Things to do in Sharm El Sheikh for families

With year-round sunshine and a selection of beautiful beaches, Sharm el Sheikh is the perfect holiday destination for families. Offering everything from all inclusive resorts with water parks to snorkelling and scuba diving adventures, action-packed family fun doesn’t go amiss here – gather the clan for a getaway to remember!

For the adventurous, there are desert tours in Ras Mohammad National Park, while the child-friendly shallows at Na’ama Bay are made for water lovers. Keep reading to discover the best family activities in Sharm el Sheikh – this gem on the Red Sea coast is waiting to be explored!

1. Soho Square

Soho Square is a shopping and entertainment complex in the east of the city. Packed with cosy cafes and vintage stores, the square is marked with a brightly coloured dancing fountain. From ice skating to bowling, family activities are endless here – it’s a great spot to hit in the evening when the Sharm sun goes down.

With special areas for kids including soft play zones, arcades and Sharm’s largest panoramic cinema, children of all ages will find something to keep them entertained. Plus, the impressive food court serves up plenty of dining options for families. From Italian-style pizzas to Mexican favourites, grab a bite to eat after an exciting day exploring the square.

Hotel near Soho Square:

Only a 5 minute walk from Soho Square, the Royal Savoy hotel boasts a prime location overlooking the Red Sea. With 3 swimming pools and incredible entertainment for all ages, this 5 star hotel is one of the best places in Sharm for family holidays – plus, the Savoy comes with spacious villas that are perfect for large families.

2. Na’ama Bay

Water sports, shopping and snorkelling are just a few things Na’ama Bay has to offer. Located north of Sharm el Sheikh, this natural bay is a top place for a family beach day, a morning mooch around the shops or an evening dinner date watching the picture-perfect sunset.

The colourful coral reef makes Na’ama Bay excellent for snorkelling – all ages will love spotting everything from clown fish to sea turtles. You’ll also find an array of family-friendly water sports, from the gentle to the hair-raising! Enjoy spectacular views while kayaking across the blue waters or create unforgettable family memories on the back of a banana boat!

Hotel near Na’ama Bay:

Located on its own private beach, the all inclusive Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa is a 20 minute walk from Na’ama Bay – you can see the bay from the hotel’s sea view rooms. Stella Di Mare provides a range of top-notch facilities, including a championship golf course, a diving centre and spa.

3. Cleo Park

Water park wonders await! The first themed water park to open in Sharm el Sheikh, Cleo Park features 22 slides and a collection of pools with sun loungers. From adrenaline-inducing adventure rides to mini slides for little ones, Cleo Park is a day out full of delight for families with kids of all ages.

It doesn’t matter when you visit Cleo Park, the water temperature is kept warm all year-round. For little thrill-seekers, be sure to check out the drop slide and the rubber ring rides. Adults looking to unwind can lounge on the comfy sunbeds around the pool or bob about in the wave pool.

Hotel near Cleo Park:

Sharm Dreams Resort offers direct access to the park. With a kids’ club, baby sitting service and playground, this fun-filled hotel is the perfect spot for families looking to stay close to the action.  

4. Nabq Bay

One of Sharm el Sheikh’s hidden gems, Nabq Bay offers relaxation on soft sands and dips in and out of calm waters. With plenty of hotels and dining spots around, it’s easy to enjoy a day out exploring this beautiful protected bay.

Nabq Bay is a departure port for diving excursions in the Red Sea – get the family PADI certified and witness exotic corals and magical marine life! For first time divers, book your diving experience with an instructor and explore the underwater world with confidence – you may just find your new passion!

Hotel near Nabq Bay:

With 7 pools and 20 bars and restaurants, Rixos Premium Sea Gate is a 5 star hotel made for families. Explore the protected coral reef and Nabq Bay’s top diving sites with the hotel’s dive centre or simply splash about at the on-site water park. Mums and dads – don’t miss the luxury spa!

5. Ras Mohammad National Park

Home to some of Sharm el Sheikh’s most exotic underwater and on-land wildlife, Ras Mohammad National Park makes for an exciting day out. Reached by a bus or boat ride from Sharm el Sheikh, the whole family will fall in love with this protected nature reserve.

The shallow waters near the shore are perfect for little ones to splash about, while snorkelling and diving tours unlock the beauty of Sharm’s most stunning coral reefs. Catch a glimpse of amazing underwater wildlife including dolphins, octopuses, and brightly coloured fish. Back on dry land, don’t turn up the chance to try out sandboarding on the desert dunes – a highlight of family holidays in Sharm el Sheikh.

Hotel near Ras Mohammad National Park:

Although Ras Mohammad National Park is secluded from the city, Albatros Sharm Resort sits north of Sharm el Sheikh and is one of the closest hotels to the beautiful nature reserve. With 4 freshwater pools and a separate children’s pool, families will love this beachside paradise.

6. Shark’s Bay Beach

The see-through waters of Shark’s Bay are ideal for little ones taking their first splash in the sea. Lined with sea view restaurants and shaded sun loungers, everything’s set up for a proper beach day. Despite its name, Shark’s Bay doesn’t host big, scary sharks – you may find a few friendly minnows swimming through the reefs though!

Just steps into this dazzling bay you’ll find colourful fish swimming right by your feet. Young children will be fascinated by the array of marine life, and the bay is perfect for beginner snorkelers wanting to try their hand at spotting some of the Red Sea’s most exotic creatures.

Hotel near Shark’s Bay:

Hosting its own sandy beach, the 5 star Four Seasons Resort is a hub for family activities of all kinds, including table tennis, beach volleyball and water sports. Adults get to relax by the freshwater pool while kids enjoy the action-packed play area.

7. A day trip to Cairo

Since you’re so close, why not hop on a plane to see Egypt’s most well-known attractions in Cairo? Witness the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and the Cairo Museum all in one unforgettable day trip – an extra-special holiday experience.

There are plenty of guided tours around Egypt’s capital offering an up-close look at all the iconic ancient wonders. And when you’re done, you’ve still got the rest of your holiday to look forward to in Sharm!

How far is Sharm el Sheikh from Cairo?

Sharm el Sheikh is a 1 hour flight or an 8 hour coach ride from Cairo. You can choose between a 1 day excursion or an overnight stay to make the most of your time in the famous capital.