Experience History: Top Activities for Kids in Egypt

As a group of Luxor children piled onto a tractor-trailer, they engaged in lively conversation with a couple of European retirees. 'We're learning English,' the youngest proclaimed, unbothered by the absence of formal introductions. A flurry of questions followed: 'Where are you from? Do you like Luxor? How many children do you have?'

Undeterred by the fact that the couple’s children were now adults, the oldest child chimed in, 'Where are they? Why aren’t they with you?' Leaving the question unanswered, the kids dashed off to the weekly Talaat market, eager to locate their own parents among the stalls filled with tomatoes and giant cabbages.

In Egypt, where over half the population is under 25, family is at the heart of daily life. The importance of being with family members is so ingrained that for many Egyptians, the idea of vacationing without them is simply unimaginable, regardless of age. This creates an immediate connection for visitors traveling with kids.

Indeed, for those open to having their children embraced and fussed over, every journey in Egypt becomes more memorable through the interactions that kids inspire, enhancing the warm welcome families receive.

Visiting Egypt with kids can be challenging, but the rewards are immense.

Navigating large crowds, long waits, intense summer heat, and limited shade can be tough in Egypt, particularly for young children who are more susceptible to sunburn and heat-related issues. Additionally, parents face obstacles like uneven terrain for strollers and a scarcity of clean public restrooms—or none at all.

Fortunately, these hurdles can be mitigated by traveling outside the summer months and peak tourist seasons, mixing indoor and outdoor activities, packing essentials like hats, reusable water bottles, and mosquito nets, and knowing where to purchase a Cairo Pass or Luxor Pass to skip the lines.

So, is it worth the effort? A trip to Egypt provides unparalleled, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. School lessons often touch on ancient history, so getting up close to a pyramid or exploring the tomb of a pharaoh is a remarkable way to bring history to life. Experiencing genuine hospitality in an Islamic nation can also help dispel negative stereotypes about the Middle East and foster lasting friendships across cultural boundaries.

The Red Sea coast of Egypt is particularly ideal for a family beach getaway, featuring excellent amenities for learning activities like snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing, while older children can discover that the desert is far from empty through adventures with the Bedouin.

Decide your destinations – avoid attempting to explore all of Egypt in one trip.

Egypt's major attractions are family-friendly, but it's important not to try to see them all at once! Being selective is crucial. Rather than attempting to pack too much into one visit (which can lead to cultural fatigue), it's wiser to focus on two or three locations that offer diverse experiences.

A trip to Cairo pairs nicely with a few days at a Red Sea resort, while a visit to Luxor can be delightfully followed by a Nile cruise to Aswan. Alternatively, spending your entire vacation in the serene Luxor provides a wonderful introduction to Egypt without the complexities of the capital. Focusing on Sinai also offers a blend of beach and adventure in a shorter timeframe, along with the advantage of a Sinai-only visa.

Discover the treasures among Cairo's iconic attractions

Indeed, it’s genuine gold, and there’s an abundance of it in Tutankhamun's treasures at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Keep the kids intrigued about the pharaohs by exploring the Pyramids of Giza, the renowned burial site of Tutankhamun’s forebears. Adventurous youngsters will be eager to dive into the excitement by climbing inside the Great Pyramid, one of the ancient world's seven wonders and the only one to withstand the sands of time.

Search for Nemo in the vibrant waters of the Red Sea

The allure of Egypt’s Red Sea coast lies in its easy accessibility, sparkling clear waters, and a vibrant underwater ecosystem brimming with tropical fish that will captivate even the youngest swimmers.

Visit Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh, where numerous resorts are family-friendly, featuring safe sandy beaches and entertainment options for toddlers. Many also offer diving centers with introductory courses for older kids.

Steer clear of the mummy's curse in Luxor’s Valley of the Kings

Everyone enjoys a good tale, and the ancient necropolis of Thebes, located on the west bank of the Nile in Luxor, is rich with stories. One of the most captivating is the true account of treasure discovered in a hidden chamber, tucked away in a place no one thought to search!

This remarkable discovery was made by Howard Carter, who uncovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings a century ago. Aspiring Egyptologists can explore Carter’s House before visiting the nearby tomb of the young pharaoh.

Curious about how Tutankhamun and his ancient companions were preserved? Visit the Mummification Museum on the east bank of Luxor, where kids will likely spot the cranial scoop and jars containing internal organs before their adult companions do.

Teens can delve into ancient hieroglyphs at the Theban Community Library or by using the Theban Mapping Project phone app, sharing their findings with the family.

Embark on a Nile cruise

A Nile cruise gently rocks babies to sleep, while older children can watch for large-billed birds such as ibises, herons, and kingfishers. Stretching from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan, the Nile is the longest river in the world and serves as a natural history lesson for geography enthusiasts.

At each cruise destination, look for Egypt’s renowned sound-and-light shows: infants enjoy the colorful displays and music, while older siblings pick up intriguing snippets of history. Notable performances take place at the Temple of Karnak in Luxor and Abu Simbel in southern Egypt.

Explore different modes of transportation

Egypt offers a variety of exciting ways to travel, making it a fantastic place for kids to start their adventures. Skip the internal flights and opt for the upgraded overnight trains from Cairo to Luxor. You can also board a felucca (a traditional sailboat) or take a water taxi across the Nile.

Children might enjoy riding in the front of a horse cart in Luxor or Edfu. Viewing Aswan’s Tombs of the Nobles from camel height can make a five-year-old feel much older, like they’re 15.

When it comes to navigating soft sand, four legs (and one hump) are far better than four wheels, making a camel ride in Giza a quintessential experience for travelers.

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, consider spending a week at Luxor Stables, where you can enjoy a good book while your kids help care for the horses.

Are the Cairo Pass or Luxor Pass worth the investment?

Children under six can enter attractions for free, while students can enjoy half-price tickets. If you plan to stay in one location for several days, the all-inclusive Cairo Pass or Luxor Pass can save you time by eliminating the need to queue for tickets every day.