Family Travel in Marrakech: Top Spots Kids Will Love

Family Travel in Marrakech: Top Spots Kids Will Love – Marrakech is not just a destination for adventurers and culture seekers—it’s also a magical wonderland for families. With its vibrant colors, intriguing traditions, bustling markets, and warm hospitality, Marrakech can be an unforgettable experience for children and parents alike. Whether you’re exploring palaces or riding camels, the Red City offers plenty of safe, engaging, and educational activities that make it perfect for a family holiday. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the top spots in Marrakech that kids will absolutely love.

Contents

1. Discover the Magic of Bahia Palace

Step into a real-life Arabian Nights fairy tale with a visit to the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century masterpiece filled with mosaic tiles, serene courtyards, and lush gardens. Children will be fascinated by the scale of the rooms and the intricate ceilings, and parents will appreciate the chance to introduce Moroccan history in a fun way.

Family Tip: Bring a coloring book or sketchpad so kids can draw the geometric designs they see throughout the palace.

2. Jardin Majorelle: A Botanical Wonderland

This world-famous garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, is a feast for the senses. The bright cobalt blue buildings, exotic plants, and fish-filled ponds provide a peaceful retreat that kids will enjoy exploring. It’s stroller-friendly and photogenic, making it ideal for toddlers and older children alike.

Why kids love it:

Turtles in the water features
Plenty of space to roam
Vibrant colors and giant cacti that feel like a storybook scene

3. Camel Rides in the Palmeraie

Children absolutely love camel rides, and the Palmeraie, a palm oasis on the edge of the city, is the perfect place for a short and safe desert adventure. Families can opt for guided camel tours, often accompanied by traditional dress-up and a stop for mint tea with locals.

Pro Tip: Book a short ride (30–60 minutes) for younger kids to keep it fun and comfortable.

4. Visit the Marrakech Museum for Photography and Visual Arts

Older kids and teens will enjoy this visual feast of Moroccan life captured through powerful photographs. It’s both educational and inspiring, helping children understand Moroccan culture and daily life through an artistic lens.

Bonus: It’s a quiet indoor space that offers a cool break from the bustling streets.

5. Explore Jemaa el-Fna (From a Rooftop!)

While the famous Jemaa el-Fna square can be overwhelming for little ones on the ground, viewing it from a rooftop café makes it a thrilling yet safe spectacle. Watch snake charmers, monkey handlers, musicians, and storytellers while sipping fresh juice or enjoying a family lunch.

Caution: Avoid close interaction with snakes and monkeys—observe from a distance and don’t let children handle them due to health and ethical concerns.

6. Take a Moroccan Cooking Class Together

Why not get hands-on with Morocco’s world-renowned cuisine? Family-friendly cooking classes teach kids how to make Moroccan pancakes, tagines, or couscous, and the process includes a fun trip to the local market. It’s a great way to bond, learn, and eat your creation afterward.

Recommended for: Children aged 6 and above

7. Wander the Souks with a Scavenger Hunt

Turn a trip through the souks of the Medina into a fun game. Make a list of things for kids to spot or buy, such as:

A hand-painted bowl
A leather slipper
A brass lantern
A toy camel
This transforms the chaotic shopping experience into an interactive adventure.

Tip: Set a small budget and let kids pick their own souvenirs—it’s empowering and fun!

8. Oasiria Water Park: A Splash of Relief

When the heat rises, head to Oasiria, Marrakech’s largest water park, located just outside the city. With wave pools, lazy rivers, and splash zones for toddlers, it’s a perfect full-day family escape.

Highlights:

Dedicated kids’ play areas
Lifeguards throughout the park
Shaded picnic zones

9. Carriage Ride Around the City (Calèche Ride)

Hop aboard a traditional horse-drawn carriage and take a slow-paced tour around the old city walls, Koutoubia Mosque, and palm-lined avenues. It’s both relaxing and visually stimulating for kids.

Best time: Late afternoon or early evening when the city cools down.

10. Day Trip to an Atlas Mountain Village

For an authentic family experience, take a guided day trip to a Berber village in the Atlas Mountains. Children will love seeing goats, donkeys, and sheep up close, and the entire family can enjoy hiking, waterfalls, and traditional Moroccan meals with local families.

Why it’s perfect:

Cultural immersion
Fresh air and stunning scenery
Warm hospitality that makes kids feel welcome

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Family Trip in Marrakech

✔️ Pack Smart

Bring hats, sunscreen, and water bottles
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer for the souks

✔️ Choose Family-Friendly Riads or Hotels

Look for accommodations with pools, spacious rooms, and babysitting services. Some even offer family suites with connecting rooms or kid-friendly meals.

✔️ Keep Snacks Handy

Kids may not always love Moroccan spices, so keep a stash of familiar snacks for long excursions or picky eaters.

✔️ Learn a Few Arabic or French Words

Children love learning new languages! Practice “hello” (salaam) and “thank you” (shukran) together—it makes interactions more fun.

Final Word: A Magical Family Destination

Marrakech is an ideal family destination, full of enriching experiences, exciting sights, and heartfelt moments. With thoughtful planning, the city becomes a playground of colors, flavors, and stories that will inspire kids and create lifelong memories.