’s about planting seeds of imaan in their hearts that can last forever.
In this guide, I’ll share practical tips, activities, and resources (including my Umrah Activity Pack for Kids) to make your trip smoother, more educational, and full of barakah.
Watch my YouTube video about Nabeelah’s first flight to Umrah with your kids here!
🌟 Why Take Kids for Umrah?
Many parents wonder if it’s “worth it” to bring their children. After all, little kids won’t fully understand everything yet. But here’s why I believe it’s an incredible opportunity:
- Early exposure: Kids absorb the atmosphere of Makkah and Madinah in ways that surprise us. Even if they don’t remember every detail, the sights and sounds leave a deep impression.
- Family bonding: Performing ibadah together strengthens family ties. Imagine your child holding your hand as you make tawaf around the Ka’bah — priceless.
- Teaching through experience: Instead of just telling them about Zamzam water, they get to experience it firsthand. Instead of reading about Safa and Marwah, they actually walk the path.
Umrah with kids isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.
✈️ Preparing for the Journey
Preparation is everything when you’re traveling with children. Here are a few must-do’s before you fly:
- Pack smart: Bring lightweight ihram clothes, plenty of snacks, small toys, and comfort items like blankets or plushies.
- Teach the basics: Use simple stories, videos, or activity packs to explain what Umrah is. Kids do better when they know what to expect.
- Plan for rest: Kids get tired quickly, especially with long flights and heat. Don’t over-schedule — allow downtime.
👉 Pro Tip: I created an Airplane Activity Pack for Muslim Kids to keep little ones entertained and calm during flights. It includes colouring, puzzles, duas, and even airplane etiquette!
🕋 Teaching the Steps of Umrah to Kids
Explaining Umrah to children can be fun if you break it down into simple steps. Here’s a kid-friendly way to put it:
- Ihram – “Special white clothes and making niyyah.”
- Tawaf – “Walking around the Ka’bah 7 times, saying Bismillah and making duas.”
- Sa’i – “Walking between Safa and Marwah like Hajar (RA).”
- Halq/Taqsir – “Boys shave/cut their hair, girls trim a little.”
🎒 Activities to Keep Kids Engaged
Children need both structure and fun, even on a spiritual trip. That’s why I designed the Umrah Activity Pack for Kids (50+ pages) — it mixes learning with entertainment.
Some activities inside include:
- Word Searches & Puzzles – fun brain games with an Islamic twist
- “Did You Know?” Fact Sheets – bite-sized Umrah knowledge for kids
- Fill-in-the-Blank Activities – test what they’ve learned
- Colouring Pages – Ka’bah, Masjid al-Haram & more
- Activity Sheets – mazes, spot the difference, cut & glue
- Boarding Pass & Travel Fun – role-play airplane games
- Umrah Certificate – reward your child for completing their journey
This way, kids feel involved and proud — not restless or bored.
💡 Practical Tips for Parents During Umrah
- Keep it short and sweet: Don’t expect long ibadah sessions with young children. Short visits to the Haram often work best.
- Take shifts with your spouse: One prays inside while the other keeps kids engaged outside, then swap.
- Bring a stroller or baby carrier: Makkah has long walks — your back will thank you.
- Chewing gum during take-off & landing: Helps with ear pressure if flying with toddlers.
- Teach plane manners early: No kicking seats, keep voices low, smile at passengers.
🌙 Making the Experience Spiritual
Even with the chaos of parenting, remember the main goal: to connect your child’s heart to Allah.
- Whisper duas in their ear while making tawaf.
- Point out the Ka’bah and say “This is the house of Allah.”
- Encourage them to say small adhkaar like SubhanAllah or Alhamdulillah.
Kids may not understand every ritual — but they’ll understand love, sincerity, and the beauty of being close to Allah.
🏡 After Returning Home
The journey doesn’t end when you land. Keep the memory alive by:
- Printing their Umrah Certificate from the Umrah Activity Pack and hanging it in their room.
- Encouraging them to share what they learned with friends or at school.
This helps your child feel proud of their ibadah and continue the lessons back home.
✈️ Book your Umrah trip here:
🌍 Cheap Flights:-
Trip
Hotellook
Family-Friendly Hotels in Makkah (Near Masjid al-Haram)
Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower
A top-tier option right beside Masjid al-Haram. It offers spacious family suites, play areas, and multiple dining options—perfect for families seeking luxury and ease. Source: Alamanah Travels
Book on Trip Here
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Swissotel Makkah
Just 100 meters from the Haram, this elegant hotel offers family-friendly services, plush rooms, and easy prayer access. Source: Accurate Travels
Book on Trip.com Here
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Raffles Makkah Palace
Luxury at its finest—large suites with Kaaba views, butler service, and serene lounges inside the Abraj Al-Bait complex. Source: Haramain Renter / Accurate Travels.com
Book on Trip.com Here
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Pullman ZamZam Makkah
A midrange favorite with spacious family rooms, an on-site restaurant, and great proximity—about 100 meters from the Haram. Source: Umrah Services / Accurate Travels.com
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Hilton Suites Makkah
About 150 meters from the Haram, offering family suites, prayer-friendly facilities, and plenty of dining options. Source: Accurate Travels
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Elaf Kinda Hotel
Just a few minutes’ walk away, with generous family rooms, good value, and direct tunnel access to the Haram. Source: Al Meiraj Hajj And Umrah Services / Travel Myth
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Al Safwah Royale Orchid Hotel
Only 4 minutes away and often praised for clean, spacious family rooms and breakfast with Arabic and Indian cuisine—ideal for multi-generational groups. Source: Al Meiraj Hajj And Umrah Services
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Family-Friendly Hotels in Medina (Near Masjid an-Nabawi)
Saja Al Madinah
About 300 meters from Masjid an Nabawi, known for spacious family rooms, concierge services, and a halaal buffet. Source: madinahhotels.net
Book on Trip Here
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Sofitel Shāhd Al Madinah
A luxury choice, just steps from the mosque. Elegant rooms, family suites, and top-notch service make it a popular pick. Source: madinahhotels.net
Book on Trip Here
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Dar Al Hijra InterContinental
Located very close to the mosque plaza. Offers family amenities, restaurants, and reliable hospitality.
Book on Trip Here
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Madinah Hilton Hotel
Situated opposite Masjid an Nabawi. Offers family-oriented accommodation, dining, and great location.
Book on Trip Here
Dar Al Taqwa Hotel
Minutes from the mosque with a tea garden, room service, and easy access—great for families wanting proximity and comfort.
Book on Trip Here
Book on Hotellook Here
Traveller Tips from Reddit
- Makkah visitors often recommend Ibrahim Khalil Road for flatter, stroller-friendly walks. Avoid the steep slopes around Ajyad gate if traveling with older adults or little ones. Source: Reddit
- Medina visitors prefer hotels like Dallah Taiba or Saja Al Madinah, especially for easy access to the women’s gate and close proximity to the mosque. Source: Reddit
| City | Hotel Name | Distance | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah | Fairmont Clock Royal Tower | Adjacent | Premium suites, play areas |
| Swissotel Makkah | ~100 m | Elegant, family services | |
| Raffles Makkah Palace | ~50 m | Luxury, butler service | |
| Pullman ZamZam | ~100 m | Midrange, family rooms | |
| Hilton Suites Makkah | ~150 m | Prayer-friendly, spacious suites | |
| Elaf Kinda Hotel | Few min walk | Value, family suites, tunnel access | |
| Al Safwah Royale Orchid Hotel | ~4 min | Spacious, buffet options | |
| Medina | Saja Al Madinah | ~300 m | Concierge, halal buffet |
| Sofitel Shāhd Al Madinah | Steps away | Luxury, family suites | |
| Dar Al Hijra InterContinental | At plaza | Restaurants, family facilities | |
| Madinah Hilton Hotel | Opposite the mosque | Comfortable, familiar brand | |
| Dar Al Taqwa Hotel | Minutes away | Tea garden, very close proximity |
🛍️ Recommended Resources for Parents
Here are some resources I personally recommend (affiliate links included):
✈️ Airplane Activities & Travel Essentials
- 🎧 Noise-Cancelling Kids Headphones – https://amzn.to/4m5LBiT
- Kids Writing Tablet
- Flushable Toilet Seat Cover
- Mess Free Painting
- Kids Tracker
- Kids Leash
📘 Printable Activity Packs by FG Designs
Performing Umrah with kids is more than just travel — it’s planting the seeds of faith in their little hearts. With patience, preparation, and engaging activities, you can turn the trip into an experience they’ll remember for life.
Your children may forget the flights, the hotel, or the heat… but they’ll never forget the feeling of standing with you before the Ka’bah. 💛
So take them along, guide them gently, and watch as their love for Allah grows.
