Categories: Africa

Fun Things to Do in Marrakech with a Toddler

Marrakech is a vibrant city full of wonder and delight. While planning our family trip to Morocco, I was often left wondering what to plan for her to have fun as well. Would she run and get lost in the maze of the medina? What if she doesn’t eat any of the food? In the end she had a blast and still remembers her time here. If you’re on the fence about bringing your little ones along, here’s some ideas on what to do in Marrakech with a toddler.

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Things to Do in Marrakech with Your Little Ones

Hire a Guide

Having a guide show you the way through Marrakech will help you to see more sites. Maximizing time while with your kids is always ideal. It helps you to get familiar with the city on your first day there, making further exploration easier. The guide can also help get the best deal on souvenirs within the souks. Best of all, your kids may even make a new friend (Terra did!) We booked our guide here.

Following our guide through the winding maze of Marrakech
Making friends with the guide

Explore a Derb

A derb is a small alleyway of residences in the medina. It’s a quiet contrast from the main areas. This one in particular was in the Jewish Quarter, and the doors were incredibly ornate and all unique. Your little ones will enjoy following the narrow maze to see what’s at the other end.

Exploring the doors in a derb

Capture Memories

It’s always nice to look back on your memories later. Terra loves looking at our travel pics long after the trip. Pose for some family pics in front of some of the sites, or take some of your little one as you explore Marrakech.

Terra posing in front of an interesting building
Family photo in front of Koutoubia Mosque

Head to Dar el Bacha

Dar el Bacha was recently opened to the public in early 2018. It features stunning geometric zellige tiles and carved cedar wood all throughout. You can explore some of the rooms and there’s a small museum with featured exhibits. In the center is a lush garden with a fountain. It’s a great open space to let kids roam and explore. Terra loved discovering what was in each room and even thought she might find a princess there. It also seemed to be less touristy here than Bahia Palace, so it’s a hidden gem.

She thought she could find a princess here
Walking along the garden

Explore the Souks

Walking through the souks is a wonderful sensory experience for kids. They’ll love seeing all the shops and will enjoy joining in on the shopping experience. There’s so much to smell, see and even taste. A lot of the shops we bought from also gave Terra a free gift, and she felt so special. She even made a new friend with a shopkeeper we bought a tea set from. They’ll be constantly entertained just by strolling through the different parts of the souks. You can explore on your own, or book a guided tour here. Having a guide was so helpful for us when haggling prices! Terra slept so well after a long day of shopping!

Passing by the lantern section
Spice shop within the outdoor markets
Making friends with a friendly shopkeeper

Check out Jardin Majorelle

Jardin Majorelle is a wonderful place to let your kids explore. There are many various plants and flowers, a koi fish pond, and a larger pond by the main building. Terra loved exploring the paths and discovering all of the plant life featured here. There’s also a cafe located on the premise with decent food at a reasonable price. Overall it’s a great nature experience featuring unique plants, beautiful colors, and the best backdrop for capturing family memories.

Posing in front of a colorful door by the building
Terra loved the pond at Jardin Majorelle

Discover the Local Animals

As you explore the medina of Marrakech you’ll come across several animals. Your kids will of course love seeing them. Terra was constantly spotting cats and chasing them around the winding alleys. She was also fascinated by the monkey and chameleons located by the markets and Jemaa el-Fnaa square. You’ll also see a lot of donkeys carrying items in the streets, Terra loved them!

She spotted some cats within the fondouk
Chameleon on the street by the outdoor spice markets

Visit Le Jardin Secret

Gardens are always a great place to take kids. They love exploring nature and being surrounded by a serene environment. Le Jardin Secret is a little oasis amongst the busy medina. It’s located in the Mouassine district and conveniently close to the souks. You can also learn about the fascinating history of how it was restored from an ancient riad to the beautiful garden it is today. There are two different gardens to explore and a cafe on the terrace with a birds eye view.

Running around the Islamic garden fountain at Le Jardin Secret
Exotic garden at Le Jardin Secret

Go for a View over Jemaa el-Fnaa

After our guided tour we had some time to kill before dinner. Our guide and a family we had befriended at the riad highly recommended that we take on a nice view over Jemaa el-Fnaa square. We went to Le Grand Balcon Cafe Glacier which had a balcony over the main area. You’re required to buy at least one drink per adult and they were a bit overpriced, but worth the experience. Although it was crowded we still managed to see it during sunset. Your kids will love watching all the performers from above and you can freely take pictures without being hassled to pay. Afterwards you can walk around the square and grab a bite to eat. If you want to have a guide to lead the way you can book a night tour here.

Great view over Jemaa el-Fnaa at sunset

We hope this gives you some ideas on things to do in Marrakech with a toddler. As you can see, Morocco is very kid-friendly and such an adventure for little ones! Read more about how we spent 10 days in Morocco with our daughter.

Have you brought your kids to Marrakech? Feel free to let us know more in the comments.

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Christie

Christie is a UI/UX Designer living in Brooklyn, NY. She is passionate about traveling the world with her family and learning about various cultures. In a dream life she would love to be a documentary photographer.

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  • It all looks like an amazing experience, but something I dream about is the view over Jemaa el-Fnaa square, I understand could be a little overpriced but yes, totally worth it.

    • It truly was! We had a blast there. The square was a must have experience no matter how busy it was. So unique to see! Plus lots of good food and fresh orange juice, yum :)

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Christie

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