Family-Friendly Day Trips from Cairo: 4 Top Escapes

Cairo isn’t just a lively city filled with history and warm, friendly locals – it’s also a great base for day trips and coastal adventures. With modern highways and reliable private transport, you can reach deserts, pyramids, and even the Red Sea and still be back before bedtime. 

To be able to relax and enjoy all kinds of day trips from Cairo, base yourself at Novotel Cairo El Borg. Overlooking the legendary Nile River in Zamalek, the hotel places you close to prominent bridges, the Ring Road, and major tour pick‑up spots. 

Families will also enjoy spacious rooms and a touch of luxury – without the luxury price tag. There's also a rooftop pool overlooking the Nile where you can cool off from Cairo's desert heat, and diverse dining options that cater to local and international cravings. 

From here, Giza is a short car ride away, the desert roads to Fayoum are straightforward, and Ain Sokhna is a smooth highway run – don't worry, we’ll elaborate more on these key destinations in just a moment. 

Below you’ll find the top four tried-and-true day trips from Cairo and practical advice, including what to pack and how to make the most of your trips. Plus, we’ve included answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about day travel from Cairo. 

Keep reading to get the full scoop on how to plan the perfect family getaway near Cairo.

No list of day trips from Cairo is complete without the Pyramids of Giza. And they're just 30–40 minutes from downtown. This day trip is all about keeping it simple and fun – although there’s nothing simple about the majestic pyramids.

Start at the Great Pyramid, walk to the Sphinx for the classic profile picture, then choose one or two extras in the area rather than trying to do it all at once. Older kids love the panoramic viewpoint on the south side of the plateau; younger ones will likely enjoy a short camel or horse carriage ride. Make sure to set your expectations and agree the price in advance with the carriage driver before you hop on.

The Khufu Boat Museum adds context for teens (and adults) who love history and ancient civilisations. The Khufu Boat, also known as the Giza Solar Boat, is a full-sized ancient wooden barque. It’s believed to have been buried beside the Great Pyramid around 2500 BC, and was intended to carry Pharaoh Khufu’s soul through the afterlife. 

Aside from their magnificent and breathtaking presence, a day trip from Cairo to the Pyramids is a treat for all ages. Just be careful with small babies, as strollers tend to struggle on sand and uneven stone – baby carriers are easier. 

Make sure to bring hats, water, and sunscreen year-round. Also, it’s a great idea to go early in the day for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. A licensed guide turns ruins into stories and helps with safety and pacing. 

If Giza is the headline act, Saqqara is the origin story. It’s about a 50–70-minute drive from Cairo Saqqara. But trust us – it’s worth every minute, and you’ll be swept away from its beauty and sheer greatness. 

The Step Pyramid of Djoser – Egypt’s first pyramid – is home to a vast, less-crowded necropolis where children can spot local wildlife and boat builders. Make sure to check out Memphis as well, which is an additional 20 minutes away. You’ll find the open‑air museum and the monumental statue of Ramses II there. The sites are spacious, breezy and usually calmer than Giza, but are equally mesmerising. 

Practical tips: Combine Saqqara with Memphis in a single outing. If energy allows, add Dahshur’s Bent and Red Pyramids for spectacular outside views (interior access can feel claustrophobic for some members of the family). A private driver or guided tour keeps timing smooth. As always, make sure to agree on prices ahead of time to avoid surprises and unnecessary haggling – although some haggling is recommended.

For nature‑loving families, Fayoum is a great escape that’s just 2 hours away. You can start at Wadi El Rayan, which is home to Egypt’s only waterfalls. It’s a beautiful natural protectorate where you can explore easy trails and watch birds along the water channels. Make sure to check out the dunes near Qatrani for gentle sand-boarding (best for adults and older kids), then slow down around Magic Lake or Lake Qarun for a relaxing picnic. 

Change things up with a colourful cultural experience in Tunis Village, where pottery workshops welcome visitors, and many studios offer brief, hands-on sessions that are perfect for everyone in the family. You’ll also find charming blue-painted homes and brightly coloured doors, a signature touch that makes this village unlike anywhere else in or near Cairo. 

The best time to visit is around autumn through spring. In summer, plan early trips and shady midday breaks for a cooler and calmer experience. 

Also, keep in mind that facilities here are scattered. Carry snacks, water, and sanitising hand wipes. A 4×4 isn’t essential for the main highlights, but it's nice to have in Fayoum. Tours with local drivers make sand and lake routes easier to navigate. 

Sokhna – as dubbed by locals – is a spot cherished by those who know Cairo and its nearby getaways. It's the easiest seaside escape on the Red Sea – close enough for a day trip and peaceful enough to reset the whole family. Expect calm, crystal clear waters and long, golden strands where little ones can spend hours swimming and building sand castles. Many beachfront resorts sell day‑use passes that bundle pool and beach access with changing facilities. It’s very clean, simple, and perfect for getting a golden tan as well. 

Practical tips: Weekdays are quieter than weekends, when Cairenes flock to the shore. Spring and autumn offer the best balance of warm water and mild air. 

When planning day trips from Cairo with your family, timing and preparation matter. The best window for outdoor sites is October through April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable, though summer can still work for Sokhna or early-morning pyramid visits. Head out early, around 7-8am., to get ahead of traffic and heat. 

Transport is easiest with a private driver or guided tour that includes hotel pickup, especially if you have young children. Ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem are convenient inside Cairo itself, but once you’re beyond the ring road, stick with a driver or tour guide. 

Pack smart with water, hats, loose and light clothing, and opt for closed-toe shoes – which are far better than sandals on sand and stone. 

When it comes to the best day trips from Cairo with kids, Giza is great for the icons; Saqqara and Memphis for calmer exploration; Fayoum and Wadi El Rayan for waterfalls, Tunis village, and pottery; and Sokhna for a Red Sea beach day. All of these day trip options are within two hours of Cairo each way, making them reliable choices for families.

Alexandria is not recommended as a day trip from Cairo. The drive or the train is about three hours each way, making it tough – especially for children. Alexandria is a Mediterranean beauty, known for its delicious seafood, coastal cafés, and history. So it’s better for an overnight trip, or weekend. 

The Pyramids of Giza are about 30–40 minutes from downtown Cairo by car. Go early, carry water and hats, and consider a licensed guide or a tour with hotel pickup for historical context and smooth logistics.

Most reputable operators offer hotel pickups for day trips from Cairo to Giza, Saqqara/Memphis and Fayoum, with child‑friendly pacing. Pickups also make Sokhna simple when you prefer not to drive yourself.

The best way to get to Saqqara or Dahshur from Cairo is to hire a private driver or a guided tour. Saqqara is roughly an hour away; Dahshur is a little further away. Combining them with Memphis makes an excellent one‑day trip without backtracking.

Fayoum is around two hours each way from Cairo. Autumn through spring offer the best temperatures; in summer, start early and plan shady lunch stops around lakes or in Tunis Village.

Sokhna on the Red Sea is a great family day trip from Cairo. Ain Sokhna is close to Cairo, beaches are pristine and gentle, and day passes at resorts simplify bathrooms, shade, and meals. Weekdays are quieter; don’t forget waterproof sunscreen and a dry change for the ride back.

For family day trips from Cairo, make sure to pack reusable water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, hats, wet wipes, a small first‑aid kit, power bank, and closed‑toe shoes. For younger kids, a lightweight carrier beats a stroller on sand and ancient stone.