Finding things to do that your kids will also enjoy is easy in Morocco and an exciting experience they will not forget. We say this at the beginning, because many families have their doubts about whether Morocco is a suitable destination to visit together. And yes, if you organise your outings well, find a good hotel and plan the activities that they will enjoy the most, travelling to Casablanca with kids is a great idea. The city in the north of the Maghreb has long been a logical choice for fans of city breaks in Morocco, since, due to its size, it offers a range of cosmopolitan options. This time round, we are not so interested in the international cuisine on offer or the nightclubs that stay open all night, but on the things to do with kids, whether related to culture, sports or entertainment. When planning your itinerary, it is also important to set aside time to relax in the squares, the seaside promenades, the beaches or at the water parks if visiting in summer.
Depending on how long you will be in Casablanca, you can include an excursion to a nearby place in your itinerary. If you are not going by car, the easiest thing to do is to sign up to a guided tour that will take you to nearby cities such as Mohammedia or Rabat or even a little further, such as to the Roman ruins of Volubilis (200 km away).
Six things to do in Casablanca with kids
As part of this selection of things to do in Casablanca you will find options for families travelling with kids of different ages, as visiting with young children is very different to bringing along teenagers. But whatever their age, you will find entertainment options for all of them in this great city.
Beach and surfing for everyone
Casablanca has an excellent beach: a long strip of sand in the Ain Diab neighbourhood that runs parallel to La Corniche, the seaside promenade, where you will find a large number of beach clubs, which you must go through to access the beach. This does not mean to say that there are no ‘free access’ beaches, because there are, but the clubs do offer added incentives if you are willing to pay the small fee. Practically all of them accept children. In other words, you can all go in together and then decide if you want to take a dip in the Atlantic or spend some time in the pool or on the sun loungers. The beach clubs also have bars and restaurants, showers and changing rooms. They are a great option to consider if you want to enjoy a relaxing day out at the beach.
If you are travelling with teenagers who need a bit more stimulation, both in Casablanca and the nearby towns you will find beaches perfect for water sports such as surfing. There are a number of companies offering equipment for hire as well as practical classes. Because there is no time like the present to try your hand at this exciting sport.
Sightseeing as a family
Travelling with kids does not mean you have to miss out on seeing Casablanca’s most famous landmarks. We can assure you that they will love visiting Hassan II mosque, with its large spaces, its luxurious appearance and much more. It will also be the perfect opportunity to explain to them how the world is home to a range of different religions. Facts such as how the interior can house up to 20,000 worshippers for prayer or that the esplanade can host up to 80,000 more people for certain events will astonish anyone. Construction of the mosque, the third largest in the world, involved the finest craftsmen on the planet. At night, from the minaret that stands at a height of over 200 metres, you will be able to see a laser beam that points to the sky and is visible from anywhere in the city.
In addition to the mosque, the city is home to other landmarks of interest that you can include in your itinerary, such as the Cathedral, the Royal Palace, Mahkama du Pacha (former residence of the pasha and now the Justice Court) and Notre-Dame de Lourdes church.
Parks and green spaces
In a city home to several millions of inhabitants, seeking out moments of fun and relaxation in green spaces is a must. One place that we particularly like is the Arab League Park. This leafy space, also situated in the city, is about 50 metres wide. There, you will find various footpaths lined with towering palm trees, ponds, fountains and play areas. On the outskirts is Bouskoura forest which is perfect for a bit of sport amid the pine trees or for some playtime at one of the small playgrounds. And if you decide to visit Mohammedia, you can also pay a visit to the lovely L’Hermitage garden.
Square hopping
Between all the places you plan to visit there are two squares that are a perfect spot for small children to run around and play with other kids who gather there with their families. Mohammed V square is lined with beautiful buildings and has fountains where pigeons drink and children pass the time watching them (and scaring them). The fountain also offers lovely music and water shows so be sure to keep an eye on its programme. Another interesting square is the United Nations square which, although it is in a noisier area and the surrounding streets have heavy traffic, is also a small refuge where you can stop on a bench and play in some of the areas set up especially. Perhaps due to its size, the esplanade of Hassan II mosque is also a perfect place for kids to play safely.
Strolling along La Corniche
Although we have already spoken about La Corniche in the beach section, it is worth mentioning this lovely boulevard again, since it is a great place for an afternoon/evening stroll. Visit this lively spot, grab an ice cream, see the mosque all lit up and let the kids play at one of the playgrounds. It is a perfect place to wind down at the end of the day in a relaxed manner.
The Medina or Morocco Mall if visiting with kids?
You don’t need to choose between touring the medina with its small souks or visiting a shopping centre, because in Casablanca you can do both things. Tour the Old Medina with its maze-like streets, head to the Quartier Habous (the new medina) to do a spot of shopping at its small craft shops and finish your day at Morocco Mall, a huge shopping centre where young people will enjoy browsing the well-known shops (it is home to nearly all international franchises). You can also grab a pizza or hamburger, see a 3D film (or even a 6D film), enjoy a music show at one of the fountains, visit an impressive aquarium, pay a visit to Adventure Land (a small amusement park) or go ice skating. Fantastic things to do if travelling with teenagers.
Tips and recommendations
No special recommendations are needed when travelling to Casablanca, an open, welcoming city, where you will find everything you need on a family trip. Moroccan people love receiving kids in restaurants and usually try to adapt their menus for them. All we recommend is that you take certain precautions: be extremely vigilant in areas with heavy traffic, as signs and pedestrian crossings are not always respected as they should be, and try to make sure your kids do not kick up too much of a fuss in religious areas or at mosques, etc. Otherwise, you won’t have any major problems.
