Mongolia is a wonderful destination for adventurous families. Children love sleeping in gers, riding gentle Mongolian horses, meeting golden eagles and playing with nomad kids, and Mongolians adore children. The challenges are long drives, basic facilities and distance from medical care. Ages 6–12 and teenagers tend to get the most out of a trip. Fly long distances, travel in summer, choose a private tour and keep the pace slow.
Key Takeaways
- Best ages: 6–12 and teenagers, though younger children are possible on shorter trips
- Kids love: gers, horse and camel rides, golden eagles, nomad children, Naadam
- Plan slow: fewer places, more nights in each, and fly long distances
- Best season: June to August
- Health: check vaccines, teach kids not to pet dogs, pack a children’s first-aid kit
- Bring: car or booster seats if needed. They are rare in Mongolian vehicles.
Sleeping in a round felt tent, riding horses across endless grass, watching a real golden eagle land on a hunter’s arm, playing with nomad children who have never seen a tablet: Mongolia can be the trip your kids talk about for the rest of their lives. It also demands more planning than a beach holiday. This guide explains how to make Mongolia work for kids and parents alike.
Is Mongolia suitable for children?
Yes, for adventurous families. Mongolians love children, and kids open doors everywhere. Nomad families will welcome yours instantly. The challenges are long drives, basic facilities and distance from medical care. With the right pace and a good operator, these are easy to manage.
Best age for a Mongolia trip
- Under 5: possible, but long drives and the lack of facilities can be tough. Best for a shorter trip near Ulaanbaatar.
- 6–12: the sweet spot. Old enough to ride, hike short distances and remember everything.
- Teenagers: ideal for treks, horse riding and photography, and for disconnecting from screens.
Things kids love in Mongolia
Sleeping in a ger
The round felt tent with a stove in the middle feels like a fairytale. See Ger camps in Mongolia.
Meeting golden eagles
In Bayan-Ölgii, children can meet Kazakh eagle hunters and see their eagles up close (with the hunter’s guidance). Many kids are amazed to learn that some eagle hunters are only teenagers themselves. See How a Kazakh child becomes an eagle hunter.
Horse and camel rides
Mongolian horses are small and calm, perfect for beginners when led by a herder. Camel rides are a hit too. Read Horse riding tips for beginners.
Playing with nomad children
No common language needed: football, chasing lambs, knucklebone games (shagai) and helping with milking.
Wildlife spotting
Marmots, eagles, vultures, gazelles, yaks and camels. Kids make great wildlife spotters.
Festivals
Naadam in July (horse racing with child jockeys, wrestling and archery) and the Golden Eagle Festival in October are unforgettable for children. See Naadam in Bayan-Ölgii.
Planning tips for families
- Go slower: plan fewer places and more nights in each. Avoid back-to-back long drive days.
- Fly long distances: fly from Ulaanbaatar to Ulgii instead of driving for days.
- Choose summer: June to August is warmest and greenest. Nights are still cold.
- Private tour: lets you set the pace, stop when kids need a break and include family-friendly activities.
- Short treks: pick day hikes or horse-supported walks rather than long multi-day treks at altitude.
Health and safety
- Check vaccines with a travel clinic. Rabies awareness is important, so teach children not to pet dogs.
- Bring a well-stocked first-aid kit including children’s medicines, rehydration salts and sunscreen.
- Carry hand sanitiser and wet wipes. Running water is rare in the countryside.
- Bring car seats or booster seats if your children need them. They’re uncommon in Mongolian vehicles.
- Get travel insurance with medical evacuation cover.
- Altitude: keep children’s itineraries at moderate elevations and ascend gradually.
Food for picky eaters
Rural food is simple: meat, noodles, rice, potatoes, bread and dairy. Many kids love bauyrsaq (fried dough) and khuushuur (fried meat pastries). Pack familiar snacks from home or Ulaanbaatar supermarkets for tough days. See Kazakh food in Mongolia.
Packing for kids
- Warm layers, even in summer, plus a warm sleeping bag
- Waterproof jacket and sturdy shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Headtorch, books, card games and a small toy or two
- Small gifts for nomad children (pencils, notebooks, balls)
A sample family trip in western Mongolia (7 days)
- Day 1: Fly to Ulgii. Short town walk.
- Days 2–3: Stay with an eagle hunter family, with horse rides and eagle time.
- Days 4–5: Khoton Lake, camping, short hikes, Tuvan family visit.
- Day 6: Return to Ulgii via petroglyph sites.
- Day 7: Fly back to Ulaanbaatar.
We design private family trips at a child-friendly pace, with gentle activities, trusted host families and plenty of downtime. See our nomad homestay tour or tell us about your family.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mongolia good for kids?
Yes, for families who like adventure. Children are welcomed everywhere, and activities like ger stays, horse rides and meeting eagle hunters are unforgettable. Plan a slower pace with fewer long drives.
What is the best age to take children to Mongolia?
Many families find ages 6–12 the sweet spot. Teenagers are ideal for treks and horse riding. Under-fives are possible on shorter, gentler itineraries.
Is it safe for children to ride horses in Mongolia?
Mongolian horses are small and generally calm. Beginners, including children, should ride led by an experienced herder and wear a helmet, which you may need to bring from home.
What should families pack for Mongolia?
Warm layers even in summer, a waterproof jacket, sun protection, a children’s first-aid kit, familiar snacks, books and games, and small gifts for nomad children.
Suggested Tours:
Suggested Blogs:
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