Hurghada:Family Adventures in Top Things to Do for All Ages

What if you could find a place that’s perfect for the whole family? Where everyone, from toddlers to teens, has something exciting to do? Hurghada is one of those rare destinations where you can enjoy everything from quiet beach days to thrilling desert adventures. Have you ever imagined swimming with dolphins or snorkeling in the vibrant waters of the Red Sea? 

Or maybe you’ve thought about riding a camel, exploring the Hurghada Old Town El Dahar market across the desert with your kids? Hurghada has all that and more. To relax, explore, or create memories that’ll last a lifetime, this place has it all. Are you ready to discover the best family-friendly activities in Hurghada? 

1. Water Activities for All Ages

Hurghada’s Red Sea provides some of the best water activities for families, with options for all ages and skill levels.

Snorkeling & Coral Reefs

Hurghada is home to some of the most accessible snorkeling spots in Egypt. The waters around the Giftun Islands are shallow, making them ideal for children and beginners. The reefs here are full of vibrant fish and marine life, which kids can safely enjoy.

When you’re out in the water, be sure to keep an eye out for colorful fish and maybe even a sea turtle or two. This is an excellent way for families to connect with nature without needing much gear or preparation.

What to bring: Pack swimwear, water shoes to protect your feet, and reef-safe sunscreen to stay protected while also protecting the environment.

Water Sports & Diving

If your children are a bit older or have some experience in the water, there are plenty of water sports to try. From banana boat rides to jet skiing, Hurghada offers options for those looking for a bit more excitement. Families with teens can enjoy diving courses together, with instructors who know how to work with children and beginners.

What to bring: Make sure to pack underwater cameras for those memorable moments and snorkels if you’re planning on doing some underwater exploring.

Boat Trips & Dolphin Watching

There’s something special about spending a few hours on the water, and in Hurghada, there are several boat trips that include dolphin watching. These tours often have glass-bottom boats, so kids who aren’t yet ready to get in the water can still enjoy the marine life below.

What to bring: Hats and sunglasses for sun protection, and a light jacket for the cooler winds you might feel on the water.

2. Desert Adventures for Families

Get a change of scenery with exciting desert safaris and camel rides, perfect for families seeking adventure and discovery.

Desert Safari

For something a little different, you can take a desert safari. Families can go on camel rides or take quad bikes across the vast Eastern Desert. There are lots of family-friendly tours that keep things comfortable for kids and ensure a more laid-back experience. If you have little ones, a shorter camel ride might be the way to go, while older children can enjoy a family quad bike ride.

What to bring: Comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes are essential. Don't forget to pack sun protection like a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The desert can get very hot during the day, so be prepared.

Camel & Quad Bike RideGo for a camel ride or a quad bike adventure in Hurghada, both are excellent ways to see the desert. Camel rides are slower-paced and more relaxed, ideal for families with younger children, while quad bikes offer a bit more excitement.

What to bring: For the quad bike tours, make sure everyone wears closed-toe shoes to protect their feet from dust. Bring along a scarf or bandana to shield your face from the desert sand and plenty of water to stay hydrated.

3. Hurghada Family Friendly Tours

Explore the rich culture of Hurghada and introduce your family to the local way of life with visits to the Old Town and cultural spots.

Hurghada Old Town (El Dahar)

After spending time in the water and desert, a visit to Hurghada Old Town (El Dahar) is a great way to unwind and learn about local culture. This part of the city has a more traditional feel, with bustling markets where you can buy spices, jewelry, and souvenirs. It’s an excellent spot for families to stroll, sample local food, and get a feel for life in Hurghada.

What to bring: Local currency for shopping, and comfortable walking shoes. Since you’ll be walking around the market, it’s essential to have shoes that keep you comfortable.

Family-Friendly Cultural Tours

For a deeper dive into Egyptian history, consider taking your family on a cultural tour of the city. The Hurghada Grand Aquarium is a great stop, where kids can learn about local marine life. Many of the exhibits are interactive, so they’ll enjoy discovering the wonders of the Red Sea’s ecosystems.

What to bring: Pack a small bag with snacks and wet wipes to keep the kids refreshed during the day.

4. When to Visit and What to Pack

Hurghada’s perfect weather makes it an ideal destination for family trips. Just pack smart for the sun, sand, and desert adventures ahead.

Best Time to Visit

• Ideal Months: March to May and September to November.

• Weather: Pleasant, moderate temperatures with cooler evenings.

• Fewer Tourists: Less crowded attractions, meaning a more relaxed experience. According to regional data, around 1.5 million tourists visited the Hurghada area in the first half of 2023.

• Summer: Can be very hot (40°C/104°F), best to avoid outdoor activities during the day.

What to Bring with You

• Swimwear: Whether you’re snorkeling or just relaxing by the beach, don’t forget your swimsuit.
  

• Water Shoes: Essential for rocky or sandy beaches and for those who want to explore the coral reefs without hurting their feet.
  

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect yourself and the environment! Make sure your sunscreen is reef-safe.
  

• Hat & Sunglasses: You’ll need these for sunny days, especially if you’re out on the water or in the desert.
  

• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking around a lot, so make sure to bring shoes that are easy on your feet, especially for trips to the Old Town or the desert.
  

• Scarf or Bandana:  Perfect for protecting yourself from the desert dust or covering your face during a quad bike ride.
  

• Light Jacket: Nights in Hurghada can get cool, so it’s good to have something light for the evening.
  

• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, especially in the desert. Always keep a bottle of water with you.
  

• Snacks: Especially useful for kids on long tours. Some energy bars or fruit will come in handy.
  

• Camera:  You won’t want to miss capturing the beauty of Hurghada, from the sea to the desert.
  
  

Final Thoughts

So, what do you think? Can you think of your family enjoying a Hurghada family-friendly tour or taking a quiet moment to appreciate the beauty of the Red Sea coral reef snorkeling? From desert safaris to Hurghada day trips and excursions, the possibilities are endless. 

Suppose you are riding a camel or getting up close to the Red Sea’s vibrant marine life. There’s no shortage of activities to keep everyone entertained. Why not make Hurghada your next family destination? The memories you’ll create here will last a lifetime. Ready to pack your bags?

FAQs

1. Is Hurghada safe for families with children?

Yes! Hurghada is widely regarded as a safe place for families. Visitors regularly note that the resort areas are well‑policed and family‑friendly, especially around the beaches, hotels, and markets. Still, it’s best to keep kids within sight and use reputable tour operators for activities like snorkeling in Hurghada Giftun Islands.

2. What are the best day‑trips and excursions from Hurghada?

One of the biggest draws of Hurghada is its access to great tours beyond just the beachfront. Top picks include a boat trip to dolphins or visiting the national park around the Giftun Islands, as well as a desert safari from Hurghada up in the Eastern Desert. You’ll want to choose a tour that includes hotel pickup and clearly shows what’s included, so your family knows exactly what to expect.

3. At what age can children safely participate in water sports and diving?

Many families wait until kids are roughly 8‑10 years old before enrolling them in beginner diving courses. Still, younger children can absolutely join in by doing shallow Hurghada Red Sea coral reef snorkeling or glass‑bottom boat trips. The key is choosing family‑friendly water sports and diving in Hurghada, where guides are accustomed to children and safety gear fits properly.

4. When is the best time to visit Hurghada for families so we avoid big crowds?

The ideal months for a more relaxed visit are March through May and September through November. During these times, the resort is less crowded, and activities like Hurghada family-friendly tours are easier to book. Outside these windows, the heat can be intense and crowds high, which may affect younger kids more.