Summary
For inquisitive travelers with a receptive mindset, Marrakesh presents a familial haven awaiting exploration.
Moroccan society has a deep affection for children, frequently fostering multi-generational living arrangements. Traveling with young ones can provide unparalleled cultural exchanges and memorable experiences. The city boasts year-round sunny conditions, ideally suited for families who enjoy outdoor activities, water parks, urban explorations, and desert excursions.
The vibrancy of the city, however, may prove overwhelming to individuals of all ages, including adults. The cacophony, varied aromas, and seemingly infinite labyrinthine streets can be an awakening of the senses, presenting a cultural shock for first-time attendees. It is essential to set realistic expectations regarding your sightseeing capabilities during your visit.
Assessing Kid-Friendliness in Marrakesh
Marrakesh is a commendable destination for adventurous families eager to expose their children to a distinct culture and broaden their worldview. Children are warmly received in most venues, and numerous public parks and recreational areas are available where local families converge. While fewer dining establishments explicitly offer children’s menus, most establishments strive to include child-friendly options and accommodate dietary preferences.
Although attractions catered specifically to children may not be as prominent as in some metropolitan regions, they do indeed exist. A stroll through the souk alleyways, with a touch of imagination, can transform into an enchanting evening of entertainment. The Medina evokes the essence of an open-air museum; witness the spark of excitement in your children’s eyes as their historical narratives come alive.
Nevertheless, the city’s environment may feel intense. Visitors may experience basic public amenities, limited changing facilities, relaxed health and safety standards, persistent requests for gratuities in exchange for photographs, uneven walkways, and busy public transportation. It is crucial to maintain a flexible attitude, be pragmatic with your travel itinerary, and factor in moments for relaxation.
Top Locations for Children in Marrakesh
The Medina and Djemaa El Fna are prime areas for your children’s innate curiosity to flourish. Both locations reach peak activity around sunset; although you might choose to visit earlier to bypass the crowds, this would deny you the opportunity to experience the vibrant heart of the city and engage with fellow visitors.
The urban center is flat and conducive to exploration on foot. Infants are best carried in a baby carrier or sling, while toddlers may find a lightweight stroller more practical, ensuring their safety from passing bikes and motorcycles on narrow roads. Large strollers can be cumbersome within the souk’s narrow alleys and challenging to manage when navigating stairs to rooftop cafes that lack elevators.
If you find yourself in the Medina area and your children require space to play, options such as Djemaa El Fna, the nearby Koutobia Gardens, and Cafe Munich are worthwhile choices. Cafe Munich is unique in the Medina, providing an indoor play area for children, complete with a slide for younger guests.
Travel Tips for Families
Marrakesh offers a dry, sunny, and warm climate. Should you and your young ones prefer shaded gardens and aquatic enjoyment, accommodations in verdant suburbs such as Palmeraie and Hivernage are plentiful.
Moroccan locals are exceedingly accommodating, particularly when infants are involved. They exhibit great fondness for babies, and most small shops offer local baby care products, with familiar international brands like Pampers available at Carrefour.
Engaging Activities for Young Children
Take a quiet break at the Koutoubia Gardens
Younger children delight in playing amid the inviting fountains of the Koutoubia Gardens. Located behind the Koutoubia Mosque, the shaded palm trees and expansive green areas serve as a beloved spot for outdoor recreation, strolls, and relaxation.
Play in the water parks and pools
With nearly year-round sunshine, families can easily devote a day to one of the city’s numerous water parks. At Oasiria, guests can explore 25 acres of gardens featuring multiple pools, slides, wave pools, a lazy river, climbing walls, and serene tropical gardens. Free shuttle services operate daily from Djemaa El Fna and Gueliz.
Alternatively, day passes to access most premier hotel swimming pools can be obtained online.
Hop into a calèche for a horse carriage tour
When weary of the urban streets and souks, consider following the example of Moroccan families by hiring a calèche (horse-drawn carriage). The horses marked with a blue tag have undergone microchipping and adhere to regular monitoring by SPANA, an international charity. These green carriages provide a delightful means to admire the city, allowing for a customizable tour that includes neighborhoods of interest such as Djemaa El Fna, Mellah, city ramparts, and the Jardins Majorelle district.
Head to a play zone to mingle with local families
During rare rainy days, or in scenarios where outdoor temperatures render playtime impractical, air-conditioned Menara Mall contains Kidzo – featuring a play zone, a 7D cinema, and an ice skating rink – serving as a frequently chosen alternative. Additionally, KidsZone at Marjane includes trampolines, slides, and a cafeteria. Both venues present excellent opportunities to interact with local families in a casual and enjoyable atmosphere.
Sunset camel ride in the Palmeraie
The Palmeraie serves as a palm grove sanctuary, characterized by date palms, orange trees, and rural villages. For a quintessential Moroccan sunset experience, a family camel ride through the region is truly unmatched. The majority of one-hour tours will include a serving of traditional Moroccan mint tea and a glimpse into the rural lifestyle surrounding Marrakesh.
Take a day trip to the desert
The Agafay desert, with its arid and rocky terrain, is located less than an hour from Marrakesh. Families can choose to spend a night beneath the stars in one of the many glamping options available, or simply enjoy an afternoon visit to witness a stunning sunset and partake in outdoor campfire dining. Horse and camel rides in the desert are also readily accessible.
Enjoyable Experiences for Tweens and Teenagers
Shopping in the souks
Introduce your children to the art of bartering in a souk. This captivating experience allows them to grasp the value of direct purchasing while meeting artisans employing traditional methods and local materials. The souks serve as endless treasure troves, showcasing dazzling babouche slippers, counterfeit Nikes, Hakimi football jerseys, and radiant Aladdin lamps.
Go back to the classroom
To elevate travelers’ appreciation for Morocco’s rich heritage, Creative Interactions offers workshops focusing on haggling, cooking, henna artistry, and Moroccan Arabic, designed for short-term visitors to master foundational skills.
Moreover, the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum and numerous riads and hotels frequently conduct culinary classes, serving as a delightful family bonding opportunity.
Planning Considerations for Your Family Trip
Additiional factors to evaluate while arranging your accommodation include air conditioning during summer months. For winter stays, verify heating and pool heating options. Not all riads cater to young children; certain locations may impose age restrictions, so confirming policies in advance is advised. Larger hotels typically offer kids’ clubs, yet prior consultation for age limits is prudent. For those sensitive to early morning prayers, proximity to a mosque should be taken into account.
Summer visitors should schedule early morning activities and late afternoon excursions, as the mid-day period is ideal for relaxing at the hotel pool or resting in shaded gardens.
Generally, most attractions waive entrance fees for children under three years. Furthermore, children under 12 may receive free admission, while reduced rates of 50% apply to those aged 12 to 16.
Taxis generally lack car seats, and many may not provide seatbelts or air conditioning. For those who require such amenities, consider arranging a private driver service through your accommodation, or opting for hotels situated near Djemaa El Fna that provide complimentary transportation to and from family-friendly attractions.
Consider packing extra coloring materials and stickers to share with local children. The community typically cares for street dogs and cats, often providing them with food and identification tags. Encourage your children not to fear these animals, while also advising them to approach with caution. Running may prompt playful pursuits from the dogs, who may perceive it as a game.
If you intend to explore beyond the city with your family, refer to our guide on visiting Morocco with kids.
This article was first published on Aug 23, 2010, and last updated on Nov 28, 2023.
