Cairo for The Family Explorers: a Friday-to-Monday weekend

A shady old zoo with a footbridge by Eiffel's firm, ducks, giraffes and a big lawn for ice cream; fine for a long flight and no rush.

Fountains and a rose garden, with room to run and picnics on the grass before dinner.

Early dinner at 18:30: taameya sandwiches and koshary with sweet drinks, quick and cheap for tired children.

One big thing for the morning: walk up to the Great Pyramid, take a short camel ride (agree the price first) and see the Sphinx from the panoramic spot.

Garden lunch with grills, rice and tahini salads and a playground-like lawn; children can wander while adults finish.

An island of papyrus, reed boats and costumed demonstrations with a boat ride; a gentle afternoon after the long morning.

Giant Ramses II in the atrium, a boat of Khufu, Tutankhamun's treasures and a children's museum on site; book timed entry, take a stroller.

Falafel, kofta and warm bread in a quirky tiled dining room full of lanterns; the menu has plain dishes children eat.

A felucca on the Nile in the late afternoon with the sail catching the breeze; the captain will let children hold the rope.

Playgrounds and fountains on the hill with views of the Citadel, before the flight home; open lawns where children can burn off energy.

A quick koshary lunch on the way to the airport, children's portions of mild rice and pasta and no onions on top.