Luxor, once the ancient city of Thebes, is home to one of the largest religious complexes in the world. Only Angkor Wat in Cambodia surpasses it in size. Built over more than 1,500 years, Karnak wasn’t the work of a single pharaoh but a legacy of many, each adding temples, pylons, and obelisks. The scale is hard to describe until you’re standing in it, feeling small beneath the weight of history.
It took us two hours to explore, and we still only scratched the surface. Here are our tips for visiting Karnak Temple with kids, plus a suggested route to help you plan your time.
Touring Egypt with Kids
Temperatures in Luxor soared into the mid 40s°C (over 110°F) during our visit, making daytime touring nearly impossible. With kids in tow, we knew we couldn’t spend long days exploring, so we planned early-morning visits and spent the afternoons poolside.
Arriving at the opening not only helped us beat the worst of the heat, but we often found the sites almost entirely to ourselves. It felt like we stepped back in time, wandering through the quiet ancient ruins as they glowed in the sunrise.
Planning Your Route Around Karnak
There are three main precincts at Karnak, but the Precinct of Amun-Re is the only one open to the public. Here, you will see the main temple dedicated to the god Amun, filled with monumental gateways (pylons), columns, and statues added by pharaohs over centuries.
The Temple of Amun
First Pylon
Enter Karnak through the First Pylon, a massive gateway adorned with stone carvings depicting ancient pharaohs and their victories.
Great Court
Beyond the First Pylon lies the Great Court, home to the colossal statue of Ramses II. Towering over visitors, it conveys the power and grandeur of the pharaohs while offering a perfect spot to pause and take in the scale of the complex.
Great Hypostyle Hall
Through the second Pylon, you will see the most iconic area of Karnak – the Great Hypostyle Hall. Step into a stone forest of 134 massive columns, each carved with hieroglyphs and towering high above. Standing here, you feel the true scale of ancient Egyptian architecture.
Obelisk of Hatshepsut
Rising nearly 30 meters, this granite obelisk is one of the tallest ever erected in Egypt and a striking reminder of the female pharaoh’s power.
Surrounding Sites in the Precinct of Amun-Re
Cachette Court
A courtyard where thousands of statues were once buried and later discovered. It’s easy to miss, but worth stopping to picture the treasure trove of artifacts that once lay hidden beneath the ground.
Sacred Lake
A short walk beyond the main temple area, this calm water feature was used for ritual purification. It’s a peaceful spot to pause and imagine ancient ceremonies taking place along its edge.
Avenue of the Sphinx
After finishing inside, walk the grand stone promenade that links Karnak with Luxor Temple. Statues of sphinxes line the path every few feet. Some are beautifully intact, while others are just remnants. Even in partial form, the avenue gives a sense of the grandeur of ancient Thebes.
Tips for Visiting Karnak with Kids
Arrive early: The temple gets very busy. Aim to arrive right at opening (6:00 am) to enjoy cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the stunning sight of the sun rising over the ruins.
Timing: Expect to spend a couple of hours exploring. Add time if you plan to walk the Avenue of the Sphinxes.
Water & sun protection: There is very little shade inside the complex. Bring plenty of water, hats, and sunscreen. Even the early-morning sun can be intense. Plan breaks in the shadier spots near the walls and gateways to keep kids comfortable.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: With such a vast layout, you’ll surely get your steps in for the day!
Avenue of the Sphinx: Plan your walk for a day when you’re visiting both Karnak and Luxor Temple. To walk the full promenade, you need tickets for both. Guards check at the halfway point. If you only have one ticket, you’ll need to turn back or buy a ticket for the other temple.
Where We Stayed in Luxor
We stayed at the Steigenberger Nile Palace, a 5-star resort overlooking the Nile. This property features a large pool, sundeck, three restaurants, spa, and gym facilities. Breakfast and dinner were included, making the logistics easy. Although we typically prefer to stay in apartments, this was a nice treat. And with soaring temperatures, the ability to explore the ancient ruins in the early morning and evening, with refreshing pool days in between, made all the difference for the boys.
Bringing Karnak to Life
Visiting Karnak Temple with kids is an unforgettable experience. From the First Pylon to the Great Hypostyle Hall and the Avenue of the Sphinx, you are surrounded by centuries of history at every turn. Exploring the ancient complex sparks imagination and curiosity in both kids and adults, offering a glimpse into life in the time of the pharaohs.
Ready to Explore Egypt?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• Discovering Egypt’s Pyramids with Kids
• 3 Days in Cairo with Kids
• Exploring Egypt’s White Desert and Whale Valley
• Exploring Kom Ombo, Edfu & Khnum Temples: A Family Guide
• Visiting Aswan’s Philae Temple with Kids
