For curious travelers with an open mind, Marrakesh is a family-friendly treasure chest waiting to be explored.
Moroccans, as a culture, adore children, often growing up in multi-generational homes. Traveling with kids can open doors to unique cultural connections and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The city boasts year-round sunny weather, perfect for families who love outdoor play, water parks, city explorations, and desert adventures.
The bustle of the city can be overstimulating for all ages, adults included. Noisy, aromatic, and an endless maze of labyrinthine streets, it awakens all the senses and can be a cultural shock for first-time visitors. Consequently, it’s essential to be realistic about how much you can see during your stay.
Is Marrakesh good for kids?
Marrakesh is an outstanding city for intrepid families looking to introduce their children to a unique culture and different ways of seeing the world. Children are welcome in most places, and there are many public gardens and play spaces where you can socialize with local families. While few restaurants offer separate kids’ menus, most include child-friendly options and strive to accommodate dietary preferences.
While child-specific attractions may be less obvious than in some global cities, they indeed exist. A walk through souk alleyways with some imagination can convert into an evening of entertainment. The Medina feels like an open-air museum; watch your kids’ eyes light up as their history books come to life.
Nevertheless, the city can be overwhelming. You may encounter basic public conveniences, limited changing facilities, relaxed health and safety laws, and uneven footpaths. Keeping an open mind, being realistic with your travel plans, and including time to recharge is highly advisable.
Where is best in Marrakesh for kids?
The Medina and Djemaa El Fna are where your children’s natural curiosity can thrive. Both locales are busiest around sunset; however, visiting in the morning allows for a quieter experience, although you would miss the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s pulsing heart.
The city center is flat and easily explored on foot. Babies in arms are best carried in a baby carrier or sling, while toddlers may be more manageable in a lightweight stroller, ensuring their safety from passing bikes and vehicles in the narrow streets. Larger buggies can be cumbersome in the souk-lined alleys and heavy when navigating stairs to rooftop cafes lacking lifts.
If you’re in the Medina area and your kids need to let off some steam, the Djemaa El Fna and nearby Koutoubia Gardens are excellent options. Furthermore, Cafe Munich is the only place in the Medina with an indoor kids’ area that includes a slide for younger children.
Traveling in Marrakesh with babies and toddlers
Marrakesh enjoys a dry, sunny, and hot climate. If you and your little ones appreciate shaded gardens and pool play, the hotels in leafy suburbs such as the Palmeraie offer ample selections.
Moroccans will gladly assist if you are traveling with a baby, as they have a natural affinity for infants. You can find local baby care brands in most small shops, as well as international brands like Pampers in larger supermarkets.
Best things to do in Marrakesh with young kids
Take a quiet break at the Koutoubia Gardens
Little kids adore playing in the refreshing fountains of the Koutoubia Gardens. Situated behind the Koutoubia Mosque, the welcome shade of palm trees and the open green space is a favorite spot for families seeking relaxation and play.
Play in the water parks and pools
With nearly year-round sunshine, spending a day at one of the many water parks is a breeze. At Oasiria, families can enjoy 25 acres of gardens, multiple pools, slides, waves, a lazy river, climbing wall, and tranquil tropical gardens. Free shuttles run from Djemaa El Fna throughout the day.
Hop into a calèche for a horse carriage tour
When city streets become tiresome, consider hiring a calèche (horse-drawn carriage). The horses, identifiable by a blue tag, are monitored by SPANA, an international charity, ensuring their welfare. These charming green carriages provide a unique way to see the city, allowing families to tailor their tour to include areas of interest, such as Djemaa El Fna and the charming Jardins Marjorelle district.
Head to a play zone to mingle with local families
On a rare rainy day, or during exceptionally hot weather, air-conditioned venues like Menara Mall’s Kidzo, which features a play area and ice skating rink, are popular choices for families. KidsZone at Marjane also boasts trampolines and slides, making both places great spots for mingling with local families in a relaxed environment.
Sunset camel ride in the Palmeraie
The Palmeraie, an oasis filled with date palms and orange trees, provides a splendid setting for a quintessential Moroccan sunset camel ride. Most one-hour tours come with a serving of Moroccan mint tea and a glimpse into rural life on the outskirts of Marrakesh.
Take a day trip to the desert
The Agafay desert, a rocky landscape less than an hour from Marrakesh, offers opportunities for adventure. Families can spend a night under the stars in one of the multiple glamping options, or enjoy an afternoon visit to experience an unforgettable sunset and campfire dining experience. Horse and camel rides are also available for an enhanced experience.
Best things to do in Marrakesh with tweens and teenagers
Shopping in the souks
Introduce your kids to the unique skill of bartering in a souk. This experience teaches them the value of shopping at the source while meeting craftspeople using age-old techniques with local materials. The souks are treasure chests filled with sparkly babouche slippers, various merchandise including Hakimi football shirts, and glimmering Aladdin lamps.
Go back to the classroom
To enhance understanding of Morocco’s rich culture, various workshops offer haggling, cooking, henna art, and Moroccan Arabic courses aimed at short-term visitors. Such classes can deepen appreciation and provide memorable family-bonding activities.
Planning tips
When arranging accommodation, consider that air-conditioning is essential in summer, while heating may be required in winter. Not all riads are suitable for young kids; some may have age restrictions, so confirmation in advance is crucial. Additionally, most larger hotels offer kids’ clubs, but checking age limits beforehand is wise. Families who prefer peace at dawn should check accommodation proximity to a mosque.
In summer, capitalize on early starts and enjoy sunset explorations. The middle of the day is best used for hotel pool time or napping in shaded gardens.
Most attractions do not charge for children under three years old. Some entry tickets are free for those under 12 years and discounted by 50% for ages 12–16.
Taxis often lack car seats and seatbelts, with some lacking air-conditioning. For those requiring these services, booking a private driver via your hotel is advisable, or you might consider staying close to Djemaa El Fna to take advantage of the free shuttles offered to family attractions.
Lastly, consider bringing extra coloring pencils and stickers to share with local kids. Street dogs and cats are ubiquitous, typically fed and tagged by the community. Encourage your children to approach them with caution: don’t frighten them, but also don’t be afraid.
