Destinations to explore
Morocco is one of the most accessible family destinations outside of Europe. Desert, kasbahs and beach in 10 days — which really works with kids.
Updated on September 8, 2026
Morocco with children is almost a success, if you choose the right route. The camels in the desert, the spice souks, the riad pools, the hot bread from the wood-fired oven — the children absorb all this with a curiosity that adults have sometimes lost.
But poorly calibrated Morocco with children can be a source of stress: medinas that are too dense, temperatures that are too high, distances that are too long. Here's how to avoid it.
The Merzouga desert is the number 1 experience. The camels (always), the night in the tent with the stars (the most impressed are often the youngest), the warm sand in the morning. Children between 5 and 12 years old still talk about it years later.
The earthen kasbahs: The ochre adobe fortifications that punctuate the road between Marrakech and Merzouga are spectacular and concrete — children instinctively understand what a medieval citadel was like better than with any history textbook.
The souks of Marrakech: in small doses and with a guide. Too much time in a souk without geographical landmarks can make children (and adults) anxious. An hour with a local guide who explains the different trades — dyers, babouchiers, potters — is a living craft lesson.
Riad pools: After visits, a dip in the riad pool is the children's favourite time. Check that the riad has one before booking.
Long days in the car in summer: 5 hours of driving in 40°C with children, even in an air-conditioned car, is an ordeal. Prefer short stages or domestic flights.
The medina of Fez without preparation: Fez is beautiful but labyrinthine. With tired children, the dead-end streets and crowds can turn into a crisis. Provide a guide and short hours (2 hours maximum).
Ramadan: restaurants closed during the day and the special atmosphere can throw young children off balance. Check the dates and adapt accordingly.
Day 1-3: Marrakech
Arrival in Marrakech, installation in a riad with a swimming pool. No busy program on the first day — an hour in the Menara gardens, a dinner on the Djemaa el-Fna, the acrobats and storytellers to watch.
Day 2: visit of the souks with local guide (2 hours), swimming pool in the afternoon. Bahia Palace at the end of the day (cool, shaded).
Day 3: excursion to Aït-Ben-Haddou (4 hours drive one way) or free day in Marrakech depending on the age and energy of the children.
Day 4-5: Kasbah Route
Drive to Ouarzazate via the Tichka Pass. The panoramic stops on the Atlas Passes keep the children busy better than you think — the view is really impressive. Overnight in Ouarzazate or in a kasbah-hotel in the Draa Valley.
Day 6-7: Merzouga and the desert
The queen stage. Arrival in Merzouga at the end of the afternoon, camel ride to the camp (1h30). Sunset from the dunes, dinner in the tent, starry night. Sunrise the next day.
Children between 4 and 14 years old: unanimously enthusiastic. Under 4 years old: the camel ride is long — plan transport by 4x4 with meeting at the camp.
! [Children on camels crossing the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Morocco at sunset] (https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1493246507139-91e8fad9978e?w=1200&h=600&fit=crop&auto=format)
Day 8-9: Atlantic coast (Essaouira or Agadir)
Back to the Atlantic coast — Agadir for the large sandy beach and hotels with swimming pools, Essaouira for the charm of the fishing port and the goats in the argan trees. The Atlantic is cooler than the Mediterranean but refreshing after the desert.
Day 10: Return to Marrakech and departure
Flight from Marrakech or Agadir depending on the planned return.
Morocco is one of the most economical destinations in the Mediterranean basin.
Best family time: March-April (22-28°C, no scorching heat) and October-November (28°C, ideal for the desert). Avoid July-August with children in inland cities.
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