Morocco stands out as a premier family holiday destination, offering an enchanting mix of ancient cities, vast deserts, and vibrant marketplaces. The culture is very much family and child-friendly, making traveling with children easy and enjoyable. Whether it’s playing football or sand-boarding on the dunes with our Berber team, or listening to traditional drumming around the campfire, Morocco welcomes children with open arms.
The journey through the desert in a private 4×4 is perfect for families, allowing flexibility and comfort. You control the day’s schedule, with stops for drinks, snacks, and exploring at your own pace. Each hotel is chosen with families in mind, featuring lovely pools and great food.
Travelling with children in Morocco is not only a great adventure but also an educational experience. From the bustling markets to the serene desert landscapes, families can learn about different cultures and ways of life. Highlights include visiting nomadic people in the Sahara and stopping in Ouarzazate to see the famous Atlas Film Studios.
This guide delves into Morocco’s family-friendly destinations, highlighting those that cater to the interests and needs of both children and adults, ensuring a holiday experience that’s memorable and fulfilling for every family member.
Why Choose Morocco for Your Family Holiday
- Cultural Diversity: Morocco’s rich cultural landscape is a mosaic of Berber, Arab, and French influences, providing a unique educational backdrop for families. The country’s bustling medinas, traditional music, and colourful festivals offer a glimpse into a way of life that’s both fascinating and enlightening for young minds.
- Variety of Landscapes: The geographical diversity of Morocco, from its sandy beaches and lush oases to the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and the rolling dunes of the Sahara, presents endless opportunities for exploration and adventure. Families can enjoy a wide range of activities, from beach days to mountain hikes, each offering its own set of thrilling experiences.
- Kid-Friendly Attractions: Morocco is home to numerous attractions that specifically appeal to children. Activities such as camel treks in the desert, interactive storytelling sessions, and hands-on cultural workshops not only entertain but also educate, making every moment of the holiday enriching.
Best Family Destinations in Morocco
Marrakech: The heart of Morocco, Marrakech, is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities. The Jardin Majorelle offers a tranquil escape with its exotic plants and vibrant colours, while the Museum of Moroccan Arts provides an interactive cultural experience. The city’s main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, comes alive with performers and storytellers, captivating children and adults alike.- Agadir: Agadir’s golden beaches and calm waters make it an ideal spot for family relaxation and water sports. Nearby, Crocopark offers an exciting wildlife experience, with its inhabitants providing a fun and educational outing for the whole family.
- Fes: The ancient city of Fes, with its sprawling medina and historic tanneries, offers a deep dive into Morocco’s rich history. Museums and traditional workshops within the city provide a hands-on learning experience, making history come alive for young visitors.
- Essaouira: For families seeking a more laid-back atmosphere, Essaouira’s breezy coastal setting is perfect. The city is renowned for its water sports, particularly kite-surfing, and its art galleries, which are accessible and engaging for children.
- Merzouga: The gateway to the Sahara, Merzouga, offers an unparalleled adventure with its camel treks and desert camps. Staying overnight in a traditional Berber tent under the starlit sky is an unforgettable experience that families cherish long after their holiday ends.
Family-Friendly Activities in Morocco
Cultural Workshops: Morocco’s cultural workshops, such as pottery making in Fes or cooking classes in Marrakech, allow families to immerse themselves in local traditions. These workshops offer a fun and interactive way to learn about Moroccan culture.- Outdoor Adventures: The Moroccan landscape is a playground for outdoor adventures. Families can embark on hikes through the Atlas Mountains, enjoy quad biking adventures in the desert, or explore the majestic Ouzoud Waterfalls, each offering its own thrill and excitement.
- Historical Explorations: Morocco’s rich history is best explored through its ancient ruins and historic sites. Tours of places like the Roman ruins of Volubilis or the Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou are not only educational but also fascinating, providing insights into the country’s past.
Tips for a Smooth Family Holiday in Morocco
Accommodation Choices: Selecting the right accommodation is crucial for a family holiday. Morocco offers a range of family-friendly options, from traditional Riads with spacious family suites to resorts equipped with children’s amenities, ensuring a comfortable stay for all.- Dining with Kids: Navigating Moroccan cuisine with children is easier than one might think. Many Moroccan dishes are both delicious and suitable for young palates. Restaurants are typically accommodating to families, offering variations of dishes to suit children’s tastes.
- Safety and Comfort: Keeping the family safe and comfortable during a Moroccan adventure is paramount. Simple precautions like staying hydrated, dressing appropriately for the climate, and choosing reputable tour operators for excursions can ensure a smooth and enjoyable holiday experience.
Conclusion
A family holiday in Morocco offers an extraordinary blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. With its family-friendly destinations, activities that cater to all ages, and practical travel tips, Morocco promises a holiday that’s as enriching as it is exciting. Whether exploring ancient cities, venturing into the desert, or relaxing by the sea, families are sure to create lasting memories in this vibrant country.
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Rebecca Hutley
#Travel #MoroccoTravel #FamilyHolidays #SaharaTours
If you’re ready to embark on your own Moroccan adventure, contact our friendly travel planning service for personalised assistance in organising a Morocco family holiday that’s tailored to your needs and interests.
Article written by Rebecca Hutley.
Rebecca grew up in Africa and has spent her life travelling and working in the UK and around the world in both the corporate and personal development fields. She is co-founder of Moroccan Journeys with Mohamed Elhaoissi and lives in the UK and Morocco. She believes in the conscious management of business and the importance of personal growth. Rebecca is also a Reiki Master Teacher and runs Intensive Reiki Journeys in the Sahara desert. She spends her free time exploring the untouched parts of Morocco to ensure Moroccan Journeys is eclectic and unique in its offering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Morocco is perfect for family holidays due to its rich cultural heritage, diverse activities suitable for all ages, and numerous child-friendly attractions. Families can explore historical sites, enjoy various landscapes, and engage in educational activities, making every holiday both fun and enriching.
Morocco offers thrilling activities for teenagers, including adventure sports like quad biking and zip-lining, trendy shopping in Casablanca and Marrakech, tech-enhanced tours at historical sites, music and art festivals, and cooking classes. Volunteer projects and photography expeditions also provide enriching experiences for young visitors.
Moroccan cuisine is diverse and adaptable, making it suitable for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. Vegetarian dishes like vegetable tagine are common, and vegan and gluten-free options are available, especially in larger cities. Clear communication about dietary needs with restaurant staff is crucial for a satisfying dining experience.
For family-friendly beaches in Morocco, consider Agadir Beach for its safety features and amenities, Essaouira Beach for spacious sandcastle spots, Taghazout for gentle surf, Saidia’s “Blue Pearl” for resort facilities, Legzira for natural beauty, and Martil Beach for its calm waters and family atmosphere.
Yes, desert excursions in Morocco are great for families. To ensure a safe and enjoyable trip, choose reputable tour operators offering family-friendly options, prepare for the climate with appropriate clothing and hydration, and select shorter tours if travelling with young children. Ensure accommodations are suitable and participate in educational activities to enhance the experience.
Yes, Morocco offers many English-speaking guides for family tours, enhancing communication and enriching the travel experience with cultural insights. Professional, certified guides are available for various tours, including city explorations and desert adventures. It’s advisable to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Families visiting Morocco can enjoy a Sahara Desert camp night, trek the Atlas Mountains, take Moroccan cooking classes, and explore Marrakech’s medina on a treasure hunt. Additionally, visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls, pottery making in Fes, and kite surfing in Essaouira offer unique adventures for all ages.
Families visiting Morocco should dress modestly, especially in traditional areas, and observe dining etiquette like using the right hand for communal meals. Respectful behaviour in sacred places and in public is crucial, and learning simple local greetings can enhance interactions. Tipping for services is customary.
The ideal times for a family holiday in Morocco are during the milder weather of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer comfortable temperatures, fewer tourists, beautiful natural scenery, engaging cultural festivals, and potentially lower travel costs.
To ensure a safe and comfortable family holiday in Morocco, choose reputable tour operators, stay hydrated, dress appropriately, and select safe accommodations. Use sun protection, be cautious with food, keep belongings secure, and prepare for the local climate. These steps can help make your trip enjoyable and worry-free.
In Morocco, children can enjoy camel rides across beaches or deserts, visit water parks like Oasiria in Marrakech, participate in cultural workshops like cooking and pottery making, explore historical sites with family-friendly tours, and stroll through beautiful gardens like Majorelle in Marrakech. Souk explorations and beach activities in coastal towns also offer engaging experiences for young visitors.
Yes, Morocco is ideal for families with young children. It offers safe beaches, child-friendly cultural workshops, and accommodating dining options. Accommodations often feature kid-friendly amenities, and attractions are accessible, ensuring a safe and engaging holiday for little ones.
For family trips to Morocco, consider family resorts with kids’ clubs and pools, traditional riads with family suites, family-friendly hotels with convenient amenities, boutique guesthouses for a quieter stay, or self-catering apartments for flexibility and space. Choose based on location, your children’s ages, and desired experiences.
For family holidays, Marrakech, Agadir, Fes, and Essaouira are top choices in Morocco. Marrakech offers vibrant culture and fun parks, Agadir is great for beaches and water sports, Fes introduces families to rich history and crafts, and Essaouira is ideal for its relaxed vibe and artistic scene. Each provides family-friendly accommodations and activities.
Best Morocco Family Holidays
Morocco Family Beach Holiday
6 Day Holiday
Embark on a picturesque Morocco Family Beach Holiday and discover the hidden gem beaches of the Atlantic Coast. Kick off your excursion with a visit to Oualidia, where the shimmering turquoise waters and sandy beaches make for an idyllic family getaway. Continue to Essaouira, the perfect spot for sunbathing and wide sea views. Finally, explore the exciting waves of the Atlantic south of Agadir. Enjoy a range of activities such as fishing on a boat trip or indulging in optional extras such as quad biking, horse-riding, surfing, kite-surfing, and camel trekking. With something for everyone, this trip promises an unforgettable experience of Moroccan culture, relaxation, and adventure.
Luxury Morocco Family Holiday
6 Day Holiday
Looking for the perfect family holiday in Morocco? Look no further than the luxurious Atlantic Tour offered by Moroccan Journeys. This tour takes you to the beautiful coastal town of Essaouira, where you can stay in a traditional Riad known for its excellent service and authentic atmosphere. Explore the vibrant medina town with its art and craft shops, jewellery stores and music shops. Enjoy a sunset camel trek along the wide, open beach before dining under the stars on the terrace. Take a trip to Massa Oasis, one of Morocco’s renowned wildlife parks, before enjoying some optional extra activities like quad biking, horse-riding, surfing, kite-surfing and camel trekking. This is the perfect family holiday for those looking for an unforgettable experience in Morocco.
