Traveling to Morocco with kids: a complete guide

From its camels, kasbahs and souks, to its deserts, oases, waterfalls, mountains and beaches, Morocco has plenty to thrill all ages. In short, if Morocco isn't on your radar as a family vacation destination, it should be! And, armed with our complete guide to visiting Morocco with kids, you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy an unforgettable family vacation. As a bonus, we also share a suggested 7-day Morocco itinerary to kickstart your trip. 

The best times to visit Morocco with kids

A crucial aspect of planning any trip is deciding when’s the best time to visit in terms of how the weather, costs and crowd levels align with your personal circumstances and travel needs. 

In this case, if you’re wondering when's the best time to visit Morocco with kids, spring and fall come out best as they offer the best balance of being able to enjoy culture and adventure in family-friendlier milder weather.

Spring and fall: Best overall times to visit Morocco with kids  

Spring (March to May) and fall (September-November) in Morocco means mild weather that’s comfortable for exploring cities, and the desert and mountains.

In terms of the numbers, expect an average range of 68°F to 82°F (20°C to 28°C), making outdoor activities like camel treks, hiking and visiting souks enjoyable without the extreme heat of summer. Talking of which…

• Summer (June-August) is a popular time to visit Morocco’s beach destinations like Agadir and Essaouira, where ocean breezes keep things cooler. Just note that cities like Marrakech and Fez can be too hot for kids (95°F –113°F (35°C to 45°C)
• Winter (December-February) in Morocco attracts some travelers to enjoy Sahara Desert adventures as temperatures are cooler. While the likes of Marrakech and Fez will also be much cooler and crowd-free, we still rate spring and fall as being better for overall balance. 

Staying safe and healthy in Morocco

From emergency contacts, to road safety, here are some tips for keeping your family safe and healthy in Morocco. To make the best out of your trip, check our guide to how to plan a trip to Morocco.

Healthcare and emergency information

While Morocco has good healthcare in major cities, rural areas have limited facilities, so you should bring essential medication, including plenty of sunscreen.

You should also have travel insurance with medical coverage for any unexpected health issues.

Should you need medical attention, private clinics and international hospitals in Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat are best for tourists.

As for emergency numbers, dial 190 for police), 15 for the ambulance service, and 150 for the tourist police.

Road and transport safety

Roads can be chaotic, and traffic rules are only loosely followed in cities. So, if you plan to drive in Morocco, take extra care.

Also note that car seats aren’t always provided by rental companies — bring your own, or request one in advance.

Food and water safety

While Moroccan food is delicious and kid-friendly, you should take precautions to avoid stomach issues.

For example, stick to bottled or filtered water, and avoid tap water, even for brushing teeth.

Avoid street food unless it’s cooked fresh in front of you, and ice cubes.

Insects

Morocco has mosquitoes and sandflies, especially near water and in desert areas. So, you’ll want to use insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk, and bring antihistamines for allergies and insect bites.

If you’re staying in rural areas, ask for a mosquito net in your accommodation.

Respect local culture and dress codes

Morocco is a Muslim country with conservative dress norms you and your family should adhere to during your stay.

This means covering shoulders and knees (especially important for girls and women), and avoiding public displays of affection — this isn’t culturally acceptable.

For more practical information, read our Morocco travel advice.

How to get around Morocco with kids

When it comes to getting around Morocco with kids, the best way depends on your itinerary, budget and travel style, with booking tours and private drivers advisable for certain trips and experiences that are on many tourists’ radars.

Read on for an overview of transport options.

Private drivers

For long distances, hiring a private driver through a reputable tour company is the easiest and safest way to travel with kids.

For example, consider this option for trips from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert (Merzouga or Zagora), or if you want to visit the Atlas Mountains.

Comfortable, air-conditioned cars are better for longer trips, and you’ll have the freedom to request stops at child-friendly attractions, including waterfalls and Berber villages.

Trains 

Morocco’s ONCF train system is comfortable, affordable, and stroller-friendly, and a good option to get from Marrakech to Casablanca (2.5 hours), Casablanca to Rabat (1 hour), or Rabat to Fez (2.5 hours).

You can also travel by train from Fez to Tangier in four hours, with a 2-hour high-speed train also available.

Kids under four travel free on trains. Seating is spacious, and restrooms are usually clean.

Buses 

For towns not connected by trains, CTM and Supratours buses could get you to, for example, Chefchaouen — Morocco's best-kept secret — and bohemian Essaouira.

While they’re very affordable, there are no bathrooms on board (except on some luxury buses), and not the best transport option if you’re traveling with kids. 

Domestic flights

If you need to travel long distances, domestic flights are the fastest option.

For example, you can fly from Marrakech to Fez in an hour, with the drive taking eight hours.

How to get around cities

Here’s how to navigate Morocco’s cities smoothly during your family vacation.

Walking

Moroccan cities have narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets, especially in the old medinas, which means exploring Marrakech’s medina, Fez’s Blue Gate and Chefchaouen’s blue streets is best done on foot.

Taxis 

Morocco has two types of taxi. Petite taxis are best for trips within the city. While they're metered in Casablanca and Rabat, that's not always the case in Marrakech and Fez.

Meanwhile, Grand taxis are shared taxis for longer distances, such as traveling between towns, and to and from the airport.

Note that petite taxis are often older cars without seat belts, so they aren’t suitable for young kids.

In either case, always ask for the meter to be turned on as you start your journey. If there’s no meter, agree on a price before getting in.

As car seats aren’t widely available, bring a portable booster seat if you plan to travel by taxi often.

Trams

Casablanca and Rabat have modern, stroller-friendly trams, so you can use them to travel between attractions in these cities.

Buy tickets at tram stations — they don’t accept cash onboard.

City buses

Not ideal for families as they can be overcrowded and slow, and pickpocketing is pretty common.

Carriages and tuk-tuks

Horse-drawn carriages (caleches) in Marrakech and tuk-tuks in Fez are a fun way to get around with kids.

Be sure to negotiate and agree prices before boarding — they often don’t have fixed rates.

10 tips for traveling to Morocco with kids 

Here are our top ten tips for making your trip to Morocco with kids all the more rewarding.

1. Research family-friendly riads and resorts 

When it comes to choosing your Morocco accommodation, riads — traditional Moroccan houses with courtyards — are great for families as many offer spacious family rooms.

If required, ask whether your riad has a crib or baby facilities as some traditional places may not provide them.

Travelling during a hot season? Look for hotels with a pool, especially in Marrakech and Fez.

While planning your itinerary, if time allows, look to include a night or two in a desert camp in Merzouga or Zagora. For added family comfort, you might want to consider luxury camp options.

2. Come armed with kids’ travel essentials 

Alongside bringing basic medicines (pain relievers, stomach medicine and insect repellent), it’s a good idea to bring baby wipes and hand sanitizer — essential for public restrooms.

Also note that while diapers and formula are available in major cities, you’ll struggle to find them in remote areas.

3. Eat wisely, and eat well!

As mentioned above, you should only drink bottled or filtered water — tap water isn’t always safe. 

This means you should keep an eye on your kids’ water intake — i.e. make sure they stay safely hydrated, while watching that they don’t use tap water to brush their teeth.

While lots of Moroccan foods are likely please kids (chicken and vegetable tagine, couscous, fresh flatbreads and pastries), you might also want to bring snacks from home.

4. Sun and heat protection is essential

Morocco gets very hot, especially in Marrakech, Fez and the desert. So, in addition to staying hydrated, be sure to apply SPF 50+ sun protection often, and wear hats and sunglasses, especially during desert trips.

It’s also advisable to avoid outdoor sightseeing between 12–4 pm. Either take rest breaks, or plan indoor activities.

5. Keep kids safe in crowded markets

Marrakech, Fez, and Chefchaouen have maze-like medinas and the souks can be crazily busy, so it’s wise to hold hands with young kids.

In fact, souks are best visited early in the morning, when they’re less crowded.

When it comes to shopping, avoid saying “Maybe later” to pushy vendors (they may keep following you), and teach kids not to accept “free” gifts — sellers usually demand money.

6. Stay safe on the streets and public transport

Cities like Marrakech and Fez have narrow, busy streets, so again, it’s important to hold hands with young kids.

As mentioned above, petite taxis (small city taxis) don’t have seat belts, so it’s better to opt for larger grand taxis, private transfers, or take tuk-tuks for shorter rides.

7. Book reputable desert tours

Taking a trip to the desert is one of the best things to do in Morocco, especially if you opt to stay overnight to star gaze after a campfire storytelling session.

If that kind of experience is on your travel wish-list, take the time to research tour options, and check what facilities are offered by different camps.

For, example, more luxurious options offer private tents and real beds, making overnight stays more comfortable for families. We also recommend bringing warmer clothes for onvernight desert stays as temperatures drop after dark.

8. Use private drivers for comfort and convenience

We can’t overstate the fact that hiring a private driver is the best way to travel longer distances with kids, especially for desert trips.

That said, if your kids are older, the train from Marrakech to Casablanca, for example, is comfortable and kid-friendly.

9. Take care on beaches

While the best beaches in Morocco are beautiful, they can have strong currents.

So, you should stick to lifeguard-patrolled beaches in the likes of Agadir and Essaouira, and avoid swimming at unsupervised beaches — waves can be rough.

10. Plan rest time around sightseeing

While it’s often tempting to pack trip itineraries with activities (we all want to make the most of our vacations, right?!), be sure also allow time to rest (and snack!) between sightseeing. Tired and hungry kids = cranky kids!

You should also look to mix cultural activities with fun hands-on experiences to keep kids engaged, and try to put Morocco’s most family-friendly activities at the heart of your itinerary.

More on those right below.

Things to do in Morocco with kids 

When planning your vacation to Morocco with kids, here are some top experiences to have on your radar.

Enjoy desert adventures

From camel trekking, to quad biking and sand-boarding on dunes, Morocco’s deserts have much to thrill kids. 

Top spots include Merzouga (Erg Chebbi Dunes) and the Agafay Desert near Marrakech.

For the ultimate experience, book an overnight stay in a Berber tent to stargaze the clear desert sky after enjoying traditional Moroccan dinner around a campfire.

Explore Marrakech Medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa Square 

Marrakech’s medina is like a giant maze of treasures, with Jemaa el-Fnaa Square packed with snake charmers, drummers and street performers that’ll keep kids entertained.

Our tip is to visit the square in the cooler evenings, when it heats up with lights and music.

Go wild at Oasiria Water Park, Marrakech

Oasiria Water Park — Morocco’s first and biggest water park — is packed with slides, pools and lazy rivers, with playground areas and glorious gardens to explore, too

It’s ideal for those hot spring and summer days when kids need a break from sightseeing.

Enjoy a horse-drawn caleche ride in Marrakech 

Touring Marrakech in a horse-drawn carriage (caliche) is a fun and easy way to see the city, especially if little legs tire quickly.

Just be sure to agree the price first — some drivers overcharge tourists.

Be enchanted by Chefchaouen’s blue streets 

Radiant with blue hues, Chefchaouen looks like a real-life fairy tale town. 

Family-friendly and compact, it’s a joy to amble, with the nearby Ras El Maa waterfall on hand as a pretty picnic spot.

Surf and play on Essaouira’s beaches 

The lovely fishing port of Essaouira is ideal for beginner surfers, with a safe clean beach that’s also ideal for younger kids to play on.

It’s also cooler than Marrakech (so ideal for a summer escape), and close to Skala Fortress, as featured in Game of Thrones.

Monkey around with monkeys at Ouzoud Waterfalls

Located in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, the awe-inspiring Ouzoud Waterfalls can be visited on a day trip from Marrakech (it’s a 2.5 to 3-hour drive each way).

On arrival, kids with be wowed by the waterfall’s 110-meter (360-foot) drop, surrounded by lush greenery, olive groves, and playful wild monkeys. 

Also offering easy hiking trails and refreshing pools it’s a great trip for multiple ages.

Morocco itinerary with kids

Covering Marrakech, the Sahara Desert, Fez and Essaouira, this family-friendly, 7-day Morocco itinerary presents a balanced blend of desert adventures, ancient cities, beaches and hands-on cultural experiences.

Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech and explore the magical Medina

On arrival, take a pre-booked taxi or private transfer to your hotel in Marrakech, AKA the Red City.

You might want to read up on where to stay in Marrakech, keeping in mind that riads are ideal for families.

Once you and your kids have the energy (maybe take a nap and eat after your journey), it’s time to discover Marrakech’s magical medina.

After being exhilarating by Jemaa el-Fnaa Square’s snake charmers, drummers and acrobats, head to the Secret Garden for a little calm and quiet within the busy medina.

Come the early evening, enjoy a caleche ride around the city walls before dining at a rooftop restaurant in the medina.

Day 2: Meander Majorelle Garden and get hands-on with culture

On the morning of day two, visit the beautiful Majorelle Garden.

Its pretty bright blue and yellow buildings, fountains (and turtles!) are a joy, while the Berber Museum showcases traditional Berber costumes and jewelry.

Come the afternoon, older kids could take a hands-on pottery class or join a tile-painting workshop (you get to keep your creations as souvenirs) ahead of enjoying a traditional Moroccan dinner the medina that night.

Like the sound of the Red City? Read up on how many days you need in Marrakech. 

Day 3: Adventures in the Atlas Mountains and Aït Benhaddou

Road trip adventures are in store on day three, thanks to taking a tour to the Atlas Mountains.

A private driver is recommended for this — ask to stop at the Tizi n'Tichka Pass to soak up breath-taking mountain views, and also visit Aït Benhaddou Kasbah. This whopping real- fortress may well be familiar from movies like Gladiator, and the Game of Thrones.

Spend the afternoon on a camel trek through the glorious Erg Chebbi dunes before overnighting in the desert.

Day 4: Sahara adventures en route to Fez

Rise early on day four to enjoy a dune trek to see the sun rise over the desert. If your kids are old enough, you could also book a sand-boarding experience.

Be sure to eat a big breakfast ahead of your 7-hour road transfer to Fez. Again, a private transfer is recommended for comfort, convenience, and being able to stop at Midelt (the halfway point) for lunch.

Day 5: Explore Fez and the magical Blue City

On the morning of day five, take time to explore the best of Fez.

First, visit Fez Medina to see its colorful souks of lanterns, pottery and spices, then head to Chouara Tannery to see how leather is made.

Given that Fes is Morocco’s new culinary capital, you could book a family-oriented cooking class to learn how to make tagine and Moroccan bread.

That afternoon, take a trip to the magical Blue City of Chefchaouen.

Day 6: Travel to coastal Essaouira 

A change of scenery comes on day six, when you either take a one-hour flight or five-hour car transfer to Essaouira.

Either way, set off early so you and you kids could be having fun on the beach, or exploring Skala Fortress, that same afternoon.

Day 7: Enjoy the beach before returning to Marrakech

On your last morning in Morocco, enjoy exploring the pretty port or return to the beach to try your hand or surfing.

With gentle waves and local instructors on hand to host lessons, Essaouira is great for beginners.

After a big lunch, it’s time to return to Marrakech (a 2.5-hour drive) ready to fly home.