Morocco with Kids: A Family Travel Guide

Which regions work best with children

Fes is rewarding with children, but its medina is dense, busy and confusing — it works best with older children (roughly eight-plus) who can keep up and stay alert in narrow lanes, ideally with a guide who keeps the group together. A riad with a courtyard gives a private, secure retreat between outings. The Sahara — a night at a desert camp reached on the long but scenic drive south from Fes — is the universal highlight for children from about six upwards; the camel ride, the dune climb and the stars are genuinely magical.

The cedar forests and lakes around Ifrane and the Middle Atlas make an easy, cooler day out for families with younger children who need a break from the medina, and the wild Barbary macaques in the cedars are a hit. A day trip to Volubilis lets older children scramble among real Roman ruins.

Pacing and riads vs hotels

Private riads — particularly those with a pool or a garden courtyard — are a revelation with children. The enclosed space gives young ones room to run while adults relax; no lobby, no busy restaurant entrance, and staff who tend to be genuinely delighted by children. Many riads have family suites or interconnecting rooms. Budget an extra half day in each place rather than cramming in too many sights.

Avoid peak summer heat (July–August) inland; children overheat quickly and Fes at 40°C is unpleasant for everyone. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the ideal windows — warm, comfortable days and cool evenings.

The desert with children

Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) is the classic Sahara destination from Fes and works well with families. It is a long drive south through Ifrane and the Ziz Valley — break it over a day or two — and the payoff is worth it. A short camel trek (20–40 minutes) into the dunes is manageable even for young children; luxury camps have proper beds and ensuite bathrooms rather than sleeping bags on the sand. Bring warm layers — desert nights cool dramatically even in spring. Avoid the desert in July and August with young children: daytime temperatures exceed 40°C and the experience becomes purely endurance.

Food and practicalities

Fassi food is family-friendly: mild tagines, flatbreads, couscous, fresh juices and pastries, and children are often fussed over warmly in medina restaurants. Avoid tap water and unpeeled raw salads; stick to bottled water and cooked food, especially for young children. Most riads are happy to adjust seasoning and serve children's meals at non-standard hours. Pack familiar snacks for long driving days — the road to the desert is beautiful but long.

• Bring: high-factor sun cream, a children's insect repellent, anti-diarrhoea medicine, and oral rehydration sachets.
• Private transport is essential with children — you control the pace and the stops.
• Most riads are genuinely child-welcoming; ask about family rooms and pool availability when booking.
• Pharmacies (pharmacie) are common in the Fes Ville Nouvelle and near the medina gates, and well-stocked for basic medicines.

Frequently asked