A holiday in Marrakech? We say yes! The colourful souks, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains as a backdrop, mint tea enjoyed in a t-shirt on a sunny terrace… This fascinating city is the stuff of dreams, and we understand why! But what if you want to come with children? In this special section for travelling parents, we answer ALL your questions and give you our best advice.
Is Marrakech a city to visit with children?
What to expect in Marrakech with children?
Marrakech is a good compromise for a family vacation, offering a complete change of scenery just a 3-hour flight from France. Flights are affordable (with airlines such as EasyJet , Ryanair , and Transavia ). The airport is just 15 minutes from the city center, which makes it easy to immerse yourself quickly - provided you can get past the endless wait at customs 🫠 ...
The diversity offered by Marrakech makes this city THE destination that suits all budgets. With a cost of living approximately 2 to 3 times cheaper than in France, you can easily treat yourself with your family.
The colorful souks and its constant animation fascinate young and old alike. However, for parents, the stay can be more "sporty". The noise, the crowds, the many requests can tend to make the experience a little stressful. Marrakech is a city that is mainly visited on foot. The majority of the must-see sites are located in an area that is only accessible by foot. If your children are young, the long walks in the sun and the lack of recreational furniture or play areas can quickly affect everyone's mood!
Is Marrakech safe for a family?
In general, Marrakech is considered a safe city and this is easily noticed with the gendarmes and police officers marking the 4 corners of the city.
However, as in any big city, there are a few things to keep in mind, especially with children. Purse snatching is quite common. To avoid your vacation going awry due to a wallet theft, keep a close eye on your belongings. There is no need to keep your passport with you; a photo is usually enough if needed. Leave important documents in a safe at the hotel to avoid any hassle.
Do your children know their pedestrian code? Very well! But it is better to avoid putting it into practice in Marrakech. Between cars, taxis, motorbikes, bicycles and horse-drawn carriages, the rules of the road (and even in the souks) are a bit like the law of the strongest. Pedestrian crossings are generally only visual landmarks, rarely respected. Keep your eyes open and watch the road carefully on all sides (including those going in the opposite direction)!
Activities in Marrakech with children
The best 100% Kids Friendly activities in Marrakech and surrounding areas
Climbing on a Dromedary
Treat your children to a unique experience with a camel ride, without leaving Marrakech. The Palmeraie and the Agafay Desert are popular places for this activity, but it is also possible to take a ride in front of the magnificent Menara Park . Taxis know these places well and will easily drop you off there.
👛 Indicative price: for a 20 to 30 minute tour, count between 100 and 200 dirhams. Negotiate the price and duration BEFORE.
Water parks
Oasiria and Aqua Park are the main water parks in Marrakech, perfect for cooling off when the temperatures rise. Swimming pools, slides, beaches and water games will delight your children!
👛 Aqua Park Price:
Adult: 300 Dhs
Child: 200 Dhs
👛 Oasiria Price
Adult: 290 Dhs
Child: 190 Dhs
City tour by horse-drawn carriage
Are your children tired of walking? Opt for a horse-drawn carriage ride! It's very touristy, parents aren't always fans, but children love it.
👛 Indicative price: The coachman will often offer you two options: By duration (30 minutes to 1 hour) or a full tour of the city. The difference lies in the speed of the tour. In both cases, do not hesitate to negotiate! To give you an idea, the full tour of the city costs between €15 and €25. A shorter tour of 15 to 25 minutes should not exceed €15.
Visit Marrakech in 2.0
Open daily, the Meyden immersive trail, located in M'Avenue, offers a unique experience that will take you on a journey through Marrakech. As a family, you can discover the cultural treasures of the city and its regions through a total immersion in local history and culture.
👛 Prices:
Adult: 130 Dhs
Child: 90 Dhs
KIDZO: The largest playground in Marrakech
It's been a long day and you want to treat your children? Head to the 3rd floor of the Ménara Mall shopping center, located in the heart of Marrakech. Kidzo is a true temple of play and fun, offering a stimulating and safe environment. With an ice rink, a 7D cinema and a multitude of games, it's an excellent option to end your day of sightseeing in style and delight the whole family.
👛 Price: Access to the games requires a Kidzo card (10 MAD, non-personal and reusable). Games usually start at 10 MAD, while more elaborate games and virtual reality cost between 40 and 50 MAD.
Register your little ones for a Pottery or Cooking workshop
Treat your kids to a fun and educational cooking experience with a cooking or pottery workshop specially designed for them in Marrakech.
Pottery workshop:
Arterre, Atelier d'Art , offers a 2-hour ceramics and creation workshop where you can create with your family and take your works home!
Cooking workshop:
Several addresses are available to you:
• Joy Cake Studio : A baking workshop without sugar, gluten or processed products.
• Marrakech Cooking Class with Chef Khmisa : A cooking class that begins with the purchase of ingredients at the market.
La Perle aux oiseaux: the only Zoological Park in Marrakech
To be more precise, La Perle aux oiseaux is actually an animal shelter that was built enclosure after aviary by a couple of enthusiasts. The well-being of the animals is felt and children love it! La Perle des Oiseaux is a 100% Kids friendly activity and embodies an educational mission, Salma and Selim, the founders and managers want to raise awareness among young people about the protection of animals and nature.
👛 Price: Access to the park: 120dhs per adult and 80dhs per child. Access to the park + guided tour: 220dhs per adult and 180dhs per child. Please note that reservations are required to access the park!
Terre d’Amanar: a 100% family break outside the city
Terres d'Amanar , located 30 minutes from Marrakech, is an ideal place for families with children, offering a wide range of sports and craft activities suitable for everyone. Nestled at the gateway to the Toubkal National Park, this natural site has the largest aerial course in Africa! Zip line, tree climbing, archery, horse riding, swimming pool, trampoline: so many activities gathered in the same place for a pure moment of family fun, while allowing you to discover the hinterland.
👛 Prices:
• Accro Park (accessible from 3 years old): Prices vary according to age and the chosen course. Count 100 Dhs for the youngest up to 300 Dhs for adults.
• Zipline: The aerial course is open to children from 12 years old. The price is 210 Dhs, whether for older children or adults.
Jnane Tihihit: a perfect family Day Pass
Our favorite of the season is the Jnane Thihit guest farm , a true little corner of paradise located near Lake Takerkoust, about an hour's drive from Marrakech . This place, ideal for families, offers an authentic stay in the heart of the Moroccan countryside, where visitors can discover life on the farm, participate in agricultural activities and relax in an exceptional natural setting. Upon your arrival, the hosts invite you to a small quiz, where each question reveals its answer hidden in a corner of the estate. A fun and friendly invitation to stimulate the interest of children (and even adults).
On the culinary side, the taste buds of the whole family will be delighted. Vegetables from the garden, eggs and poultry from the farmyard, as well as milk from the cows, form the basis of a delicious local cuisine.
👛 Price: Day pass including access to the swimming pool and lunch:
• 300 Dhs for adults
• 150 Dhs for children
Family walk to Ourika
For those who want to get away from the city, in search of freshness, calm and authenticity, head to the Ourika Valley. A green, natural space surrounded by arid mountains and snow-capped peaks of the Atlas. The excursion is punctuated by the ascent of the 7 famous waterfalls (be careful, the excursion is a little "sporty" for children).
It takes 1h30 to reach the furthest point of the valley (65kms). Most guides and organized excursions plan a day on site. Small note however on the road which is quite "winding" although magnificent. The excursion is therefore not recommended for little ones who suffer from motion sickness.
The must-see places in Marrakech... with children!
You probably didn't come to Marrakech to skip the souk or the Jemaa el Fna square, we agree. Here are some recommendations to enjoy your must-see visits with your family.
Strolling around Jemaa El Fna Square
A must-see, Jemaa el Fna Square is the vibrant heart of Marrakech. If you’re worried about crowds, explore it in the morning. The entertainment starts in the late afternoon with musicians, water carriers, monkey trainers and snake charmers, a fascinating experience for children. ⚠️ Warning: if you film or take photos, you may be asked for some coins.
Visiting the souks with children
Be very careful if you are walking through the souks with children : the crowds and the fast-moving mopeds make it difficult to get through. Use a baby carrier rather than a stroller, and remind your children to stay on the sides. To avoid getting lost, look out for the high-up direction signs.
Explore the gardens of Marrakech
The gardens of Marrakech offer a great family break. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning. Consider booking your tickets online to save time. The Jardin Majorelle, located in Gueliz, offers reduced rates for students , so don't forget to bring proof.
💛 Kidsfriendly: Admission is free for children under 10 years old.
Visit palaces and other cultural sites
Bahia Palace and Beldi Palace are must-sees. Their open space allows children to run and explore freely. To keep them interested, turn the visit into a game by asking them to find certain elements of the palaces.
💛 Kidsfriendly: Admission is free for children under 12 years old.
How to prepare your stay in Marrakech with children?
When is the best time to visit Marrakech with children?
For a family holiday in Marrakech, choose the months of September and October , when temperatures are milder. Avoid the summer holidays, as the heat can reach 45 to 48 °C, which will make it difficult to explore the alleys and souks. With around 30 to 40 days of rain per year, you will have little risk of encountering bad weather. 👉🏻 If your holidays do not allow you to choose the period during which you can travel to Marrakech, do not panic! We have prepared a complete article on the different activities to favor depending on the seasons 😉
Where to stay in Marrakech with children?
If you are looking for an authentic experience, opt for a traditional riad in the heart of the medina . Prepare yourself to wander and ask passers-by for directions to find your home. If you prefer a holiday stay .... really "holiday", choose a modern hotel in the center or at the Palmeraie, which will offer you all the necessary comfort.
Clothes, care, games: what to put in your child's suitcase for Marrakech?
• Clothing: Bring lightweight, breathable clothing made of natural fibers, preferably in light colors. Also consider comfortable shoes for walking.
• Sun protection: Don't forget caps, hats and sunglasses. The light beige sidewalks of Marrakech create a strong reflection of the sun.
• Light jacket: Bring a light jacket for evenings that can be cool.
• Nighttime accessories: Bring earplugs and an eye mask, especially if you are staying in a riad in the medina. Calls to prayer begin as early as 5am.
• First aid kit: Include essentials, such as stomach aches. Don’t drink tap water!
• Games: Think of some games to keep your children busy during quiet times.
How to get around Marrakech with children?
Taxis are the most convenient option for getting around. Although hailing taxis and negotiating fares can be tricky with kids, it is still the best way to get around! You can read our detailed article on tips to avoid scams .
Childcare in Marrakech: for a romantic outing
If you want to enjoy some time as a couple, many hotels offer kids clubs. You can also use babysitting services, such as Baby Prestiges , which will send a nanny to the location of your choice. 👉🏻 Do not hesitate to contact us to get recommendations of serious and qualified people.