Offering a unique blend of culture, history, and adventure, it’s no surprise that Marrakech is such a popular destination for a city break. But what may surprise you, is that the medieval city is also the perfect choice for a city break with kids. There is abundance of places to visit in Marrakech with kids that are both fascinating and educational for families. Whether you’re wandering the souks, exploring magical gardens, or riding camels (well, dromedaries, strictly speaking), there’s so much to enjoy here. So, if you’re thinking of visiting the medieval city with your kids, check out some of the best things to do in Marrakech below and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Packing for Marrakech
First things first, the temperature in Marrakech can shift considerably throughout the day, which can make packing tricky. From cool in the morning to high daytime temperatures to chilly again in the evening. Temperatures obviously depends on the time of year you visit, so check the weather forecast and be prepared to bring cardigans, jumpers, and light jackets. It will also be considerably colder in the mountains and the desert.
When packing for a visit of Marrakech, it’s also important to remember that you must respect the local culture and dress modestly. For women, in particular, this means covering their shoulders and keeping legs above the knee covered. Kids have a little more flexibility but it’s still worth packing longer shorts and skirts, and t-shirts that cover the shoulders. Lightweight, loose clothing in materials, such as cotton, silk, or linen are best for hot weather, while layers keep you warm in the cooler evenings.
Don’t forget your accessories, starting with charging cables, adaptors, sun glasses, sun lotion, sun hats, and, most importantly, a compact camera that will fit neatly in your bag when you’re out and about. Now without further ado, here are our favourite things to do in Marrakech:
Places to Visit in Marrakech with Little Ones
There are so many things to do in Marrakech with kids! Make sure your camera is full charged because you are about to embark on a journey filled with colour, fragrance, and adventure…
1. Explore the Souks & Jemaa el-Fna Square
For many the souks in the old town, the “medina” of Marrakesh, are the biggest highlights of their trip. The cobbled alleyways packed with stall after stall, selling everything from antique silver teapots to headscarves and handmade Aladdin slippers straight from The Arabian Nights exude a unique charm. Make sure you and your children find out how to haggle in Marrakech before you visit, so you know the rules of negotiating and buying. After all, you don’t want to be perceived as rude – because haggling is part of the culture, and it is fun, too, once you and the kids get the hang of it!
The area around Jemaa el-Fna Square is made up of several souks, including Souk el Attarine, with its beautiful colourful lamps, silver teapots, and antiques and Souk el Kebir, where you will find bags, shoes, and poufs and many more items made from leather. Then there is the spice market, which is a feast for the senses, with its enticing colours and aromas.
Jemaa el-Fna square itself is a bustling market square, where you can get a henna tattoo, have your picture with a snake charmer taken, watch folk dancers, and buy street food. If you are there in the evening, go to one of the upstairs restaurants overlooking the square and soak up the atmosphere, including the muezzin’s call to prayer from the Koutoubia Mosque.
2. Take a Horse Drawn Carriage Tour
Exploring the souks can be overwhelming for some children and may tire little feet. Why not finish your day by taking a horse drawn carriage tour through the city? You can hop on to one of the elegant carriages, known here as calèches, at Jemaa el-Fna square and ask the driver to take you past some of Marrakech’s famous sights like the Koutoubia Mosque or through other parts of Marrakech, such as the Kasbah quarter or Gueliz, the new town. Seeing all the places to visit in Marrakech on foot can be difficult with kids in tow.
3. Wander Through the Majorelle Gardens
After a busy day walking, go for a more relaxing day at the famous Jardin Majorelle. The exotic garden offers a wonderful change of pace and beautiful scenery. Famous for its bright, cobalt blue accents and exotic flora, this area spans over two acres and was established in the ‘20s, before being restored by the legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s. The gardens aren’t huge and can feel crowded at times, but the sight is well worth a visit if you purchase a combined ticket allowing you to visit its two museums:
Fashion lovers will revel in the adjacent Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which displays some of his dresses and sketches, and shows movies about the designer. You will also find the Berber Museum here which houses over 600 classic artefacts telling Morocco’s history.
4. Visit Marrakech’s Royal Palaces
Immerse yourself in Marrakech’s culture and visit one or more of its countless royal palaces. Only the Dar al-Makhzen in the Kasbah district of Marrakech is still used as a residence by the Moroccan royal family and cannot be visited, but it’s worth admiring the exterior of this opulent palace, with its intricate tile work, majestic brass doors and high walls.
Of the historical palaces that are open to visitors, the best known is the stunning 19th century El Bahia palace, a magnificent example of Moroccan architecture. Like all the other palaces in Marrakech, it no longer has any furniture but it’s the stucco carved with Arabic inscriptions, the intricate geometric designs, the Muqarnas, and the marble and tile floors that make it stand out. Other examples of Moroccan architecture are El Badi palace and the still impressive ruins of 16th century palace Dar El Bacha.
5. Cool Down at the Waterpark
There are so many places to visit in Marrakech, that it’s hard to choose, but if you are on holiday with kids, what’s more fun than a day at a theme park? The Oasiria-Amizmiz waterpark is just a ten-minute drive from the Medina and a great day out for the whole family, with a long lazy river, climbing wall, and countless slides, making it a nice way to break up your itinerary. Oasiria has a restaurant on-site, changing rooms and showers, and acres of parks and gardens to relax on with the kids.
6. Ride a Camel in the Palmeraie
Once an oasis with hundreds of thousands of palm trees, the Palmeraie on the outskirts of Marrakech has become what can best be described as a palm grove or dry plain dotted with palm trees, fragrant roses, jasmine, and honeysuckle. Today, the Palmeraie, which is irrigated by ancient underwater channels, is home to luxury hotels, golf courses, and riads. If you want to see the Palmeraie, we recommend taking a horse drawn carriage ride or taxi here and going on a camel ride or quad bike ride tour with the kids. You could even book a tour at sunset when the palm grove is at its most peaceful and the temperature are milder (especially if you are visiting at the height of summer).
7. Visit a Berber Village in the Atlas Mountains
If you’re staying in Marrakech for more than a few days, you will no doubt look at going further afield. One of our favourite experiences was taking a taxi to the Atlas Mountains for some leisurely trekking with a guide (you can see my daughter riding a mule). We stopped off at several Berber villages on the way and enjoyed local food and hospitality. It’s a humbling experience for all ages and a step back in time. Meeting the locals and seeing their way of life is a wonderful authentic experience that you and your kids will treasure for a lifetime, and it can really make your Moroccan adventure all the more memorable.
And finally…
We hope you enjoyed our journey to some of the best places to visit in Marrakech with kids. This magical city offers the perfect blend of old and new, adventure and tranquillity – you really cannot fault it as a charming holiday destination. If you are worried about travelling as a single parent, you needn’t be. The Moroccans are polite, love kids, and rarely approach you unless you engage in conversation, in which case they may well try to sell you something! It’s certainly worth having a tour guide for your first day or two in Marrakech until you feel confident handling cheeky taxi drivers and market sellers. For day trips, make sure you book via tour operator or your accommodation provider.
