Over a decade ago, we had a trip planned to Egypt that we unfortunately needed to cancel due to political issues that began. We were so disappointed, as Egypt had already been on our bucket list for years. So it felt extra magical finally getting to go and see all the incredible historic sites with our 6 children (we only had 2 when we planned that first trip!). I loved every moment, from researching the best things to do in Egypt with kids, to actually being there and experiencing first-hand the history, culture, peoples, and food.
I wondered if after so much anticipation, we’d feel a bit let-down with our Egypt trip with kids. But it turns out it surpassed even our sky-high expectation. There are so many amazing things to do in Egypt for families – here are some we think you shouldn’t miss when visiting Egypt with kids!
Below are some of our favorite things to see in Egypt with kids. But if you’d like more details, we have a full 10-day Egypt itinerary with kids coming soon!
How Long For An Egypt Family Trip?
I recommend spending 7-10 days when visiting Egypt with kids. This gives you enough time to visit at least 2-3 locations depending on how frequently you like to move around, and allows you to explore more than just the very top sites in Egypt with kids.
That said, our 10 days were absolutely packed! If you have time for two weeks in Egypt, you’ll have a bit more flexibility to see even more of the best things to do in Egypt with kids, and be able to tack on a visit to the Red Sea (which we didn’t have time to squeeze in).
What to Pack for Egypt: Minimal Packing Essentials for Families
One of the biggest forms of prep for Egypt was figuring out our Egypt packing list, especially with kids. We weren’t totally sure on exactly what would be appropriate when considering what to wear in Egypt, how much we’d be outside and walking, and what extras we would need. I wrote up a whole post of everything we packed and what worked best once we were there in this post: Our Full Egypt Packing List for Families. Be sure to check it out for what to wear in Egypt!
MAP: Top Activities in Egypt With Kids
See THIS MAP to view all the best sites for an Egypt family vacation!
Must Do Egypt Activities With Kids
I hope these must do Egypt activities with kids are helpful whether you’re visiting for a short period or staying for a while!
Cairo/Giza With Kids
1. Giza Pyramids + Great Sphinx
Located on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt, the Giza plateau is home to three massive pyramids—the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure—along with the iconic Great Sphinx. Be sure to get a guide to enter the pyramids to see the burial chambers inside.
Be sure to make a stop at Panoramic View within the pyramid complex. A camel ride is also a great way to take in the various sites!
2. Coptic Cairo With Kids
This historic district, also known as Masr al-Qadima, is home to some of the oldest Christian churches and religious sites in Egypt. Be sure to visit the Coptic Museum, which explores the history of Christianity in Egypt. Add on the Hanging Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. It is named the “Hanging” Church because it was built on top of the gatehouse of the Roman Babylon Fortress, suspended above the ground.
3. Egyptian Museum
The Egyptian Museum has been a cultural landmark since 1902 and houses over 120,000 artifacts – one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive collections of Pharaonic artifacts. The museum’s most famous collection is the treasure of King Tutankhamun, including his iconic gold funerary mask, jewelry, and the exquisite items found in his tomb.
4. Grand Egyptian Museum
This is the newest of the Egyptian museums and right near the Great Pyramid. It has just barely started opening to the public but will eventually house will host over 100,000 artifacts from ancient Egyptian civilization, including the complete Tutankhamun collection (which will be moved over from the current Egyptian Museum). We were able to visit when there, and even without the full collection there, it was spectacular in terms of the space, setting, and the interactive King Tut exhibits.
5. National Museum of Egyptian Civilization
The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) covers Egypt’s vast prehistoric and modern history. The reason the NMEC is an absolute must-see on an Egypt family itinerary is because of the Royal Mummies Hall, which houses the preserved remains of some of ancient Egypt’s most famous pharaohs, including Ramses II and Queen Hatshepsut. It was absolutely incredible seeing this along with the other historic artifacts throughout the museum.
6. Visiting Saqqara with Kids
So many Egypt visitors head to Giza to see the Great Pyramid and completely miss Saqqara, which we thought was even more incredible. Located about 20 miles south of Cairo, Saqqara was the necropolis for the ancient capital of Memphis and contains absolutely mind-blowing stepped pyramids, tombs, and funerary complexes. Though the sites are in many ways even more intricate and well-preserved, it tends to be quieter than the sites in Giza.
Don’t miss the Step Pyramid of Djoser (considered the world’s earliest large-scale stone construction and was built before the Great Pyramid at Giza), the Pyramid of Unas (containing Pyramid Texts, the oldest known religious texts in the world), and the huge underground burial complex.
Top Things To Do in Aswan Egypt
7. Nubian Museum
The Nubian Museum shares the history, culture, and heritage of the Nubian people, who have inhabited southern Egypt and northern Sudan for millennia. Exhibits include everything from pottery and jewelry to tools and statues. The museum also highlights the impact of the construction of the Aswan High Dam, which led to the displacement of many Nubian communities.
8. Abu Simbel Temples
This site is a bit of a drive from Aswan, but well worth the effort to see this UNESCO World Heritage Site. These massive rock temples were originally carved into a mountainside during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II. The temples, dedicated to Ramses II and his queen Nefertari, are renowned for their colossal statues that stand guard at the entrance, each towering over 60 feet high.
9. Felucca Ride on the Nile
You can’t visit Egypt without getting on the Nile River! We took a felucca ride in Aswan and absolutely loved it. Feluccas are traditional wooden sailboats powered solely by the wind. You’ll see them dotting the Nile everywhere you go.
10. Philae Temple
The Philae Temple sits on Agilkia Island in the middle of the Nile River. Dedicated to the goddess Isis, the temple has gorgeous reliefs and columns detailing worship practices and the life of the gods. The temple is only accessible by boat, which is a fun adventure in itself!
Best Things to Do In Luxor With Kids
11. Valley of The Kings
Valley of the Kings offers the opportunity to see up close where many of Egypt’s pharaohs were buried, including the famous King Tutankhamun. Make a quick stop at Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have stood guard at the entrance to his mortuary temple in Luxor for over 3,400 years.
Next visit Tomb of Seti I with its stunningly detailed and colorful wall carvings and paintings that depict scenes from the Book of the Dead and other ancient Egyptian religious texts.
And, of course, you can’t miss the Tomb of Tutankhamun, one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world! The tomb’s discovery provided invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and life in the New Kingdom, making it a highlight for anyone visiting the Valley of the Kings, and seeing his body preserved inside the tomb is a really unique experience.
12. Hatshepsut Temple
The incredible Temple of Hatshepsut highlights the vast grandeur of ancient Egyptian architecture and honors one of Egypt’s most powerful female pharaohs. Built in the 15th century BCE, the temple is a series of terraces that rise up to the cliff face, with colonnaded walkways and various statues. The many chapels and sanctuaries, which were dedicated to different gods and goddesses, as well as Hatshepsut herself, are perfect to explore.
13. Luxor and Karnak Temples
Ok, I’m cheating a little by combining these, but they are only a mile and half apart and even used to be connected in ancient times! You kinda have to see them together.
The vast Karnak Temple complex, dedicated primarily to the god Amun, spans over 200 acres and features a series of grand temples, chapels, pylons, and obelisks that have been built and expanded upon by various pharaohs over nearly 2,000 years. Be sure to check out the Great Hypostyle Hall, a massive hall with 134 towering columns, each intricately carved with hieroglyphs and images that tell the stories of the gods and the pharaohs.
Unlike many other temples dedicated to gods, Luxor Temple was primarily dedicated to the rejuvenation of kingship; it was the site where pharaohs were crowned and worshipped.Inside, the Great Court of Ramses II and the Hypostyle Hall are particularly stunning, with towering columns covered in detailed hieroglyphs and reliefs that tell stories of pharaohs and gods.
Alexandria With Kids
While Alexandria isn’t an absolute must when visiting Egypt with kids, I’m including a couple of bonus spots in case you have an extra day. It makes an easy day trip from Cairo and has some interesting sites!
14. Bibliotheca Alexandrina
Alexandria’s new library is an architectural marvel and a tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, one of the most famous libraries of the ancient world. Opened in 2002, this impressive cultural complex is located on the Mediterranean coast and has quickly become one of Alexandria’s most iconic landmarks.
15. Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa
These catacombs are one of the largest and most well-preserved burial sites in Egypt. They are famous for their intricate carvings and statues, which showcase a blend of Egyptian motifs with Greco-Roman influences—like the statues of Egyptian gods depicted in Roman armor. The main chamber, known as the Hall of Caracalla, is particularly striking, with its ornate carvings and a central sarcophagus.
More Place to See in Egypt With Kids
16. Whales Valley (Wadi Al-Hitan)
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a desert covering what was once a vast ocean. It’s renowned for its extraordinary fossil record, particularly of ancient whale species that lived around 40 million years ago. You can hike, visit Magic Lake, camp, and sand board here!
17. Rayan Valley (Wadi El Rayan)
Rayan Valley is famous for its twin man-made lakes connected by Egypt’s only waterfalls. The area is a haven for wildlife, including rare bird species. This is another spot where swimming and sand boarding are popular.
18. Hurghada (Red Sea)
If you have 2-3 days to spare and are interested in a beach escape, Hurghada is the perfect opportunity to do that. It has some of the best snorkeling in the world!
