If you are a traveling parent fascinated with history, culture, and ancient architecture, you will definitely find a trip to Egypt with your kids a delightful experience. There are just so much to do and so many places to visit – from the colossal pyramids, millennia-old monuments, the majestic Nile River Valley, the camels and more.
If you’ve got plans to go traveling in Egypt with kids soon, you might want to check your itinerary and make sure that you have enough time to fit all possible activities you can do once you land in this country that links Africa and the Middle East.
Before you head to Cairo, let’s prep your itinerary by going through the list of things you can do and places you can visit with kids.
1. Visit the Pyramids
For sure, anyone who plans to visit Egypt will always have the Giza Pyramid Complex in mind. Built on the west bank of the fertile Nile river, this famed archaeological site is a top tourist destination because of the Great Pyramids, the Great Sphinx, and other known ruins. These structures and architectural wonders are the true testaments of the power and the engineering feat of ancient Egypt. Seeing these wonders will be an educational and remarkable experience for the family, especially the kids. Your pyramid-hopping should include:
- The Great Pyramid of Pharaoh Khufu – The oldest and largest of the three pyramids at Giza.
- The Pyramid of Khafre – This pyramid is the tomb of the pharaoh Khafre, the son of Pharaoh Khufu.
- The Pyramid of Menkaure – The smallest of the three pyramids.
2. Learn about the history of the Pyramids
Visiting the Pyramids with kids will not be meaningful if you don’t learn about the history and the studies behind the creation of these ancient mega structures. As tourists or travelers, it will be good to hire a local tour guide who could speak volume of the site’s past and history. While you’re not there yet, let me share what I know. It was said that Egypt’s pharaohs believed they would become gods in the next life; therefore, they commissioned to build the mega-pyramid tombs for themselves.
3. Don’t miss the Sphinx, too
While you are on the grounds of the archaeological site of Giza, you can never miss the imposing structure that has the body of a lion and the head of a man dubbed as the Sphinx. Known in Arabic as Hbu Al Hol (the Awesome or Terrible One), the Sphinx is no doubt one of the most sought-after tourist spots in Egypt. Like the pyramids and many other ancient structures in the country, there are a lot of mysteries and questions that surround the Sphinx. Historian said that it was built in honor of the awe-inspiring human-headed lion in ancient Greek mythology.
4. Take a trip to the Red Sea coast
There is no doubt that you will spend most of your time going around the grounds of Giza, visiting the pyramids or the Sphinx, but never miss the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Red Sea. There are some beaches in the area with a good number of entertainment options for the little ones. Snorkeling will be fun and a good idea for older kids, especially the teens. Diving can also be a fun activity for adults where you can enjoy the beauty of all sorts of marine life.
5. Sign up for a Nubian adventure
The Nile, since the beginning, has always been a source of livelihood and life for the people of Egypt. Up to this day, its Nubian islands are the great source of income through tourism. The Nubians are an indigenous people who lived in the Nile valley, and their ancient villages are now among the list of places that travelers visit the most.
6. Sail on the Nile
Another activity that you can enjoy with the family during your trip to Egypt with kids is the Nile cruise. Different boats have sailed the river for thousands of years, but the more popular way to sail the world-famous river is through a felucca, a traditional wooden Egyptian boat. Sailing is an excellent way to enjoy the view, the sunset, the river, and the many significant parts of Aswan. You can either sign up for a day trip or, if you have more time, take a few days of sail time.
7. Let the kids ride the camels
Camel riding has been one of the most reliable modes of transportations for thousands of years in this part of the world. So, if you ever take your kids to Egypt without letting them experience hopping on camels, then your trip is incomplete. As a traveling parent, you would not want to fail your kids right?
8. Shop at the local markets
Where else could you possibly enjoy authentic Egyptian delicacies and buy unique souvenir items than the local markets known locally as “souk”? You will have plenty of choices from clothes to scarves to musical instruments and a lot more. Visiting a local market will be an excellent time to let the kids wander.
9. Go on a desert trip
What’s a trip to Egypt with kids without a desert safari adventure? A trip to the desert is a must! After all, you are in Africa, and Africa means extreme and amazing adventure. Whether it’s on a camel’s back, a truck, or by foot, the desert adventure will be a good one. The slow pace of the oases is ideal for kids. Seeing the stars during a dreamy summer night will not only be a cool experience to brag about but also an unforgettable one.
This article is part of our popular series, Place To Go With Kids!
