Top 8 activities to enjoy with kids in Marrakesh

For adventurous families with open minds, Marrakesh is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered.

Moroccan culture is deeply family-oriented, often thriving in multi-generational households. Traveling with children can lead to unique cultural experiences and unforgettable opportunities. With its year-round sunny climate, the city is ideal for families who enjoy outdoor activities, water parks, urban explorations, and desert excursions.

The vibrant energy of the city can be overwhelming for everyone, including adults. It's noisy, fragrant, and a complex maze of winding streets that engage all the senses, which can be quite a shock for first-time visitors. Be mindful of how much you can realistically experience during your visit.

Is Marrakesh a suitable destination for children?

Marrakesh is a fantastic destination for adventurous families eager to expose their children to a rich culture and new perspectives. Kids are welcomed in most establishments, and there are plenty of public gardens and play areas where you can interact with local families. While few restaurants provide dedicated kids' menus, many offer child-friendly dishes and accommodate dietary preferences.

Although attractions specifically for children may not be as prominent as in some major cities, they are available. A stroll through the souk's narrow alleys can transform into an entertaining evening with a bit of imagination. The Medina feels like an open-air museum; your children will be amazed as their history lessons come to life.

However, the city can be quite intense. You might face basic public facilities, limited changing areas, relaxed health and safety regulations, requests for money for photographs, uneven sidewalks, and crowded public transport. Maintain an open mind, set realistic travel expectations, and schedule downtime to recharge.

What are the best spots in Marrakesh for kids?

The Medina and Djemaa El Fna are perfect places for your kids to explore their curiosity. Both areas come alive around sunset; while visiting in the morning might be quieter, you’d miss the vibrant atmosphere of the city’s bustling core and the chance to mingle with crowds.

The city center is flat and can be easily navigated on foot. For babies, a carrier or sling is ideal, while toddlers might do well in a lightweight stroller to protect them from passing bikes and motorcycles on the narrow streets. Larger strollers can be tricky in the souk's alleys and heavy to carry up to rooftop cafés that lack elevators.

If you’re in the Medina and your kids need to burn off some energy, check out Djemaa El Fna, the nearby Koutobia Gardens, or Cafe Munich. Cafe Munich is unique in the Medina for having an indoor play area for kids, complete with a slide for younger ones.

Traveling in Marrakesh with young children

Marrakesh boasts a dry, sunny, and hot climate. If you and your kids love shaded gardens and pool activities, hotels in the lush suburbs like Palmeraie and Hivernage provide numerous choices.

Moroccans are incredibly helpful, especially if you’re traveling with a baby; they adore little ones. You can find local baby care products in most small shops, along with familiar international brands like Pampers at Carrefour.

Top activities in Marrakesh for young children

Enjoy a peaceful moment at the Koutoubia Gardens

Young children delight in splashing around in the cool fountains of Koutoubia Gardens. Nestled behind the Koutoubia Mosque, this shaded oasis with palm trees and open green spaces is a beloved spot for outdoor fun, strolls, and relaxation in Marrakesh.

Have fun at the water parks and pools

With nearly year-round sunshine, spending a day at one of the city's numerous water parks is a breeze. At Oasiria, you can explore 25 acres filled with gardens, various pools, slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, a climbing wall, and serene tropical gardens. Free shuttles operate from Djemaa El Fna and Gueliz all day long.

You can also buy pool passes online to access many of the city's top hotel swimming pools for a day.

Take a ride in a calèche for a charming horse-drawn carriage tour

When you want a break from the bustling streets and souks, follow the lead of Moroccan families and hire a calèche (horse-drawn carriage). The horses marked with a blue tag are microchipped and closely monitored by SPANA, an international charity. These green carriages offer a delightful way to explore the city, allowing you to customize your route to include neighborhoods that pique your interest, like Djemaa El Fna, Mellah, the city ramparts, and the Jardins Marjorelle area.

Visit a play zone to connect with local families

On a rare rainy day, or when it's too hot for outdoor fun, head to the air-conditioned Menara Mall, where Kidzo features a play area, 7D cinema, and ice skating rink—it's a favorite among families. Additionally, KidsZone at Marjane offers trampolines, slides, and a café. Both spots are excellent for mingling with local families in a relaxed, enjoyable setting.

Enjoy a sunset camel ride in the Palmeraie

The Palmeraie is a lush palm oasis filled with date palms, orange trees, and charming local villages. For an unforgettable Moroccan sunset experience, a family camel ride through this area is hard to beat. Most one-hour tours include a refreshing Moroccan mint tea and insights into rural life just outside Marrakesh.

Embark on a day trip to the desert

The Agafay desert features a rugged, arid landscape located less than an hour from Marrakesh. You can choose to spend a night under the stars in one of the various glamping sites or enjoy an afternoon visit to witness a breathtaking sunset along with a desert dining experience by the campfire. Horseback and camel rides are also available.

Top activities in Marrakesh for tweens and teens

Exploring the souks

Teach your kids the art of bargaining in a souk. They can discover the value of purchasing directly from artisans who use traditional methods and local materials. The souks are like endless treasure troves filled with sparkling babouche slippers, imitation Nikes, Hakimi football jerseys, and dazzling Aladdin lamps.

Return to the classroom

To enhance travelers' appreciation of Morocco's vibrant culture, Creative Interactions provides workshops on haggling, cooking, henna art, and basic Moroccan Arabic, tailored specifically for short-term visitors.

The Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum along with various riads and hotels offer cooking classes, making for a delightful family bonding experience.

Accommodation planning tips

When reserving your stay, keep in mind that air-conditioning is essential in summer, while in winter, you should verify the availability of heating and heated pools. Not all riads are suitable for young children; some may have age restrictions of 12 and above, so confirm before booking. Most larger hotels feature kids' clubs, but be sure to check for any age limitations. If you prefer not to be awakened by the early morning call to prayer, check how close your accommodation is to a mosque.

During summer, plan for early starts and sunset explorations at the end of the day. The peak midday hours are best spent relaxing by the hotel pool or napping in the shade.

Most attractions do not charge for children under 3 years. Some tickets are free for children under 12, and those aged 12–16 years receive a 50% discount.

Taxis often lack car seats, and some may not have seatbelts or air-conditioning. If these features are important, consider booking a private driver service through your hotel or staying near Djemaa El Fna to utilize the free shuttles to various family attractions.

Bring along some extra coloring pencils and stickers to share with local children. You'll find street dogs and cats throughout the city, often cared for and tagged by the community. Encourage your kids to befriend them, but remind them not to frighten the animals. If your children run, the dogs may chase them, thinking it’s a game.

If you plan to venture outside the city as a family, check out our guide on traveling in Morocco with kids.