Travel to Morocco with Kids: A Practical, Fun Family Guide

Travel to Morocco with Kids: A Practical, Fun Family Guide

Morocco is made for families: short travel distances with huge variety, warm hospitality, and activities that wow kids and parents alike — from camel rides at sunset to surf lessons and castle-like kasbahs. Here’s how to plan a smooth, kid-friendly trip with Morocco On Tour, including when to go, where to base, age-by-age ideas, sample itineraries, and packing tips.

Why Morocco Works for Families

• Big experiences, manageable distances: City, mountains, coast, and desert in one trip.
• Hands-on culture: Pottery, cooking, music, and markets that invite curious minds.
• Flexible pacing: We build in rest time, pools, and early/late touring to avoid heat and crowds.
• Private driver + guides: Door-to-door ease, plenty of stops, and kid-approved surprises.

When To Go

For comfortable temperatures and kid-friendly pacing, aim for March–May and September–November. Winter brings clear skies and cozy riads; summers are best on the coast and at altitude.

Read more: Best Season to Travel to Morocco

Where To Go (Kid-Friendly Picks)

• Marrakech: Garden mazes, storytellers on Jemaa el-Fna, secret courtyards, and fun food tours.
• Essaouira (Coast): Easygoing beach days, sea walls to explore, surf lessons, and great seafood.
• High Atlas: Short village walks, mule support if needed, lunch with Amazigh families.
• Sahara or Agafay: Camel rides, drums by the fire, stargazing. Decide between quick-hit Agafay or epic sand dunes in the Sahara:
  
  Compare: Agafay or the Sahara?
• Fes + Chefchaouen (North): Artisans at work, blue alleys, and easy walking days.
  
  Planning a tannery stop? See our tips: How to Visit Chouara Tannery in Fes

Age-by-Age Ideas

Age	Great Activities	Tips
Toddlers (0–4)	Garden time, short carriage ride, beach play, gentle camel lead-ons	Stroller for flat medina sections, carrier for steps; naps and pool time
Kids (5–10)	Short camel rides, pottery painting, cooking class, light hikes, sandboarding try-outs	Keep drives shorter with fun stops; early/late touring in warm months
Teens (11–17)	Surf lesson, ATV in Agafay, longer dune walks, photography, artisan workshops	Give free time in souks; add hands-on classes and active days

Sample Family Itineraries

7 Days: Marrakech • Agafay • Essaouira (Minimal Driving)

• Days 1–3: Marrakech — medina highlights at an easy pace, garden escape, hammam (family-friendly spa options).
• Day 4: Agafay Desert — short camel ride, stargazing dinner, overnight camp or return to Marrakech.
• Days 5–6: Essaouira — surf or horseback on the beach, rampart strolls, seafood lunch.
• Day 7: Return to Marrakech and depart.

9–10 Days: Marrakech • High Atlas • Desert • Skoura

• Days 1–2: Marrakech — souks, snacks, and secret courtyards.
• Day 3: High Atlas — village walk with mountain lunch.
• Day 4: Aït Ben Haddou + Dades viewpoints.
• Days 5–6: Erg Chebbi (Sahara) — camel at sunset, campfire music, sand play, and starry skies.
• Day 7: Skoura palm grove — pool day and kasbah stay.
• Days 8–9: Return to Marrakech; optional extra night or day trip.

Considering dune size vs. drive time? Compare options: Agafay vs. Sahara

12 Days: Tangier • Chefchaouen • Fes • Desert • Marrakech

• Days 1–2: Tangier — caves, lighthouse, and café culture.
• Days 3–4: Chefchaouen — blue alleys at a slow pace, view hikes.
• Days 5–6: Fes — artisans and easy medina loops. Tannery from terraces only if kids are comfortable with smells: Chouara tips.
• Days 7–8: Sahara — camel trek and camp; consider a 4×4 transfer if skipping camel rides.
• Day 9: Skoura — pool and palms.
• Days 10–12: Marrakech — snacks tour, gardens, and a rooftop finale.

Desert With Kids: Agafay or the Sahara?

• Agafay (near Marrakech): Short drive, rocky “stone desert,” perfect for sunset camels and dinner under the stars — great for younger kids.
• Sahara (Erg Chebbi/Chigaga): Big dunes, epic skies. Plan breaks and 1–2 nights to make drives worthwhile; choose en‑suite family tents.

Guide: Agafay or the Sahara?

Cultural Connections (Kid-Friendly)

• Meet the Amazigh: Try fresh bread from a clay oven, learn basic words, and share mint tea in a mountain or oasis village.
  
  Background read: Who Are the Morocco Berbers (Amazigh)?
• Artisan time: Pottery painting near Fes, weaving demos in the Atlas, or a simple drum circle at camp.
• Cooking class: Hands-on couscous or tagine workshop with a family-style meal.

Health, Safety & Practical Tips

• Heat management: Early/late activities; midday pool/siesta; hats, SPF 50, and refillable bottles.
• Car seats: Request age-appropriate seats; we supply them with your private vehicle.
• Food & water: Stick to bottled/filtered water; choose peeled fruit and well-cooked meals for sensitive tummies.
• Strollers: Useful in modern areas; a carrier is best for steps and cobbles in older medinas.
• Hammam: Many spas offer family sessions or private rooms; we’ll book suitable options.
• Ramadan: Calm days and festive nights; we adjust meal and touring times for smooth family travel.

Packing List for Kids

• Sunhat, sunglasses, high‑SPF sunscreen, lip balm
• Light layers + a warm layer for desert nights (Nov–Mar)
• Closed‑toe shoes for dunes; sandals for hotels
• Small daypack, snacks your kids love, reusable water bottles
• Swimwear, quick-dry towel, lightweight scarf
• Child meds kit, wipes, and a favorite comfort toy/book

FAQs

Is Morocco safe for families?

Yes. We use vetted drivers, trusted properties, and licensed guides. You’ll have 24/7 support, flexible days, and plenty of breaks.

How long should we plan?

7–8 days works for Marrakech + Agafay/Essaouira. With 9–10 days, add the Sahara. 12+ days allows a relaxed loop via Fes and the north.

Are camel rides suitable for kids?

Yes — we keep rides short and schedule them near sunset when it’s cooler. You can always switch to a 4×4 transfer if preferred.

What if we’re flying from the USA?

We’ll align your itinerary with the smoothest flights and airport choices. See: Private Morocco Guided Tours from the USA

When is the best time to visit with kids?

Spring and autumn for all-round comfort. For details by month and region, see our guide: Best Season to Travel to Morocco

Why Families Choose Morocco On Tour

• Kid-smart pacing: Shorter drive days, scenic stops, pool time, and flexible daily plans.
• Private driver + guides: Door-to-door comfort with car seats on request.
• Handpicked family rooms: Interconnecting rooms, extra beds, en‑suite tents in the desert.
• Hands-on experiences: From cooking and crafts to surf and sand — tailored to your kids’ ages.

Ready to Plan Your Family Adventure?

Tell us your dates, kids’ ages, and must‑dos. We’ll craft a private, kid-friendly itinerary with the right rhythm — from Marrakech markets to seaside sunsets and starry desert nights.