where to take children swimming?

[flowergirl]

Hi, can anyone recommend swimming pools that are child-friendly? We will be based in Heliopolis, not far from City Star. Maybe hotels nearby? Will be back in Cairo at half-term and probably again at Easter

[MaidenScotland]

I went swimming at the hotel that is right beside City Stars brilliant pool but I can't remember if they have a seperate childs pool. The bees knees has to be the JW Marriott pools, heated and wave machine plus a beach etc but mega mega mega bucks. I went out for the day and you have to hire a beachside room and the price was $170.

Maiden

[flowergirl]

Hello and thank you. The Marriott is a bit steep, but I am happy to hear that we can swim at the hotels near the Mall. A children's pool would be good but not essential. I will get DH to check out which hotel and how much they charge.

Also, I read that there is a water park outside Cairo. Do you know anything about this? Like how far away it is and is the trip worth the drive (we were advised to go to 'Africa' when we were in Cairo after Xmas but didn't realise that it was a wildlife safari park up towards Alexandria!)

Are there any other activities for children in Cairo other than the obvious touristy ones such as the pyramids and the museum, which we have now done. The girls loved the pyramids and the sphinx but only lasted an hour at the museum (though they did enjoy the gardens outside).

[Beatle]

Originally Posted by flowergirl

Are there any other activities for children in Cairo other than the obvious touristy ones such as the pyramids and the museum, which we have now done. The girls loved the pyramids and the sphinx but only lasted an hour at the museum (though they did enjoy the gardens outside).

I am not sure how old your girls are. There is a pottery cafe in Mohandiseen where you can decorate pottery which friends have recommended to me (There is also Fagnoon on the road to Saqarra I think which is an art school which you can go to for the day although I have not been).

If your girls enjoyed the gardens at the museum then they may also like Al Azhar Park which is lovely. There are great cafes and loads of families with children go there. The views are fantastic at sunset and you can climb some steps and look over Cairo. There is also a childrens play area there apparently although I have never been to the play area.

Although not aimed specifically aimed at children, felucca rides on the Nile are always quite fun. We have taken a picnic on board before.

Hope that helps

[ptrjakson]

I don't think you will get swimming pools that are child-friendly.All the swimming pools require parental care or else accident may occur and water park will be a better suggestion.

[MaidenScotland]

The Pharonic Village in Giza is interesting.. a bit pricey for a family but you can make it last the whole day. The children will enjoy being told the tale of Egypt so it's entertaining as well as educational plus you get a trip on the river.
I would take a picnic and my own drinks if I went again as the food was overpriced and basically horrid.
There is a bookshop named Diwan who do story telling evenings, go to the store and you will find details up on their notice board or try googling them. You will meet other mothers with children and maybe you can arrange play dates etc,
The hash has meets on a Friday and children are welcome there a bit of exercise plus a social gathering.
To be honest Cairo is not child friendly there is no playing skipping out in the street with your neighbours, no skateboarding or cycling. You could try joining one of the sporting clubs as they do cater for children.
Do not go to the zoo it has to be hell on earth and it will only upset your girls.

Sorry forgot to say at the begining of the post... Welcome to the forum.

[flowergirl]

Hi, thank you for the suggestions.

Daughters are ages 7 and 5 and love art/craft and would definitely enjoy pottery painting.

The park sounds lovely and I must take them there next time. Will also check out the pharonic village as we plan to do a trip on the Nile (Karnak/Luxor) later in the year so it would help if they understand a bit about it all.

I don't mind swimming with them so the hotel pool will be okay, but will check out the water park before next time.

[MaidenScotland]

Originally Posted by flowergirl

Hi, thank you for the suggestions.

Daughters are ages 7 and 5 and love art/craft and would definitely enjoy pottery painting.

The park sounds lovely and I must take them there next time. Will also check out the pharonic village as we plan to do a trip on the Nile (Karnak/Luxor) later in the year so it would help if they understand a bit about it all.

I don't mind swimming with them so the hotel pool will be okay, but will check out the water park before next time.

Hi,

I have never been to the water park and somehow I don't think it exists, other than the hotels there are no public pools that have mixed sessions, so I can't see a public water park being here. If I am wrong then be wary of the safety standards, look out for sharp edges on slides etc as there tends to be no such thing as health and safety here.

Maiden

[GM1]

Check here for amusement parks/playgrounds: Playgrounds & Amusement Parks Cairo, Alexandria, Hurghada, Luxor, Aswan, Egypt | (All) | YellowPages.com.eg there is at least a aqua park on the Cairo-Ismailia road, I think it will be closed in the winter.
There was always one next to HyperOne, I don't know if it still exists.

[AngieH]

Hi, I have never been, but my friends visited the Aqua Park last fall while on vacation in Egypt. Now, our standards may be high in the US, but she said that they were terribly disappointed, and never even went in the water, as the whole place was very dirty. They actually turned around and left. Maybe they visited on an "off" day, lol.