Exploring Family-Friendly Activities for a Memorable Vacation in Morocco
1. Introduction to Family Vacations in Morocco
Traveling to Morocco with a family is a breathtaking journey filled with a little mystique. Families can enjoy family-friendly trips to visit the Sahara Desert’s vast dunes. Wander the ancient winding streets, partake in a ‘feast-and-fantasia’ at one of the medina’s opulent, chic riads in Marrakech. Spend a few days exploring the grand north’s bustling port cities. Tickle the nose of a truffle-snuffling pig in the lush mountains, and discover outlandish creatures created of topiaries in the lavish gardens of the dune-like coastline of Essaouira. Is your little one itching to climb aboard a camel – the ship of the desert? Sign up for a snap camel ride via Morocco’s Palm Grove, not far from Marrakech. Or experience the long and dusty paths riding the dunes of an overnight camel trek into the magnificent Erg Chegaga Desert. To elongate their trip, many families choose to embark on a tour after spending time in the cities. Families can explore this country through various tours designed to ignite the senses and a sense of connection to the unique energy, romance, mystery, and power of Morocco.
1. Introduction to Family Vacations in Morocco
Introduction As you plan your travels to Morocco, you may be curious about what sort of fun, family-friendly excursions the country has to offer. Morocco offers many pleasurable family-friendly activities, from children’s workshops in Marrakech to camel rides in Essaouira. A sweeping array of wonders awaits a family traveling to Morocco, encouraging young travelers to step out of their traditional environment and go on a vibrant journey.
2. Planning Your Family Vacation
Furthermore, you need to ascertain whether your family will enjoy exploring the cities, or if they would instead have a good time taking rural tours that terminally end in the dizzying Sahara. Are the family members beach people? If they are, who will enjoy Essaouira, Agadir, and Tangier, three of the major cities that are near to some of our hotel accommodations in respect of the beaches, but definitely not close to all. Finally, you need to plan the duration of your trip to ensure that the interests of all are met and not necessarily in the cities. The shopping, the food, the boys’ activities, the understanding of customs, or the time that many of the men on the trip may find themselves in the outdoors when the women might prefer to stay behind and explore the unique shops and diners on offer. It is vital that the genders are teased with those activities that will ensure the different moods and interests on the trip are well appreciated.
When planning a trip to Morocco for your family’s vacation, there are several things you need to consider to ensure that you have an enjoyable trip. For the type and number of activities especially, it is important that you find out the interests of your family members. Is it camel riding, a modern mall shopping spree or spending quality time in an original Berber village accessible only by a night’s camping? Alternatively, would the men prefer an overnight in one of the sumptuous hotels that line the ultra-modern cities of Fez and Marrakesh? Or could it be the unusual and informative site visits in other cities, with sites such as the stunning Hassan II Mosque always a stunning for any visitor?
2.1. Choosing the Right Time to Visit
Morocco, with its oft-touted 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, boasts a climate with sun to satisfy even the most sun-hungry holidaymaker. Along the Mediterranean coast, the climate is Mediterranean, while the Atlantic coast has an oceanic climate. The temperature in these areas tends to be between 60-70°F. Due to Morocco’s proximity to the Sahara Desert and the High Atlas region, the shores of the Atlantic coast and the small area around Essaouira become high-pressure areas after October. This prevents the humid air from transforming into much sought-after rain clouds, and only rarely does rainfall occur, mostly in the winter months, between February and March. As a result, Morocco enjoys predominantly sunny weather all year round, with annual rainfall in the drier regions, such as Agadir and Western Sahara, averaging only 6-8 inches. In addition, the country is occasionally whipped by the sirocco wind, but this is often short-lived and has been known to cool things down a bit on very hot days.
With its sun-kissed coastline, vibrant cityscapes, and colorful souks, Morocco has something to offer people of all ages. Sensory appeal is top of the list for little ones: the constant hubbub of Arabic conversations and the exotic sights and smells of cumin, coriander, and saffron heaped high in the souk will entertain children for hours. But to make a vacation in Morocco truly family-friendly, enjoyment – and a good dose of relaxation – has to be had by all, so choosing vacation activities and accommodation carefully is key.
2.2. Visa and Travel Documents Requirements
Morocco deals with digital nomads as visitors who come to Morocco to work remotely or to conduct business activities – virtual meetings, attending seminars, webinars, etc. They are engaging in professional activities for a foreign employer, while not being remunerated from a Moroccan source. In principle, digital nomads enter the country without a visa. However, there are instances when they may be required to apply for a work permit (in the event of an official mission or mandate). A passport, employment contract from the employer, and mission letter from the employer and a copy of their employer’s trade register are required to apply for a work permit. To stay more than 90 days, visitors may have to apply for a resident permit. The requirements for the resident permit are a long-stay visa, passport and a letter from the employer stating the reason for the long-term stay. The family who accompanies the work permit holder is not allowed to work when entering Morocco using a work permit.
Most visitors to Morocco do not need a visa and can stay up to 90 days. For travel documentation, all visitors’ passports must remain valid for at least six months after they enter the country. Visitors must also provide documentation that proves expected return or continuation of your trip. As travel documents’ requirements can change frequently, it is always important to check with an embassy or consulate for current information. Since Morocco is located in a time zone (GMT) that is different from your home country, it is essential to find out how your arrival and departure times, as well as flight dates, are affected by the change in time.
2.3. Health and Safety Considerations
We address coping problems faced by families who might take affirmative health and safety steps to protect themselves from the physical danger and health risks presented to them as they participate in ethnic tourism-related activities. Access to different skill levels, easily accessible and readily available information, required safe transportation, clean sanitation facilities, a lack of language barriers, food tolerance, and sanitary and safe dining conditions are discussed among coping problems unique to the special nature of family programs and cultural tourism field trips. A review of the importance of friendship encourages family event participation that will lead to remarkable and rewarding friendships. However, this type of work is important for festival organizers entering outside tourists as well. Help is offered in refining and better consularizing family-friendly programs to increase package tour and festival admission. Family-focused festivals should continue to be promoted.
Given local and global health standards and regulations, many trip participants feel a natural concern for their health and safety while traveling. Knowledge of enhanced medical services, reputable pharmacies, and safe hotel food and water supplies also minimize the potential complications of traveling during a Family Vacation Program in foreign environments. Family health and safety concerns appear to have increased as opportunities have lower travel costs, broadened age ranges for both adult and child participants, and the Household Accommodation Program has provided special recognition to these types of family members. For participation, family travel is significantly influenced by these health and safety considerations.
3. Top Family-Friendly Destinations in Morocco
Please note that prices are given for April 2018. These are prices for 2 adults and 2 children (16 and 12) in a quad room. They will most likely not apply if your children are younger than 12. Airbnb is probably the best option for budget family travel. For budget travel, be prepared for a shower and a toilet in the same room as your bed (which takes some adaptation, you have to wake up before the others), or forget about it. Whether you like it or not, this will be a new adventure every day. It is all a matter of being positive – and yes! It will be embarrassing to use the toilet, but you’ll get used to it. It’s just one foot at a time. However, the charm of meeting other people and the pleasure of sharing your daily experiences far outweigh the discomfort! Note that all prices were given for April 2018.
One thing to remember about traveling with children in Morocco is that Moroccans in general, and vendors in the medina (especially snake-charmers, monkeys…) love children (and thus very prone to give them things for them) and don’t think the same way as the parents do. Sometimes, it can be frightening for children to be ambushed by monkeys, have snakes be put onto their heads, not to mention the smells and sounds of the medina. To avoid unpleasant surprises, try to mentally prepare your kids as well and instruct them not to touch anything offered for free in the souks. Hostel and Riad owners are often very pleasant people and won’t mind the fact that you are traveling with a baby. Moroccan kids are always the center of attention and are often used to people from different cultures. However, remember that local customs of dress should be maintained in any formal area or in the presence of the elderly. Some families did Morocco with their little kids and they were the little attraction in the area!
3.1. Marrakech
Of all the areas in Marrakech, the Menara Gardens are the most impressive. What was once an area for the royals to gather has now become a public park, home to an abundance of lambs within the pavilions. The gardens can be found 2.5 kilometers from the city, making it the ideal place for a peaceful picnic away from the hustle and bustle of the souks. Another fantastic garden to see in Marrakech is the Majorelle garden, a place bursting with color. Claims of the nation’s most beautiful gardens are not unfounded. Created by Jacques Marjorelle, the gardens are designed to provide a sense of peace and tranquility which rejuvenate the spirit. Small in size and centered around a house with cubist architecture, the gardens demand around an hour of your time, though art lovers may want to stay a little longer to take in the sights.
Of the many attractions and activities in Morocco perfect for families, Marrakech is perhaps the most popular destination. With an abundance of family-friendly activities and excursions, Marrakech offers plenty in the way of accommodation and dining to keep children entertained and satisfied. The city’s numerous gardens and child-friendly restaurants ensure a memorable Moroccan holiday. While in Marrakech, plan to visit Jemaa el Fna Square, known for its wide variety of street performers and food vendors. Children are often delighted by a visit to the Majorelle Gardens while horse carriage or caliche rides around the city are another popular activity. Consider a side trip to one of the city’s surrounding green belts and gardens, horseback riding, camel trekking, or even a hot air balloon ride.
3.2. Fez
Fez comes after Marrakech as the second largest city in the kingdom with its eleven gates and 160 quarters, making it an undeniable major destination for visitors. It is home to several world-renowned Islamic institutions and is one of the Muslim world’s major cultural and intellectual centres. Historically, the University of Al Quaraouiyine, founded in 859 AD, is the world’s oldest continually operating academic degree-granting university. The city has been called the “Mecca of the West” and the “Athens of Africa”. The medina of Fez is considered one of the most extensive and best-preserved medieval Islamic towns in the world. Its narrow streets, covered bazaars (souks), and famous monuments such as the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, Mosque and University of Al Quaraouiyine, and Fes el-Bali, the oldest walled part of Fez, with its medieval axis overwhelmed by religious, cultural, and educational buildings reveal the city’s 1,200 years of history and heritage, thus adding to its tourist attractions. However, the city is also notable for the significant influence emigrants played in the economy of the city, and their legacy is the Agdal gardens. These gardens played an important role for several centuries and are the sources of learning for the present and future. These open green areas were established by a class elite of the society and became a space for performance and masquerade of power.
3.3. Essaouira
Further down the coast from Agadir is the town of Essaouira. As with many of Morocco’s cities and towns, the great Phoenician navigator’s presence is felt here too. Legends say that the Argan tree was spread throughout Morocco following Ulysses’s arrival in Essaouira. Today, the fortified Medina showcases this typical French-style grid of streets, with the Djedid riad being the most common guest house. Fonciere Mogador owns most of the riads in the Medina and is currently doing a fantastic job of restoring some of them, mainly with foreign money invested in stage one of their project. Many of the town’s cafés and the fresh fish restaurants of the old port are now not just places to get a bite to eat but real day trip destinations in their own right. In contrast to the other towns in this part of the coast, Essaouira has a wonderful zoo for families with children. The park is lovely, and the enclosures housing the animals are spacious by most Moroccan standards. The town also boasts a stunning beach that is excellent for surfing.
4. Family-Friendly Accommodation Options
It’s very important that you feel comfortable and truly at home when traveling with your family in Morocco. As an important mid-point in your journey, it’s critical that you find the ideal place to relax and recover before hitting the beautiful mountains for adventure. Your choices range from chambres d’hôtes in Ouirgane to the most fabulous French-style accommodation in the high-mountain valleys. You could also choose to make your stay in the Berber valleys entirely authentic and stay within a traditional, hand-built guesthouse, providing all of your favorite Moroccan cuisine. There is also the choice of renting a villa and creating your very own family sanctuary. The choices are many and, as with all good things in Morocco, helping you to find the one in a million location is what we’re here for!
4.1. Riads and Guesthouses
When traveling abroad, visitors want excellent facilities as well as an experience that is different from the one they can get at home. For families looking to visit Morocco, there are many different types of accommodation to try out. Riads and guesthouses provide a taste of typical Moroccan life in a safe and secure setting. They are typically very family-friendly compared to larger hotels. Instead of a chain hotel, families can try out a riad or guesthouse with several individual rooms, each of which is arranged around an open courtyard with a central fountain, often surrounded by a living room, library, or salon, possibly also with a restaurant. Alternatively, a guesthouse may offer several rooms in a house, which may or may not have a central courtyard. The beauty of these types of accommodation is that it is often possible to fill a complete floor with a large family, so children are free to run around without disturbing other guests. Normally, there is an open rooftop terrace where guests can relax outside, enjoy a meal, or read.
4.2. Resorts and All-Inclusive Hotels
While staying in an all-inclusive hotel or resort in Morocco may hinder your opportunities to interact with locals, some hotel properties offer a variety of amenities to make your stay memorable. A full-service resort typically has a pool staffed with lifeguards, where pool chess and exercises are offered. For children, the hotel provides play space within the hotel’s fenced property or indoors. All-inclusive guests are served meals at the hotel’s one or two restaurants, and the employer’s language person may work serving meals and selling day trips to the hotel’s guests as well. While your stay may not provide an authentic experience of the country, once in a while choosing this type of hotel can be a good option for a relaxing family trip. Resort hotels offer clean, modern spaces, fine dining, many activities and excursions, and if you wish, they can also provide meals for your supper.
5. Cultural Experiences for Families
Among the best cultural experiences for families with children in Marrakech is hiring a private guide for a tour of the old city. Unlike adults, children sometimes have limited patience for explanations. A children’s guide trained to provide you and your children with facts and legends in an amusing and enjoyable way will keep them happy and interested. For the children, the most important museums are the Lalla Meriem museum, which focuses on customs, clothing, and the Fez way of life, and the Batha Museum located in a splendid late 19th-century palace.
When going to Morocco with young children, seek out opportunities for hands-on cultural experiences. Examples include a pottery workshop in Fes or a private cooking class in Marrakech. Expose children to the rich and diverse Moroccan crafts by visiting craftsmen workshops. In Marrakech, you can visit Maison Tiskiwin, established by a Dutch non-profit organization. The collection presents a mixture of artifacts from different countries found along the ancient trans-Saharan trade routes. Bronze coins from the 8th and 9th centuries, jewelry, and textiles from the Sahara, items from China and Sudan, pottery, and baskets are among the many things you will find in the museum.
5.1. Visiting Traditional Markets
Rabat: Visiting the cities or historical sites located in all the cities where you will travel should be an attractive choice for family trips. Rabat is distinguished by its historical nature. Indeed, the city of difference is declared in the list of global heritage by UNESCO. Don’t miss out on the visit of the Kasbah of Oudaya and the Medina, where art and trade mix in perfect harmony of colors and scents for visitors. In Rabat, there are several other sites, like the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, where frequent exhibits of art and craft are held.
We will start with the main objective of every trip through Morocco, which is to visit the traditional markets. Many cities across the country host their special markets on various days of the week, and it is very interesting to visit the local market and see all different kinds of goods sold, from spices, pottery, crafts, vegetables, fruits, food, and other traditional products. Among the most popular and well-known traditional souks in the cities of Morocco are Rabat, Fez, and Marrakech.
5.2. Cooking Classes and Food Tours
The whole family will learn about some of the exotic spices that are such an integral part of Moroccan cuisine. The best cooking class is the ones that take you to a local fresh market first. This is when you will learn about Arabic food traditions. Entering an Arabic kitchen is forbidden, but the tour guide will take you to his private family house and you will prepare six courses. The chef is really friendly. Afterward, we ate the food at the rooftop with a beautiful sunset view over the blue city. Only one thing to say: it was just excellent.
The more adventurous might want to join a family-friendly cooking class from the bustling cities of Marrakech or Fez or the beach town of Essaouira, among many other popular tourist spots. In a family-friendly cooking class, the entire family will learn the secrets of the delicious Moroccan dishes. The best part is that tastes of how the dishes are coming along will be continually available to the class.
Morocco is a foodie paradise. It is only natural then that some of the family-friendly activities to do in Morocco involve food. Frugal families can wander around one of its many colorful souks and sample exotic fruits, fresh bread, delicious sweets, or local tajines for one meal of the day. This family-friendly activity works for all ages since kids love colors and tastes while it can be an amazing cultural and culinary experience for adults.
5.3. Music and Dance Performances
Popular shows that are easy to find include traditional authentic performances from the north, Gnaoua or Berber music and dance, and the vibrant performances of much-loved belly dance. Be sure to check with your local hotel reservations or a trustworthy travel agency for the best nearby performers. Guards, palaces, and castles, modern venues, riads, and open-air shows.
You will find some of the best live entertainment in Morocco. Moroccan music and dance performances are a great way to enjoy traditional culture and art while you are in Morocco. It is a fun experience available to all, while dining or sipping on tea. Pair the rich regional performers with a delicious dinner or a refreshing non-alcoholic Moroccan drink, and you get an unforgettable evening or afternoon. Depending on the season and your location in Morocco, shows will differ. Music is an essential part of every country’s culture, but in Morocco, it is part of the identity and history of the country and its people. The beauty of art and authenticity that these kals entertainers present to their audiences cannot be forgotten or replicated anywhere else.
6. Outdoor Adventures for Families
The craggy limestone spires and forested slopes of the Riff Mountains, the lower sprinkling of the Atlas Mountains north of Fes, boast some of the finest walking treks in the country. In Akchour, a 45-minute taxi ride from Chefchaouen through green olive groves, day-trippers (hikers or not) can plunge into cool pools beneath a tavern of waterfalls. In summer, it gets busy with Moroccans. The Ajdir Massif, with its farms and villages popping out of the limestone panorama, can be visited on a day hike from the town of Imperial city Meknes. Those with less time can take the short taxi ride from Tétouan to the lovely village of Genir and walk the short but steep ascent to the slopes above town and the falls with the biggest drop. At this elevation, the temperature is much cooler than sea level and usually shrouded in mist. Dress and appropriately plan for those little ones. The Riff Mountains may not boast the altitude, but they are perfect for families looking for fresh air and breathtaking views all the same.
Outdoor enthusiasts can easily spend a full ten days in Morocco and not scratch the surface of all their opportunities. If your family is not prone to motion sickness, the mountains offer the most fun. The central portion of these mountains is filled with impressive high peaks, deep mountain valleys, steep canyon walls, and lush riverbanks. The Ouîrgane and Ourika Valleys are popular setting-off points for mildly active family excursions into the Atlas but are not beyond all levels of abilities thanks to the abundance of sure-footed, four-legged, mountain companions. There are several local companies that offer guided day trips into these mountains from Marrakech. Travelers experience the rural Moroccan way of life with these easy day outings, allowing small children, expectant mothers, and middle-agers to stop and smell the wild mint.
6.1. Camel Trekking in the Sahara
The big daddy of the dunes experience, this opens up one of the highlights of any visit to Morocco. Dune leaping, quad biking, sandboarding, or simply rolling down the dunes are all exhilarating options, and the breathtaking sunset views make it even more special. Do remember that there is nothing to stop you from enjoying those views equally and much more cheaply from simply strolling through the nearest dune corridor outside the kasbah too. Slightly younger kids may feel safer with a gradual hill climb rather than having to scramble down again right away – everyone knows rabbits die of fright just before they hit the ground, don’t they? Use a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock, and bring a sun umbrella.
Our day’s activities continue with what is probably the most quintessentially African activity available: camel trekking in the Sahara. This long, slow swaying journey on the “ship of the desert” is something babies, children, and grown-ups are all equally likely to remember with delight, and in the visual and aural silence of the dunes, you can appreciate that these are creatures supremely adapted to their environment. Wear light, long, cotton clothes and use a scarf to cover your hair if it is windy. Note that the camels have a different daily schedule, so this trip will replace another activity. It is also worth booking a longer trip (at least 40 minutes each way) if you want to reach the dune face and explore. Consider bringing a sun umbrella and wearing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
6.2. Hiking in the Atlas Mountains
Indeed, Morocco, with all of its allure, is that family-friendly destination. The extensive list of activities, suitable for family enjoyment and participation, goes on and on. Among the favorites are hiking the coastal trail in the sand dunes near the historic town of Essaouira, known as the “Wind City of Africa” and a UNESCO World Heritage site; visiting the Barbary apes in the Auforest; and strolling around Marrakech and Fes, soaking in all the sights and sounds of the bustling medinas at the center of it all, and taking a ride in a carriage. Certainly, with all these activities, why wouldn’t Morocco be at the top of the list for a classic family vacation destination? Hiking in the beautiful Atlas Mountains is another highlight of a Moroccan family vacation.
Morocco, a place of rich history and wondrous beauty, delivers endless memorable and extraordinary moments. Offering the perfect combination of activities and sites, explore historic 2,220-year-old ruins, tranquil and colorful gardens, ancient and bustling medinas, desert sand dunes, palaces of noble sultans, captivating coastlines, striking mountains, and vibrant marketplaces selling a myriad of crafts. Only a perfect family-friendly place can offer sandboarding and camel riding in the desert, having a picnic on a beach, hiking a coastal trail, playing with wild monkeys, being charmed by snake charmers, and feeling the wind ripple your Berber garb while riding a camel in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
6.3. Beach Activities in Coastal Towns
Al Hoceima is an old favorite of Moroccan families and tourists who stay in this northern part of Morocco in the summer months to enjoy the sun, beach, relaxed atmosphere, and gorgeous views on a returning sea resemblance to the Mediterranean Italian coastline evasion. The beach towns offer accommodation suitable for families with more or fewer facilities for children. The places listed here respect the children as persons with entitled rights and have policies that are as much as possible eco-friendly. They practically apply systems that are also environmentally sustainable, including the reuse of bath towels, the program of energy-saving for water heating, the collection of waste, and child-friendly personnel to make Margarida and Rafa have a genuinely memorable vacation.
Visiting the Moroccan coast, from north to south, along the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean, allows numerous opportunities to relax, exercise, and recover from the busy and hot day indoors in the bustling cities of the region. There are several towns worth including in a relaxed itinerary in your Moroccan vacation planner. Early in the morning and at the end of the afternoon, the sun is the best time to sunbathe, walk, run, and play on the vast beaches stretching along this part of Morocco. The relaxed atmosphere, the fun on the sand and salty water, and the beautiful sunsets empower family ties. Coastal towns offer ideal services to visitors, including restaurants with comfortable terraces to taste seafood, charming guesthouses and hotels, local craft shops, and promenades.
7. Educational and Historical Sites for Children
The sand dunes with their various formations and structures also provide a welcome distraction for children. The guidebook “In Morocco” has dedicated a special section to 35 family-friendly activities that help the children to learn about and understand these special facts located from the north to the south of Morocco. When adults help children to observe, interpret, and organize their experiences into a broad context, they develop a sense of wonder, reverence, and connection to the earth and the biotic community. These shared emotions and experiences help to establish deeper family bonds and make the trip an unforgettable adventure.
There are 12 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Morocco, three of which are on the tentative list. Some of Morocco’s natural sites are not suitable for small children, especially the volcanoes in the Canary Islands and the Western High Atlas and the Western Mediterranean region. Caves and their mysterious formations are not suitable for families who have trouble fitting into narrow paths. Therefore, we will focus on the chosen historical and cultural UNESCO sites of Morocco. These sites provide the whole family with a fascinating journey into the human past and its struggle to shape a living environment in what were often very harsh conditions. Not only are the remains of the buildings in these locations fascinating, but all those different objects of daily use in the household give children unique insights into life in different times.
7.1. Medinas and Kasbahs
Explore the ancient medinas of Morocco. The winding streets, lined with colorful shops, offer a host of treasures and souvenirs unique to this region. Potters haggle over the price of a ceramic plate, spice dealers offer sweet scents to the passersby, and rug dealers unfold colorful patterns for potential buyers. The medinas of Fes, Marrakech, Rabat, and Essaouira are each unique and have a character and charm all their own. Separate enclosed areas, the kasbahs of Morocco offer insight into the history of Morocco. Visit the antechambers and imagine the deal-making and politics that once held sway here. Well-preserved and offering spectacular views, this is a great place for a hands-on history lesson. By choosing Morocco for your vacation, each family member is sure to find something that engages and piques their interest. Choose well-located Morocco accommodations to optimize your memories and experiences.
7.2. Archaeological Sites
What’s lovely about Volubilis is that not only does it offer stunning panoramas of the surrounding areas, including the Zerhoun and the Rif Mountains, the ancient structures within this historical site also come in perfect condition – even with hexagonal floor mosaics still intact. Many head to Volubilis as a day trip destination from Fez, and spend about 1-2 hours here to explore the site, but there is no harm overestimating the span of time here as spending 3-4 hours in Volubilis allows visitors to take a good stroll of the entire site without feeling too rushed. An abundance of local guides is available at the visitors’ entrance area who can give in-depth insight to Volubilis and its preserved buildings. Additionally, it’s possible to combine a tour of Volubilis with Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, which is located about 4 km south of the historical site. However, soaking in the atmosphere of Volubilis itself should be the highlight. Reaching Volubilis in the early morning or before sunset also offers some photogenic opportunities, with the softer light yield by these timings making the landscapes look even more dramatic.
Touting as the Rome of Morocco, Volubilis is a must-see for vacationers who are into the exploration of archaeological sites. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 and is located about a 1.5-hour drive from the city of Fez and serves as an interesting day trip from the city. Visitors who are coming from the city of Meknes, on the other hand, can reach Volubilis by car in just 40 minutes.
7.3. Museums and Art Galleries
The research results show that in the exhibition halls of the museum, tens of exhibitions are displayed related to the traditional tapestry, rug, and fabric colored with local herbal dyes. The metal handicraft activities studied in copper, iron, and silver material mostly consist of items which are kitchen tools and accessories, eating & drinking appliances, and personal use tools. The breeding, production, and display of the products according to the traditional pattern helps the placing of the heritage as a product in tourism practice. The product and process design can be oriented through the crafts, artifacts, and artworks related to culture and they would be exhibited in young artists of the future generations. In order to proceed with the recommendations, education and training are considered essential features.
The practical areas in tents of ethnographic museums have ceramic, metal, and textile artifacts. Most of the artifacts in the museums are crafted by artisans from Cihanbeyli district and other Konya regions. The research was conducted in the observation model based on artisans under the culture stock items evaluated by the exposition in the ethnographic museums to protect the traditional handicrafts. The aim of the research is to evaluate the potential of ethnographic museums in the protection of traditional handicrafts and the development of creative industries. The photographs of the items in culture stock located in the ethnographic museum were taken and analyzed. The source data were composed of primary sources and the artifacts in the ethnographic museums.
8. Family-Friendly Restaurants and Dining Options
If staying in a riad, find out about making up picnic lunches to free you up to choose more how and when to dine. There are good snack options close to hand to riads situated around the square and along the back alleyways. Grand Cafe de la Poste is good for lunches close to the Koutoubia Mosque and gardens. They do a twist on kebabs; those in the know get the outside tables to the right and front of the restaurant to watch the world head down to the Koutoubia Mosque for prayers. Kebab is much better with mint tea on the balcony looking at the Mosque. These are just helpful clues we found out about which might make your meal more hassle-free.
There are budget options available at Palais El Badia, a Moroccan restaurant where reservations are required. Marrakech Food Tours is another Marrakech culinary experience for the adventurous family. At the high end, try Maison Arabe, one of the finest dining experiences in Marrakech. It’s a touch expensive but it’s worth it. Choose between two restaurants: an a la carte Moroccan restaurant and a Moroccan food the Marrakech foodie must try.
9. Tips for Traveling with Children in Morocco
Book yourself into child-friendly hotels that have other children of your children’s age. The small, impersonal riads may seem like a good idea, giving the authentic feel of Morocco, yet the lack of other children to befriend only makes your holiday more tiresome with a little one. Quiet, supportive, helpful, and obliging riads may be honey to some parents’ ears. Containment of our children; four walls and no other little ones surrounding us, ended up with our daughter attacking the bedroom walls as her entire world had come to rest within these confines. The frenetic energy of having other children around and someone to play with after a day of sightseeing can only help the child’s adjustment to the new journey.
If you want to have a successful family holiday in a foreign country, you may want to consider these basic questions. If traveling in Morocco, having a little bit of knowledge of what would suit our children aged ten, thirteen, and sixteen was essential. As I hadn’t traveled around Morocco before, every day was a new venture. Tip number one: Unaccompanied male attention to your daughter starts at around ten years old, sometimes younger. Ensure, as a parent, that you establish the ground rules of dressing and social interaction from an earlier age. French teenagers go to bed late, eat big meals late (from 8-10 pm), and socialize freely in all the tourist destinations.
9.1. Packing Essentials
It is important to pack plenty of baby wear, diapers, powdered milk, and baby or child-friendly products before your trip, especially if your child is used to a particular brand. Additionally, if your child is fussy about any specific things, it is best to bring them along as well. If you have small kids who are learning how to walk, it is wise to bring along a stroller or pram. Ensure that you also pack any necessary medications for trips that may involve a long stay. Children can get sick suddenly, and it may be hard to get a doctor who speaks the language you speak. Also, the medications that you are used to may not be easy to get in cases of emergencies.
When planning to go to Morocco, especially with children or family members, there are a few must-have items to bring along. Bear in mind that in Morocco, especially in the smaller cities or towns, it may be hard to find baby or child-friendly products. Many items are frowned upon or are very foreign to the locals in such areas, so it may be hard and time-consuming to get what you need.
9.2. Cultural Etiquette and Customs
It’s lovely to teach your children a little Arabic before they go. “As-salāmu ʿalaykum” (good day), “shukran” (thank you), and “afwan” (you’re welcome) are wonderful ways for your children to engage with the local people. However, there’s nothing wrong with teaching your children the benefits of being a clever tourist either. Knowing a little French will come in handy (“d’ou”), and picking up some Berber will truly astound the locals. As for haggling, when it’s done the Moroccan way, it’s okay. If some locals eagerly show off their children to you while they try to sell you something though, it’s time for a firm no. When it comes to the local children, why not take along some colored pencils and paper as a small gift? It’s difficult to do when traveling as light as possible, but a pack of cards or a small game might be a good idea.
Moroccans are known for being an incredibly welcoming group of people. Your children will be treated with just as warm and friendly a welcome as you. That said, it’s important to dress modestly in Morocco as throughout the country, displays of public affection are frowned upon. Dressing more modestly, save for the beach, is a nice way of showing respect for the local customs and the melting pot of cultures that will be all around you. Helmets for motorbike or quad rides are expected in Morocco, but the staff will always assess the size and age of the children before setting off. Wearing something like a cover-up over your bikini while on the way to the beach or by the pool will be seen as a sign of respect.
9.3. Transportation Tips
Keep your passports safe at all times. We had the unfortunate experience of paying a penalty fee because my kids lost their immigration forms at the airport. Have one person in charge to keep these forms throughout the travels. Even if the agents don’t stamp your passport upon departure (or arrival – they are terrible at stamping passports), they can deny you and your family entry to the country the next time you want to come back.
If you are traveling to Morocco with a family, consider using their comfortable, luxury bus service. CTM offers quality service throughout the country and has a variety of buses offering first and second-class service. This is a better option for families as the buses are large, comfortable, and have a lot of stoppages. Ensure safe travels and use a service from a licensed bus or Grand Taxi (a little white car with a taxi sign) service. Private hire cars can be costly, so it’s a good idea to stick to buses, trains, or grand taxis. Petit-taxis, with their grumpy old men drivers, are not allowed to travel beyond city limits and aren’t family-friendly simply because they’re not large enough to accommodate a family.
10. Conclusion and Final Tips for a Successful Family Vacation
We hope that the compilation of factual and practical information reported in this chapter allows families to base their decision of engaging in a family trip in Morocco on an adequate assessment of the tradeoffs associated with host-guest encounters, long walks in front of market windows, frequent use of their five senses for a variety of expected and unexpected pleasures, and varied sleeping time periods that never align. To conclude our adventure, our quest for validated knowledge began with a trivia question asking why families from all over the world visit Morocco, a non-aligned country. Any answer would have been correct as this historical monarchy kingdom, Morocco, offers wealthy multifaceted beauty and exotic experiences for every member of the traveling family from dawn to sunset throughout the entire calendar year.
Traveling with kids to a foreign country in the Middle East region can bring a mix of excitement and worry to any involved parent. We hope that our on-site travel experience has provided our audiences with useful knowledge on fitting as many family-friendly activities as possible, involving children, regardless of their age, in all phases of the travel process (i.e., planning, logistics, and self-guided tours), capturing photo memories with kids without engaging in Photography Business as “barefaced” thieves, maximizing exposure to multiple cultural differences, and minimizing parent-care and child-ren stress levels in preparing and traveling to Morocco. Our final anecdotal tip is to cherish every smile that people express no matter how simple, obvious, or loud. Environmental volatility awaits us at home.