November. Rain tapping against the windows, winter coats back on, and we kept thinking the same thing: there has to be a better way to spend this time of year. A few days later, we were on a plane to Hurghada, Egypt, with our 3-month-old baby and our almost 4-year-old toddler.
It might sound a little adventurous, but it turned out to be one of the most relaxing family trips we’ve taken. The weather was warm and sunny, we spent plenty of time by the pool, and we also explored some of the area around Hurghada.
In this guide to Hurghada with kids, we’ll share our personal experience, practical family travel tips and the best places to stay for a relaxing family holiday in Hurghada.
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- Why Hurghada in Egypt Is Such a Great Choice for Families
- Things to Do in Hurghada With Kids
- Where to Stay in Hurghada With Kids? (Best Family Resorts & Tips)
- Is Egypt Safe for Families?
- Best Time to Visit Hurghada With Kids
- Our Experience: Traveling to Egypt With a Baby and a Toddler
- Frequently Asked Questions About Hurghada With Kids
- Plan Your Family Holiday to Hurghada, Egypt
Why Hurghada in Egypt Is Such a Great Choice for Families
Before our trip, we had quite a few doubts. To be honest, Egypt wasn’t even at the top of our travel wishlist. We wondered whether it would be easy with young children and if it would feel safe to leave the resort. Looking back, we completely understand why so many families choose Hurghada with kids.
This is what makes Hurghada such a great destination for families:
- Sunshine Almost All Year Round
When we visited in November, temperatures were around 25°C (77°F) with plenty of sunshine, while back home it was gray and cold. Spring and fall are also great times to visit. Summer can get extremely hot, which is something we would be less likely to do with young children. - A Short Flight
The flight takes around five hours. Very manageable, especially if you want a sunny getaway without too much travel hassle. - All-Inclusive Means Less Hassle
Food, drinks and entertainment are all close by. No need to search for restaurants or make plans every day. - Resorts Are Made for Families
Swimming pools, water slides and entertainment programs, everything is designed to keep children happy while giving parents a chance to relax as well.
Things to Do in Hurghada With Kids
Let’s be honest: you could easily spend an entire week here without ever leaving your resort. Most resorts are designed so that children stay entertained all day long, from swimming pools and water slides to entertainment programs and a beach within walking distance.
But how often do you visit Egypt? That’s exactly why it’s fun to get out and explore from time to time. It’s a chance to see something different from the resort without turning it into a long or exhausting day.
Here are a few fun and easy things to do in Hurghada with kids:
Spending Time at Your Resort in Hurghada With Kids
It may sound obvious, but let’s be honest: you’ll probably spend a large part of your holiday in Hurghada at your resort. And that’s far from a bad thing.
Most resorts are designed with families in mind. Think multiple swimming pools, water slides, playgrounds and often a kids’ club or entertainment program. Many resorts also have direct access to the Red Sea, where the water is calm and crystal clear.
Our days often looked something like this: a slow start to the morning, breakfast, swimming, lunch, back to the pool or the beach, and plenty of time to simply do nothing. No schedule, no stress. In the evening we’d have dinner, sometimes watch a show and then head back to our room for an early night.
What we loved most was how easy it was to relax. You don’t have to go anywhere because everything is already there. Especially when traveling with a baby and a toddler, that’s a huge plus.
➜ We stayed at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel, a family-friendly resort with multiple pools, water slides and a lazy river. We’ll tell you more about it later in this article.
Desert Jeep Safari With Kids in Hurghada
Ever since watching Aladdin as kids, we had been curious about the desert. And if Egypt is known for one thing, it’s this incredible landscape.
The best way to experience it? A desert jeep safari. We booked a tour that lasted around six hours and included hotel pickup from our resort in Hurghada.
This is what you can expect:
- Driving through the desert in a 4WD vehicle, with stops to spot mirages.
- Visiting a Bedouin village, including a short camel ride.
- Ending the day with dinner and a traditional dance performance.
Because we were traveling with a baby and a toddler, we chose a private tour. That made a huge difference. We could set our own pace, stop whenever needed and the driver took things much more slowly.
Our oldest daughter absolutely loved it. Not just the camel ride, but also the desert itself and the village we visited, which even had a small reptile farm.
➜ We booked this tour online in advance so we knew everything would be properly arranged for families with young children.
A jeep safari might not be the first activity that comes to mind when traveling with young children, but for us it was easily one of the highlights of the trip. It was a chance to leave the resort behind for a few hours and experience a small part of Egypt’s vast desert, while our baby slept through a large part of the ride.
For families with young children, a jeep safari is probably the best desert excursion. Quad bike tours are available as well, but these are generally more suitable for older children.
Taking a Boat Trip on the Red Sea With Kids
Another activity we didn’t do ourselves, but would definitely consider on a future trip, is a boat tour on the Red Sea.
There are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from day trips to islands such as Orange Bay and Giftun Island to snorkeling excursions and even semi-submarine tours that allow you to explore the underwater world without getting wet. The latter is especially appealing for families with young children.
What makes these trips so attractive?
- Crystal-clear water and colorful fish
- A chance to spot dolphins
- The combination of sailing, beach time and snorkeling
- A relaxed pace that works well with children
We were torn between a desert jeep safari and a boat trip and eventually chose the desert experience. Looking back, this is something we would have loved to add to our itinerary as well.
Exploring Hurghada With Kids Beyond the Resort
The center of Hurghada isn’t a must-see, but it’s still nice to spend a few hours exploring. You’ll find small shops, local markets and a glimpse of daily life beyond the resort gates. Don’t expect a charming old town like you might find in Europe. It’s mostly busy, lively and a little chaotic.
We enjoyed stepping outside the resort bubble for a while, but we were also happy to return afterward.
Day Trip to Luxor or the Pyramids of Cairo:
From Hurghada, you can also take day trips to places like Luxor or Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza.
To be honest, this was high on our wishlist as well. However, with a baby and a toddler, we felt it would simply be too intense. These excursions usually involve a very long day of travel.
If you’re visiting Hurghada with older children, it can be an incredible experience. With younger kids, we’d personally save it for another trip.
Where to Stay in Hurghada With Kids? (Best Family Resorts & Tips)
If you’re planning a trip to Hurghada with kids, choosing the right resort is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Unlike many other destinations, you’ll most likely spend your holiday in a hotel or all-inclusive resort. That’s also one of the reasons why Hurghada is such a relaxing family destination.
Most resorts are designed with families in mind. Think swimming pools, water slides, kids’ clubs and often direct access to the beach. In many cases, you hardly need to leave the resort because everything is already there.
Tip:
The best family-friendly resorts in Hurghada often book up quickly during school holidays, so it’s worth booking well in advance.
Our Experience: Steigenberger Hotel in Hurghada With Kids
During our family holiday in Hurghada, we stayed at the Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel. It’s a large, family-friendly resort with multiple swimming pools, water slides and plenty of activities for children.
We never got bored here, and neither did our kids. In fact, we barely felt the need to leave the resort because everything we needed was right on site.
Steigenberger Aqua Magic Hotel
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9,1 on Booking.com
Price Range: €€ (Mid-Range)
Large and lively family resort with multiple swimming pools, water slides and a lazy river. It’s an especially great choice for families with children, as there’s always something to do. Everything is well organized, making it easy to switch into holiday mode and simply enjoy your time together.
➜ Check availability
Other Family-Friendly Resorts in Hurghada
Besides the resort where we stayed, there are plenty of other great family-friendly hotels in Hurghada. From large all-inclusive resorts with water parks to quieter beachfront properties.
The main difference comes down to what kind of vacation you’re looking for. Do you want endless water slides and activities, or would you prefer a more relaxed and luxurious atmosphere? Here are a few excellent options to compare.
Pickalbatros Jungle Aqua Park Resort Neverland
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9,0 on Booking.com
Price Range: €€ (Mid-Range)
Famous for its huge water park with dozens of water slides. This is the kind of resort where children can stay entertained for days without getting bored.
➜ Check availability
Pickalbatros White Beach Resort
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9,3 on Booking.com
Price Range: €€€ (Upper Mid-Range)
A more modern and slightly quieter beachfront resort. Expect stylish rooms, good restaurants and a higher level of comfort for families looking for a more premium experience.
➜ Check availability
Sunrise Garden Beach Resort
⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9,4 on Booking.com
Price Range: €€€ (Upper Mid-Range)
A great balance between relaxation and family-friendly facilities. With a large pool area, direct beach access and plenty of amenities, it feels spacious without being overwhelming.
➜ Check availability
Is Egypt Safe for Families?
That’s a fair question, and one we had ourselves before traveling to Egypt.
During our trip, we never felt unsafe, especially in and around our resort. Everything was well organized, and you quickly notice that people are used to tourists and generally treat them with respect. We felt the same way during our excursions, which were well organized and reliable.
That said, Egypt does feel different from Europe. Outside the resorts, it’s less Westernized, traffic can be chaotic and hygiene standards are sometimes different from what you may be used to. Let’s just say that Guus had a brief encounter with the famous “Pharaoh’s Curse.” Nothing serious, but definitely something to keep in mind.
There are cultural differences as well. Places like the airport and parts of the city can feel more direct, busy and sometimes a little overwhelming compared to Europe. As long as you’re aware of that and adjust your expectations accordingly, it’s usually not a problem.
For us, the conclusion is simple: prepare well, use common sense and don’t worry too much. If you do that, Egypt with kids can be a fantastic family destination.
Best Time to Visit Hurghada With Kids
We visited Hurghada in November, and for us it was pretty much perfect. Daytime temperatures were around 25°C (77°F), there was plenty of sunshine and it never felt too hot. With a baby and a toddler, that was exactly what we were looking for.
October and the months from March through May are also great times to visit Hurghada. The weather is warm enough for swimming and spending time outdoors, without the extreme heat of summer.
Summer temperatures can easily climb above 35°C (95°F). Personally, we would be less likely to visit during that period with young children.
Our Experience: Traveling to Egypt With a Baby and a Toddler
We traveled to Egypt with a 3-month-old baby and an almost 4-year-old toddler. Not exactly the easiest combination, you might think. But because we stayed in one place instead of moving around, it actually worked out really well.
Our days were pretty simple. We mostly did whatever we felt like doing. No packed schedule, no rushing around and no pressure to see everything.
Our oldest daughter spent most of her time in the pool, while our baby happily slept through a large part of the day. And us? We finally had a chance to recharge as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurghada With Kids
Yes, Hurghada is a great destination for families with young children. Most resorts are designed with families in mind, making it easy to relax without having to plan too much. Everything you need is usually within walking distance.
During our trip, we never felt unsafe. Resorts and organized excursions are generally well run and geared toward tourists. Outside the resort, you’ll notice that Egypt feels different from Europe, but with a little flexibility and common sense, it’s easy to navigate.
The best time to visit is between October and May. During these months, temperatures are warm and comfortable for swimming and spending time outdoors. Summer can become extremely hot, especially for young children.
Yes, most visitors need a visa to enter Egypt. In many cases, this can be arranged upon arrival at the airport or online before your trip. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your arrival date.
There are no mandatory vaccinations for most travelers, but it’s always a good idea to check the latest travel health advice before your trip.
Absolutely. While many families spend most of their time at the resort, there are plenty of excursions available. Popular options include desert jeep safaris, boat trips on the Red Sea and snorkeling tours.
Plan Your Family Holiday to Hurghada, Egypt
The Best Family-Friendly Resorts in Hurghada
➜ Explore the best family-friendly resorts in Hurghada
Fun Excursions in Hurghada With Kids
➜ Discover the most popular tours and activities in Hurghada
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