October to April is generally the most comfortable period for visiting Egypt with children, particularly for outdoor sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan. Temperatures are milder than in summer, although families should still visit exposed archaeological sites early and bring hats, sunscreen, and drinking water.
8 Family-Friendly Things To Do in Egypt with Kids
From ancient temples and interactive museums to Nile sailing and Red Sea adventures, Egypt offers cultural and outdoor experiences that can capture children’s imaginations.
Plan your trip to Egypt
Ancient monuments, hands-on museums, desert scenery, and the clear waters of the Red Sea make Egypt an exciting destination for families. Children can see the pyramids they’ve read about at school, decode hieroglyphs in temples, sail on the Nile, and discover marine life along the coast.
The best things to do in Egypt with kids combine culture with time outdoors.
This guide covers family-friendly experiences in Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, and Marsa Alam, along with practical tips and where to stay in Egypt to make exploring easier.
Things to do in Egypt with kids at a glance
Best for: Families with school-aged children and teenagers
Top highlights: Pyramids, museums, ancient temples, Nile trips, desert scenery, and Red Sea activities
Main family destinations: Cairo and Giza, Luxor, Aswan, and Marsa Alam
Getting around: Private drivers, domestic flights, trains, organised excursions, and hotel transfers
Good to know: Outdoor archaeological sites offer limited shade, so early visits are usually more comfortable
1. See the Pyramids of Giza
The Pyramids of Giza can help ancient history feel more tangible for children. The plateau contains the pyramids built for Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, along with the Great Sphinx and several smaller monuments.
Choose a few key stops rather than trying to cover the entire complex. Children can compare the size of the three principal pyramids, look for the remaining casing stones, and see the monuments together from the panoramic viewing areas.
The site is exposed and involves walking across sand and uneven ground. Entering a pyramid requires a separate ticket and may not suit young children or anyone uncomfortable in narrow, enclosed spaces.
Location: Giza, west of central Cairo
Best for: School-aged children and teenagers
Suggested visit length: Two to three hours
Good to know: Visit early, carry drinking water, and bring hats and sunscreen. A child carrier may be more practical than a stroller in some areas.
For a complete excursion plan, transport advice, and additional information about visiting the plateau, read our guide to family-friendly day trips from Cairo. The detailed Cairo guide covers Giza as one of four excursions from the capital.
2. Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum
The Grand Egyptian Museum provides an indoor introduction to Egyptian history close to the Giza Plateau. Its galleries and monumental objects allow families to explore ancient Egypt in a modern museum environment.
Instead of trying to see every gallery, choose a few themes that interest your children. They might enjoy looking for animal imagery, royal jewellery, writing tools, statues, or objects associated with everyday life.
The museum also has a Children’s Museum and education facilities. Its Children’s Museum operates to a separate schedule from the main galleries, so check availability and ticket conditions before visiting.
Location: El Remayah Square, near the Giza Plateau
Best for: Children interested in history, art, and archaeology
Suggested visit length: Two to four hours
Good to know: Take regular breaks and choose a handful of objects to explore in detail rather than attempting to complete every gallery.
If you’re basing your family in the capital, this guide to things to do in Cairo during a three-day family holiday explains how the museum can fit alongside the city’s other attractions.
3. Search for symbols at Karnak
The Karnak temple complex in Luxor gives children space to explore vast courtyards, rows of columns, statues, and carved walls.
The Great Hypostyle Hall is one of the most memorable parts of the complex. Its 134 columns create a dramatic setting where families can look for hieroglyphs, birds, scarabs, boats, and royal cartouches.
Turn the visit into a simple treasure hunt by choosing several symbols for children to find. A guide who’s accustomed to working with families can also explain the carvings through short stories and visual clues.
Location: East Bank, Luxor
Best for: School-aged children and teenagers
Suggested visit length: One to two hours
Good to know: The complex is extensive and offers limited shade. Focus on a few main areas and visit earlier in the day.
4. Discover the story of Pharaoh Hatshepsut
The Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari provides an engaging introduction to one of ancient Egypt’s best-known female rulers. The temple rises across three levels beneath the cliffs on Luxor’s West Bank.
Its wall reliefs depict religious ceremonies, the transport of obelisks, and Hatshepsut’s expedition to Punt. These scenes give children visual clues about travel, animals, trade, clothing, and royal life in ancient Egypt.
A shorter guided visit is often more suitable for families than a lengthy explanation of the temple’s history. Encourage children to look for animals, boats, plants, and changes in colour across the reliefs.
Location: Deir el-Bahari, Luxor’s West Bank
Opening hours: The official listing gives opening hours of 6am to 5pm; verify before travelling
Cost: Separate admission charges apply
Good to know: There’s little natural shade. Bring water, hats, and comfortable closed shoes.
5. Take a felucca sail in Aswan
A felucca ride offers a quieter way to experience the Nile. These traditional sailing boats use the wind rather than a motor, allowing families to see Aswan’s islands, riverbanks, and surrounding desert scenery from the water.
A short trip can be easier for children than a full-day boat excursion. Late afternoon can provide softer light and more comfortable temperatures, although sailing conditions depend on the weather.
Book through your hotel or a reputable operator. Confirm the journey length, passenger limit, boarding arrangements, and whether suitable life jackets are available for children.
Location: Aswan
Best for: Families of most ages
Suggested activity length: One to two hours
Good to know: Supervise children closely, carry drinking water, and ask about shade before setting out.
If you want to combine Cairo, Aswan, Luxor, and the Red Sea in one journey, use a dedicated 10-day Egypt itinerary for route and transport planning. The itinerary is designed around a day-by-day journey, while this guide focuses on selecting activities that suit families.
6. Learn about Nubian culture in Aswan
Aswan provides opportunities for families to learn about Nubian culture through local architecture, crafts, music, food, and stories. A guided cultural experience can introduce children to a part of Egypt that differs from the country’s pharaonic monuments.
Look for experiences that explain the meaning behind building styles, colours, household objects, and traditional crafts. Children who enjoy drawing or photography may be especially interested in the geometric patterns and painted architecture associated with Nubian communities.
Choose an organised visit that clearly explains how local hosts and communities are involved. Ask about the group size, activity format, transport, and total visit length before booking.
Location: Aswan and nearby Nile communities
Best for: School-aged children and teenagers
Suggested visit length: Two to three hours
Good to know: Children should ask before photographing people, homes, or private spaces. Dress respectfully and follow guidance from your host.
7. Swim and snorkel in Marsa Alam
After several days exploring museums and archaeological sites, the Red Sea gives families time to swim, rest, and enjoy the outdoors.
Marsa Alam is known for beaches, clear water, coral reefs, desert landscapes, and marine life. Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort has a private beach, four swimming pools, a kids’ club, dining options, and family accommodation in selected room categories.
Choose a snorkelling activity that reflects your child’s age, swimming ability, and confidence in open water. Ask about life jackets, flotation aids, instructor qualifications, water conditions, and the distance from shore.
Location: Marsa Alam and the southern Red Sea coast
Best for: Confident swimmers, with beginner options available through suitable operators
Suggested activity length: Half a day or a full day
Good to know: Children need close adult supervision around the sea and swimming pools. Follow guides’ instructions and don’t touch or stand on coral.
For specific beaches, marine outings, and local activities, read our guide to family things to do in Marsa Alam.
8. See royal mummies at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation in Cairo explores Egyptian history across several periods, giving families a broader perspective beyond pyramids and temples.
Its chronological displays can help older children understand how Egyptian society, art, writing, and everyday life changed over time. The Royal Mummies’ Hall is likely to be the most memorable part of the visit, although parents should consider whether younger children will be comfortable with the display.
This indoor attraction is particularly useful during the hottest part of the day or when your family needs a quieter experience between outdoor sites.
Location: Fustat, Cairo
Best for: School-aged children and teenagers interested in history
Suggested visit length: Two to three hours
Good to know: Explain the Royal Mummies’ Hall to children before entering. Families who’d prefer not to visit it can focus on the museum’s other galleries.
Tips for planning an Egypt trip with children
Plan one main outdoor experience each day: Archaeological sites such as the Pyramids of Giza and Karnak involve considerable walking, uneven ground, and limited shade. Visit your main outdoor attraction early, then keep the afternoon for a museum, lunch, swimming, or hotel downtime rather than combining several large sites in one day.
Turn ancient history into something children can explore: Give each visit a simple theme by asking children to find animals in temple carvings, recognise repeated hieroglyphs, compare statues, or choose a favourite museum object. If you’re booking a guide, look for someone who works with families and can explain history through stories, questions, and visual challenges.
Carry a small sightseeing kit: Pack drinking water, simple snacks, hats, sunscreen, and comfortable closed shoes for sand, stone, steps, and uneven paths. Check official opening hours and ticket requirements before leaving your hotel, and consider a lightweight child carrier instead of a stroller when visiting archaeological sites.
Where to stay in Egypt for families
West Cairo hotel for the pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum
Novotel Cairo 6th of October is a practical base for families focusing on Giza and West Cairo. The Grand Egyptian Museum is around 20 minutes away and the Pyramids of Giza around 25 minutes away by road.
Facilities include spacious rooms and suites, an outdoor pool that is heated in winter, fitness and wellness amenities, dining, and landscaped outdoor areas.
Family beach resort on the Red Sea
Novotel Marsa Alam Beach Resort combines a private beach with multiple swimming pools, a kids’ club, spa facilities, and several dining options. Rooms can accommodate up to four guests in selected categories.
The resort works well for families who want to add beach time, snorkelling, and outdoor activities after visiting Egypt’s museums and ancient monuments.
Explore Egypt with Novotel
Planning a cultural and outdoor family holiday in Egypt? Browse hotels in Egypt and book directly through ALL.com or the ALL app to compare participating Novotel hotels, room options, and available benefits for ALL Accor loyalty programme members.
FAQs about things to do in Egypt with kids
Children shouldn’t drink tap water in Egypt. Give them water from sealed bottles or another reliably treated source, and carry extra supplies during long sightseeing days. Younger children can become dehydrated quickly in hot weather, so encourage regular drinks rather than waiting until they feel thirsty.
Families visiting Egypt should ensure routine vaccinations are up to date and consult a doctor or travel-health clinic before departure. Advice may differ according to each child’s age, medical history, and planned activities. Pack enough prescription medicine for the trip, plus additional supplies in case of travel disruption.
A Nile cruise can suit school-aged children who enjoy boats, ancient history, and guided temple visits. Before booking, families should confirm the cabin configuration, child policy, meal options, excursion schedule, and onboard safety arrangements. Check whether the daily programme leaves enough time for meals, rest, and swimming.
Families travelling in Egypt with food allergies should notify hotels, cruise operators, and restaurants before arrival. Carry safe snacks, prescribed medication, and an allergy card that explains the child’s requirements in Arabic. Parents should discuss ingredients and cross-contact directly with staff before every meal.
