The Best Things to Do in Cairo With Kids in 2026

Aiden woke up one beautiful morning and said, “Mom, I really want to go to Egypt and see the Pyramids and ride a Camel.” I was like, “Whatttttt, Child, who told you about Egypt?” and he said, “Mom, I really, really want to go there,” and I laughed and told him, “One day, son, I promise I’ll take you to Cairo”.

Truthfully, we hadn’t talked about it prior, so his request caught me by surprise. First, I don’t make promises that I can’t keep, and Second, I follow Aiden’s lead, as I strongly believe that is the best way for a child to learn (most of our travels are based on his requests). I knew I was going to take him to Egypt; I just did not know when.

There are so many things to do in Cairo with kids, from exploring the pyramids to trying different jobs at KidZania. Aiden wanted to see Egypt for himself, and our three days gave him plenty to talk about!

What are the best things to do in Cairo with kids?

1. Explore the Great Pyramids with a family guide.
2. See the Great Sphinx up close.
3. Discover Egyptian history at the Children’s Museum.
4. Try different jobs through role-play at KidZania.
5. Enjoy playground time and views at Al-Azhar Park

How To Spend 72 Hours In Cairo With Kids

A few months later, I snagged an error fare to London for about $325 in June (Read – How To Find The Best Travel Deals for more). While in London, I asked Aiden if he wanted to take the train to Paris and spend a day or two there, as it’s only a 2hr ride away. His response to me was, “Mom, I’ve already been to Paris, but I still really, really want to go to Egypt,” and within minutes I was online searching for tickets from London to Cairo.

I found a super cheap ticket and boom, that was it. Being the spontaneous person I am, within hours we were packed and on our way to the airport, heading to Egypt for 3 days. Before booking, use my ultimate guide to traveling internationally with kids to organize your family’s travel preparations.

How To Get To Cairo With Kids

We flew EgyptAir from London to Cairo with kids on a direct red-eye flight, which was about 5.5hours. I purchased the tickets on Momondo a few hours before we left, checked in, and that was it. EgyptAir was great, and the food was nice; I would absolutely fly them again. Aiden was so wired for some reason and barely slept. He was so excited about the surprise place I was taking him to.

U.S. travelers can obtain a single-entry, 30-day tourist visa on arrival for approximately $30 in exact U.S. dollar cash. Check the U.S. State Department’s Egypt entry guidance for passport and visa requirements. Eligibility depends on your passport, so other nationalities should confirm their requirements with an Egyptian consulate before departure.

Love this photo below because he was genuinely excited about the surprise place he was heading to

When we landed, we were able to apply for a Visa on the spot. It was super easy and cost about $ 20 USD.

 How To Get Around Cairo With Kids

We took Uber from the airport to our hotel with ease, as well as to other places. Aiden used his MiFold booster seat on that trip.
For your trip, arrange a suitable child seat in advance. When planning things to do in Cairo with kids, group nearby stops together and leave room for traffic delays.

Our tour guide also drove us around.

Where To Stay In Cairo With Kids

Hilton Ramses Cairo

We stayed at the Hilton Ramses Cairo. I booked this hotel after we landed in Cairo. Because the trip was super last minute, I didn’t have much time to research hotels. I had Hilton points, so it was an easy choice. It only cost me 10,000 Hilton points per night when we visited. Super sweet deal!

Cash prices and points rates vary, so check your dates before booking. The staff at the hotel were super nice and helpful.  I booked all our excursions at the front desk, which was easy. The hotel had an ATM also, so I was able to pull out money as needed.

Choose your hotel around the things to do in Cairo with kids that matter most to your family. Confirm room occupancy, bedding and transfer arrangements before booking.

River Nile view from our hotel room balcony

Breakfast was great with lots of options.

Kid-friendly Cairo Hotels

• InterContinental Cairo Citystars
• Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza
• Dusit Thani LakeView Cairo
• JW Marriott Hotel Cairo
• Cairo Heliopolis Towers Hotel

How many days do you need in Cairo with kids?

1. Minimum: Three full days for the main highlights.
2. Ideal: Four to five days with slower mornings.
3. Day one: Explore the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx.
4. Day two: Choose one museum, then enjoy park time.
5. Extra time: Add the Grand Egyptian Museum or KidZania.

What To Do In Cairo With Kids

Day 1 in Cairo With Kids

The Great Pyramids

This was the first tour I booked. This was the reason why we were in Egypt, so it was a no-brainer that we headed there first! We had a really awesome guide who took us around and took the time to explain the history so that Aiden could understand and enjoy it. He was in awe when we got there. He also gave Aiden a lesson on his name in hieroglyphics.

When we got to the Pyramids, our guide paid the entry fee, and we went in. We stopped at the front to snap a photo first, of course. After that,t we walked to where the camels were and then rode a camel closer to the Pyramids with one of the camel owners while our guide waited for us in the car.

A camel ride is optional. Seeing the pyramids from the ground can be enough when choosing things to do in Cairo with kids. Agree on any ride’s price and duration beforehand, and skip it if your child is uncomfortable.

After Aiden got on the camel, it was my turn! Let me tell you something, when that camel stood up, I was “shook” haha. Seriously, I was sooo scared. If you’ve gotten on a camel before, then you know what I mean; if not, you really need to experience it.

The guide on the camel ride was super nice and took several photos of us as we rode around! 

After the camel ride, we rode in the car with our tour guide over to the smallest of the three pyramids, and then he told us that we would be able to enter and see for ourselves. Aiden was super excited about this. It was narrow and extremely HOT in the pyramid. I was so proud of Aiden for going all the way in. He was determined to learn about the Pyramids as well as experience it on the inside.

     

After we explored the Pyramids, our guide asked Aiden if he knew about the Sphinx, and of course he did. So we walked to it, took some photos, and learned more about it.

Before buying tickets, confirm which pyramid interiors are open and whether a separate ticket is required. Skip the interior if your child dislikes narrow, hot spaces.

 

A post shared by The Akpan’s | Family Travel (@themomtrotter) on Jun 6, 2017 at 3:24pm PDT

Merit Center Al Bazaar

This was our next stop after visiting the Great Pyramids. After Aiden’s lesson on hieroglyphics, he was sooo excited about getting a necklace with his name in English and in hieroglyphs. He still wears it every day!

Golden Eagle Papyrus

Our last stop was Golden Eagle Papyrus, where Aiden learned about the history of papyrus. There were so many paintings, and he was able to pick one for his room. He picked the one that glows in the dark, which I thought was a great choice.

He wasn’t actually upset, lol. he was really nice and explained everything to Aiden (just wrong photo timing :D)

Cousins

Aiden has two cousins who live in Cairo. After a long, busy day touring, we went over to their house and spent the evening with them.

Day 2 in Cairo With Kids

Egyptian Museum

During our 2017 visit, Aiden’s favorite place in this museum was the “Mummy Room”!! He was so intrigued about it and had so many questions. He wasn’t scared at all, and truthfully, some of the mummies looked scary lol.

If your child wants to see the royal mummies, head to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization’s Royal Mummies Hall in Fustat. They are now housed there rather than at the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square. Plan these as separate stops.

When we travel, people always ask to take a photo with Aiden. He doesn’t mind, so why not?

Children’s Center For Civilization and Creativity

This museum is much more kid-appropriate. It basically is a history lesson on Egypt for kids.

During our visit, someone escorted the kids after check-in and explained the exhibits so they could understand Egyptian history. Confirm current tour arrangements and language availability before going.

This museum was very interactive, and seriously SOOO much fun!! Very kid-appropriate.

If your child enjoys learning through play, add this museum to your things to do in Cairo with kids. For more family travel inspiration beyond Egypt, you can also explore Japan with kids.

KidZania

KidZania is an interactive city for kids. It has a bank, police station, fire station, driving school, etc. It is basically a kids’ world where they can learn through realistic role-play.

In order for Aiden to ride the car below, he had to go get an eye exam and then get a driver’s license. Kids are able to work jobs and earn kidZos, the attraction’s play currency, to use for participating in activities or eligible rewards.

Aiden’s cousins met us there, and they had so much fun playing together. We have also been to KidZania in Mexico and KidZania in London.

KidZania is one of the things to do in Cairo with kids that gives them a break from sightseeing. Check KidZania Cairo’s booking conditions for current sessions and activity restrictions. Children under eight, or shorter than 120 centimeters, must be accompanied by an adult.

If Mexico is on your family’s travel list too, my Mexico family vacation guide can help you plan beyond KidZania.

Al-Azar Park

After KidZania, Aiden wasn’t tired, so his cousins and I went to Al-Azhar Park. I knew they would have fun running around and burning off energy as well as enjoying the playground, and they did!!

Not all the things to do in Cairo with kids need a packed schedule. A park break gives everyone a chance to slow down.

Day 3 in Cairo With Kids

Pyramids Sounds And Light Show

We spent most of the morning sleeping. The previous two days had been hectic and filled with one activity after another,r so we absolutely needed the rest. So this evening, I opted for the Pyramids Sounds and Light Show. It was nice to be back there when it was much cooler, as well as watch the show and see the pyramids light up. After the show, we found a few people selling outside, so we bought souvenirs.

Check Giza show dates, availability and language through the official Sound and Light operator before planning your evening.

If You Have More Time in Cairo

Explore the Grand Egyptian Museum

The Grand Egyptian Museum gives families another place to explore ancient Egyptian history. Admission includes the Tutankhamun Galleries, Main Galleries, Grand Hall, Grand Stairs, and Khufu’s Boats Museum. Book through the museum’s official ticketing website, where you can check time slots and prices for your family.

Children under six qualify for free admission, although guided tours may carry an additional charge. I would give this museum its own morning or afternoon instead of adding it to our already packed second day. Choose a few highlights and let your child’s interest set the pace.

Where To Eat In Cairo With Kids

We really didn’t experience different restaurants as much as I would have liked to. Our days were so packed full!!

Citadel View Restaurant

While we were at Al-Azar Park, the kids got hungry, so we ate at the Citadel View Restaurant. The food was great, and the kids loved it. We ordered some grilled meats and chicken and had a salad as well. I don’t think you can go wrong with anything on the menu, though.

Hilton Ramses Cairo Room Service

We didn’t have much time to dine out to room so we ordered room service and ate at the hotel.

Overall, this trip was AH-Mazing !!! To see my son so happy and enjoy himself was worth every bit of it. So yes, take your kids to Egypt and don’t let the media and others scare you. We never felt unsafe at any point in time during our Mom & Son trip!

mommmmm, Egypt is toooooooooo hot

Mom, look at my Egyptian necklace.

I am an Egyptian Pharaoh

Camels are my friends, even though I am a bit scared.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cairo With Kids

If you are comparing Cairo with another family vacation, you can also explore Bali with kids, Portugal with kids or Australia with kids. Which experience would your child be most excited to try?