Sharm-el-Sheikh with kids

The best activities listed

In this blog, I share the best outings from Sharm el-Sheikh with children.

Sharm el-Sheikh is mainly known for its large all-inclusive resorts, great weather, and beaches along the Red Sea. A perfect place to fully unwind. But what many families don’t know is that there’s surprisingly a lot to do outside the resorts as well – even with children. We ended our world trip in Sharm el-Sheikh and were especially curious: is this just a resort destination, or can you really get out and explore as a family? The answer: absolutely. We were pleasantly surprised by the balance between relaxing and fun outings.

In this blog, I take you along to the best activities and day trips you can do from Sharm el-Sheikh with children. From short trips nearby to special experiences that give your vacation that little bit extra. Because as wonderful as an all-inclusive resort can be, getting out and about now and then makes your holiday even more enjoyable – also (or especially) with kids.

Curious about our resort? We stayed at the stunning Rixos Premium Seagate, and we highly recommend it!

Visit the pyramids in Cairo during your holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh with children

When you think of Sharm el-Sheikh with children, you probably picture sun, sea, and all-inclusive resorts. Wonderful, of course. But did you know that from Sharm you can stand at the pyramids of Cairo in just one day? We did it – with kids – and it was without a doubt one of the most special days of our vacation.

Very early, around half past five in the morning, we flew from Sharm el-Sheikh to Cairo. The flight took less than an hour, and the sunrise over the Red Sea more than made up for the early wake-up. Upon arrival, our guide was already waiting for us and the adventure began right away.

And then… the pyramids. Those moments when you think: wow, we are actually seeing this with our children. They are more impressive than you can imagine, and it feels almost unreal to simply walk among them. Our guide shared stories about ancient Egypt while the kids stared in awe at the massive stones, the Sphinx, and everything that comes with it. Visiting the Sphinx was a highlight for all of us – as if you step back in time for a moment.

After that, we visited a papyrus shop and the Egyptian Museum. The latter was especially popular with the children: seeing real mummies is, of course, incredibly impressive (and a little exciting).

At the end of the afternoon, we flew back to Sharm el-Sheikh. And the best part? We were back in time for dinner at the resort. Sitting down at the buffet after such an epic day felt almost unreal – pyramids in the morning, back by the sea in the evening.

We booked this day trip via GetYourGuide and found it to be a surprisingly well-organized and unique experience. Definitely recommended if you’re staying in Sharm el-Sheikh and want just a little more than only beach and pool.

Struggling to get great photos of your kids on holiday?

With this free Family Photo Bingo, you turn it into a game! Kids get excited, and you’ll go home with spontaneous, original holiday snapshots.

👉 Print it out and take it with you – free when you sign up for the newsletter!

Download for free

Discover the magical old Sharm el-Sheikh with children

Just outside the resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh lies a completely different world. The old town feels like a small One Thousand and One Nights setting, a bit like what you might know from cities such as Marrakesh. Especially around sunset, this is a place that truly takes you back to the atmosphere of Egypt beyond the resorts.

We decided to leave our resort in the evening and explore the old town – and it turned out to be a very nice change of pace. As soon as you walk around, you notice how different it is: narrow streets, local markets, small stalls, and little details everywhere that you normally only see in photos. For children, there is plenty to see, smell, and discover, without it becoming overwhelming.

The absolute highlight for us was the Sahaba Mosque. This mosque is beautiful to see and especially impressive during sunset. The warm light, the calm atmosphere, and the architecture make this a lovely place to pause for a moment (and yes, also to take photos – including with a camel if you like 😉).

Be sure to stay here for something to eat as well. In and around the old town, you’ll find plenty of local eateries where you can enjoy grilled kebabs, sandwiches, and sweet treats like baklava.

We ventured to the old town on our own, but if you prefer, you can also book a tour through GetyourGuide.

Have a cup of tea at a Bedouin tent just outside Sharm el-Sheikh with children

One excursion you really shouldn’t miss, in our opinion, is a visit to the Sinai Desert. For our family – and especially for Quinn – this was without a doubt one of the highlights of our holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh.

We headed into the desert by buggy, following a guide through the vast, rugged landscape. It was adventurous but not scary, which makes it very suitable to do with children. Sand, space, and speed: for the kids, this is one big playground.

During the tour, we stopped at a Bedouin tent in the middle of the desert. A lovely break where we were offered tea and could catch our breath for a moment. The Bedouins were incredibly hospitable, and it was nice to give the children a glimpse of life in the desert without it feeling too touristy or forced. Camels were resting near the tent. There was an option to take a ride, but our children weren’t interested – and honestly, we prefer not to encourage that either. We were perfectly happy to just let them rest.

If you head into the desert by buggy or quad, keep in mind that you will definitely get a mouthful of sand. Sunglasses are absolutely essential, and a scarf (such as a Bedouin scarf) around your head and mouth helps a lot against the blowing sand.

Officially, the tour description stated that this excursion is not suitable for children under 7 years old. Our children were 2 and 4 years old at the time and didn’t get bored for a second – no complaints, only enthusiasm. Of course, this varies per child, but our experience was surprisingly positive. We booked this desert tour through our hotel, which was quick and easy to arrange. Many resorts can organize this directly for you.

Admire the underwater world of the Red Sea in Sharm el-Sheikh with children

Sharm el-Sheikh is not only a wonderful sun destination, but also a place where you can step straight into the underwater world of the Red Sea. And that makes it especially magical with children. The coral, the fish, and the crystal-clear water create that wow feeling every single time.

Many hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh have their own pier that extends out into the sea. From such a jetty, you can enter the water directly to snorkel, without needing to take a boat first. We found this ideal with children. Edward and I took turns and went snorkeling from the pier at our hotel almost every day. Within just a few minutes, you’re already swimming among colorful fish and beautiful coral, right next to your resort.

If you want to see more than just the house reef of your hotel, there are plenty of other options. For example, you can take a boat trip to snorkel at different locations, or – with older children – join an organized snorkeling or diving tour. This is a bit more intense, but absolutely amazing if your kids are a bit older and confident in the water.

Traveling with young children who prefer to stay dry? Then the Seascope Submarine boat cruise is a fun and accessible way to discover the underwater world. On this submarine, children go straight out to sea and watch fish and coral glide by, without having to get into the water.

Here are some additional tips for Sharm-el-Sheikh with children

Are you looking for more activities for your vacation in Sharm-el-Sheikh with children? Consider the following options.

Waterparks

For families with children, a day at a water park is a guaranteed success. Sharm-el-Sheikh has several water parks where you can enjoy slides, lazy rivers, and refreshing pools. It’s the perfect way to cool off and have fun under the warm sun.

Daytrip to Luxor

If you’re interested in Egypt’s rich history, a day trip to Luxor is a must. Here, you can explore the impressive Karnak and Luxor temples, as well as the majestic Valley of the Kings, where the ancient pharaohs found their final resting place. It’s a fascinating journey back in time.

Remco and Linda from Travellers of the World wrote a great blog with tips for a day trip to Luxor: What to do in Luxor, Egypt?

Visit to Mount Moses & Monastery

For adventurous souls (with slightly older children), a nighttime ascent of the holy mountain Sinai, also known as Mount Moses, is an unforgettable experience. At the top of the mountain, you can witness a spectacular sunrise that you will never forget. After descending, you can visit the ancient St. Catherine’s Monastery, an oasis of spirituality and history in the desert.