Morocco with Kids: A Family Travel Guide

Morocco is probably one of the best destinations in the world for family travel. Why? Because Moroccans love children. You'll be welcomed with kisses at the airport, candies in the riads, smiles on the street, and spontaneous invitations to share tea.

## What age for what trip?

0-2 years: Marrakech and riads with pool only. Avoid the desert (heat, roads).
3-5 years: Marrakech, Essaouira, Agafay (camel, quad from 4 years as passenger), Ouzoud waterfalls.
6-10 years: Add Atlas (easy trek), Agafay desert (quad as passenger), hot air balloon.
11+ years: Anything is possible, including Sahara (Merzouga), Toubkal (with adapted trek), the deep south.

## Family activities

Quad in Agafay: from 4 years as passenger, from 12 years as driver. Helmet mandatory.
Camel: from 2 years, on a dromedary with an adult.
Hot air balloon: from 6 years, 1h flight. Magical for children.
Hammam: from 4 years, gentle version (no scrub). Very educational.
Surfing in Taghazout: from 7 years, private lessons. Supervised beach.
Oukaïmeden: skiing from 5 years, December to March. 37 miles from Marrakech.
Ouzoud waterfalls: easy hike, observation of Barbary macaques (monkeys).
Cooking class: from 6 years, Moroccan pastry workshop (kaab el ghazal).

## Family accommodation

Prefer riads over hotels. Most riads have:
- 2-4 bedrooms around a patio
- Pool (refreshing in summer)
- Kitchen at disposal (handy for baby bottles)
- Attentive staff (nannies on request)

Recommendations:
- Marrakech: Riad Kniza, Riad Yasmine, Riad BE (with family suites)
- Essaouira: Villa Maroc, Riad Baladin
- Fez: Riad Fes, Dar Roumana
- Merzouga: luxury camp with simple beds (mind the cool nights)

## 7-day family itinerary (Marrakech base)

Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech, riad, rest, first swim.
Day 2: Quiet medina visit (calèche, souks) + Majorelle Garden.
Day 3: Cooking class in the morning, family hammam in the afternoon.
Day 4: Essaouira excursion (camels on the beach).
Day 5: Quad in Agafay + dinner under the stars.
Day 6: Hot air balloon at sunrise, free day.
Day 7: Ouzoud or Ourika valley, return to Marrakech.

## Health and safety

Doctor: there are French-speaking doctors in Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat. For emergencies: private clinics (Koutoubia polyclinic, Majorelle clinic).
Pharmacy: very well stocked, often sell medicines without prescription.
Hygiene: avoid tap water, peel fruits, eat in recommended restaurants.
Sun: hat + SPF 50 cream mandatory for children, especially in summer.

## What children love

- Camels (really!)
- Quad in the desert
- Hammam (magical ritual for them)
- Moroccan pastries (chebakia, kaab el ghazal, gazelle horns)
- Barbary macaques in Ouzoud (but don't feed them)
- The spice souk (colors, smells, flavors)
- Hot air balloon (the highlight of the trip)

## What can be difficult

- Heat (avoid July-August in the South)
- Bumpy roads in the desert (bring games, movies)
- Fez medina (difficult with stroller, crowded)
- Moroccan meal times (8-10pm, not ideal for little ones)

## Average family budget (4 people, 7 days)

- Mid-range riad: €80-150/night
- Average meals: €20-40/day/family
- Activities: €30-60/day/family (quad, balloon, etc.)
- Flights Europe-Marrakech: €200-500/person
- Total: €3,000-5,000 all inclusive

Good to know: children under 2 pay 10% of the airfare, 2-12 years pay 75%, and most activities are free or half-price for them.