Your Children in Luxor

Is Luxor safe for children?
Most Egyptians love children. If you take children of any age to Luxor, you will find that they are welcomed just about everywhere and that they will receive a great deal of attention. Of course, in any country there are people who ignore all local and international standards and behave in a way that is inexplicable to the vast majority of people. Having said that, in Egypt children are at least as safe as they are anywhere and a great deal safer than in many 'developed' countries.

Restaurants
Nearly all restaurants welcome children and some have highchairs. There is a McDonalds (in the area to the rear of Luxor Temple), with Snacktime close by which has a whole floor for children, with excellent, good quality indoor play equipment and Smiley children's menu.
Provisions
It is worth taking with you the things that you know you will need and that you can fit within your luggage allowance. Some things are priced competitively in Luxor, but some things, especially imported things, are more expensive in Luxor than in the UK. However, if you come without something there is no need to worry as you should be able to find all the essentials, such as baby milk, nappies, creams and lotions. Baby things that you might expect to find in a supermarket in 'western' countries are more likely to be found in ‘pharmacies’ in Luxor.
Charges
Most entrance tickets and transport in Luxor are free for children up to the age of six. We are not aware of anyone being charged for entry to any of the sights, including the tombs and the National ferry, for any child who is, or looks 6 or younger. There is no need to mention the younger children. It is taken for granted that they do not pay. Just go to the ticket office, buy tickets for the adults and older children and don't mention the younger ones unless they do. A lot seems to be down to the official when assessing ages.
Children between 7 and 13 (inclusive) usually pay a reduced rate which is around half the adult price but rounded up to the nearest LE5. Children who look 14 or more will need a student card to get the reduced student rate.
Weather
We all know that it is hot in Luxor and that the sun is strong. It is probably best to avoid the very hottest months, June - August, when temperatures can soar to the high fifties in the sun. Obvious, as this seems, it is worth saying that the highest factor sunscreen should be used. Medical advice is that nothing under factor 30 is very effective. There can be fairly strong breezes on and beside the Nile and this can disguise the heat so you don't always realise how strong the sun really is. Protection is important all the time, even when it does not appear to be so hot. Please use the parasol for the pushchair and use huge rimmed hats to keep the sun off the child’s face and neck.
Cruise Boats
Many of the cruise ships have a minimum age limit and will not take children for safety reasons.
Balloon Rides
There does not appear to be a minimum age limit for the balloon rides although they would need to be tall enough to see over the edge of the basket, which is about 1 Metre.
Pavements and Roads
The pavements in Luxor are not all flat and even and a lot of the curbs are very high. Ramps between the pavement and the road are scarce. These problems combine to make taking a pushchair on the pavements in Luxor quite difficult. It can be done, but many people with chair-aged children prefer to push them along the edge of the road, especially between the tourist area at the southern end of Luxor and the Corniche. Using the road may encourage the occasional car horn but it is not uncommon for people to walk at the edge of the roadside and is often preferred to climbing and descending the many high curbs along the way.

Remember! your child under 16 does not need a Visa if on parents/guardians passport. If they have own passport then a Visa is required