It may not be an obvious choice for a family holiday destination, but Marrakech is a great place to visit with kids.
There are new and exciting things around every corner. The noise as Jemaa el-Fna fills with entertainers, the different smells as you wind your way through the souks and the beauty of the Bahia Palace. Marrakech is a treat for the senses that will keep your kids entertained and amazed.
When to visit Marrakech
The best time to visit Marrakech is during the cooler Spring and Autumn months. This makes it an ideal break over Easter or the October school holidays.
The summer months can be extremely hot. Unless you are comfortable with temperatures approaching 40 degrees celsius, I would recommend avoiding July and August.
How long to stay in Marrakech
You can explore the main sites in Marrakech in 2-3 days, especially if you are visiting without younger children. If you do have young kids, you may prefer to spend a little longer and explore a little slower.
By spending 5-7 days in Marrakech with your kids, you will be able to soak up the atmosphere and visit all of the key sites without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. You can spend a morning exploring in the medina and then head back and relax by the pool of a beautiful riad in the afternoon.
If you have time and want to explore more of Morocco, a 10 day trip could pair Marrakech with a trip to the Atlas Mountains or the seaside town of Essaouira. We managed to fit in all three when we visited as part of a group tour with Families Worldwide, but doing so independently might be more challenging.
Things to see and do in Marrakech
We had a great time exploring Marrakech’s lavish palaces, bustling markets, historic Mosques and peaceful gardens.
Before we get to all that, I have to say that one of the things I love about Marrakech is that you don’t need to spend your whole day sightseeing. You can slow down and take time out to soak up the atmosphere, understand the people and enjoy the amazing food.
But the sights are amazing. There is so much to see and almost all are ideal for visiting with kids. Let us tell you about the top things we did during our family trip to Marrakech.
Experience Jemaa el-Fna at sunset
I am sure this will already be on your list of places to visit in Marrakech. The large square in the centre of the medina has been the soul of Marrakech for centuries.
During the day there are lines of stalls selling some of the tastiest orange juice I have ever had. Or maybe I was just so desperate for a cold drink after a hot afternoon lost in the souk that anything would have tasted good!
When the sun starts to set, the entertainment really gets going and lines of food stalls appear selling all kinds of amazing smelling dishes. If you don’t fancy the street food vibe, or just want to distance yourself from the craziness, then there are plenty of cafes and restaurants around the edge of the square. They almost all offer amazing views of the action and some have pretty good food as well!
I have heard from plenty of people who did not feel safe in Jemaa el-Fna, or felt harassed and pressured to hand over money to entertainers. Although I agree that this can be annoying, if you stay firm and polite then it doesn’t need to ruin your experience.
We spent a couple of evenings wandering in and around the square as a family and the biggest annoyance were people trying to get our toddler to take toys etc, which we would then need to pay for!
So yes, there are lots of enterprising locals aiming to separate you from your dirhams. But not all of the entertainment here is aimed at fleecing tourists. Groups gather in large circles to share stories, sing songs and dance. For me, it was watching these groups that really gave a feel for what Jemaa el-Fna is all about. Not the snake charmers, fire eaters or the guys trying to throw a monkey on your shoulder!
Take time out in Jardin Majorelle
Based outside of the medina, Jardin Majorelle is about 10 minutes by taxi from Jemaa el-Fna.
With its exotic plants, sculptures and water features, Jardin Majorelle provides an oasis of calm in an otherwise hectic city.
The tall trees provide shade and the fountains and pools have a cooling effect on a hot day.
It is also a great place to explore with kids. Our son loved practicing using his new camera here, snapping away at every plant, sculpture and cat that he saw!
Whilst the gardens can get pretty busy (we had to queue for 10-15 minutes to get in) they are large enough that we never felt too crowded once inside.
Jardin Majorelle is one of the most visited places in Marrakech and it is easy to see why. It is a perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon away from the busy medina.
Search for hidden treasures in the Souks
I don’t think I have read a single article on Marrakech that doesn’t recommend getting lost in the souks. Whilst getting lost isn’t a necessity, chances are it will happen anyway, so you may as well embrace the experience!
We certainly got lost a few times, despite my best efforts with a map! Luckily it never takes long to find your way back to a familiar alley or street.
The souk spreads from the north of Jemaa el-Fna and is a maze of different stalls, shops, cafes and riads. We enjoyed just wandering through, taking in the sights and sounds as the locals went about their daily business.
One place in the souk that kids are sure to love is Rahba Kedima, or Spice Square. As well as stalls selling all kinds of amazing smelling spices, you will find lizards, frogs and buckets of snails! Everything your budding young witches and wizards need!
Imagine life as a Sultan in Bahia Palace
Just a short walk from Jemaa el-Fna is another of the more popular sights in Marrakech, Bahia Palace.
The palace was built to impress and with its intricate decorations, huge courtyards and shaded gardens it definitely succeeds. Bahia Palace is one of several palaces in Marrakech and may well be the most beautiful.
Whilst toddlers aren’t known for their appreciation of 19th century Islamic architecture, our little one was perfectly happy exploring!
It might have helped that the large courtyards and empty rooms meant we could let him wander a little free. Maybe it was the tortoises he found in the gardens. Or the super friendly security guy who picked him up and swapped hats!
Whatever it was, we had a great time exploring and getting a feel for how the rulers of Marrakech used to live.
Marrakech with Kids – verdict
With the hectic pace of Jemaa el-Fna and the maze like souks, Marrakech is nothing if not entertaining.
But you can also find calmness in the gardens and peaceful beauty in the palaces.
With all this variety and it’s long and rich history, Marrakech has so much to offer the more adventurous family.
So if you are looking for somewhere different to visit over Easter or October half term, why not consider Marrakech?