Egypt · Things to do
5 things to do in Egypt with kids
The five best family things to do in Egypt are seeing the Giza pyramids, meeting the Sphinx, exploring the temples of Luxor, sailing the Nile on a felucca and visiting Abu Simbel. They sit in three areas: Cairo and Giza in the north, Luxor in the middle and Aswan in the south, linked by short domestic flights, trains or a Nile cruise.
What to do, in order
- 1
Stand under the Giza pyramids
The Pyramids of Giza stand on the edge of Cairo, built more than four thousand years ago as tombs for pharaohs. The Great Pyramid is the largest, and standing at its base is the moment most children remember. Go at opening time, before the heat and the crowds. Some pyramids allow you to enter, with a separate ticket, but the passages are steep, hot and cramped, so skip them with young children. Camel and horse rides are offered by many sellers, so agree terms clearly first and choose operators who treat the animals well.
- 2
Meet the Sphinx
The Great Sphinx, a lion with a human head carved from a single outcrop of rock, sits at the edge of the Giza plateau, close to the pyramids, and you can see both on the same morning. It is smaller than people expect, and the best views are from the terrace below it. Children enjoy the story of what the statue is meant to represent and the missing nose. A guide can add context, and licensed guides can be booked in advance. Plan about half a day for the whole site, and bring water and sun protection.
- 3
Explore the Luxor temples
Luxor has some of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. Karnak is a huge complex whose Hypostyle Hall is filled with enormous stone columns carved with hieroglyphs, and children can run between them. Luxor Temple, in the centre of the city, is smaller and is beautiful when lit after dark. Across the river, the Valley of the Kings holds painted royal tombs. Visit early in the morning, because the heat in the middle of the day is intense. Hire a guide for Karnak, as the carvings make much more sense when explained.
- 4
Sail the Nile on a felucca
A felucca is a traditional wooden sailboat with a single triangular sail, and a sunset trip on the Nile is the calmest thing you can do in Egypt. Aswan and Luxor are the usual starting points, and trips last from one hour to overnight. Boats move slowly, which suits children, and you pass palm islands and fishing boats. Agree the route, the duration and the price before you board, and check that life jackets are on board. Bring a hat, water and snacks, and a layer, since the breeze at dusk can feel cool.
- 5
See Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is a pair of rock temples built by Ramses II, with four seated statues of the pharaoh about twenty metres high at the entrance. In the 1960s the whole complex was cut apart and moved to higher ground to save it from the rising waters of Lake Nasser, which is a good story for children. It is far south, near the Sudanese border, and reached from Aswan by a long road trip or a short flight. Go early, and ask your hotel or an agency about current road arrangements.
Plan it
- Best time
- October to April is the cooler season, with pleasant days, and December to February is the busiest. Nights can be cold in winter. May to September is extremely hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, so keep sightseeing to early mornings.
- How long
- Eight to ten days covers Cairo and Giza, Luxor and Aswan at an easy pace, including Abu Simbel. A shorter trip of five days can do Cairo and Luxor only.
- Getting around
- Domestic flights link Cairo with Luxor and Aswan, and there is also an overnight sleeper train. Within cities, use ride-hailing apps or hotel-arranged drivers. Many families book private guides and drivers or a Nile cruise to reduce stress.
Good to know
- Use licensed guides and drivers booked through your hotel or a reputable agency, to limit pressure from touts.
- Carry bottled water and avoid ice and raw salads at street stalls if travelling with young children.
- Dress for sun and respect: light, loose, covered clothing works for everyone.
Frequently asked
Is Egypt good for kids? +
Yes, with preparation. Children usually love the pyramids, temples and boats. Heat, long drives and persistent sellers are the challenges, so plan morning sightseeing, use a good guide and keep itineraries relaxed.
When is the best time to visit Egypt with children? +
October to April. Daytime temperatures are comfortable for outdoor sites. From May to September it is extremely hot, particularly in the south, so it is a hard time for children.
How many days do you need for the Egypt highlights? +
Eight to ten days covers Cairo and Giza, Luxor and Aswan, with Abu Simbel at an unhurried pace. A shorter trip of five or six days can manage Cairo and Luxor if you fly between them.
Can children go inside the Great Pyramid? +
Entry is possible with a separate ticket, but the passages are steep, low and hot, and can be tiring for young children. Many families choose to see the outside and enter a smaller, less crowded pyramid or tomb instead.