Visiting
Traveling in Morocco with Children: A Family Guide
Jump to section
Photo by Natalya Zaritskaya on Unsplash
| Best cities | Agadir (beach, easy), Rabat (calm, walkable), Essaouira (small, charming) |
|---|---|
| Harder with kids | Fes medina (steep, narrow), desert tours (long drives) |
| Food | Most kids love msemen, chicken, fries, fresh juice. Spice levels manageable. |
| Health | Bottled water only. Carry rehydration salts. Pharmacies everywhere. |
| Car seats | Not standard in taxis. Bring your own if driving. |
| Train discount | Under 4: free. Ages 4-12: 50% off ONCF trains. |
Travelling with children in Morocco is easier than most parents expect. Children are welcome everywhere, from restaurants and riads to public spaces, in a way that can feel refreshing compared to some Western countries. That said, the medinas are not stroller-friendly, the sun is stronger than you think, and the food is rich enough to upset small stomachs.
Choosing Where to Go
Agadir is easiest for young families: beach, pools, flat city, mild climate. Rabat is best for culture without chaos: small medina, tramway, Chellah ruins. Essaouira is small enough for older children to explore. Marrakech works but requires more energy: Gueliz and Palmeraie are calmer bases than the medina. Fes is hardest with young children: steep hills, narrow alleys, no car access.
Food and Health
Msemen (flatbread with honey), rotisserie chicken, fries, orange juice, and plain couscous are safe bets for picky eaters. Avoid raw salads for the first few days. Bottled water is essential. Carry rehydration salts (5 MAD at any pharmacy). The sun is the biggest risk: SPF 50, hats, and more water than you think you need.
Getting Around
Taxis have no child car seats. Rent a car and request a seat from the agency or bring your own. Strollers are useless in medinas; use a baby carrier. Children under 4 ride trains free; ages 4 to 12 get 50 percent off.
Practical Tips
- Pack children's paracetamol, rehydration salts, plasters, antihistamine, insect repellent, SPF 50.
- Moroccan pharmacies stock most children's medications without prescription.
- Many riads have steep stairs and open rooftops. Ask about child-safety when booking.
- The Atlas Mountains with older children (8+) make an incredible adventure.
- Bring a tablet for long drives. Marrakech to the Sahara is 10+ hours.
Related Guides
Accuracy note: Travel information, prices, and practical details in Morocco can change. This article reflects conditions at the time of writing. Verify current details before planning your trip.