Preferred trade partner of Saudi Tourism Authority
Chat with us
Read latest news, guides and necessities about Hajj and Umrah.
The call to visit the sacred lands of Makkah and Madinah is a deeply personal one. But when you're a parent, that calling becomes intertwined with a beautiful responsibility—sharing this spiritual experience with your little ones. The thought of performing Umrah with children can feel both exciting and overwhelming. Will they manage the long flights? How will they cope with the crowds? What if they get tired during Tawaf?
For UK families, these questions are especially pressing. You're not just planning a holiday; you're planning a life-changing spiritual journey with your children. And the good news? Performing Umrah with children is not only possible—it can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
At LoveUmrah.com, we understand the unique joys and challenges of family travel. As an authorised trade partner of the Saudi Tourism Authority and an ATOL-protected travel specialist, we have helped countless UK families plan seamless pilgrimages. Our UK-based team of 35 dedicated consultants provides personalised support from booking to check-in, ensuring that your journey with children is as smooth and spiritually fulfilling as possible.
This is perhaps the most common question UK parents ask. While there is no specific age requirement, most families find that Umrah with children becomes easier when they are at least five to six years old. At this age, children can understand basic instructions, manage short walks, and remember the experience .
However, many families successfully perform Umrah with children as young as toddlers or even infants. The key is adjusting expectations. Infants and toddlers require more equipment, more patience, and more frequent breaks. But their presence adds a unique sweetness to the spiritual experience.
Pro Tip from LoveUmrah: We've found that families with children aged 4-12 enjoy the most balanced experience. Younger children are adaptable, and older children can actively participate in the rituals.
Before booking your packages for Umrah with children, take time to reflect on:
Your child's temperament – Are they patient? Do they cope well with crowds?
Your child's stamina – Can they walk short distances without getting overly tired?
Your support system – Will you have another adult to share childcare duties?
Your budget – Children may require extra costs like dedicated rooms, meals, and additional transport
When planning Umrah with children, it's essential to be honest about what you can manage. There's no shame in choosing a package that prioritises comfort over cost. At LoveUmrah, we offer tailored Umrah packages specifically designed for UK families, including flights, hotels, and private transfers.
Choosing the right travel dates is crucial when planning Umrah with children. UK families often prefer:
October to March – Cooler temperatures make walking and outdoor activities comfortable
December – School holidays allow children to travel without missing education
February half-term – Shorter breaks can accommodate a 7-day itinerary
Summer holidays (July-August) – If your children are off school, but be prepared for extreme heat
For families undertaking Umrah with children, a 10-14 day itinerary is often recommended over a shorter 5-7 day trip. This allows for rest days, a slower pace, and time to acclimatise.
LoveUmrah's Expert Advice: Avoid travelling during peak seasons like Ramadan or December school holidays if your children struggle with crowds. November and February offer a wonderful balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowd sizes.
When planning Umrah with children, the right hotel is not a luxury—it's a necessity. A family-friendly hotel can make the difference between a stressful trip and a peaceful one.
Family rooms or interconnecting rooms – Staying close to your children without feeling cramped
Proximity to the Haram – Shorter walking distances are a game-changer for tired little feet
Child-friendly dining – Hotels offering children's menus and halal-only food (all LoveUmrah hotels are alcohol-free with halal-only food)
Pools or play areas – A way for children to expend energy and have fun
Microwave and fridge access – Useful for storing baby food and snacks
At LoveUmrah, we handpick hotels that cater specifically to families:
Swissotel Makkah – Spacious family rooms and excellent proximity to the Haram
Fairmont Makkah – Luxury experience with family-friendly amenities
Hilton Suites Makkah – Apartment-style rooms ideal for larger families
Pullman ZamZam Makkah – Close to the Haram with dedicated family floors
Our direct hotel connections give us exclusive allotments, allowing us to offer competitive rates for Umrah with children packages that you won't find elsewhere.
For Umrah with children, consider:
Direct flights – From London, Manchester, or Birmingham to Jeddah or Madinah
Night flights – Children may sleep through most of the journey
Seat selection – Book early to secure seats together
Onboard entertainment – Bring tablets, books, and activities to keep them occupied
LoveUmrah offers ATOL-protected flight bookings, giving you peace of mind that your family's travel is fully protected.
When travelling with children, shared shuttles can become a nightmare—waiting, rushing, and handling luggage while managing kids. Private transfers are the far better option for Umrah with children. You control the timing, can make comfort stops, and avoid the stress of keeping up with a group.
At LoveUmrah, all our packages include private airport-to-hotel transfers with meet and greet service. Our drivers are experienced with families and can assist with luggage and car seats if required.
Tawaf can be challenging for children due to the crowds and continuous walking. Here's how to make it manageable:
Avoid peak times – Perform Tawaf early morning or late evening when crowds are thinner
Stay close to the edge – The outer circles are less crowded and easier to navigate
Use a pram or pushchair – Many families use lightweight strollers for younger children
Take breaks – Sit on the outer benches for a few minutes to rest
Involve older children – Let them carry water bottles or hold the phone with duas
LoveUmrah Tip: If your child becomes overwhelmed, consider completing the Umrah on another day. Remember, performing Umrah with children with patience and compassion is more meaningful than rushing through it.
Sa'i between Safa and Marwah is a 3-kilometre walk, which can be tiring for young legs:
Use the shaded pathways – The ground floor has a cooler, more comfortable route
Use wheelchair or pushchair services – Available at both ends
Break the walk into segments – Stop at the designated rest areas
Keep it interactive – Count the circuits together, or sing gentle duas
For families, the upper levels of the Sa'i corridor are often less crowded, making them a better choice for Umrah with children.
Preparing for Umrah with children requires thoughtful packing. Here's a checklist to ensure nothing is forgotten:
Lightweight, breathable Ihram (for adults) and comfortable clothes for children
Multiple changes of clothes (children get messy!)
Non-slip footwear for slippery mosque floors
Prayer clothes (for girls and women)
Warm layers for Madinah's cooler evenings
Children's paracetamol or ibuprofen
Plasters and antiseptic wipes
Insect repellent
Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes
Nappies and wipes (if travelling with babies)
Rehydration salts (for hot days)
Passports and visas (LoveUmrah provides visa assistance for UK residents)
Medical letters for any ongoing conditions
Travel insurance covering the whole family
Reusable water bottles (essential for staying hydrated)
Snacks (crackers, dates, fruit pouches)
Baby formula and bottles (if needed)
Colouring books and crayons
Small toys (avoid noisy ones that may disturb others)
Tablets with pre-loaded Islamic content and offline games
Children's Islamic books about Hajj and Umrah
One of the greatest gifts of Umrah with children is the opportunity to nurture their spiritual growth. Here's how:
Start early – Talk about the journey weeks in advance using children's books and videos
Explain the rituals – Use simple language to describe Tawaf, Sa'i, and the significance of the sacred sites
Make duas together – Teach them simple duas and encourage them to make their own
Involve them in practice – Practice wearing Ihram or praying together at home
Create a spiritual journal – Let older children document their experience and feelings
Many UK families report that children return from Umrah with children with a deeper connection to their faith that lasts for years.
Children will get tired—it's inevitable. Here's how to manage:
Build rest days into your itinerary – Don't try to do everything every day
Return to the hotel for naps – A midday break can work wonders
Set realistic expectations – Some days, only one prayer at the Haram may be achievable
The sheer scale of the Haram can be overwhelming for children:
Stay calm – Your anxiety will transfer to your child
Hold hands firmly – Establish a "holding hand" rule at all times
Use wristbands or ID cards – Include your hotel name and contact details
Agree on a meeting point – If you get separated, have a predetermined spot
Stay hydrated – Encourage children to drink water frequently
Monitor for heat exhaustion – Watch for symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or nausea
Carry a small first-aid kit – Include antihistamines, plasters, and basic medication
Know where the nearest medical facility is – Your hotel concierge can guide you
LoveUmrah.com is uniquely positioned to support UK families planning Umrah with children:
Direct hotel connections – We secure family-friendly rooms with exclusive allotments in Makkah and Madinah, bypassing middlemen to offer you the best rates
35 dedicated consultants – Our UK-based team provides personalised support from the moment you enquire until you return home
Transparent pricing – No hidden costs. What you see is what you get. Perfect for families watching their budget
24/7 WhatsApp support – If any issue arises during your journey, our team is available around the clock
Halal hotels – All our hotels serve halal-only food and maintain alcohol-free environments, giving you peace of mind
ATOL protection – All flight bookings are ATOL-protected, so your family's travel is fully secure
UK-focused – We understand British families, from school holiday schedules to the importance of family-friendly accommodation
As an authorised trade partner of the Saudi Tourism Authority, LoveUmrah ensures that your family's pilgrimage is both spiritually fulfilling and logistically seamless.
Planning Umrah with children is not always easy—but it is always worthwhile. Your children will not only witness the sacred sites of Islam but will also see you in a new light—as a parent leading them towards Allah.
Remember, the goal is not perfection. The goal is presence. If your child falls asleep during Tawaf, if they complain about the heat, or if they refuse to walk any further, that is okay. You are building memories that will shape their understanding of faith for a lifetime.
For UK families, the journey to Makkah and Madinah is a significant undertaking. But with the right planning, the right support, and a trusted partner like LoveUmrah, you can focus on what truly matters—nurturing your children's hearts and souls in the holiest places on earth.
Contact LoveUmrah today to begin planning your family pilgrimage. Let us handle the logistics while you create memories that will last a lifetime.
While there is no specific age requirement, most families find that children aged 5-12 can actively participate and remember the experience. However, many families successfully perform Umrah with infants and toddlers. The key is adjusting expectations and ensuring you have the right support in place.
Yes, pushchairs and prams are permitted during Tawaf and Sa'i. They can be a lifesaver for families with toddlers. However, be mindful of crowds, especially during peak times, and consider using lightweight, collapsible strollers that are easy to manoeuvre.
Absolutely. Hotels like Swissotel Makkah, Fairmont Makkah, and Hilton Suites offer family rooms, interconnecting rooms, and child-friendly dining options. At LoveUmrah, we have exclusive allotments in family-friendly hotels and can recommend the best options for your family's needs.
Bring a mix of Islamic and general entertainment: colouring books, small toys, tablets with downloaded Islamic content, and children's books about Hajj and Umrah. Involve them in the spiritual experience by teaching them simple duas and telling them stories of the Prophets.
While it is safe, crowds during peak seasons like Ramadan can be overwhelming for young children. If possible, plan your Umrah during quieter months like November or February. If you must travel during peak season, ensure your hotel is as close to the Haram as possible to minimise walking time.
For Umrah, the MenACWY (meningitis) vaccination is mandatory for all travellers, including children aged 2 and above. Consult your GP at least 4-6 weeks before travel to ensure all vaccinations are up to date. LoveUmrah provides visa assistance that includes guidance on vaccination requirements for UK families.
Establish a "holding hand" rule and agree on a meeting point before entering the Haram. Use wristbands or ID cards with your hotel name and contact details. If your child gets lost, instruct them to approach a security officer or a woman in a uniform. LoveUmrah's 24/7 support can also assist in coordinating with hotel staff and local authorities if needed.
Planning Umrah with children? Let LoveUmrah take the stress out of your family pilgrimage. Our UK-based team is ready to help you create a journey that your family will treasure forever. Visit LoveUmrah.com today to explore our family-friendly packages and begin planning your spiritual adventure.