Hurghada is one of Egypt's easiest family destinations. Warm shallow water, big resorts with children's pools and clubs and a short flight from much of Europe make it a straightforward beach holiday. With a little planning, you can add a few excursions that children will remember, without turning the week into a series of dawn starts.
Choose the resort for your children's ages
The resort is the biggest family decision. Large all-inclusive beach resorts, such as the Pickalbatros Palace Resort, JAZ Aquamarine and the Steigenberger ALDAU Beach Hotel, tend to offer pools, kids clubs, entertainment and food that suits fussy eaters, which takes the daily pressure off parents. The Hilton Hurghada Plaza has a pool with slides for children and is close to the town. For toddlers, look for a gently sloping beach or a pool with a shallow area, and ask whether the sea entrance is sandy or rocky. Reef-edge resorts often have a pontoon, so check the access for small children and always use water shoes.
Easy first outing: the aquarium
The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is the best first excursion for children, because it is indoors, short and full of things to point at. Plan around two hours, and time your visit around the shark feeding, which is the highlight for most children. It is also the right answer for a very hot afternoon or a windy day. Bring a hat for the walk from the car, and expect a gift shop at the exit.
See the reef without getting wet
For young children or nervous swimmers, the semi-submarine and glass-bottom boat is the gentlest introduction to the Red Sea. You sit below the waterline and watch the coral and fish through large windows, usually for about two hours, and no swimming is required. Ask about the seating and whether the boat has shade on the upper deck, and choose a morning departure for calmer water.
A beach island day for older children
For children who can swim or who are comfortable in a life jacket, a day at an island such as Mahmya or on the Giftun and Orange Bay cruise is a highlight. The crossing is the main challenge: boat journeys can be bumpy and long, and younger children can get seasick. Take motion-sickness remedies, sun hats, a rash vest and a change of clothes. Snorkeling is possible for confident swimmers aged around six and up, but ask the operator about child age limits, life jackets and masks that fit small faces before you book. Dolphin House is a long day and is usually better for older children.
Animals and the desert
The horse riding stables lead small groups along the beach and across the desert at a walk, with beginners welcome, and are a calm way to enjoy the landscape. They suit older children who are comfortable around horses, so ask about minimum ages and pony options. The desert safari is a big hit with children who like noise and dust, because it has quad and buggy rides, camels and an evening show. Check the minimum age for driving quads, since many operators limit them to older riders, and ask about child seats on buggies and jeeps. Dress everyone in long trousers, closed shoes and a scarf to cover mouths and noses.
What to skip with young children
The Luxor and Cairo day trips involve a pre-dawn start, many hours on the road and extreme heat for much of the year. They are better with teenagers, and even then the plan needs patience. Parasailing and many water sports have age and weight limits, so check them first. Late-evening shows and long restaurant dinners are hard on small children after a full day in the sun.
Heat, sun and water safety
Keep children out of the midday sun, schedule outings for morning or late afternoon, and use high-factor reef-safe sunscreen and a rash vest all year. Offer water often. Tell children never to touch coral or sea urchins, and wear water shoes on the reef and in rocky entries. Always use life jackets on boats, even for confident swimmers. Bottled water is the safe choice for drinking and teeth-brushing.
Practical family tips
Request a family room or connecting rooms when you book, and ask about cots and high chairs. Bring familiar snacks for long transfers, because airport and excursion transfers can be long. Keep a few small Egyptian pound notes for tips. Best seasons for a children's holiday are spring and autumn, when the heat is manageable, and the sea is warm.
