Yes Morocco is generally a very family friendly place to visit. Many families from different countries visit Morocco every year for their holidays. They come to see the beautiful places and enjoy the warm weather. The country offers many nice things like old culture, long history, fun desert adventures, calm beaches and family-friendly riads to sleep in.
Big cities like Marrakech, Fes and the blue city Chefchaouen are very popular for family trips. The local people are very kind and they love children very much. In this guide I will explain briefly about safety in the country so parents can feel relaxed. I will also talk about the best activities for kids and the nice cultural experience you can have together as a family.
By reading this article you will learn where are the best places to go, what things to do and how to travel in the country. You will also learn about some small challenges so you can prepare well. This guide will help you plan a very good and easy trip for your family.
Quick Answer: Is Morocco Family Friendly?
If you are looking for a fast answer, yes Morocco is family friendly. It is a very good destination for families who want to see a different culture.
Here are the main reasons why Morocco is family friendly:
- Many hotels and traditional riads welcome families with open arms and have big rooms.
- Kids really enjoy the animal activities like camel rides and sleeping in nice desert camps.
- The long beaches and high mountains offer many good outdoor activities for everyone.
- Moroccan culture is very welcoming and kind toward children. People will always smile at your kids.
But you also need to know there are some challenges:
- The old city markets (medinas) can be very busy and crowded with people and animals.
- There are long travel distances if you want to go from the big cities to the deep south.
- The heat in the summer months can be very strong for small kids.
Why Morocco Is a Great Destination for Families
Morocco is a great destination for families because it is very different from Europe or America. It gives children a chance to see a new world and learn new things in a very safe way. The country has many different landscapes and a very rich culture.
Unique Cultural Experiences
When you walk in the old markets called souks, it is like a magic story for kids. They can see traditional food cooking on the street and smell many different spices. They can watch local people making beautiful crafts with their hands. You can see men making shoes from leather or making nice metal lamps. The traditional music in the big squares is also very fun to hear. It is a very good education for children to see how people live differently.
Outdoor Adventures
Morocco has a lot of beautiful nature. Families can go on Sahara camel rides which is very fun for kids. It is slow and peaceful. You can also do easy Atlas Mountains hikes to see the small traditional villages and see the sheep and goats. If your kids are older and like sports, they can try sandboarding on the high sand hills. There is always a place to play outside in the fresh air.
Kid-Friendly Atmosphere
The best thing about Morocco is the people. Moroccans generally love children very much, which makes families feel welcome everywhere they go. Waiters in restaurants will often smile and play with your baby to make them laugh. People in the street will say hello to your kids. You will never feel bad if your child makes a little noise in a cafe because the culture accepts children everywhere. Family is the most important thing in Morocco. You can read more about traveling with kids on big travel sites like Lonely Planet’s family travel page.
Best Places in Morocco to Visit with Kids
There are many nice cities and regions in Morocco. But some places are much better and easier when you travel with children. Here are the best places in Morocco to visit with kids.
Marrakech
Marrakech is a very famous city and it is very good for families. There are many big green gardens where kids can walk and see nice plants. You can take a horse carriage ride around the city walls, which children usually love. The cultural experiences are very nice here. In the evening, the big square called Jemaa el-Fnaa is full of street performers, musicians, and storytellers. It is very busy but very fun to watch with your family. You can find more details in our post about things to do in Marrakech.
Fes
Fes is a very old city. It has the biggest historical medina in the world where cars are not allowed. Walking here is like going back in time. You will see donkeys carrying things in the narrow streets. It is a very good educational cultural experience for children. They can see how people work with old tools. It is a big place so you should hold their hands. To understand the city better, read why is Fes called the spiritual heart of Morocco.
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is the famous blue city in the north of Morocco. It is a very good place for families because it has a very relaxed atmosphere. The streets and houses are painted blue and they are very safe and walkable. There are no cars in the old streets. Also there are many friendly street cats in Chefchaouen and kids usually love to see them. It is very quiet compared to the big cities in the south. You can check the best things to do in Chefchaouen.
Sahara Desert
The Sahara Desert is maybe the best memory for kids. It is a big adventure. Here you can do camel trekking over the beautiful sand dunes. Families can sleep in overnight desert camps under the dark sky. The stargazing here is amazing because there are no city lights at all. Kids feel like they are real explorers. They can run on the soft sand and play safely.
Essaouira
Essaouira is a small beach town near the ocean. It has a very calm atmosphere and the air is fresh and clean. It is very good for families who want to rest after visiting the busy cities like Marrakech. Kids can play on the long sandy beach, and the old town is very easy to walk around. There are old cannons on the city walls that kids like to look at.
Best Things to Do in Morocco with Kids
When you plan your family trip you need to find good activities so the children do not feel bored. There are many fun things to do in Morocco for all ages.
The most popular activity is camel trekking in the Sahara or near the beach. It is safe and kids love being near animals. Another nice thing is visiting the colorful souks to look at the traditional clothes and maybe buy small souvenirs.
For families who like more action, riding horses or quad bikes is very fun. Many places near the desert or the beach offer small quad bikes for older children. It is a nice way to see the nature.
Another very nice family activity is taking local cooking classes. You and your kids can learn how to make a real Moroccan tagine or bake local bread. It is a very good way to learn about the culture and eat good food together.
You can also enjoy visiting old palaces and kasbahs. Kasbahs are like old castles made of earth and mud. Kids can imagine how kings and soldiers lived many years ago. In the coastal cities, there are many beach activities like swimming or playing with a kite. Finally, exploring the big beautiful gardens is a good way to have a quiet afternoon away from the city noise.
Is Morocco Safe for Families?
Safety is always the first question for parents. Yes, Morocco is generally safe for tourists and it is very safe for families. Violent crime against tourists is very rare. People respect families a lot.
However, in the very busy areas like the big markets, petty scams may occur. Sometimes people might ask for money to show you the way, or try to sell you things you do not want. Families should just use normal travel precautions. You should keep your bags closed and stay together in the crowds. If you want to know more about the current situation, read our guide to see is it safe to travel to Morocco right now.
To have a safe and easy trip, you should choose good riads inside the medina. Good riads have kind staff who help you with everything. You should also hire official guides when you need to walk in the big old cities, so you do not get lost. A guide will also help you avoid aggressive vendors. For health safety, you can check general travel health advice on the CDC website for Morocco. Also, parents often ask about drinking water, so please read is tap water safe in Morocco.
Challenges of Traveling to Morocco with Kids
It is important to be honest so you can plan well. Morocco is very beautiful but there are some challenges of traveling to Morocco with kids.
The first challenge is the crowded medinas. The old streets are narrow and there are motorcycles, bicycles and donkeys passing by. It can be stressful with small children. You cannot use a baby stroller easily here. You have to hold their hands all the time or use a baby carrier.
Another big challenge is the heat during summer. The sun can be very strong and make kids very tired.
Also, there are long travel distances in Morocco. Driving from the big cities to the desert can take many hours in the car. This can make kids very bored and angry. Finally, there are cultural differences. The food smells different with many spices, and the toilets are sometimes different than at home.
Families can manage these issues easily. You just need to plan well. Take rests during the day. Use cars with good air conditioning. Bring snacks that your kids know. And do not try to do too many things in one day.
Best Time to Visit Morocco with Family
Choosing the right time for your holiday is very important for your family comfort.
The best seasons to visit Morocco are the Spring and the Autumn. Spring is from March to May. Autumn is from September to November. During these months, the weather is very nice, warm and sunny. It is not too hot and not too cold. The kids can walk outside without feeling sick from the hot sun.
You should try to avoid the very hot summer months, especially July and August. In summer, the temperature can go over 40 degrees in many cities. It is too difficult for children to do outdoor activities in this extreme heat. You can read more about the weather in our guide about the best time to visit Morocco.
Tips for Traveling to Morocco with Kids
To help you prepare your trip, here are some useful practical tips for families.
First, choose family-friendly riads instead of big modern hotels. A riad is a traditional house with a garden inside. It is very safe and quiet for kids to play in the courtyard away from the street. You can read more in our guide about riad vs hotel in Morocco.
Second, plan shorter travel days. Do not drive for eight hours in one day. Stop at small towns, let the kids walk and see things. It is better to travel slow.
Third, always bring snacks and water in your bag. Sometimes it is hard to find food quickly when kids are hungry, especially when you are on the road between cities.
Fourth, if you go to the Sahara, book desert tours with reputable companies. A good company will have safe cars and clean camps for your family.
Finally, teach kids basic cultural etiquette before you come. Teach them to use their right hand to eat and to say “Shukran” which means thank you. Local people will love it. You can learn more about local rules in our post 5 facts about Morocco. Also check what should you do and what should you not do in Marrakech.
FAQ About Traveling to Morocco with Kids
Here are some frequent questions that parents ask before they come to Morocco.
Is Morocco safe for children?
Yes, Morocco is very safe for children. The Moroccan culture places a very high value on family and kids. People are very protective of children. You just need to watch them in busy streets because of the scooters and the crowds, but the danger of crime against tourists is very low. You can check our article is Morocco safe for kids for more details.
Is Marrakech good for families?
Marrakech is very good for families. It has many nice places to stay with swimming pools. There are many gardens, open spaces, and fun markets. The city is very busy, so it is better to take small breaks during the day. But children usually find the monkeys, snake charmers, and colors very magical. If you have questions about the city, see Marrakech travel questions.
Can kids go to the Sahara Desert?
Yes, kids can definitely go to the Sahara Desert. It is a great experience. Many camps are prepared for families and offer big family tents. The camel ride can be adapted for small children to make it safe. The only thing to remember is the long drive to get there, so you need to break the journey into two days.
What age is best for visiting Morocco?
You can visit Morocco with kids of any age, but it is easiest with children who are over 5 years old. Children over 5 can walk longer distances, they can ride a camel safely, and they understand the new culture better. Traveling with a baby is also okay, but pushing a stroller in the old medinas with cobblestones is very difficult. You will need a baby carrier.
Is Morocco expensive for families?
Morocco is not very expensive compared to Europe or America. You can find very good food for low prices. Family rooms in riads are often a good price. But if you want to stay in luxury hotels or book private drivers for the whole trip, the cost will be higher. It depends on how you travel. You can read how much does a trip to Morocco cost to plan your budget.
Conclusion
To summarize everything, Morocco can be a wonderful family destination. It offers a lot of beautiful culture, nice outdoor adventure, and very unique experiences that your children will remember forever.
There are some small challenges like the busy streets and the long drives in the car, but good planning makes the trip very enjoyable for everyone. If you take your time, travel slowly and choose good places to stay, your family will have a great holiday.
I encourage families to come and visit our beautiful country. Bring your kids, drink some sweet mint tea, walk in the colorful markets and enjoy the warm Moroccan hospitality!