Is Morocco a good destination for families? If you have been considering visiting, you might be wondering whether your children will find a trip to this North African destination exciting and interesting. Look no further! Morocco is a wonderful, family-friendly destination. With a variety of activities, landscapes, and delicious foods children of all ages aren’t soon to forget this magical destination.
Why Morocco?
Why not? Morocco is an exciting mix of familiar and exotic. This land has been inhabited for thousands of years offering more to do and see than you could cover in months, or even years. Your children will see many things that may remind them of home, but they’re also sure to see things they’ve never seen – like donkeys walking through cobblestone streets or street vendors hawking everything from pajamas to turtles! Morocco is a modern, Islamic nation that prides itself on tolerance and openness. There are few places in the world that are as warm and welcoming to children as the people of Morocco. Don’t be surprised if strangers rustle up your child’s hair or coo blessings and compliments to your toddlers. People truly love to see children and have them around.
Family Friendly Activities
Before planning your trip, have in mind the things your family does, and does not like to do. If you have children that hate shopping, being pulled through the markets of Marrakech or Fez may quickly lose its appeal. Ultimately you’ll need to make some compromises. Here are a few ideas to get you started;
- Essaouira and Agadir are world re-known for their kite surfing. Older kids and teens will love to surf the waves and take a camel ride along the beach.
- Younger children are drawn to the lush gardens found all over Morocco. Let them run off some steam while you take in the architecture and design.
- While a camel trek may not be the best for the youngest guests, most children find this experience to be exhilarating!
- Children love to meet and play with other kids. Take a short trekking trip in the mountains, meet local families, and share a meal.
- Moroccan food is a treasure. You’ll find cooking schools scattered throughout the country. Head out to the local markets to pick up produce and spices and then spend the morning preparing a meal under the tutelage of a professional (typically a mom or grandma!)
- Watch rugs being woven in front of your eyes and learn the techniques used to harvest and dye wool the vibrant colors you see.
- Of course if history is more your thing, you’ll find dozens of historical monuments and landmarks throughout the country, allowing you to learn about the long history of this region.
Practical Advice
Because Morocco has such a variety of landscapes and climates, you’ll want to spend some time looking at the weather during the time of your visit. A visit to a coastal city like Essaouira in February will warrant different attire than camel trekking in the Sahara. For adults, while it may not be preferable, it’s ok to be a little cold or warm, but for children this generally isn’t the case. Pack clothing that can be layered as well as at least one pair of good walking shoes.
If you’re traveling with a very young child, a small, collapsible umbrella stroller is likely to be your best friend. Larger strollers can be difficult to handle and navigate in narrow passageways. If you’ll have private transportation during your trip, you may want to bring or rent a car seat. They are not required in vehicles in Morocco and will be very difficult to maneuver if you plan to use taxis for transportation.
You should also plan to bring sun protection for your child. Whether it is winter or summer the Moroccan sun can be harsh. Along with this you may wish to prepare a small bag of over the counter medications you rely on to treat any illnesses with your child. While most medications are available in Morocco, they’re typically not offered over the counter and 24 hour pharmacies are not very common. You may also want to consider bringing motion sickness medications and anti-diarrheal medications just in case. Check with your family doctor before visiting to ensure all vaccinations are up to date and you can get any that they might recommend such as Hepatitis A.
Unless you’re in a very rural location, all cities have some medical facilities. High level hospitals and treatment centers are found in all of the major cities across the country. Overall, Morocco is a very safe country. There are incidents of petty crime like pickpocketing but major crimes are few and far between. As with traveling to any foreign locations it’s best to be aware of your surroundings and travel with someone who knows the area.
Morocco is a country many people return to again and again. We’ve been visiting for the last ten years with our children, and in the last year decided to make Morocco our home. If you’re on the fence, take the leap. This country is a fantastic destination for all ages!
Plan Your Family Adventure Today
If you’re considering booking a family vacation to Morocco, get in touch with our staff today. We can help you create an unforgettable itinerary for your entire family. Whether you’re traveling with your two-year old twins or 82 year-old grandmother, we can assure you will have the best possible experience!