Exploring Morocco with Kids: What You Need to Know
Morocco is a captivating destination for family travel, filled with curious contrasts, landscapes, cultures, and ways of living. Jewish, Berber, African, and European communities have aligned and mingled to create the extraordinary atmosphere that underlies modern Morocco. It is both Asian and European and embodies something of both continents’ rich tapestry of influence. Its cities, such as Marrakech and Fez with their souks bursting with color, fragrance, and all manner of products, make a compelling case for being visited and explored.
A family vacation to Morocco will offer so much more than a chance to simply explore its cities. Beyond the labyrinthine alleys of the medinas lie countryside with stunning vistas, villages perched high in the Atlas Mountains, and a variety of desert landscapes. The coast offers horizon-to-horizon sandy beaches while the dunes of the Sahara are an experience like no other. There is hiking, camping under the stars, skiing in winter, and amidst all this, amazing food. Morocco is a land of warm hospitality, and a vacation in this splendid country will be truly memorable for each member of the family.
Traveling in Morocco offers an experience unlike any other. It is important to keep in mind, however, several factors that can make life a little more challenging than usual. Morocco is a developing country that still struggles with poverty, and its sights and sounds can be overwhelming. Be prepared for noisy, crowded cities, a chaotic driving culture, and hitting up against a different style of living while eating, seeing, and relaxing your way through the enticing landscape. This is part of what makes travel in the country an adventure, and keeping this in mind will help you make the most of your Moroccan adventure!
Top 10 Kid-Friendly Activities in Morocco
Morocco is a fantastic choice for a family holiday if you’re looking for a destination that’s a little off the beaten track. It’s close enough for a short trip, and family-friendly, but at the same time it feels like a true adventure! If you’re unsure what to do in Morocco with kids, here are some top kid-friendly activities. We spent three weeks discovering Morocco as a family, which really gave us the chance to explore the main cities and some hidden gems. From secret gardens in Marrakech to the thrill of camping in the Sahara Desert, your family is sure to have an unforgettable holiday in Morocco.
1. Explore the Historic Medinas of Fes and Marrakech: We loved wandering the narrow alleyways in Fes and Marrakech, soaking up the atmosphere, admiring the intricate doorways and window frames, and watching kids play in the street. Make sure to enter the Bahia Palace if you’re in Marrakech; it’s free and has some beautiful gardens. I especially recommend visiting Fes, and if you have time, take the scenic winding drive to the coastal city of Chefchaouen, famous for its blue-colored buildings.
2. Discover Morocco’s Berber Culture: The Berbers were the first inhabitants of Morocco, and you can still experience their culture by visiting the Atlas Mountains. Hiking is a great way to meet Berber families in the villages who are happy to share tea with you. Alternatively, spend a night in a Berber tent – the tinytots loved glamping under the stars with a campfire.
3. Sleep Under the Stars in the Sahara: You can’t visit Morocco without spending a night in the Sahara Desert! The camel ride to the desert camp is an adventure in itself, and you’ll be rewarded with sunset and sunrise over the sand dunes.
Morocco with Kids: Best Places to Visit as a Family
There are so many wonderful places to visit in Morocco with kids, it’s hard to narrow them down. If you have a few weeks to spend in the country, you can travel, at least briefly, through many of the diverse regions and experiences on offer. But if your time is limited, you may have to skip some of the destinations and hone in on a few locations that truly interest you. Cultural Travel: The Cities Casablanca is Morocco’s largest city, and home, of course, to the amazing, iconic mosque. Rabat, the capital, showcases some interesting monumental architecture, has a great museum for kids, and is all-around worth a stop. Marrakech has insane souks, amazing palaces, and beautiful gardens to explore, as well as camel rides and donkey-drawn carts. If you’re seeking the quintessential Moroccan adventure, you’ll want to head to the mountains to see Berber villages and, ideally, ride a mule! In that case, you’ll want to explore the mountain towns of Imlil and Aremd, as well as nearby valley. The latter is also home to a well-reviewed hotel. The northern city of Fez has a medieval city with winding alleyways, a tanner’s quarter that smells bad but is totally fascinating to visit, and so many shops, mosques, and rancs. Chefchaouen is the blue city made famous; it is indeed Instagrammable! Volubilis is home to ancient ruins, and Meknes shows off their old imperial grandeur. Essaouira is famous for its windy beaches and fortifications, and Agadir’s luck has long taken a nosedive; it’s best to avoid this typical beach resort.
Is Morocco Kid-Friendly? A Parent’s Travel Guide
Morocco is a next-door dreamland for families with kids who want a little adventure on their family trip: it’s exotic, but not too exotic. Morocco’s geography offers everything from surfing to snowboarding, and the culture is rich, colorful, and deeply different from what we’re used to. In the cities, souks spill over with vibrant fruits and pottery, business goes on in the shadows of the mosques and minarets, and spicy aromas waft in from the tagine shops. And in more rural areas, nomad families camp out in the Sahara and villagers work with their mules, foxes, and camels, all the while wearing a smile as bright as their colorful clothing. Moroccan cuisine offers a tantalizing experience for little foodies with flaky pastries, savory tagines, and spicy preserves.
With plenty of fun things for kids to do in Morocco, and hospitable people willing to help the parenting before you even have a chance to ask, Morocco is a very kid-friendly place to visit. However, Morocco is not without its pitfalls, and you should do a little planning to ensure your family trip goes smoothly. Traveling families have some extra concerns, and it’s useful to know some pertinent travel information ahead of time, even if only to ease your mind. This parent’s travel guide takes you diary-style through the process of planning our family trip to Morocco, from organizing an itinerary to the details of daily life on the road. Throughout, we’ve punctuated our story with tips and information to help make your trip as smooth as possible—and so you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the adventure together!
From Camels to Kasbahs: Morocco Through Kids’ Eyes
Bursts of color spark the souks; the smell of spices waft in the air as you see a merchant hammering out a piece of silver; little boys come rushing past, heads shaved but for a long tuft of hair, as they follow the music to the place of celebration; girls adorned with gaudy costumes sprinkle flower petals; knives glisten in the sun, and as the muzzle of a gun and the eyes of a boy who came of age last year look inside into our tent, we breathe again and celebrate. These are but a few of the rich colors of the Moroccan canvas for us, visual artists, and hundreds of children dream while they carefully carve the delicate patterns of Moorish civilization of the stupendous palaces. Young boys climb up the rock face; the elder squats by the fire, building it with a few twigs and stones, wary of the cobras that are round, or porcupines that his cousin killed a few days back; lazy donkeys are asking, Why don’t you join us?; and another nightly camp coloured with Berber mythology will flow in and out of a dream. For all of us, adults and kids alike, the storytellers weave, like spiders, everlasting golden webs, spun of words, sounds, and thoughts.
Towering sand dunes serve as the playground; the calls to prayer echo a little bit everywhere; to a child’s delight, a Marrakechi hare appears and nibbles at a patch of grass amidst the insignia of civilization; a gallery of beautiful people look at you sideways, flaunting a labyrinth of a bazaar around you. The mind of a child is rich; it needs only to pass through these doors time and time again, letting its creative spirit recall and rhythm, memory and time, action and indifference; and those old hollow walls will then become a new family memory, as alive as the true story that each house is. In Morocco, the house of the child and the artist come together, to a backdrop of hospitality that is unsurpassable.
Family Adventures: How to Travel Morocco with Young Children
The essential message is to relax, take your time and pass spare hours at your child’s pace. During many sights, simply strolling about, hearing sounds and seeing things which adults often overlook will be far more rewarding than rushing around ticking off a to-do list. A child’s needs often dictate the rhythm and purpose of a family trip anyway; items chosen to amuse should be fun, physically engaging and educational and expense should not be a major consideration as enjoyment will be a greater factor in determining whether an actually planned itinerary goes ahead or not. Luckily, although shops in souks may not sell specific playthings, toys are readily available from children’s specialist stores in most Western cities. Choice is more limited in more remote and traditional tourist destinations. Fortunately weeks and sometimes months can go by without children seriously missing their toys in Morocco, especially when local children invite them to play or draw pictures of themselves on the sand. But when necessity arises, Morocco is blessed with floor dolls and dolls made from wool or traditional fabrics, into which coins may be inserted; painted wooden marionettes, magic aquarelle pads and animal and other puzzles in wood like those found at home.
But most shops in souks, and indeed in most major cities, sell plastic replicas like those found in shops and bazaars abroad. Adulthood does not prevent children’s wonder or curiosity; nor require any show of sophistication. If a child has travelled abroad before, an anticipation of novelty will be achieved with a visit to any new country. What is more, in a diverse and stunningly beautiful country like Morocco, most 1 – 12 year olds will find something to delight in. For the first timer, though, the best part of a Moroccan holiday is simply the unusual sights, sounds and smells of everyday life – the spice-scented souks, the higgledy-piggledy network of alleyways in old medinas, the daily call to prayer ringing out four times a day, the sight of townspeople chewing sugar cane or butting heads; or waving cotton candy at a nearby horse-drawn carriage.
Morocco with Kids: How to Keep the Little Ones Happy and Active
In Morocco, you go across the desert, ride in a big car, not a small one. Then you try to climb the highest sand dune. And the best part—the camel ride up to a nomad site and dinner outside. You eat with your fingers while sitting on large low cushions around a big round plate. For dessert, honey-water-dipped pastries and fresh melon, then head to your tent and sleep.
In the morning after a brushing lesson for the camels, it’s up the sand dune, and then it is back to your car. But first, Eric has the difficult job of taking the two little lizards, Eric’s new friends, and returning them to the sand where they came from. On the way, Eric is wondering if there are lizards in the water in the ocean. The answer is no!
Our lizard friends are back with Mom behind the wheel on the way to Agdz, and their kids are “singing” to each other in the back of the car with Eric laughing. Fun! The House of Marrakech has a playroom with toys and books and a little house in the garden. Then—a colorful tent on the beach to hide and nap from the sun or play with buckets and shovels! Back inside, the kids should take a nap and not bother us while we drink mint tea!
A Family Journey Through Morocco: Tips and Highlights
Traveling through Morocco with kids offers a unique way to experience this incredible country and create lasting family memories. Our family, with children ages 10 and 12, spent five weeks exploring Morocco’s highlights and off-the-beaten-path gems, revealing a country that delights and entertains. From camel treks along the Sahara Desert and experiences with Berber culture to bouncing with joy in an indoor trampoline park in Marrakesh, we discovered a lovely crossroads of cultures and a place that bonded us together in wonderment. Family Travel in Morocco: Ground Rules. Everything about Moroccan culture is family-friendly. While children may be brushed aside during chants when visitors enter a property, Moroccan people generally pack situations with humor. The results are friendly smiles and kindness, and a mutual zest for life. However, there are bottom-line manners you must follow. Our experience says don’t drink the local tap water. Some of us suffered brief bouts of gastro problems, and our father soaked away two weeks with nutrition-draining dysentery. Always remove shoes when entering someone’s home or a mosque. Dress modestly. Morocco is well set-up for family travel. Public transportation is easy to find and not expensive. Taxis and buses abound. Families are typically shared rooms in hotels and riads, and it’s safe to take your kids into the private hammams. However, be aware that lodgings rarely have swimming pools. Food is inexpensive, and cheap bites can be found everywhere. Tourist infrastructure is well established in hot spots. At the same time, parched desert stock town-style village hotels are scarce throughout much of your traveling route. Prepare for long travel days. Slow-moving children can send fond memories of Moroccan theme parks turning into overwhelming frustration.
9. The Best Family-Friendly Riads and Hotels in Morocco
Exploring Morocco with kids can be an exciting and enriching experience for the whole family. From vibrant markets to stunning landscapes, Morocco offers a variety of activities that cater to children of all ages.is a journey through a world of culture and contrast. For the most part, we prefer to stay in riads rather than hotels, which we find to be more characterful and comfortable, but hotels do have their advantages and we have listed a selection of both here. Family-friendly hotels that allow families of four to book a room together are few and far between. Most hotels do not cater for children and some have an adults-only policy, so check before you book. Traveling as a family, we have put together a list of our favorite family-friendly hotels and enquired for you about how accommodating they were for families. The riad prices cover a range depending on the time of year. Be aware that riads frequently charge over the odds at peak times. Tip: for sunny afternoons, it’s worth checking which places have pools and are good value!
Lovely family-style riad with pool, just two minutes from the main square, perfect for lounging after sightseeing. Staff happily organize outings. Offers good-value doubles and triples, including a special double on the roof terrace with fabulous views of the Koutoubia Mosque. Though some rooms are fairly standard and indoor decor is stark, the attentive staff, terrace views, and excellent food are highlights. Just five minutes from the souks, this renovated Amerindian-style haven features fountains and colorful textiles, attracting both European and American travelers. Ideal for families, offering guided tours as well.
10. Morocco with Kids: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Traveling to Morocco with kids is an adventure—the beaches, mountains, forests, and dazzling medinas create an easy balance of both relaxation and exploration. Prepare yourself for a unique travel experience and a destination that’s completely different from home. As the gateway between Europe and Africa, and populated by Berber, Arab, and Jewish ethnic groups, Morocco offers a lifetime of exploration. From the coastal city of Essaouira with its Kasbah walls, bustling fish markets, and camel-riding beaches, to Marrakesh with its wild Djemaa el-Fna square, the ochre buildings of the Medina, and the tranquil Majorelle Gardens, there are so many incredible stops on a family adventure in Morocco; and let’s not forget the Sahara Desert with its mysterious oases, mountains of sand, and starry skies. But, while our visit was filled with unforgettable experiences, our family encountered its obstacles as well. As travel magazines continue to mention Morocco as a top family destination, we hear more and more positive feedback from traveling families. But while you are bound to meet other tourists in the Medina, don’t be fooled into thinking that you’re going to waltz through Morocco without a hitch. As with any family travel, choose your timing and path wisely! Travel during the summer, Ramadan, or extreme weather seasons.
Finding that balance between excitement and relaxation is key when traveling with kids, especially in a country like Morocco—a destination that requires more energy than most. Experience the unique wonder of traveling with kids in Morocco who are equally captivated by the friendly Berber smiles as they are by the sand dunes and big Sahara skies. The Moroccan terrain offers beaches, mountains, desert, valleys, medinas, Kasbahs, souks—the diversity and wonder will leave both children and parents speechless.
11. Desert Adventures and City Fun: Morocco with Kids
Many families feel FOMO reading about adventures in the Sahara Desert: sunrises over sand dunes, camel rides, and luxury camps under the stars. While it’s unrealistic to include everything about Morocco in a family itinerary, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities in cities, along with desert experiences. A great road trip option for families spending three weeks or more involves moving from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains to Merzouga and the stunning Erg Chebbi dunes. To save time, families can compare desert tours or fly directly to the desert for dune activities. The Erg Chebbi Desert is ideal for kids, with options for camel rides, ATV lessons, sandboarding, or just playing in the dunes. Evenings offer campfire fun, drum circles, and breathtaking stargazing. No city can compare.
12. Morocco with Kids: Safety Tips for a Stress-Free Trip
Traveling anywhere with kids takes practical planning to keep everyone safe and healthy. Here are some safety tips for a stress-free family visit to Morocco.
Safety and Security in Morocco Morocco is a wonderfully safe place to travel with kids and teenagers. Having said that, some precautions will keep your trip accident-free.
Keep a close eye on your kids, especially at busy sites and in markets. In areas with a lot of tourists, it’s possible for someone to try and grab a camera or bag. Stick to recognized guides and officially designated tour companies.
Road Safety in Morocco Road safety is less than ideal in Morocco, so extra caution is needed. Traffic is heavy, and many drivers pay little heed to road rules. Our kid-friendly local guide will make your kids family vacation much easier and nothing to worry about.
If walking or biking around, stay off busy roads, especially in cities. Pick quiet streets with no traffic at all or only bicycles. Cross roads only at marked pedestrian crossings, if any, and only when the traffic is clear. Kids should look both ways before crossing.
If traveling by car, be extra cautious on the very windy roads in the mountains. When traveling between towns be aware that drivers may speed along and come around corners on the wrong side of the road. Around towns, animals may wander into the street, and people may walk along the edges at the last minute. And if you’re traveling on public buses, don’t forget to wear a seatbelt. If there are no seatbelts, take a different bus.
Health Be sure you and your family take normal precautions against getting sick. Throughout Morocco, avoid drinking water from the tap. Even if it doesn’t seem to upset adults’ stomachs, it can make kids sick. Buy bottled water for drinking, brushing teeth, and rinsing anything, including fruits and vegetables.
13. Discovering Morocco Together with your kids: A Family’s Guide
Morocco is a fantastic family destination with exciting adventures throughout the country. From the streets of its buzzing cities to the remote desert, any child will find something to amaze them as you travel through Morocco together. Kids will love the vibrant souks, delicious food, beautiful landscapes, historical sites, friendly locals, wild and exotic animals, new cultures, and unique experiences. This guide is written specifically to help families travel through Morocco. We cover city guides, travel tips, packing lists, and local etiquette. You will find suggestions for where to stay in Morocco with kids, where to go in Morocco with kids, what to do in Morocco with kids, where to find the best kids activities in Morocco, and what food kids will eat in Morocco. Here’s everything you need to prepare for the most memorable family trip to Morocco. Each and every section is packed with helpful information from experienced family travelers, so whether you’re pondering a visit to the atlas or only just starting to plan your Morocco trip itinerary, you’ll find whatever you need here. We remember being a little anxious before our first big adventure away from home. Traveling to Morocco with kids was an entirely different experience than traveling to Morocco without kids. We would have to spend months on the road moving to and from new mountains or desert, or city on a near daily basis, with as much time in the airport as we did on buses, taking every mode of public transportation available in Morocco without one millisecond of private transportation – not even an airport transfer!
14. Morocco for Families: Where Culture and Fun Meet
Morocco is the ultimate family-friendly destination, where you can spend your time exploring medieval towns, riding camels, sleeping in the desert, trekking in the mountains, and riding mules. And you’d be surprised at how well kids fit in here. Exoticism, warmth, and welcome are all part and parcel of Moroccan hospitality. You’re never far from a friendly smile, laughter, and a helping hand. Young children can be beggars for attention and Moroccans have a special love for kids. Wherever you go, it is likely they’ll be fawned over and asked to pose for photographs, more so if you spend time in Berber areas. There’s enough going on in the souks, on the streets, and around the house to keep kids entertained for weeks on end. Older kids can meet the locals or busy themselves birdwatching in the wetlands, mountain biking, windsurfing, skiing, or riding into the desert. And if you’re looking to chill, all-in-one resorts on the coast are an easy option too.
Whether you’re traveling solo with little ones, accompanying teenagers, or creating priceless family memories with a mix of ages, Morocco could well turn out to be the perfect setting. Stopovers in Marrakesh or Fes offer the chance to browse souks, have dinner on a beautiful square between jugglers and musicians, and enjoy cultural shows featuring music, acrobatics, and dance. You could also travel around, with itineraries covering the Imperial cities, walking tours in the mountains, camel rides or 4WD treks into the desert, and treks in the Sahara or strolling tours on and around the coast. There’s a participant of activities that’s just right for everyone – and enough options that you could get away in a group for a special occasion: reducing and amusing hard work while at the same time including an enjoyable holiday with a kind of adventure and experience guaranteed to bring everyone together.
15. Cultural Insights: Understanding Moroccan Traditions
Morocco is comprised of a wild mix of Berber, Arab, and French cultures, and as such there is plenty of opportunity to experience fascinating Moroccan traditions throughout your trip. There are numerous festivals, celebrations, and rites of passage all year round geared to either those living in the particular region or to tourists so that your experience in each city is different every time. From the major cities to the small remote villages, oral traditions and folklore abound throughout the tapestry of Moroccan culture. You will find a good mix of Berber tales, Muslim references, and amalgams of other influences included in the stories told by the Moroccan people.
Those who have made the long pilgrimage to Marrakech will wonder what all the fuss is about. The city is over-crowded and slightly chaotic, in general, and seems to require a certain ability to negotiate it that few others share. However, visit at the right time of year and you will have the added benefit of some great festivals – the International Film Festival in December; the Moussafir Festival in July; and the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival in July. The most unique is the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival, which showcases the ancient art traditions of talk, theater, and dance.
However, if you really want to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, rather than just be with tourists, it’s best to either head to the south of the country or try some of the festivals in small villages. Some suggestions are the peach festival in El-Haouz, the almond festival in Tafraout, the olive harvest at Ménara, or the Date Festival in Erfoud. Though you may struggle to communicate as these festivals do not cater to tourists, the experiences will be rich, and you are bound to get one-on-one with some fascinating locals who will take the time to share their traditions with you.
16. Navigating Moroccan Cuisine: Kid-Friendly Food Options
As much as we love the experience of sampling new dishes, food is usually a lower-priority task on short trips. But when your travels entail extended journeys, you’ll need to find a way to satisfy your hunger and palate, especially during long drives outside of the cities. Morocco is famous for its gastronomy, but many traditional dishes are not necessarily kid-friendly. Or rather, there are many traditional dishes kids may not be used to. Unless your child is a culinary nerd and has a steady diet of sushi, Thai curry, Indian cumin pancakes, and other exotic flavors, they will likely balk at the complexity and spiciness of Moroccan cuisine. Finding kid-friendly food in major tourist areas is usually not a problem – especially in big cities – but smaller towns still trying to preserve their Berber way of life may not have anything but tajine and couscous on the menu.
In major cities, informal cafés usually serve pizza and pasta, which are usually a safe bet. As tourists continue to discover the country, many of its pleasures are under threat of commercialism, and food is no exception. But that also means you will find restaurant dishes tailored to please Western tourists. In more remote areas, you may have to rely on the “princess diet” of cheese sandwiches, French fries, and crepes for sustenance. Creamy cheese sandwiches are usually fresh and prepared with sanitary caution; choose a café with a line. In some cities, restaurants in the medina sometimes cut corners on cleanliness; ask around. To avoid food poisoning from fried foods, which are often reheated less than sanitary, opt for patatas bravas. Or, if things get too crazy, pick up some cookies and fruit from the corner grocery store.
17. Transportation Tips for Families in Morocco
In Morocco, there are a number of different ways to get around from place to place and while the best transport for your family will depend on distance and need as well as age and stage, this chapter details how we traveled within the country and how families can travel freely, safely and happily in Morocco. Transportation for families in Morocco is a little tricky as there are certainly not many direct flights and sometimes you have to take two or three stops before arriving at your destination. If you haven’t decided yet where to go, flights work better if you are traveling to the south, such as Casablanca or Agadir.
If you are traveling to the north (such as Tangiers and Fez), your best bet is to take a ferry directly from Spain to Tangier and then rent a car to get around. The ferry ride is a scenic route where you may also spot dolphins and is certainly an enjoyable way how to get into Morocco! Taxis and private transfers are your best bet to get around with small children or very tired teenagers as they are sad when they have to walk a lot during sightseeing. Taxis are cheap and relatively safe if you are not struggling with too much luggage. Little known fact that you may need to know – the dispatcher sends the biggest taxi when you call, so don’t be surprised when the town´s minibus arrives to pick you up. Best to ask the concierge to order a taxi, so that you get a smaller car, if needed! A nicer way how to get around if you are in a hurry is to book a local driver with a van for a couple of hours or even a whole day.
18. Packing Essentials for Family Travel in Morocco
When determining what to bring to Morocco for a family holiday, consider that in general, it is better to pack a bit light. No matter how long you spend in Morocco, you will find that you want to wear the same 2–3 outfits for the duration. Many travellers use traditional packing cubes, and we also found packing compression bags useful in order to contain larger items. That being said, the weather can range from the high 30Cs or 40Cs in the summer to chilly nights in the mountains and desert in the winter, so be mindful of considerations for the time of year you are travelling as you consider what clothes to pack. Laundry services are available for a fee in major cities.
Morocco is predominantly a Muslim country and the dress code in cities, towns and villages is more conservative. Muslims and the majority of Moroccans wear long clothes out of modesty. When visiting souks and local sites, consider more conservative wear. As such, it is better to have tops that cover the shoulder and below the waist (especially for women) and long pants or dresses. While swimwear is appropriate in beach areas, do not wear it in public areas, such as town or on your way to and from the beach. As a rule of thumb, anything that is too tight or shows skin is best avoided. Very small children can go around in shorts and tops as they please, however. The country is a land of big temperature variations, so dress you and your kids in layers accordingly. You can also find local-sized long dresses, long skirts, long sleeve shirts, long sleeve t-shirts and travelling pants to suit the dry hot weather in the stores in major neighbourhoods in Morocco, particularly in touristy Marrakech.
19. Engaging Kids in Moroccan History and Heritage
Kids love history; they have a wild imagination. For kids, the past isn’t just an abstraction but a wonder world full of odd smells, strange objects, funny characters, and interesting stories. And they want to hear these stories! The problem is that most adults lack the exuberance and flair to tell these stories. It’s one of the reasons why museums are boring for kids. Fortunately, there are plenty of people in Morocco who can bring the past to life. For three-legged blind Ahmed, for example, history is a backpack filled with stories. He may not have taken a history lesson in his life, but no one is more passionate about his country’s history and the history of the five cities at the southern foot of the Atlas.
There are Jewish, Berber, and Arab ghosts fighting and embracing a long time ago in places that still exist today, explains Ahmed, as we walk through the Marrakech medina with his trusty sidekick, a largish donkey. “There is my story, and there is your story. Wouldn’t it be great if we could share it?” Later, while we are enjoying a mint tea, he gives a crash course for both kids and grown-ups on how to tell a history by looking at its architectural peculiarities. Ahmed is one of the persons who gathered expertise throughout a long life of schooling in the great outdoor. When you listen to him, it’s hard to believe that this man has never opened a book. It is a short trip to the Jewish cemetery near the Kasbah, where he tells a little Jewish history. Shortly after, we are sitting next to Ahmed in the Jewish cemetery, listening to stories about the important role that the Jews played in the Western Sahara and up to Timbuktu in Mali.
20. Outdoor Activities for Families in Morocco
Children are natural adventurers, drawn outside to explore, run, climb, swim, and otherwise enjoy the pleasures of being a kid. And there are many places throughout Morocco where families can enjoy kid-friendly outdoor activities, including hiking, trekking, climbing, and swimming. Adventures outside are great ways for families to bond and create memories on family travel in Morocco.
Hiking in Morocco Most people choose to explore Morocco’s majestic Atlas Mountains by taking treks. However, these long journeys may not be best suited for families with young children, as the treks can take several days, with long stretches of tough hiking each day. Instead, consider taking a day hike with kids. Family-friendly hiking options can be found in the Imlil Valley and the Ourika Valley, where trails lead to traditional Berber villages nestled in the mountains. In addition, Essaouira and its surrounding beaches are perfect for getting outside and enjoying the fresh air for families who are not ready for a trek.
Trekking in Morocco For families with older children looking for a multi-day adventure, Morocco is an ideal place for trekking. There are a variety of routes to take that traverse through Berber villages, provide sweeping views of the landscape, and take you deep into the heart of the Atlas Mountains. You can be fully independent on your trek, but hiring a guide, especially for families with children, is helpful to navigate the route and to learn about the villages and people you meet in your travels. Don’t forget to arrange the trek to fit your pace and your children’s interests!
Climbing in Morocco Climbing is for experienced families with strong children. But if your kids are any good at rock climbing and you want to share a unique climb in a different place, then Morocco’s Todra Valley is worth considering! Todra Gorge is an amazing place with dramatic cliffs that rise upwards of towering 750 feet high!
21. Exploring Moroccan Markets with Children
Morocco’s cities are filled with souks, or markets, where vendors offer carpets, pottery, metal work, leather, food, and more in a dizzying display of color, noise, and energy. There are souks in most cities. But the souks found in Morocco’s larger medinas are the most vibrant, busy, and exciting. These souks can consume hours of exploration, and child-oriented distractions abound: Getting lost in the maze. Grazing on sweet stretch candy, nuts, or dried figs. Bargaining for little trinkets or gifts. Listening to a storyteller. Or watching the artisans at work as they carve, weave, embroider, or melt and cast. Also have your kids keep an eye out for the abundance of whimsical door knockers and other quirky little details found in every souk.
Souks are found in nearly every Moroccan city and town. But the larger medinas of Marrakech and Fez are the most famous and highly visited, and for good reason. They are the country’s largest and most colorful, with long stretches of activity-filled streets laid out like a maze. Jaunt through these two long stretches of souk, and your kids will get a taste of Morocco’s vibrant souk culture: wandering from vendor to vendor. Stopping for a sweet treat or fresh juice. Perhaps getting a henna tattoo or buying a pair of little leather slippers. Checking out the pottery. And maybe even stopping to watch a potter throw a bowl or a blacksmith hammer a decorative design.
Of course, you can take shopping for souvenirs a step further and fill your suitcases with special visits to the artisans or workshops; these experiences can result in unique vacation memories, as well as the perfect gift for Grandma. If you’re interested in exploring this option, be sure to do some research ahead of time or discuss your interest with a travel agent.
22. Beach Destinations in Morocco for Families
The fine sandy beaches that run along Morocco’s coastline are perfect for a beach holiday. Kids can build sandcastles, splash in the sea, or join in on beach games while parents can soak up the sun or indulge in a pampering treatment in a spa or hammam. Beach resorts in Morocco are family-friendly with plenty of activities to keep your children entertained, as well as a high level of comfort for parents. You’ll find water parks, explorers clubs, and more all at your fingertips. Combine a beach holiday with activities and excursions to discover the surrounding countryside, nearby cities, or even other countries, barely two hours away by ferry.
Calm and temperate waters and plenty of sunshine are what Morocco’s Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts offer from spring to autumn. The Atlantic coast is further north and has lower temperatures, while the Mediterranean coast has a more favorable climate and its resorts are more developed. You’ll find numerous beach resorts along the coastline, with Agadir and its many activities and excursions to discover the country among the most popular family holiday destinations in Morocco. After the Atlantic coast, the Mediterranean coast comes in as a close second. It is more commercial and modernized than the smaller, family-friendly beach resorts. Beach resorts are not exclusively hotel-oriented. Using a holiday rental house or hanging out at a vacation village are two interesting options that allow you to explore the surrounding areas more casually. We hope this selection of the best beach holiday destinations in Morocco with kids will help you define what will best suit you!
23. Adventure Sports for Kids in Morocco
Most people don’t think of Morocco as an adventure sports destination. But did you know that Morocco is only 14 kilometers away from the Spanish coastline? Thanks to the Northern Hemisphere currents, sun-winds, and mountains, Morocco is one of the most coveted surfing areas in the world. Every winter thousands of surfers, both adults and kids, come to Morocco to surf its dream beaches and great spots. These surfers have no problem taming the gigantic waves located over 15 meters at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. Impressive right? Instead, along with the beaches of Dakhla on the Atlantic coast, the beaches of the North are the favorites for Morocco kite-surfing enthusiasts. However, there are plenty of adventure sports for kids and adults who are not professionals or do not want to risk their lives. In places like Taghazout, imdour, Essaouira and Asilah, there are numerous surf schools for kids where surfing classes are offered. In addition, kids can practice this sport at the closest beaches in Dakhla where there are no dangerous waves. Taghazout Bay or Dakhla are beaches worth visiting, even if you do not surf, and enjoy the incredible sunsets. Among the recommended adventure sports for kids, I would highlight scuba diving and quad biking or buggy in the Sahara. You must be careful with the sun when practicing adventure sports. But tell me… What’s more fun for kids than getting on a camel? Kids will love strolling through Agafay or the Sahara camels, just as it was done during the caravan trades with the Sahara. In addition, you can also do camel trekking with kids through the dunes in Merzouga, Zagora and Chegaga, immersed in the most authentic Berber culture.
27. Learning and Adventure: Morocco with Kids
Morocco with Kids: How to Plan the Perfect Itinerary
27. Learning and Adventure: Morocco with Kids
If you’re looking for an exciting family adventure filled with new experiences and fascinating history, Morocco is the perfect destination. It is a country filled with color, flavor, sounds, and delight. The culture is welcoming, the weather is mostly perfect, it is affordable, and there are lots of things to see and do. But how is it traveling to a foreign country with kids? To be honest, a bit nerve-wracking. As we were planning our treks and desert adventures through the Sahara, we wondered if we were crazy for wanting to bring our kids on this adventure through Morocco. Would the experience be more of a struggle if we brought them along—struggling to find the right travel route and struggling to make the best decisions, or would it be an experience of a lifetime?
Well, having traveled with them, I believe it was an amazing experience that taught them and us a lot. Not only did they embrace new experiences without hesitation, it was through their wide-eyed wonder that we were able to enjoy our trip that much more. If you’re looking to plan a trip to Morocco with kids, you may find it a bit overwhelming. Between the desert tours, the hikes in the mountains, the big cities, the little towns—there’s so much to see that it’s hard to know how to fit it all into your itinerary! Added to that, there aren’t many family-friendly, kid-friendly tours available. And planning everything for everyone’s enjoyment isn’t as easy! Having traveled to Morocco with kids, this is the Morocco itinerary we took for a tour of Morocco that included various destinations kids would actually enjoy!
