Without a doubt, travelling to Marrakesh with children is not just something to consider for families, but a highly-recommended option. Because this fascinating city is brimming with places that will surprise, seduce and convince all, young and old alike.
In the case of children, you can also add in the fact that they will be able to come into contact with a culture and way of life that is probably unfamiliar to them. Something that will undoubtedly be very positive for their personal development and education in terms of values.
What’s more, both in the city and in the surrounding area there are all kinds of facilities designed especially for kids, ranging from play centres and huge swimming pools to adventure parks and many educational activities.
Going to Marrakesh with children is therefore a great idea and below we demonstrate why with various suggestions, which can be maximised once in the city and after consulting hotel staff.
Best things to do in Marrakesh with children
One of the best ways for the whole family to enjoy the city is by discovering it together. Because kids will be just as fascinated as the adults when exploring the medina and its souks, replete with shops, street hawkers, donkeys, carts, motorbikes, bicycles and traders dressed in the most diverse attire.
The apparent chaos, which is so hypnotic and entertaining, will not disappoint. What’s more, the entertainment value increases even more in places such as the following:
Jemaa el Fna square:
Snake charmers, jugglers, storytellers, vendors selling a wide variety of items and food, and constant hustle and bustle at any time of the day (and night). Without a doubt, Jemaa el-Fna square is one of the best places in Marrakesh to visit with children.
Marrakesh souk:
From the square the vast Marrakesh souk unfolds. Or, rather, we should say souks, each one specialising in a different trade or different items. Some of the most interesting for children are the streets filled with brass workers, leather and textiles craftsmen, carpenters and more.
Palm Grove by horse-drawn cart:
This area, one of the most exclusive parts of the city, is also the destination of one of the best horse-drawn excursions, such as the one that goes from the vicinity of Koutoubia mosque.
Picnic in Menara gardens:
As many Moroccan families like to do, enjoying a picnic among the thousands of olive trees in Menara gardens can be a fun experience. What’s more, the sheer size of the gardens means that children can run around and play to their heart’s content.
Majorelle garden:
This refreshing space created by Yves Saint-Laurent is a veritable botanical garden where kids can learn about species from all over the world. Not to mention the carefully designed landscaping of Majorelle garden, with its charming, magical and even fun corners.
Tips for visiting Marrakesh with children
Visiting Marrakesh with children makes sense. Especially when you take into account that just over half of the population of Morocco, around 34 million people, are under 25 years of age. This means that both in this imperial city and the rest of the country there are a lot of children.
Therefore, families visiting Marrakesh will have many opportunities for their kids to interact with the children of local families. Kids in Morocco also enjoy a high level of protection and respect, both from the country’s laws and authorities and from the general population.
However, as always, you should take some precautions. The main one being to not let them out of your sight when walking through the souks or visiting the city’s main monuments. Especially in the former, a veritable maze where it is easy to lose your bearings.
In terms of food and drink, both for children and the rest of the family, it is advisable to only drink bottled drinks or those that have been boiled. This also applies to food: try to avoid salads or fruit that has not been washed with mineral water.
Traditional Moroccan food is not usually very spicy or especially intense in terms of the flavour from the spices. Moreover, sweet, savoury, sour and bitter flavours are usually blended in the same dish creating a fascinating mix for diners, including children.
However, in most restaurants (especially more touristy ones) you can order dishes especially made for children’s palettes.
Be sure to explain to children that the items offered to them by shopkeepers and street vendors when walking around the city are not actually gifts and must be paid for (usually after some careful haggling).
So, before leaving the hotel, make sure they understand that they should check with the adults with whom they are travelling before accepting one of these ‘presents’.
Other great places to visit in Marrakesh with kids
There are many other places that will delight children, both in the city of Marrakesh itself and relatively close by. Here are some of them:
- Kidzo (Mohamed VI and Prince Moulay Rachid avenues): housed inside the Menara shopping centre, its stage plays host to shows from international artists. It also has an ice rink, a play centre and a video game room.
- La Plage Rouge (Route de l’Ourika, KM 10): a large water park which many refer to as Marrakesh’s beach. It also has entertainment and restaurants for all tastes.
- Akkalino (Route de Souihla KM 25): just over 30 kilometres from Marrakesh, it consists of an educational and creative complex with a vegetable garden, a wind garden, a traditional bread oven, pottery, kites and gardening workshops, a native settlement and more.
- Terres d’Amanar (Tahannaout): an adventure park situated around 40 kilometres from Marrakesh. It also has a swimming pool and trampoline and offers small excursions on horseback and other outdoor activities.
- Wild Rabbit (Route d’Agadir, KM 15, Douar Badine): here children can enjoy activities such as paintball and minigolf and a swimming pool, as well as learning about the animals that live on a small farm.
