Visiting Marrakech With Children.

Helpful advice for parents.

There are plenty of parents choosing Marrakech as a  holiday destination with children. It is a safe city with a low crime rate, central to areas like Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, and easily affordable. With some careful planning and being aware of the pros and cons, travelling to Marrakech as a family can be a fun and rewarding experience.

The following list contains  everything parents should know before booking a holiday in Marrakech. I include safety tips and the best time to visit. I offer suggestions to help parents put an itinerary together that the whole family will enjoy. There are a few snippets of useful information to make travelling with children a success.Knowing these things will allow families to get the most out of their holiday stressfree.

• Marrakech is touristy. The medina is incredibly busy, and the souks can be overwhelming. Instead of using a stroller, consider a child carrier in the narrow alleyways. If that’s not possible, plan to visit early in the morning when it’s quieter. Mornings in the main square are also less chaotic. After dusk, the square comes alive, and the crowds swell. This can be overstimulating for young children. Plan to venture out early to avoid the mayhem.
• When considering a stay in a riad, choose a room on the ground floor facing the courtyard. This is more suitable for young children. There are a lot of steep  steps up to the rooftop terrace, which may also be problematic. There is often a small pool in the centre of the courtyard, so parents with young children will need to keep a close watch over their infants. Riads are ancient structures, and soundproofing isn’t great. This could make you feel conscious of other guests hearing your children. There is the option of booking a whole riad for your family and although it’s pricier, you won’t have to worry about keeping your children quiet. The Kasbah district is less busy if you do decide to stay in a traditional riad. There are a number of hotels and apartments in Gueliz and Hivernage, which may be a better choice for younger children. The Palmerai has resorts that specifically cater to  families of all ages. These offer facilities like spas, gyms and swimming pools. Many resorts are all-inclusive.
• The weather in Marrakech can be extremely hot, especially during the summer months when temperatures can exceed 40° Winter is an excellent time for visiting with children. The temperature is still warm and sunny, turning cooler in the evening. There are fewer tourists at this time of year, making it easier to visit popular sightseeing attractions. Springtime is also a good time to travel to Marrakech but gets much busier than winter.
• When the weather is hot, consider visiting water parks like Oasiria, Eden Aquapark, and Aqua Mirage. Some resorts offer day passes, and you can take advantage of their facilities, including the swimming pools. I recommend La Maison Des Oliviers in Agdal.
• There are a number of gardens around Marrakech where children can let off steam. Cyber Park is a beautiful quiet space, and Koutoubia Mosque has a peaceful garden, especially during the evening. Both are free to enter. Amina Garden is a magical garden where nature and art meet. It’s a stunning botanical garden with paintings by Picasso. Entrance fees start at €3 and it’s a fun day out for all the family.
• The food in Marrakech is diverse. There are plenty of European and international dishes available in most restaurants. For picky eaters, there are popular chain restaurants like  McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and Domino’s strategically positioned throughout the city.
• Keeping children hydrated is important. There are a number of shops selling bottled water around Marrakech. Do not offer children tap water. Although it is said to be safe to drink, it doesn’t taste very pleasant, and I wouldn’t risk it.
• Remember to pack some medication in case your children feel unwell. There are plenty of chemists in Marrakech, but by being prepared before you travel, you save yourself any hassle if your child does pick up a cold. Plasters and antiseptic cream may come in handy also.
• Whichever time of year you visit Marrakech, apply high factor sunscreen on your children. You can not underestimate the power of the African sun. I have been sunburnt in March.
• There are enclosed shopping malls like Menara Mall and Eden Mall. These are home to  popular highstreet chain stores and cooler places to shop if the weather is hot. There is also a Carrefour supermarket for any provisions you may run out of.
• Taxis don’t insist on you wearing seatbelts, and tuk-tuks don’t have them. Check the seatbelts work before accepting a ride in a taxi because the roads in Marrakech are chaotic.
• Moroccan people adore children. Don’t be surprised if they offer them gifts.  They may ask you if they can kiss your child or touch their heads. Occasionally, they just do it without asking for permission. This is a cultural thing, and to Westerners, they may appear to be crossing boundaries. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, politely ask them not to do it.  The family is the most important thing to Moroccan people, and children are viewed as gifts.
• The coastal city of Essaouira is a 2.5-hour drive from Marrakech. It is a quieter relaxed city on the Atlantic coast. Essaouira is a great day trip from Marrakech if the weather is hot. Known as the windy city, it’s a good place to take children to escape the heat. Day trips can be booked through Get Your Guide and other tour companies. Your accommodation may also be able to organise a trip for you. Imlil in the Atlas mountains is cooler than Marrakech, and there are several hiking trails for older children. Ourika Valley is a nice day out, and Ouzoud Waterfall is a popular day trip from Marrakech. Children will enjoy seeing the Barbary Macaque monkeys in their natural habitat where they should be. If children want to experience a camel ride, there is Agafay desert and the Palmerai.

Marrakech is an exciting destination for all age groups. As long as you do some research beforehand, including writing down the names and addresses of places to eat. Planning an itinerary will save little legs from getting too tired.This will make travelling with young children easier and more enjoyable for you.  Bringing a lightweight stroller can be helpful in eliminating the stress caused by long queues at passport control. You will also be doing a lot of walking, and it will come in handy when your child gets tired.

Finally, try to steer clear of the monkeys and snakes in the main square. Children are often seen as a target to get parents to pay for photos.