Marrakech with Kids: Everything You Need to Know

If you’re planning to visit Marrakech with kids then THIS is the article for you. Full disclosure, I do NOT have kids of my own. But, I have lived in Marrakech on and off since January of 2023.

My partner is also Moroccan. So, we have explored Marrakech with his nieces and nephews many times.

Some of my friends have also come to visit with their kids. So, I have loads of experience traveling to Marrakech with kids.

Now I want to share some secret insider tips with you before you visit this amazing city. This way, you can have the best time possible as you enjoy the best things to do in Marrakech with kids.

After all, you don’t want your kids to go into total sensory overload as they walk around Jemaa el Fna Square and see everything from snake charmers to belly dancers to local touts with tutu-wearing monkeys. The latter is a very real thing.

Anyway, overall Marrakech is a very vibrant city that is filled with lots of kid-friendly activities. I don’t think it’s as friendly as Agadir, but you’ll have no trouble finding tons of things to do here.

If you can, try to spend at least two days in the city. This way you don’t have to rush (as much) and can relax as you enjoy all of the best things to do in Marrakech with children.

My best advice is to have a LOOSE itinerary planned and then tweak it based on how your kids are feeling, their ages, and what they are interested in.

But, before you plan a mega epic family itinerary, let’s look at some local tips and top picks for cool things to do with the family. This way you’ll be totally prepared for your trip and can have the best experience possible.

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Tips for Traveling to Marrakech with Children

1. Get Up Early!

There is no way around it. Marrakech is a VERY busy city that is heaving with people, regardless of the time of year. Although, you can avoid some of this if you explore the city during the best time to visit Marrakech.

These crowds can be stressful on parents and kids alike since they can overwhelm kids and stress out parents who can lose kids in the crowd.

So, it’s a good idea to get up and start your two days in Marrakech itinerary early in the day. After all, Marrakech is NOT an early-morning city and should be pretty dead before 10:00 am.

TBH, this is true of most cities in Morocco. So, the morning is always a great time to go sightseeing if you hate crowds.

Additionally, Marrakech gets very hot during the middle of the day (this obviously can vary by season). So, it is a good idea to get out early to avoid the heat.

You can then go back to your riad and swim in a plunge pool in the middle of the day before heading back out again around 5:00 pm.

The downside is that MOST things don’t open before 9:00 am. In fact, many vendors in the souks of Marrakech don’t even open until 10:00 am

Therefore, you may run out of things to do if you have older kids. However, one place that does open early is Jardin Majorelle (it opens between 8:00 am and 8:30 am).

It is a beautiful desert garden that kids will love walking around. You can even take photos of the electric blue house and explore the Museum of Berber Arts while you’re here.

Local Tip: If you decide to go to Jardin Majorelle then book your tickets online in advance. This is THE most popular attraction in the city and lines can be VERY long.

I also recommend getting a combo ticket if you plan to visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum as well. It is awesome, sits right down the road, and it is much cheaper to get a combined ticket than two individual tickets.

It’s also a pretty kid-friendly place in Marrakech since it is a small museum with lots of fun, super colorful clothes that are cool to look at. There’s even a short movie about the designer’s life that kids might like to see.

2. Some Riads Do NOT Allow Children

When visiting this incredible city, MOST people want to stay in a riad, aka a traditional Moroccan-style home that has been converted into a hotel.

However, many affordable riads in Marrakech have STRICT rules when it comes to children and do not allow children under the age of 12 to stay there. The exception to that rule are places like Riad Africa and Riad Les Hibiscus.

My friends have stayed at both of these riads and can vouch for their awesomeness. Just be aware that most riads, and homes in the Medina, will have VERY steep stairs.

So, do keep a close eye on small children/toddlers if you plan on staying in an Airbnb/riad in the Medina.

Personally, I like to stay in the Medina. Yes, it is a bit noisy and tough to navigate (especially in the dark at night). But, it is well-located near some of the top attractions in Marrakech.

The Medina also has this super cool, old-world charm about it that you won’t find anywhere else. Ultimately, stay in the Medina if you don’t mind noise, want a more authentic experience, and want to pay a little less for your hotel.

Stay outside the Medina, in areas like HIvernage and Gueliz, if you want peace and quiet, more space, a large pool to swim in, modern amenities, and don’t mind a higher price tag.

These are two of the safest and BEST areas to stay in Marrakech and parts of Hivernage are still very well-located near the Medina.

However, many large hotels that are a bit further away from the Medina will likely have a free shuttle that you can use to quickly and easily visit this part of the city.

Local Tip: Book riads/Airbnbs WELL in advance since riads are small and rooms often fill up MONTHS in advance. I would also ask about proximity to local mosques since the call to prayer can be LOUD and wake you up at 5:00 am (or earlier).

3. Do NOT Use a Stroller

I made this mistake in Marrakech the first time I visited with my partner’s nephew and I vowed never again.

Real talk? The streets in the Medina are uneven, narrow, and packed with people, motorbikes, donkeys, and anything else you can think of.

They are super cool to walk through but really SUCK if you have a stroller. The stroller gets stuck on uneven surfaces and the kids can’t see anything because they are low to the ground and inhaling fumes from passing motorbikes.

People also constantly bump into the stroller and it is just really hard to maneuver through the crowds while pushing a stroller.

Instead, get a carrier and use that. I know it can be hard to carry your child but it is SOO much easier to use one when walking through the streets of the Medina.

I promise, get a carrier and you will not regret it. You can even take breaks and put your child down when you get to quieter places that are more kid-friendly.

Local Tip: If you are walking through the Medina with children, try to walk so that your kids are near the stalls and you are near the center of the street, on their left.

This way you can hold their hand and shield them from any oncoming vehicles. It also makes it harder for them to wander off.

4. Visit Jemaa El Fna Square But Prep Your Kids First

Jemaa El Fna Square is the main square in Marrakech and is a must-see for anyone traveling to Marrakech with children.

Because of the heat, the square really comes alive after 5:00 pm and fills up with snake charmers, monkey handlers, belly dancers, traditional musicians, henna artists, street food vendors, and more.

The square gets VERY crowded in the evening, especially in the summer. So, if you are worried about the crowds then definitely visit earlier in the evening/afternoon.

I would not engage in ANY form of animal tourism (i.e. the monkey handlers and snake charmers) since they do not treat these animals well and will expect payment for any photos you take with these creatures.

Basically, do anything in Jemaa El Fna Square and expect to pay for it.

But, it is a good place for kids to play musical instruments, try local food/juice, get their hair braided, shop for Marrakech souvenirs, or try getting some henna done (not suitable for small children).

Just talk with your kids before you visit and tell them not to accept anything from strangers. I would also set up a designated meeting point that you can all go to should anyone get lost.

If the square starts to overwhelm you and your family then visit one of the best rooftop cafes in Marrakech. They sit all along the edge of the square and are a great place to watch the sunset over the city.

We like to go to L’Adresse Cafe since it sits right on the edge of the square, offers great views of the area, and serves a nice selection of non-alcoholic drinks.

Local Tip: If your kids are hungry and need some food in Morocco then head to Yamy’s.

It’s a great restaurant that serves lots of kid-friendly food including tacos, pizza, and poutine. The prices are also VERY reasonable and the food is actually good.

5. Pack Plenty of Filtered/Bottled Water

I drink the water in Marrakech and have ZERO problems. However, that’s probably because I live here and am used to whatever is in it by now.

For visitors, especially kids, I suggest that you steer clear of the tap water and drink only filtered or bottled water. When I first arrived, I used a Lifestraw to filter tap water, but feel free to use anything you like.

Just pack LOTS of water since you’ll be walking around quite a bit. This is especially important in the summer when Marrakech gets SUPER hot.

In fact, temperatures can REGULARLY exceed 40°C (100+°F), and staying hydrated becomes VERY important for little ones.

Now, if your kids DON’T like water then you can always give them some freshly squeezed orange juice. You will find it everywhere in the Medina and it contains no additives. It also only costs around 10 Dirhams ($1.00) for a small cup.

6. BATHE Your Kids in Sunscreen

I know most kids hate putting on sunscreen. But, it is super important in Marrakech since the sun is very strong here.

Just to give you some perspective, I got burned the very first time I was in Marrakech and I was there in the WINTER. So, imagine how strong the sun is in the summer and for kids with sensitive skin.

My best advice is to dress kids in light linen clothes that cover them from head to toe. I also suggest having them wear a hat since all this clothing will keep them cool while protecting them from the sun.

If this is not an option or you just don’t want to buy them a new wardrobe then have them wear shorts and a t-shirt instead. Just apply lots of sunscreen as needed so that they don’t get burned.

7. Do NOT Visit Marrakech If Your Child Has a Severe Nut Allergy

I was a nanny for YEARS and one of my kids had a severe nut allergy. She could not even breathe around nuts without going into anaphylactic shock.

Therefore, I would always have to carry her epi-pen and hope that nothing happened. Yeah, it was very terrifying and I feel for the parents of kids with intense allergies.

Anyway, she could not have visited Marrakech since people are making Amlou everywhere.

Locals like to sit outside their stalls and use traditional stones to crush peanuts/almonds into a fine paste that is kind of like almond butter or peanut butter (only better since it has honey and argan oil too).

Honestly, Amlou is found all over Morocco since it is a super traditional food. Therefore, it is hard to avoid. So, if your child has a severe nut allergy then you may want to rethink your trip or just stay out of the Medina altogether.

The same goes really any allergy when it comes to food. Yeah, there is just no way of knowing if food has been cross-contaminated since things are a bit more lax here.

So, if you or your kids have severe allergies, be very careful. You may even want to bring your own food just to be safe.

8. Don’t Worry Too Much About How to Dress Little Girls

The most common question I get about traveling to Morocco with kids is, “What should my little girl wear in a conservative Muslim country?”

Honestly, girls here can wear just about anything. The unofficial “rules” here are pretty chill when it comes to kids and I have seen little girls enter mosques without covering their heads.

I have also seen little girls wear bikinis while swimming at some of the most beautiful beaches in Morocco.

So, keep it simple. Kids (and girls more specifically) can generally wear any clothes that are considered age-appropriate back at home. Your biggest concern will probably be the sun since that can be a huge issue in Morocco.

But, Morocco is safe for kids, just like Morocco is safe for ladies.

Local Tip: If you are traveling to Marrakech with a teen/tween girl then I would sit down with her and figure out what to wear (if need be).

Generally, most clothes should be fine (t-shirts/shorts/skirts/dresses/tank tops) as long as they are not super short or super low cut. If you’re worried, just have them bring a scarf/shawl that they can use to cover up if need be.

9. Marrakech is VERY Safe for Kids

The other question I get a lot from readers is, “Is Marrakech safe for kids?” The answer is an emphatic yes. Moroccans love kids and treat them VERY well.

They are super courteous towards them and will even hold them/hug them since it is pretty normal for adults in Morocco to pick up/interact with someone else’s kid. Yeah, things are just a bit more communal here.

I would not worry about anyone hurting or kidnapping your kid and would just take normal precautions since bad things can happen anywhere in the world.

Honestly, the only thing I would really worry about in Marrakech with kids is the sun and the traffic.

The motorbikes, tuk-tuks, and donkey carts in the Medina can be a bit crazy and kids should be extra careful when walking around the Medina.

I would also be extra careful in the evening in Marrakech since it is easy to lose sight of kids in the Medina. Many streets are not well-lit and it is easy to get lost amidst a labyrinth of narrow alleys.

If you can, download an offline map (like Maps.Me) before you visit. This way you can navigate through the Medina without any cellphone service (the service in the Medina is notoriously bad) and get back to your hotel.

Local Tip: If anyone says, “you are going the wrong way” or spontaneously offers to help you find your way, ignore them. This is a scam and these locals in the Medina will expect A LOT of money if they escort you anywhere.

However, it is totally okay to go up to a local and ask for help since people are very friendly and eager to assist you. It’s just a red flag when they are aggressive about it and bombard you with random offers of help.

Best Things to do in Marrakech with Kids

There are tons of amazing things to do in Marrakech with children. Here are a few of my top picks if you want to enjoy an awesome day out in Marrakech with the little ones.

Full disclosure, if you are looking at Marrakech versus Agadir, I’d go with Agadir if you have kids.

• Go to the Waterparks – There are a ton of waterparks in Marrakech and one of our faves is Oasiria. It’s close to the Medina and has lots of slides, a nice wave pool, a rock climbing wall, and a lazy river. There’s even a nice area for smaller kids that includes a pirate ship. Other waterparks in Marrakech include Eden Aquapark and Palmiya Fun and Water Land.

• Visit an Amusement Park – The amusement parks in Marrakech are well-suited for smaller children (12 and under) and will require you to rent a car in Marrakech to visit. The two we have been to are Paloozaland and Ludipark. Paloozaland has a dinosaur theme and features rides, a 6-D theater, live shows, and a swimming pool. In contrast, Ludipark has pony rides, a small zoo, a water park, and bouncy castles.

• Take a Cooking Class – Have a look at my picks for some of the best cooking classes in Marrakech and see which one is right for you. Many of them are private and can be tweaked to suit the needs of children. It’s a fun way to learn about local culture and eat great Moroccan food at the same time. Just plan ahead and let them know about your needs and the needs of your kids. You could sign up for one of the best walking tours in Marrakech that is focused on food since kids like epic food tours in Marrakech too.

• Visit Some Gardens – The gardens in Marrakech are a great place to escape the chaos of the city. Some epic spots include Bahia Palace, Jardin Majorelle, and Le Jardin Secret. Visit in the morning to avoid crowds and remind your kids to stick to the main paths since walking on the grass/gardens is prohibited. If you want to take your kids to a place where they can run around then try the Menara Gardens. the gardens around Koutoubia Mosque, or Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdesalam.

• Go on a Camel Tour in Marrakech – You won’t be able to go all the way to the Sahara. But, you and your family can enjoy some awesome camel rides through the Agafay Desert (it’s a rock desert so no sand dunes) or the Palmeraie (it’s like an oasis near the edge of Marrakech).

• Enjoy Afternoon Tea – Mamounia and the Royal Mansour both have lavish afternoon tea services that you and your kids will love. I think the one at Royal Mansour is a bit more budget-friendly and I liked the food a little bit more. But, If you’re on a budget then just go to Amandine and get some nice pastries.

• Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride Through the Countryside – This activity isn’t cheap. But, if you don’t mind spending $200/$250 per person then get up early (5:00 am) to watch the sunrise as you soar in a hot air balloon high above Marrakech. Just know that hot air balloon tours in Marrakech will not take you directly over the city but above the surrounding countryside. I loved my tour and think this is a great family activity or a fun birthday activity in Marrakech.

• Get Henna Done – I like going to Henna Art Cafe for henna tattoos since you can get any design you like and know exactly how much you will pay before you start. The artists are also fast, efficient, do really good work, and use all-natural ingredients. I have gone here before and was super satisfied with my henna.

• Visit Cafe Clock – I love Cafe Clock and it is easily one of the best cafes in Marrakech. Stop by and not only can your kids try a CAMEL burger, but they can sign up for Oud lessons (local musical instrument), calligraphy lessons, baking classes, and cooking classes too. You can also enjoy traditional storytelling on Thursday nights or listen to some live Gnawa music (Moroccan music) on Sunday nights.

• Visit the Atlas Mountains – Sign up for one of the many tours from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains. It’s a great way to learn about local Berber culture as you hike through the mountains, see incredible waterfalls, and ride mules through this stunning area. Inparticuliar, Imlil and Asni are two great villages to visit if you want to do a cool day trip from Marrakech.

• Animas Garden – This garden deserves special mention since it is truly one of the most unique places to visit in Marrakech. Essentially, it was designed to showcase amazing sculptures/art pieces that are made out of plants that are indigenous to the area. Just be sure to prebook your ticket and use the free shuttle service to travel to/from the Medina. They also stagger the release of tickets so that the garden never feels packed with people.

• Visit Jarjeer Mule and Donkey Rescue – This is an amazing animal sanctuary that was created to save mules and donkeys that have been abandoned by their owners. This place is free to visit, is a short 30-minute drive from the city, and is a great place to walk around to see some animals. If you do visit, be sure to make a donation since they do great work.

• Other fun things to do in Marrakech with kids include bowling, laser tag (at Lasergames), Go Karting (at Marrakech Kart Racing), wakeboarding (at an artificial lake outside the city), ziplining (at Terres d’Amanar), a horse-drawn carriage ride (between 200 and 250 Dirhams for an hour), see some street art, quad biking in Marrakech, or skiing in Oukaimden if you visit Marrakech in December.

Local Tip: Two things I would NOT do with kids in Marrakech are go bike riding and see the Fantasia Show.

TBH, the Fantasia Show is just straight-up terrible and is really only suitable for younger kids. I didn’t like it and thought the service was terrible. If you go, do it for your kids and basically enjoy the smiles on their faces

I also do not recommend biking through the Medina. The streets are PACKED and it is just a nerve-wracking experience. Plus, you have to stop ALL THE TIME for traffic.

If you want to ride bikes, try going to less congested areas like Hivernage or Gueliz.

Conclusion

Overall, Marrakech is a GREAT city to visit with kids. Not only are there tons of things to do, but it is a very safe city too.

Therefore, the only thing you really need to worry about when you visit is the sun and rogue motorbikes cruising down the streets of the Medina at warp speed.

Yeah, both of those things can be dangerous to kids and you will need to prepare for them before arriving. Otherwise, just enjoy this amazing place and all of the exciting things that Marrakech has in store for you.

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