Camels, sand dunes as big as mountains, monkeys in the cedar forests, waterfalls, snake charmers, colourful markets and a night in a tent under the stars: for a child, Morocco feels like a story book come to life. It is also one of the most child-friendly cultures you can visit. Moroccans love children, and families with kids are welcomed with smiles everywhere.
But travelling with children also means thinking about the pace, the long drives, the heat, the food and a few practical details. This guide explains everything you need to plan a family trip to Morocco: the best age and season, the places children love most, how to organise the route, what to eat, health tips and what to pack.
Is Morocco a good destination for children?
Yes, very. Here is why so many families choose Morocco:
- It is close. From most European cities, Marrakech, Fes or Tangier are only two to four hours by plane, with little or no jet lag.
- It is an adventure without being extreme. Children experience a completely different world, but with good roads, comfortable riads and familiar food.
- Moroccans love children. Don't be surprised if waiters play with your kids, shopkeepers give them a sweet or people touch their hair or cheeks. It is a sign of affection.
- The variety keeps them interested. In one week they can see a medina, mountains, a waterfall, the desert and the ocean.
The best age to travel
There is no wrong age, but each stage is different:
- Babies and toddlers (0–3): very possible, but choose a slower route with short drives. A baby carrier is much more useful than a stroller in the medinas.
- Young children (4–7): they love the camels, the animals and the colours, but get tired on long drives. Keep driving days short and plan breaks.
- Children (8–12): the perfect age. They remember everything, enjoy the activities (sandboarding, quads with an adult, hiking) and handle longer days well.
- Teenagers: they enjoy the adventure, the photos, the 4x4 and the film locations of Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou.
The best time for a family trip
| Season | For families |
|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | The best season. Warm days, green valleys, comfortable in the desert. Easter holidays fit perfectly |
| Autumn (September–November) | Excellent. Pleasant temperatures everywhere. Autumn half-term is ideal |
| Winter (December–February) | Good for cities and the desert by day, but nights in the Sahara are cold. Bring warm clothes for the children |
| Summer (June–August) | Very hot inland and in the desert, often above 40 °C. Better to focus on the coast (Essaouira) and the Atlas, and keep the desert short |
For more detail, read The best time to visit Morocco and the Sahara.
Places children love most
Marrakech
The evening in Jemaa el-Fna square is like a giant show: musicians, storytellers, acrobats and food stalls. The Jardin Majorelle and other gardens are calm places for a break, and a ride in a horse-drawn carriage (calèche) around the city walls is always a success. Keep a close eye on small children in the crowds of the souks.
Ouzoud Falls
The highest waterfalls in North Africa, with paths, a boat ride to the foot of the falls and wild Barbary macaques in the trees. A favourite with children. See our day trip to Ouzoud.
Ourika Valley and the Atlas
Green valleys, rivers, small waterfalls and Amazigh villages, less than an hour and a half from Marrakech. Children can paddle in the river and visit a traditional house. See our Ourika Valley day trip.
Essaouira
A relaxed coastal town with a long beach, a walled medina without traffic, fishing boats in the port and seagulls everywhere. Perfect for a few calm days at the end of the trip. See our Essaouira day trip.
Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou
The fortified village of Ait Ben Haddou looks like a sandcastle and has appeared in many famous films and series. Teenagers love discovering the film locations around Ouarzazate.
The Sahara in Merzouga
The highlight for almost every child: riding a camel, rolling and running down the dunes, sandboarding, meeting a nomad family and sleeping in a tent. Activities like quad bikes and buggies have age and safety rules, so tell us the ages of your children and we will tell you what is suitable. See the experiences on our experiences page.
Fes and the Middle Atlas
The medina of Fes is fascinating but very busy and easy to get lost in, so it is better with a guide. On the road between Fes and the desert, the cedar forests near Azrou are home to monkeys that children love to watch.
How to plan the route with children
The biggest mistake families make is trying to see too much. With children, plan for fewer places and more time in each one.
- Keep driving days reasonable. The drive from Marrakech to Merzouga is around 9 to 10 hours. With children, always split it into two days, with a night in the Dades Valley or near Ouarzazate.
- Stop often. On a private tour, you stop when you want: for a toilet, a photo, a snack or simply to stretch your legs.
- Alternate busy and calm days. After a day in a medina, plan a day in nature or at the pool.
- Give the desert two nights if you can. It lets everyone rest after the drive and enjoy the dunes without rushing.
- Finish with something relaxing, such as Essaouira or a riad with a pool.
A sample family week
Day 1–2: Marrakech, gardens, Jemaa el-Fna at sunset · Day 3: High Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou, night in Ouarzazate or Dades · Day 4: Todra Gorges, arrival in Merzouga, camel ride and camp · Day 5: a full day in the dunes: nomad family, sandboarding, second night in the camp · Day 6: drive back with a stop in the Draa Valley · Day 7: Ourika Valley or a quiet day at the riad pool.
For other ideas, read How many days do you need in Morocco? and our guide Private tour or group tour in Morocco: which one to choose? With children, a private tour is usually much easier: your own car, your own rhythm, and a driver who adapts to your family.
Where to stay with children
- Riads are beautiful, but check before booking: some have steep stairs, rooftop terraces with low walls, or small pools without fences. Ask for a family room and tell the riad the ages of your children.
- Hotels with a pool outside the medina are often easier with small children, especially in summer.
- In the desert, a family tent or a luxury tent with a private bathroom is much more practical with children, especially at night. Read Luxury or standard desert camp: which one to choose?
Food for children
Moroccan food is rarely very spicy, and most children find something they like:
- Couscous, chicken tagine with potatoes, kefta (meatballs) and grilled brochettes
- Msemen and baghrir (Moroccan pancakes) with honey at breakfast
- Fresh orange juice, fruit, bread and Moroccan pastries
- Omelettes, chips and pasta are available almost everywhere for fussy eaters
Read more in Moroccan food: dishes to try on your trip.
Health and safety tips
- Drink bottled water and use it to brush teeth. It is sold everywhere.
- Wash hands often and carry hand gel and wipes.
- Protect from the sun: hats, sunscreen and sunglasses, even in winter. The desert sun is strong.
- Do not touch stray cats and dogs, however friendly they look, and explain this to your children.
- Pharmacies are easy to find in towns, and pharmacists often speak French and give good advice. Bring any specific medicine your children need.
- Travel insurance that covers the whole family is always recommended.
- Write your phone number on a card in your child's pocket in busy places like the souks.
What to pack for children
- A baby carrier instead of a stroller for the medinas (or a light, foldable stroller for the new towns)
- Layers: T-shirts for the day and a warm jacket for desert nights and the Atlas
- Hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and a light scarf against sand and sun
- Comfortable closed shoes and sandals
- Snacks for the road, tablets or books and headphones for long drives
- A small first-aid kit and any medicine they usually take
- A head torch for the desert camp
When you book with us, tell us the ages of your children, and ask us about child seats in the vehicle, so we can plan the trip and the car for your family.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morocco safe for families with children?
Yes. Morocco welcomes millions of families every year, and children are treated with great kindness. Use common sense in crowded places, keep small children close in the souks and travel with a local driver and guide for the long routes.
Can children ride camels in the desert?
Yes. Most children love it. Very small children usually ride with a parent or on a camel led slowly by the camel handler. If a child is afraid, they can also walk alongside or go to the camp by 4x4.
Is the long drive to the desert too hard for kids?
Not if you organise it well. Split the journey into two days, stop often, and choose a private tour so you can go at your own pace. The landscapes on the way, with mountains, kasbahs and gorges, keep children interested.
Do we need a stroller in Morocco?
In the medinas, a stroller is difficult because of the narrow streets, steps and crowds. A baby carrier is much better. In the modern parts of cities, a light stroller can be useful.
Will my children find food they like?
Almost certainly. Couscous, chicken, kefta, bread, pancakes, fruit and fresh orange juice are favourites, and simple dishes like omelettes or pasta are easy to find.
What is the best family tour in Morocco?
For most families, a private tour of 6 to 10 days combining Marrakech, the Atlas, Ait Ben Haddou, two nights in the Sahara and a few calm days at the end works best. Tell us your dates and the ages of your children and we will suggest a route.
Keep reading: Best places to visit in Morocco · Before your Sahara trip: what to know and pack · Custom private tours