Top 10 Things For Kids In Cairo

For those who are looking to go on a family holiday to Egypt, while Egypt guarantees excitement and lots to do, you may be wondering if there are any child specific attractions – well we’ve got the kids in mind, so we’ve listed up our top 10 attractions to keep the little ones entertained and also experience the ancients lands from a perspective they can appreciate, while most importantly having lots of fun!

1. Egyptian Museum

Children of all ages will really enjoy this museum. Besides the Tutankhamen treasures, which are always popular, both children and adults find the ‘Mummy Room’ fascinating, particularly the collection of animal mummies that include bandaged cats, monkeys and even a crocodile! Another favorite with the little ones is the large collection of Middle Kingdom models on the first floor, which may look like toys but were believed by the ancient Egyptians to come to life in the afterlife… sounds a bit like the movie ‘Night at the Museum’!

2. Cairo Zoo

The zoo was founded in 1891 and has a central feature of twin hills connected by a bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel. A maze of pathways loops around animal enclosures and it’s you’ll even get to chance to take part in feeding sessions. The ‘First Residence Mall’ across the road from the zoo is worth popping into since you’re in the neighborhood; it has a splendid café with great ice-creams. Note however that it’s best to try and avoid Fridays as it gets overcrowded.

3. Fish Gardens

Officially known as the ‘Gabalaya Gardens’, this is a small yet beautiful public park on the island of ‘Zamalek’, adorned with tall palm trees and serene grassy hillocks. The hillocks cover cave-like rooms that contain large aquariums with fish and turtles – Egypt being right near the Mediterranean has lots of colorful aquatic life, so you’re guaranteed to see a lot of things you’ve never laid eyes on.

4. Al-Azhar Park

A well-tended modern park on the eastern edge of the city, Al-Azhar is very popular with families and children, thanks to its wide-open spaces, grassy hills and ornamental lake – perfect for a picnic. There is also an excellent children’s play area, which includes climbing frames, walkways and swings, as well as cafés and snack shops – great for an afternoon out.

5. Felucca Rides

Feluccas – the classic small boats with triangular-shaped sails – can be hired by the hour from landings just in front of the Shepherd’s Hotel and the Four Seasons Nile Plaza. They seat eight people and cost about LE50 per hour + LE10 tip, although remember because it’s Egypt, it’s always negotiable! Put this on your list for an afternoon and pack a picnic and eat out on the river while watching the majestic view of the sun going down over the city.

6. National Circus

Housed in a purpose-built structure beside the Nile, the circus operates year round. All the performers are Egyptian and include all that you’d expect from any top class circus – jugglers, acrobats, tightrope walkers, lion and tiger tamers, magicians and trained dogs. The show lasts just over two hours so it’s a great little filler for a day packed with activities.

7. The Pyramids of Giza

Many children are just as spellbound by the impressive structures that are Pyramids as us adults. The opportunity to go inside these pyramids and descend the millennia old passageways to the buried chambers is a particularly exciting and unique experience. After you’ve had your fill of the pyramids it’s always worth capturing some great memories by taking pictures of the kiddies sitting on the horses and camels!

8. Diwan Bookshop

Cairo’s best bookshop has a small but excellent dedicated children’s section with books for all ages in both English and Arabic. You might want to look out for titles that are set in Egypt such as the beautifully illustrated ‘The Day of Ahmed’s Secret’. The story follows Ahmed through the streets of Cairo as he delivers butane gas to customers. These books are entertaining and allow you to take home a piece of Egypt while often learning a little about day to day life in Egypt.

9. Dr Ragab’s Pharaonic Village

This educational theme park recreates life in ancient Egypt using about 100 actors. Board a boat for a tour that includes visits to ancient houses, a temple and a walk-through replica of Tutankhamen’s tomb complete with treasure. This is one you shouldn’t miss! Children can have their photograph taken in a Pharaoh costume and there are also several museums, as well as a bazaar, playground and cafeteria. Lots to keep the kids and grownups busy!

10. Dream Park

Egypt’s largest amusement park is a 30-minute car journey from central Cairo. It contains a huge variety of fairground rides, including a roller coaster, a log flume ride, go-karts and bumper cars. In addition, it has the usual videogame arcades and themed restaurant areas to keep you busy – it’s like your regular amusement park but being in the Middle East makes it all the more exciting!