Marrakech for Families

Marrakech for Families

Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco for most visitors, and understandably so. From the atmospheric souks of the Medina, to the villages of the High Atlas Mountains a short drive away, Marrakech offers a vast range of options for families either on a short trip or as part of a longer adventure.

Stay in a riad in the medina or a more spacious property in the Palmery on the outskirts.  The advantage of a riad is that the central courtyard allows you to put your child to bed and sit in the courtyard practically outside the room door whilst enjoying a relaxing drink.  A number of riads offer baby sitting services, allowing you further freedom to explore in the evening if you wish. The hotels in the Palmery have extensive grounds with large swimming pools, providing space for children to let off steam.

Other activities to entertain the family include: the open-top (hop on, hop off) bus, which gives a good sense of the layout of the city and useful background to its history; the near-by purpose built Oasiria Water Park, with slides, pools, a pirate ship and much more, designed for a fun day out for families of all ages; and the Majorelle gardens for slightly older children, beautifully presented gardens just outside of the medina.

Here is a quote from a client who visited Marrakech with her 2 and a half year old:

“Many sights we visited in Marrakech were great for letting children explore, wearing them out and keeping in the shade. We went to the Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, Ali Ben Youssef Medersa. Also the Cyber Park just conveniently 2 mins from Djemaa el-Fna was quiet, cool and had lots of avenues for children to let off steam. After which our little one was happy to sit in a pushchair for an hour or so whilst exploring the Souks and was as fascinated by them as we were.”  Maria Bowers 05/09

Possible Family Itinerary:

Day 1 Take the open topped bus tour of the city and take lunch in the Majorelle Gardens

Day 2 Visit the Oasiria Water Park

Day 3 Visit the souks and the main Place Jemma de Fna

Day Trip Options

Trips to Marrakech can be combined with one or more day trips including the High Atlas for easy walks in mountains to discover local villages - Ouirgane or Asni areas are recommended as they are within about an hour's drive; if your children are happy to travel 2.5 hours each way, then trips to Essaouira with its lovely beach and fishing harbour or a trip to the spectacular waterfalls and Middle Atlas scenery at the Cascades d'Ouzoud are also open to you.