Morocco with Kids: Family-Friendly Tours and Activities

Morocco with Kids: Family-Friendly Tours and Activities - Complete Guide

Morocco offers excellent family travel experiences when properly planned. From desert adventures to cultural immersion, Morocco accommodates children and families with strategic planning, age-appropriate activities, and family-friendly accommodations. This comprehensive guide addresses logistics, safety, activities, accommodations and provides a complete family itinerary.

Pre-Travel Preparation with Children

What Ages Work Best

Best Ages: 6-16 years; flexible, mobile, interested in experiences

Under 5: Challenging; heat, walking, limited activities; consider shorter duration

5-7 Years: Possible; shorter walking distances; dramatic experiences engaging (deserts, medinas)

8-12 Years: Excellent age; adventurous, mobile, educational interest high

Teens: Perfect age; cultural appreciation, independence, photography interest

Babies/Toddlers: Possible but demanding; heat challenging, diaper facilities limited

Health and Preparation

Vaccinations: Consult travel clinic; hepatitis A, typhoid recommended; malaria medications for southern regions

Altitude: Central Morocco at 2,000-4,000m; children acclimate similarly to adults; allow 1-2 days adjustment

Heat: Summer temperatures 35-45°C; hydration critical; sun protection essential

Medications: Bring familiar medications; pharmacies available in cities but may differ from home

Travel Insurance: Essential; covers medical emergencies, evacuation, cancellation

Jet Lag Management: Plan easy first days; don't overload initial schedule

Family-Friendly Activities by Age

All Ages (5+)

Medina Exploration:

• Walking souks, market colors, sounds
• Narrow streets engaging
• Shopping for souvenirs
• People-watching cafes

Beach Time (Essaouira, Coastal):

• Swimming and playing
• Fishing port exploration
• Beach restaurants
• Relaxation

Hammam Experience:

• Family hammam time
• Relaxing, cultural experience
• Accessible across Morocco
• Budget-friendly

Cooking Classes:

• Hands-on learning
• Making tagine, couscous
• Family participation
• Delicious results

6-10 Years

Quad Biking (Agafay Desert):

• Age 5+ can ride with adult; 12+ can drive alone
• 2-4 hour trips appropriate
• High-adrenaline fun
• Family operators available

Camel Trekking (Sahara):

• Age 7+ manageable
• 1-2 hour rides for children
• Overnight camps possible with family
• Desert magic appealing to kids

Mountain Villages:

• Hiking day trips (1-3 hours)
• Village homestays
• Cultural exchange
• Fruit picking, herb learning

Oasis Camping:

• Glamping/family camps
• Star-gazing
• Campfire activities
• Kid-friendly environment

8-16 Years

Rock Climbing (Todra/Dades):

• Guided climbs for families
• Professional guides
• Dramatic landscapes
• Age/strength appropriate routes

Zip-lining (Todra Gorge):

• Age 12+ typically
• Professional safety equipment
• Adrenaline rush kids love
• 1-2 hour activity

White-Water Rafting (Atlas Rivers):

• Age 10+ appropriate
• Professional guides, safety gear
• Exciting, refreshing activity
• 2-3 hour trips

Hot Air Ballooning (Marrakech):

• Age 5+ acceptable
• Early morning flights
• Sunrise views spectacular
• 1-hour flights manageable

Photography Walks:

• Golden hour hikes
• Photography education
• Scenic locations
• Physical activity balanced

Teenagers (13-16)

Mountain Biking:

• Downhill biking Atlas trails
• Professional guides
• Physical challenge appealing
• Multi-day options

High-Altitude Hiking:

• Toubkal summit (4,167m)
• 2-3 day treks
• Physical challenge, accomplishment
• Acclimatization essential

Kayaking (Lagoon, Rivers):

• Age 14+ typically
• Professional instruction
• Water adventure
• Nature immersion

Desert Photography:

• Golden hour shooting
• Drone photography (if licensed)
• Creative expression
• Adventure activity

Family-Friendly Accommodations

Family Riads

Advantages:

• Multiple rooms available
• Courtyard space for kids
• Family-style meals possible
• Secure, walled compounds
• Cultural experience

Best For: Families wanting authenticity with comfort

Cost: €60-120/night for 2-3 bedrooms

Booking: Airbnb, Booking.com, specialty riad sites

Family Hotels

Advantages:

• Amenities (pools, kids clubs sometimes)
• Structured services
• English-speaking staff
• Room service options

Best For: Families wanting convenience

Cost: €50-150/night depending on star rating

Family Camps/Glamping

Advantages:

• Desert experience safely
• All-inclusive meals
• Activity organization
• Kid-friendly programming

Best For: Desert immersion while comfortable

Cost: €80-200/night including meals, activities

Locations: Agafay, Merzouga, Ouarzazate regions

Transportation with Children

Air Travel

Flights to Morocco:

• Royal Air Maroc, European carriers available
• Family seating options
• Wheel chair, bassinet services
• Long-haul flights challenging; prepare with activities

Internal Transportation

Planes: Between Marrakech-Fes viable for families

Buses: Long-distance buses have bathrooms; bring snacks, entertainment

Grand Taxis: Shared vehicles; comfortable for families

Car Rental:

• Car seats required (reserve at rental)
• Distances manageable (split across 2 days)
• Flexibility increased with private car
• Costs more but convenience high

Trains: Limited routes but comfortable; scenic

Health and Safety

Water and Food

Water: Bottled water essential; provide to children exclusively

Ice: Avoid ice in drinks (made from tap water)

Food: Restaurant food safe; street food okay for older children with caution

Stomach Issues: Normal for some children; bring medication

Heat Management

Hydration: Constant water supply; electrolyte drinks helpful

Sun Protection:

• High-SPF sunscreen (reapply frequently)
• Light, long-sleeved clothing
• Hats, sunglasses essential
• Plan indoor time during peak heat (12-4pm)

Rest: Extra napping/rest time needed in heat

Altitude

Medinas: Sea level to 500m; no concerns

Mountains/Desert: Up to 2,500m; acclimatization important

Toubkal Trek: 4,167m; take slow, rest days before high elevation

Safety

Medinas: Watch belongings; hold young children's hands; stay together

Beaches: Lifeguards often present; check water conditions

Desert: Stay with guide; never wander alone; hydration critical

Car Travel: Seatbelts not always enforced; bring car seats

Sun Safety: Sunburn happens quickly; sunscreen non-negotiable

7-Day Family Itinerary

Day 1-2: Marrakech Orientation

Activities:

• Hotel/riad settling
• Medina light exploration
• Djemaa el-Fna square people-watching
• Rest from travel

Accommodation: Family riad Medina

Meal: Local restaurants, family-friendly spots

Notes: Avoid jet lag; easy first day

Day 3: Atlas Mountains Day Trip

Activity: Village exploration, hiking short trail, lunch at guesthouse

Duration: Half-day or full-day trip

Accommodation: Return to Marrakech or overnight village homestay

Physical: 2-3 hour hiking manageable for most ages

Cost: €40-60 per person guided

Day 4: Agafay Desert Experience

Activities: Quad biking (family-friendly), camel ride, desert lunch

Accommodation: Agafay camp/glamping

Duration: Full day

Evening: Star-gazing, campfire

Cost: €60-100 per person including meals, activities

Notes: Younger children ride with adults; 12+ can drive

Day 5: Fes Medina

Activity: Medina exploration (half-day optional guide), tanneries tour, souk shopping

Accommodation: Family riad in upper medina

Duration: 3-4 hours guided; rest of day self-explore

Physical: Medina steep, narrow; tiring but achievable for children 6+

Cost: €20-30 guide; meals, shopping separate

Day 6: Waterfall/Gorge Day

Activity: Todra Gorge or Oum El Rbiu waterfall visit

Duration: Half-day drive + walking

Physical: 1-2 hour hiking accessible for families

Accommodation: Gorge town

Cost: €30-50 for guided experience

Day 7: Essaouira Coastal Relaxation

Activities: Beach time, fishing port exploration, medina shopping, cafe culture

Accommodation: Beachfront hotel or riad

Duration: Relaxation day; no strenuous activities

Physical: Minimal; walking medina, swimming, shopping

Notes: Decompression day before travel home

Packing Essentials for Family Travel

Medical:

• Prescription medications
• Fever reducers, antihistamines
• Bandages, first aid kit
• Anti-diarrhea medication
• Sunscreen (high SPF)

Clothing:

• Light, modest clothing
• Closed-toe walking shoes
• Swimwear
• Layers (desert nights cool)
• Comfortable shoes

Gear:

• Hats, sunglasses
• Water bottles (refillable)
• Day pack for walking
• Portable phone chargers
• Travel adapters

Entertainment:

• Tablet with downloaded shows
• Books/e-readers
• Games, puzzles
• Camera
• Headphones

Toiletries:

• Familiar toothpaste, soap
• Shampoo, conditioner
• Any specific hygiene items
• Wet wipes
• Diaper supplies if needed

Family Budget

Daily Budget per Family (4 people: 2 adults, 2 children):

Weekly Budget: €1,540-2,450

FAQ

What's the best time to travel with kids?

March-May, September-October (mild temperatures, school holidays possible).

Are vaccinations required?

Yellow fever not required; hepatitis A, typhoid recommended. Consult travel clinic.

Can we take young children?

Yes, but more challenging under 5. Heat, distances, limited activities more difficult.

Is tap water safe?

No; use bottled water exclusively for children.

What about altitude sickness?

Unlikely below 2,500m. Higher elevations may need acclimatization; symptoms usually minor.

Are there kids' clubs?

Some luxury resorts offer kids' clubs; not typical in riads/traditional accommodations.

Can kids eat local food?

Yes. Couscous, tagine, bread very digestible. Some kids experience digestive adjustment; bring familiar foods.

Are medinas suitable for children?

Yes, but narrow, crowded, require supervision. Older children better suited. Guide helpful.

What about bathroom facilities?

Less developed than Western standards; public restrooms available in medinas, tourist areas. Hand sanitizer helpful.

Can teenagers do adventure activities?

Absolutely. Hiking, rock climbing, zip-lining, mountain biking all available with age-appropriate selection.