Hurghada with kids

Best things to do with kids

Island · Sekalla and Hurghada Marina

1.Giftun Islands

Two desert islands off Hurghada, Giftun Kebir and Giftun Saghir, form the heart of a national park of reefs and white-sand beaches. Day boats from the marina stop at two or three reefs for snorkelling and land at beaches such as Mahmya on Giftun Kebir, with turquoise shallows and beach cafés.

Choose a boat that limits passenger numbers; the big party boats get crowded at the most popular reefs.

Time needed

Full day

Cost

Mid-priced

• Iconic
• Outdoors
• Nature
• Kids
• Photo spot

Aquarium · Hurghada

2.Hurghada Grand Aquarium

A large aquarium with Red Sea and tropical fish, sharks, rays and a walk-through tunnel, plus a small zoo section. It gives non-swimmers and young children a close look at the marine life on the reefs.

Combine it with a resort day; it is a good option for very young children before a snorkelling trip.

Time needed

2 hours

Cost

Mid-priced

• Kids
• Rainy day
• Nature

Theme park · Makadi Bay

3.Makadi Water World

A large water park at Makadi Bay with dozens of slides, a lazy river and children's pools. Several neighbouring resorts include access in their rates.

Check whether your hotel includes access before buying a ticket.

Time needed

Half a day

Cost

Mid-priced

• Kids
• Active
• Outdoors

Nature · El Gouna

4.Dolphin House reef

Shaab El Erg, a horseshoe-shaped reef north of Hurghada, is a resting area for wild spinner dolphins, and boat trips here often see pods swimming near the surface. Even when dolphins are not around, the reef has good snorkelling.

Stay calm in the water and let dolphins approach; do not chase or touch them, and choose an operator that respects the no-chase rules.

Time needed

Full day

Cost

Mid-priced

• Nature
• Kids
• Outdoors

Experience · Eastern Desert

5.Eastern Desert safari

Jeep, quad-bike and camel trips head into the Eastern Desert behind Hurghada, where rocky mountains rise from sand plains. Most include a visit to a Bedouin settlement for tea and bread, and evening trips add dinner and stargazing.

Choose a sunset trip in summer to avoid the midday heat, and bring a scarf and sunglasses for the dust.

Time needed

3–6 hours

Cost

Mid-priced

• Active
• Kids
• Outdoors
• After dark

Rainy-day ideas

• Hurghada Grand Aquarium — Combine it with a resort day; it is a good option for very young children before a snorkelling trip.

Where families should stay

Family travel tips

• Choose a resort with a sandy entry and shallow area rather than a reef-edge beach for young children.
• Use UV swim tops and reef-safe sunscreen; the sun is strong year round.
• Water shoes protect little feet from coral and urchins.
• Bring a warm layer for boat days in winter, when the wind on deck is cool.
• Check minimum ages for quad bikes and diving courses.

Day trips for families

• Luxor (About 4 hours each way by road) — A long day from Hurghada covers Karnak Temple and the West Bank highlights — the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon — usually with a Nile crossing by boat.

When to go with children

The best months overall are March–May and October–November. Weather by month.

Questions travellers ask