Marrakech · Morocco · Things to do
5 things to do in Marrakech with kids
The five best things to do in Marrakech with kids are exploring the souks, watching Jemaa el-Fnaa square come alive at night, visiting the blue Majorelle Garden, staying in a riad with a courtyard and taking a camel ride in the desert near the city. The medina is best in the morning and the evening, with a quiet riad break in the heat of the day.
What to do, in order
- 1
Get lost in the souk
The souks fill the lanes north of Jemaa el-Fnaa with stalls of lanterns, leather slippers, spices, rugs and ceramics. Children enjoy the colours and the sounds, but the lanes are narrow and motorbikes squeeze through, so hold hands and step aside when you hear a horn. Go in the morning, before the heat and the crowds. Bargaining is expected, so start well below the first price and be polite and relaxed. A guide for the first hour can save time. Watch for the quiet side streets where metalworkers and dyers work.
- 2
See Jemaa el-Fnaa
Jemaa el-Fnaa is the huge main square of the old city, and it changes through the day. In the afternoon, juice sellers and entertainers arrive, and by evening dozens of food stalls open, with smoke, music and storytellers. Pick a busy stall with a numbered sign, agree the price before eating and stick to simple grills. Many animal acts demand money for photos, which is best avoided. For the best view and a break from the crowd, take a table on a cafe terrace above the square at sunset.
- 3
Visit the Majorelle Garden
The Majorelle Garden was created by the painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent. Its walls, pots and pavilion are painted a vivid cobalt blue, set among cacti, bamboo and palms. It is small and calm, which makes it a good break from the medina. Book a timed ticket ahead if possible, because queues at the gate can be long, and go as soon as it opens. The Berber Museum inside has jewellery and costumes. Allow about an hour.
- 4
Rest in a riad
A riad is a traditional house built around a central courtyard, often with a small pool, a fountain and a roof terrace. It is a cool, quiet refuge from the noise of the medina, and most serve breakfast on the roof. Lanes in the medina are too narrow for cars, so the riad will arrange a porter or a pickup at the nearest gate. Pick one close to a main entrance of the old city. Look for a pool for the afternoon rest that children need in the heat.
- 5
Ride a camel in the desert
Marrakech has two options. The nearest is the Agafay desert, a stony semi-desert around an hour from the city, with camel rides and sunset dinners. The sand dunes of the Sahara, such as Merzouga, are a long drive away and need at least an overnight stay, so they do not suit a short trip with young children. Choose a reputable operator and check the age rules and the camel's welfare. Go late in the afternoon, when the heat eases and the light turns warm.
Plan it
- Best time
- March to May and September to November have warm days and pleasant evenings. July and August are extremely hot, often above forty degrees. Winter days are mild and nights are cold, and the Atlas peaks can be snow-capped.
- How long
- Three to four days covers the medina, the garden and an evening at the square. Add a day for the Agafay desert or the Atlas mountains.
- Getting around
- The medina is best on foot, and small metered taxis cover the rest. Insist on the meter or agree the fare first. Riads can arrange airport transfers, and the lanes are too narrow for cars.
Good to know
- Dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees, as it is more comfortable and attracts less attention.
- Carry small coins for tips and small purchases, as change can be hard to find.
- Plan the busiest outings for morning and evening, and rest in the riad at midday.
Frequently asked
Is Marrakech good for kids? +
Yes, with preparation. Children enjoy the colours, the food and the pool at a riad. The crowds, noise and heat can be tiring, so plan short outings and a rest in the afternoon.
How many days do you need in Marrakech? +
Three to four days is a comfortable first visit. That covers the souks, the main square, the garden, a rest day by the riad pool and one outing beyond the city.
Is Marrakech safe for families? +
Generally yes, though it is a busy city with persistent sellers and some petty theft. Keep bags close, agree prices in advance, use licensed taxis and stay with children in crowded lanes.
Can you ride camels near Marrakech? +
Yes. The Agafay desert, about an hour away, offers camel rides and sunset dinners. The Sahara dunes at Merzouga are a long drive away and need an overnight trip.
