Take the kids to Morocco for a family vacation

For an exotic adventure without the long-haul flights, choose Morocco for a family vacation. This is a fantastic destination, and with no jetlag to worry about for those traveling from Europe, your adventure can start as soon as you arrive. Here, we run through some of the most exciting things to do with kids in Morocco, so that you can make the most of your trip together and enjoy a plethora of rich, family-friendly experiences.

An introduction to family travel in Morocco

There is a lot to get excited about for all age groups in Morocco, from riding the waves at surf hotspots to haggling for souvenirs in the souks, setting off on wildlife-watching expeditions to camping out under the stars in the Sahara Desert. Morocco for a family vacation is a top choice for a distinct and unforgettable African adventure.

Morocco is a really varied destination, where the distinctive local culture infuses everything with an exotic charm, where children are welcomed, and family fun is easy to come by. Beaches punctuate the coast, mountain ranges crisscross the country, and ancient mercantile cities echo with the clatter of hoofs in twisting alleyways.

The climate is reliably warm and sunny for much of the year, and apart from high summer when children (and grown-ups) might struggle with the fierce heat, Morocco is ideal for a varied family trip.

Don’t forget, our expert local operators are skilled at creating bespoke trips according to individual requirements, so you can tweak your itinerary until it fits your family perfectly. They have lots of experience putting trips together for families with children of all ages, so let them know what kind of activities you are into, and they can plan accordingly. Here are some ideas for things to do for families in Morocco.

Top things to do with kids in Morocco

Dive into the imperial city of Marrakech

A particular highlight of Morocco, Marrakech is a city so overflowing with color and life that children will be entranced. The sheer scale and variety of the souks can seem insurmountable, but in reality, they are subdivided into various subsections according to craft. Haggling can be fun for kids as well as adults, and there are loads of great, inexpensive items for children to buy.

The circus-like Djemma el-Fna square is a brilliant spectacle for youngsters, with acrobats, snake charmers, musicians, magicians and hawkers to keep the little ones captivated. The Oasiria waterpark on the edge of the city is an instant hit with souk-weary children, too.

Get lost in the historic charms of Fes

Any child with a curious nature and a sense of adventure will love Fes. As soon as you pass through one of the ancient gates into the medieval medina, you’re in a different world where donkeys take the place of cars and lavish palaces are hidden behind the plainest of doorways.

One of the best things to do with kids in Morocco is to follow Fes’ themed routes through its labyrinth of lanes, especially as children enjoy looking out for the color-coded markers. Take a peek at the tanneries, where leather is cured and dyed in time-worn fashion. You even get a sprig of mint to hold under your nose to mask the smell!

Read more: Interview with our local expert in Morocco

Find calm on the coast in Essaouira

With its broad sandy beach and manageable medina, Essaouira is a great place to relax for a few days waterside. The ambience of the city is quite refined, with assorted galleries, markets, fishing boats and workshops scattered throughout, and sturdy ramparts defining the city center. As well as lounging and swimming on the beach, there are usually a few lively football matches to get involved in.

Surfing is another prime activity in Essaouira, and it’s a real hub for beginner surfers, especially kids. The photogenic port is always busy with fishing activity, and boat trips are available for exploring the coastline, too.

Embrace the blues in Chefchaouen

If big cities don’t appeal or you’d like to switch to a less frenetic pace, then picturesque Chefchaouen is just the place for your itinerary. This welcoming city lies in the north of Morocco, on the edge of the Riff Mountains, and its historic center is painted almost entirely in a vibrant shade of deep blue.

This color-drenching aesthetic gives the Old Town a unique charm and is a great photography setting for budding artists. Chefchaouen is known for its leather and weaving workshops, and you can wander the backstreets peeping in at craftspeople hard at work.

Read more: A foodie exploration of Morocco

Make tracks to the Saharan dunes

One of the best things to do with kids in Morocco has to be a visit to the Sahara. Fire up those young imaginations with an exciting desert encounter! Morocco has large swathes of desert and some very impressive dunes. For a truly immersive and unforgettable desert experience, why not spend a night under the desert stars?

Travel to a Berber tented camp in the Sahara, and dine on traditional local dishes in the romance of the desert dusk, before joining your hosts around the campfire for some Berber music and drumming. Don’t forget to climb the dunes of Erg Chebbi for a memorable sunrise over the incredible desert landscape.

Take things to another level in the Atlas Mountains

Understanding more about the Berber way of life is special for children and adults alike. The Berber hail from the mountains of Morocco, and a trip to their region gives a snapshot of their enduring culture.

Time spent in the Middle or High Atlas is rewarding for many other reasons too, as these ranges are blessed with wonderful scenery and some spectacular trails for trekkers of all abilities. Take time to visit a kasbah to glimpse the traditional livelihood of the date farmer, or relax in the panoramic surroundings of your mountain accommodation.

Read more: The wildlife of Morocco

When to travel to Morocco for a family vacation

The prime times for travel to Morocco are spring and fall, from March to May and from September to October. If you are confined to the summer holidays, then plan to travel in the north and towards the coast, spending just a few days in the central cities. The Atlas Mountains provide cool respite from the heat of summer, but the Sahara Desert should probably be saved for a different trip.

Make it happen

There are so many ways to enjoy Morocco with the kids in tow, and it can be hard to know how to fit everything in. Why not let our local experts take the strain out of organizing your family vacation to Morocco? Provide them with a few details and they will do the rest of the planning for you.