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Are you planning to visit Morocco with your kids? Well, traveling with kids can be a bit overwhelming so I thought I would put together a “Morocco with kids” travel guide to help you plan your trip!
The good news is that Morocco is a family-friendly country. Moroccans love kids and you will probably find that your kids will make friends wherever you go!
If you are planning a trip with teens, check out these 11 best holiday destinations to visit with teenagers (hint: Morocco is on the list)
Plus, traveling to Morocco with your kids will help them learn about a totally different culture. Morocco is an incredibly diverse and rich country and your kids will have the opportunity to see, taste, and live so many new things!
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Morocco with your little ones.
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Absolutely, Morocco is a safe country to visit, alone and with kids. In fact, Morocco is considered one of the most visited countries in Africa with over 10 million visitors every year.
The crime rate is very low, especially when compared to other countries in the region. And, Morocco has a very stable political climate which makes it an ideal destination.
However, there have been reports of pickpocketing and harassment incidents, but this should not be a reason to deem Morocco unsafe. Just be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you at all times.
>> Read more: Things to know before visiting Morocco
Knowing what to pack for Morocco will depend on the time of year you are visiting.
Morocco has different landscapes and climates. Packing for a Sahara Desert tour will be different than for a Morocco beach vacation or a trip to the Atlas mountains.
In addition, to always packing modest clothes, my advice is when packing for a trip to Morocco consider the following things:
- Destination in Morocco
- Climate
- Activities planned
As for what to pack for kids here is a detailed guide list on everything you need to pack for your little one (ones).
If you have read some of our previous Morocco guides, you probably know that our favorite way of navigating Morocco is by hiring a car.
We really love the flexibility and the comfort, a car gives us. We get to explore the country on our terms no rushing to catch a bus or train and no more waiting around for a taxi or uber.
Small taxis (petit taxi) in the Old Medina of Fez
It also means we can make as many or as few stops along the way as we want, which is great if you are traveling with kids.
Plus, the roads in Morocco are remarkably good and easy to drive on. However, if hiring a car is not for you, public transport in Morocco is also very good.
No, you don’t need a car seat in Morocco. In Morocco, it is not mandatory by law to use a car seat for young children. The only law that Morocco has in place is that Children under 10 years old must be seated in the back seat of the car with a belt on.
So, technically speaking, you could travel around Morocco without a car seat for your young kid/ kids.
However, I would not recommend doing this. It is much safer to use a car seat if you are planning to hire a car or travel in taxis.
As for getting a car seat, it is better to bring it from home if you can. However, if you can’t, international car rental companies in Morocco do offer car seats for rent (A bit pricey though).
Another option to consider is the Mifold seats. It’s practical, compact, and great for traveling overseas. They can be used for kids from 4 to 12 years old.
>> Read more: Hiring a car in Morocco
Morocco is a great country for food lovers of all ages. There is such a diverse range of dishes to try. Tagine (vegetable and meat dish), and Couscous are two popular dishes in Morocco. Both dishes are meat-based, but you can order vegetarian options as well.
Various types of meats are used to make dishes in the country including lamb and chicken. Morocco is also known for its seafood. Fresh produce is readily available and used to make many of the local dishes.
Moroccan version of a Bocadillo (A sandwich stuffed with vegetables, tuna, and sauces)
You can also find fresh vegetables and fruits everywhere in Morocco from street vendors to supermarkets and Souks.
Biscuits, cakes, and sweets are easily found in supermarkets like Carrefour, Bim, and Marjane. However, these are only found in big cities. If you going off the beaten track make sure to stack up some snacks for the kids.
Most of the food in Morocco is fairly mild in terms of spice, but if you are worried about your kids not being able to handle the spice, just let the waiter know and they can make a dish milder for you.
In Morocco, it is common to eat with your hands.
>> Read more: What to eat in Morocco?
Tap water is not safe for drinking in most big cities including Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fez. So be on the safe side, always go for bottled water if you can.
Bottled water is very cheap in Morocco but you can also use a water filter like the Sawyer water filter which is what we use when we travel.
Freshly squeezed sugarcane juice in the Medina of Fez
I also recommend carrying a reusable water bottle with you and refilling it from time to time with filtered water. This way you can avoid buying too many plastic bottles while also staying hydrated on your trip.
Some of the popular drinks you can try with your kids in Morocco are orange juice in Marrakech and sugar cane juice in Fez. These drinks can be found anywhere in Morocco but it’s an experience to try them specifically in these cities
Public toilets are not that common in Morocco, and if you find one they are not the cleanest or the most comfortable places to be. So if you can, avoid them if possible.
Instead, you can ask cafes and restaurants to use their toilet, Moroccans are very friendly and they won’t refuse especially when they see you with kids.
If you are traveling with a baby or toddler and need to stop for the toilet, I recommend carrying a small pack of wet wipes and some hand sanitizer with you. This way you can clean up the area a bit before your child uses it.
Another issue you may face is the traditional toilets found in remote areas in Morocco. These toilets are usually squat toilets, and they can be tricky to use if you are not used to them.
While Riads are great to stay in, the rooms are not usually spacious to accommodate more than two people. When visiting with kids make sure to choose a big room with enough space.
Hotels on the other hand are more family-friendly as they offer more amenities and space.
>> Find accommodation in Morocco
There are plenty of things to do in Morocco with kids. Here I will list a few activities that appeal to kids of all ages.
Who doesn’t like the beach? Morocco has some great beaches that are perfect for a family vacation. On the windy Essaouira beach, You can just lay down and let the little ones build sand castles, go for a cold dip in the water, or even learn how to surf. Essaouira is a hot surfing destination in Morocco.
One of our favorite activities to do with kids on Essaouira beach is horse riding. The horses used for this activity are super friendly and well-trained but if you are not comfortable with your kids riding a horse, try the Quad bike ride on the beach. It’s as fun as it sounds!
>> Read more: Top Things To Do In Essaouira
Camels are super friendly creatures and are very used to having humans on their backs, so don’t worry about your kids riding a camel. This is a great activity for kids who love animals and want to get up close and personal with them.
Make sure your kids aren’t scared to ride the camel, if they refuse to go on a camel ride, you will have to cancel yours as well unless you have the plan to keep them with someone.
Riding a camel through the Sahara desert is an amazing experience that your kids will never forget. However, it is not the only fun thing you can do in the Sahara with them. You can try sandboarding, going on hikes on the Sahara dunes, sleep in a camp tent under the stars. The options are endless.
>> Read more: Camel trekking in the Sahara Desert
The Souks in Morocco are a great place to teach your kids some valuable shopping lessons. Souvenir shopping in Morocco is fun and different, you will have to haggle and bargain for the goods you want. Get to interact with locals, and learn about their culture and way of living.
Rug shopping in the Fes El Bali souk
Plus, no trip to Morocco is complete without a full bag of souvenirs and things to remind you of the quality time you had with your kids. Let them choose their own souvenirs and make new friends.
>> Read more: Souvenir Shopping in Morocco: What to buy?
If you are traveling to one of the Imperial cities in Morocco like Marrakech, Fez, and Meknes, chances are you will be staying in a Riad.
Riads are old Moroccan houses that have an open courtyard with a pool or a fountain in the middle. The houses were owned by elite people in Morocco and have now been turned into hotels.
Our room in a Riad Farah in Fez Medina
When choosing a Riad to stay in, consider going for one with a pool. Morocco can get really hot during the day, and a pool is a great way to cool off after a long day of touring the city.
Unfortunately, pools in Morocco are often not heated, so this only applies if you visit Morocco during summertime.
>> Read more: Beautiful Riads in Morocco
In addition to the desert and beaches, Morocco has some stunning mountains. The most popular mountain town destination in Morocco is Imlil.
Imlil is a little quaint village in Morocco’s High Atlas mountains and it is the perfect place to take your kids to experience the mountains.
In Imlil, you can go on family hikes, picnic near the waterfalls, and visit Berber(Amazigh) families. Also if you are in for a real adventure, and if your kid/kids are 10 years old or more, try and climb mount Toubkal (13,671 ft) with them.
I know this is not for everyone but it’s possible. Plus, you can only summit the mountain with authorized local guides to help people climb the mountain.
>> Read more: Things to do in Imlil Morocco (Climbing Toubkal Mountain)
The old Medina in Fez (aka Fes El Bali) is one of the most preserved Medinas in Morocco. No wonder it’s a UNESCO world heritage site.
A street in Fes El Bali
When visiting Fez with kids, I recommend booking a tour of the Old Medina (Fez El Bali) with a local guide. There are over 9000 narrow streets and it can be very easy to get lost.
During the tour, you will discover several historical sites, starting with the Blue gate, the world’s oldest university Qaraouiyin, the leather tanneries, Bou Anania Madrasa, and many more.
Chouara tanneries in Fez
Keep in mind that you will be doing a few hours of walking so make sure your kids are up for it. If they get tired make sure to let the guide know so you can take a break. You can also carry a baby carrier with you if your kids are very young.
>> Read more: How to spend 3 days in Fez
Morocco is a food lover’s paradise, and there are many cooking classes in Marrakech that you and your kids will love.
The class caters to all levels and diets and it’s often thought by a local expert or a chef. You will learn how to cook the famous Moroccan tagine, prepare a local salad or two, make Bread (Khobz) from scratch, and finally make Moroccan mint tea.
The best part about a cooking class is that you get to eat what you make. This is a flavorful experience that you should definitely try with your kids.
You can book a cooking class through your Riad and if they don’t have one, no worries, you can find plenty of options through Viator or Get Your Guide.
Also, I highly recommend spending a few days in Marrakech. It’s a unique city that’s worth visiting for sure.
