13 Things to Do In Aswan with Kids

Wondering what the top things to do in Aswan with kids are, and whether this southern‑Egypt city is truly family‑friendly? I’ve explored Aswan solo with a teen, and I can say with certainty: yes, it’s not only doable with kids, it’s one of the most rewarding stops on an Egypt itinerary.

With its blend of Nile‑front calm, Nubian culture, and ancient temples like Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan offers something for every age, without the frenzy of larger tourist hubs.

Over 4 days in Aswan we discovered mountain‑backdrops, felucca sails at sunset, and kid‑friendly food everywhere you turned.

In this post you’ll find:

• A curated list of 13 things to do in Aswan with kids: from temple visits to river cruises to cultural experiences in Nubia.
• Real‑life travel insights on pacing, safety, accommodations and how to include relaxation and exploration in equal measure.
• Practical tips that help turn a large bucket‑list place into a comfortable, memorable journey for your whole family.

Let’s get started so your family can experience Aswan not just as a stopover, but as a highlight of your Egypt adventure.

Why Aswan is a great choice for a family visit

Before we start the list, let’s share why you should visit Aswan. It’s known for its interesting mix of Egyptian and Nubian cultures and laid back atmosphere. And it’s famous for its beautiful Nile scenery. There are lots of things to do in Aswan with kids, so when traveling to Egypt with kids, Aswan deserves a spot on your Egypt itinerary.

There are lots of fun things to do in Aswan with kids. Think of exploring temples, soaking up Nubian culture and starting your Nile river cruise from Aswan to Luxor.

Aswan is also a great base if you want to explore some of the sights in the region, like Abu Simbel and Kom Ombo.

All in all, enough reasons to present you with the 13 best things to do in Aswan with kids!

Best 13 Things to do in Aswan with kids

From learning about Nubia to sunset on a felucca and from checking out an unfinished obelisk to marvel at Philae Temple. Here are the top things to see in Aswan with kids.

1. Philae Temple

Following the realization of Aswan’s High Dam, a few ancient Egyptian sights had to be saved from submerging into the water. The most famous example is Abu Simbel, but another is Philae Temple.

Philae Temple had to be transferred block by block from its original place on Philae Island to Agilkia Island. The name of the temple complex remains the same.

Boat to Agilkia Island

Agilkia Island is about a 10km drive from the Aswan city center. When you arrive at the Philae Temple marina you buy your tickets for the temple complex and enter the marina via a gate.

Small motor boats fill the marina, waiting to bring tourists to the temple in about 5 minutes. While you wait for your boat to leave you can buy souvenirs from the many vendors there.

The first thing you’ll see are two towers and a doorway, known as The First Pylon. The doorway leads to the main temple area.

Philae Temple is one of the best preserved temple complexes in Egypt and one of our absolute favorites! The details are amazing and intricate. It was built in 690 BC in honor of Isis, the goddess of healing and magic. It’s also dedicated to her husband Osiris and their son Horus.

The walls tell stories in hieroglyphics. For example about the mummification of Osiris, the birth of Horus and Isis bringing Osiris back to life. All of these things supposedly happened on Philae Island at Philae Temple.

This is a site often skipped by tourists. Either because Aswan is located too far south, or the visit to Aswan is primarily meant as a layover for a visit to Abu Simbel. It’s a pity for all who miss it, but a real bonus for those who go. You and a handful of others will have this amazing place to yourself.

The fact that you can roam around in relative peace, but mostly because of the great condition of the temple and its hieroglyphics in a dreamy environment, Philae Temple is one of the best ancient Egyptian sights to visit with kids!

Opening hours and ticket price

The Temple of Philae is open from Monday to Sunday from 7.00am to 4.00pm. You’ll pay E£550 (€9.50/$11) if you’re 6 years or older, kids younger than 6 are free. Students pay E£275 (€4.75/$5.50).

You can also buy tickets to the Sound & Light show (are you even at an Egyptian site if there’s no Sound & Light show to enjoy?). They are daily as well from 8.00pm-9.00pm and from 9.00pm-10.00pm in the summer. In winter they start at 6.45pm and 7.45pm.

The second show is held only if there are a minimum of 5 tickets sold.

Do check if the night show is in the right language, because some shows are available in all languages, while others are in English, Arabic, French or Spanish.

Tickets to the Sound & Light show are E£1,000 (€17.25/$20) for adults and E£555 (€9.60/$11.11) for children under 12.

Top Philae Temple tours

2. Felucca ride on the Nile river

A sunset felucca trip is a must do when in Egypt. Aswan is known for its beautiful Nile scenery, so there’s almost no better place to go on a felucca ride than here.

Check out Nubian life while relaxing on board, hear more about the cataracts and the High Dam and simply chill out for an hour with your kids. Away from the noise and the crowds of the city.

Felucca in Aswan or Luxor?

If you only have time for one felucca trip and you visit both Aswan and Luxor, you don’t have to have FOMO.

We did a felucca sunset cruise in both cities and they’re equally beautiful. I can’t think of one thing to choose one city over the other. If you can, do it in both, because it’s just a very relaxing thing to do after a day of exploring. An hour away from the noise and the scents.

Top Aswan Felucca tours

3. The Unfinished Obelisk

Why is an unfinished obelisk on this list of things to do in Aswan with children? Isn’t it just a big granite would-be monument! Yep, good point, but it’s also quite significant.

The obelisk was abandoned thousands of years ago in the rock quarries of Aswan. It was supposed to be the heaviest single stone monument Egyptians ever created.

Three sides of it were completed when masons discovered a large crack in the granite. For that reason it was immediately abandoned, leaving it half attached to the bedrock it was being carved from. But the fact that it’s still there, unfinished and all, taught us more about ancient stone masonry methods. And if you like to, you can learn more about it on site too!

When looking at the unfinished obelisk you can’t help but wonder how they were able to make a thing like this. And also, how would they carry this enormous monument to its destination?

A visit to this obelisk is one of the most unique things to do in Aswan and it will make for an interesting conversation amongst yourselves about the “how’s” and “when’s”.

Opening hours and ticket price

You can visit this site any day of the week from 7.00am – 4.00pm.

Tickets are sold at the entrance and cost E£220 (€3.80/$4.40) for adults and E£110 (€1.90/$2.20) for students. Kids under 6 can enter for free.

Top Unfinished Obelisk tours

4. The Aswan High Dam

While the Aswan High Dam isn’t much to look at, it’s got a lot of significance both politically and environmentally. And its existence caused a lot of problems for ancient historic sites in the area.

When you get to know more about these things it extra fun to drive over the dam and snap a picture of it from the East or West Bank.

A nice free thing to do in Aswan with kids is to snap a picture of the High Dam from the east bank or the west bank, while you tell your children the story about the High Dam.

If you want to know more about the construction of the dam you can also join a guided tour of the site, which isn’t free.

Opening hours and ticket price

The Aswan High Dam is open daily from 8.00am to 5.00pm.

Tickets are sold at the entrance and cost E£200 (€3.45/$4) for adults and E£100 (€1.70/$2) for students. Kids under 6 can enter for free.

Top Aswan High Dam tours

5. Nubia Museum

Close to the unfinished obelisk you’ll find the Nubia Museum (aka Nubian Museum). Here you’ll find info on everything concerning Nubia. Their culture, traditions and history.

You can check out artifacts from the Kingdom of Kush, as ancient Nubia was called. From before they became a part of the Egypt New Kingdom.

In addition to info on the Nubians you’ll also find a corner with information and photos of all the UNESCO projects aimed at saving ancient Egyptian sites after the Aswan High Dam was built and Lake Nasser was formed. Kalabsha Temple, Philae Temple and Abu Simbel for instance, were all doomed to be ruined.

Opening hours and ticket price

Opened daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm. On Thursdays and Fridays you can also visit from 9.00am to 5.00pm and from 6.00pm to 8.00pm.

Travelers under the age of 6 are free, students pay E£200 (€3.45/$4) and all others pay E£400 (€6.90/$8).

Top Nubian Museum tours

6. Visiting Nubians the ethical way

Get a taste of Nubian culture ethically

There are ways to get a taste of Nubian culture in an ethical way. You can stay at the Eco Nubia Ecolodge, for instance. It’s located on Philae Island where homes of the Nubians collapsed after the High Dam opened. This ecolodge invested and is still investing in the rebuilding of the homes. They also only hire Nubians to make sure they invest in the local community. You’ll learn about Nubia’s cultural heritage in a responsible way when staying here.

Or visit Nubian Eco Village from the Nubian Heritage and Culture Conserve Association. The Nubian heritage is reflected in everything they offer, from the accommodations, the food served to the experiences and activities offered. Nubian Eco Village is run by local experts who provide the most authentic experiences in an ethical way.

Nubians forced to leave their homes to make way for tourists

There are countless tours taking you to a Nubian Village in Aswan. But I’m here to warn you not to do it. Since around 2021 the Nubian Villages have been overrun by tourists.

The beautiful colors of all the buildings caught the eye of influencers at the end of the 10s and it was only a matter of time before every traveler staying in Aswan had a visit to a Nubian Village on their bucket list. I am one of those people.

Our guide mentioned that it wasn’t as authentic as it used to be. And also that he doesn’t typically add it to itineraries of clients. I was tone deaf, didn’t ask why and thus we went.

When we got there we immediately regretted our decision and our guide told us the story about the Nubian Village. Lots of the original home owners left because it had become unlivable.

Their streets were constantly overrun by tourists. Tourists entered their homes without asking and even took pictures inside. And the only way they could make a living is by allowing the tourists to enter their yards and homes for some money.

One last thing: camels are forced to carry around tourists in busy streets. They’re thin, stressed out and regularly get beaten by sticks. If you decide to go, please don’t ride one. If you want to know more about ethical animal encounters on your family travels, I invite you to read my post about animal abuse in tourism.

7. Temple of Kalabsha

The Kalabsha Temple is dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis, but it was never finished. The temple of Kalabsha can be found on New Kalabsha Island, where it was relocated to in the 1960s. Yep, because of Lake Nasser and the Aswan High Dam. Before that it was located on the West Bank of Aswan.

Because it’s not finished there aren’t many visitors. Chances are really high, your family will be the only visitors. Just avoid a visit during the hottest hours of the day, because there aren’t many shady areas on site.

Opening hours and ticket price

Open daily from 7.00am to 4.00pm.

Everyone over 6 years old pays E£200 (€3.45/$4), except students who pay E£100 (€1.70/$2). Kids under 6 can go in for free.

Top Temple of Kalabsha tours

8. Elephantine Island

The island of Elephantine covers about 2 square km and is interesting because you can spot excavations of ancient sites here. You can also check out the Temples of Khnum and Sated or just roam around the island.

Some felucca tours start from this island.

And last but not least, Egypt’s oldest Nilometer can be found here. The Egyptians were the first we know of to measure the flow of the water, in their case the Nile, to understand the year’s harvest and did that with the help of a Nilometer. A chamber with graduated columns that are used to measure the depth of water.

Note that visitors with mobility issues and small children may have issues with certain areas due to hilly terrain and uneven surfaces. It’s not a stroller friendly place either.

Top tip: while roaming around Elephantine Island keep your eyes out for the Old Cataract Hotel. On the other side of the Nile on the river banks, this majestic and world famous 5 star hotel sits on a pink granite cliff.

Opening hours

You can visit the island at any given time, but the general opening hours for the Aswan attractions on the island are from 9.00am to 5.0pm.

Top Elephantine Island tours

9. Aswan Botanical Garden

You can find Aswan’s botanical garden on Kitchener Island. This island once was owned by Lord Kitchener. He imported subtropical and exotic trees and plants and slowly transformed the island into botanical heaven!

Locals and tourists come to the botanical garden to relax and picnic. It’s also a place where you’ll be able to spot lots of birds. You can easily spend 2 hours in the garden.

Take a boat or felucca from Aswan pier. Otherwise get a rowboat from Elephantine Island to Kitchener Island.

Opening hours and ticket price

Aswan Botanic Garden is open daily from 8.00am to 5.00pm.

A ticket costs E£70 (€1.20/$1.40) for all visitors.

Top Aswan Botanical Garden tours

When booking a tour to Kitchener Island double check if the felucca will actually let you explore the island or just pass by.

10. High Tea at the Old Cataract Hotel

The Sofitel Legend Old Cataract is a 5 star hotel made famous by Agatha Christie. It’s located on the banks of the Nile river on top of pink granite cliffs.

It’s easy to see why Christie chose this hotel to write Death on the Nile. Of course the fact that it’s a 5 star residence had something to do with it, but it’s location is breathtaking.

Guests overlook the Nile and get to enjoy views of Khnum Temple and Elephantine Island. If you have the means, gift your family with a stay in this hotel.

If you’re not that lucky or if they’re out of rooms at the time of your family visit to Aswan there’s another option. Book a spot for high tea.

High Tea is served to non guests at the Terrace Restaurant. You have to reserve a table outside for high tea, or you might miss a chance to enjoy tea here.

If you’re not a guest of the hotel you have to pay E£93 (€1.60/$1.85) per person to enter the premises. This amount will be deducted from your bill.

11. Aswan Fatimid Cemetery

The Fatimid Cemetery is one of the most important Islamic cemeteries in Egypt. It’s considered to be one of the oldest cemeteries in the Islamic world.

The cemetery is filled with graves and is still in use today. But mongst the graves you’ll find ancient ruins of mud-brick domed tombs. Some of them date back to the 9th century, known as the Fatimid period. Hence the name of this cemetery.

Most of the 80 tombs were lost due to the mud brick material that was used to construct them. But you can still admire the design of about 30 tombs.

Give a E£60 to E£100 baksheesh (tip) to the site’s caretaker who will accompany you to the tombs. He’s just making sure people are respectful, after all there are people buried here, and helping you find your way to the tombs.

Opening hours and ticket price

Every day from 9.00am to 5.00pm. Aside from the tip for the caretaker entrance is free.

12. Nile River Cruise

The highlight of any Egypt itinerary must be a Nile River Cruise. You can either hop on in Luxor and end your cruise in Aswan or you hop on in Aswan and cruise the Nile towards Luxor.

I can’t recommend a Nile River Cruise enough. Egypt is beautiful from the water. You can choose between a ship, felucca or dahabiya. The latter being the most eco friendly options.

A Nile river cruise is a bucket list experience your family will remember forever. It cannot be missed on your Egypt family trip.

Top Nile River tours from Aswan to Luxor

13. Day Trips from Aswan (Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo or Edfu)

If you have 4 or 5 days in Aswan I recommend you go on at least one day trip. There are 3 sights that are absolute top ancient Egyptian places to visit with kids. Edfu, Kom Ombo and one of Egypt’s top attractions: Abu Simbel.

You’ll need to reserve one full day for a day trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan. And know that you have to leave your accommodation between 3am and 4.30am to make the 3,5h drive.

Other options are to take the 1h drive to Kom Ombo or the 2,5h drive to Edfu. You’ll basically pass by Kom Ombo on your way to Edfu. That’s why I recommend you make a quick stop at the Kom Ombo temple and the Crocodile museum next door (about 2h is enough for both) before driving the remaining 1,5h to Edfu.

Opening hours and ticket price

Abu Simbel Temples

Abu Simbel is open daily from 6.00am to 5.00pm.

All foreigners pay E£750 (€13/$15) for a ticket when they’re 6 or older. Kids from 0 to 5 are free. If you’re a student and you’ve brought your student card you will only pay E£375 (€6.50/$7.50).

Kom Ombo Temple

Visit Kom Ombo between 7.00am to 9.00pm daily.

Travelers under the age of 6 are free, students pay E£225 (€3.90/$4.50) and all others pay E£450 (€7.75/$9).

The Temple of Horus (aka Edfu Temple)

In summer the Temple of Horus is opened daily from 7.00am to 5.00pm. Except on Sundays and Wednesdays when it’s open from 6.00am to 5.00pm.

Everyone over 6 have to pay E£550 (€9.50/$11) for a ticket, except for students who pay E£275 (€4.75/$5.50). Kids below 6 are free.

Top Aswan to Abu Simbel tours

Top Aswan to Kom Ombo and Edfu tours

Best Tours in Aswan with kids

5 Things to do in Aswan with kids

If you don’t have time to visit all 13 top things to do in Aswan with kids, pick these 5 Aswan sights you must not miss.

• Philae Temple
• Nubian Museum
• Elephantine Island by felucca (you basically kill 2 birds with one stone)
• Unfinished Obelisk
• Aswan Botanical Garden

Aswan itinerary for families

Now that I’ve hooked you up with a list of what to visit in Aswan we’ll break things down for you in some (multi day) itineraries. Pick the one that suits your family’s timeframe best and enjoy!

5 day Aswan itinerary

With 5 days in Aswan with kids you can see it and do it all and even join a tour to Abu Simbel.

Day 1

• Philae Temple
• Unfinished Obelisk
• A stroll on Aswan Corniche at sunset (yep, this is a bonus tip!)

Day 2

• Elephantine Island
• Temple of Kalabsha
• Ethical Nubian Village visit

Day 3

• Nubian Museum
• Fatimid Cemetery
• High Tea at the Old Cataract
• Felucca sunset tour

Day 4

• Day trip to Abu Simbel
• Take some shots of the Aswan High Dam on your way back

Day 5

• Aswan Botanical Garden
• Start your Nile River Cruise

4 day Aswan itinerary

This is almost the exact itinerary as the 5 day one above, but only one sight is cut from the program and that’s the Temple of Kalabsha.

Day 1

• Philae Temple
• Unfinished Obelisk
• A stroll on Aswan Corniche at sunset (yep, this is a bonus tip!)

Day 2

• Elephantine Island
• Aswan Botanical Garden
• Ethical Nubian Village visit

Day 3

• Nubian Museum
• Fatimid Cemetery
• High Tea at the Old Cataract
• Felucca sunset tour

Day 4

• Day trip to Abu Simbel
• Take some shots of the Aswan High Dam on your way back
• Start your Nile River Cruise

3 day Aswan itinerary

With 3 days in Aswan with kids you have to make more cuts. I still recommend you reserve one day to go to Abu Simbel, it’s simply a must do when in Egypt and Aswan is the perfect base for a visit.

Day 1

• Philae Temple
• Nubian Museum
• Fatimid Cemetery

Day 2

• Elephantine Island
• Aswan Botanical Garden
• Unfinished Obelisk

Day 3

• Day trip to Abu Simbel
• Take some shots of the Aswan High Dam on your way back
• Start your Nile River Cruise

2 day Aswan itinerary

If you only have 2 days in Aswan with kids it’s almost inevitable that you skip Abu Simbel. But you know what, let me give you 2 options for day 2 so you can make this hard decision for yourself.

Day 1

• Philae Temple
• Elephantine Island
• Unfinished Obelisk

Day 2 (option nr. 1)

• Nubian Museum
• Fatimid Cemetery
• Start your Nile River Cruise

Day 2 (option nr. 2)

• Day trip to Abu Simbel
• Take some shots of the Aswan High Dam on your way back
• Start your Nile River Cruise

1 Day Aswan Itinerary

You can get a little taste of Aswan if you only have one day here

Here are the must do’s if you only have 1 day in Aswan with kids:

• Philae Temple
• Elephantine Island
• Unfinished Obelisk
• A stroll on Aswan Corniche at sunset

Planning your family trip to Aswan

Planning a family trip to Aswan means doing some research. You now know the best things to do here, but there are some things to know before you travel to Aswan. My Aswan with kids planning guide will help you with that.

How to get around Aswan

Aswan is quite big. If you’re not with a tour guide who provides transport you can take a taxi, Careem or Uber.

When visiting sights outside of the city center, make sure you make a deal with your driver to pick you up when you’re done. They don’t stick around at the sights to pick up tourists.

Local buses are available in Aswan. The difficulty is knowing where they’re going, it doesn’t say on the outside of the bus. You have to stick out your hand to stop the bus and say your destination. The driver will then tell you whether he’s going there or not, but chances are he or she doesn’t speak English. All in all, I wouldn’t try this with kids.

FAQ

If you have no time to read this post, save it for later and stick to reading this faq about the best things for families to do in Aswan.

Aswan with Kids Is More Than Just a Stopover

Aswan might not get as much hype as Cairo or Luxor, but for families, its slower pace, warm culture, and rich history make it a must-see.

Whether you’re sailing past palm-lined shores on a felucca, exploring ancient temples like Philae, or taking a break in the botanical gardens, Aswan has that rare combination of educational and relaxing travel experiences. Perfect for kids and parents alike!

Ready to turn this list into an actual itinerary?

👉 Check out my guide to planning a family trip to Aswan for essential tips on where to stay, when to go, and how to make your visit smooth and stress-free.

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