17-Day Epic Morocco Family Journey: A Relaxed & Kid-Friendly Guide
Morocco is a sensory wonderland that offers a surprisingly family-friendly environment for those traveling with children. This 17-day itinerary avoids the typical rush, focusing on comfortable intercity travel via Morocco’s excellent rail network and private transfers, ensuring that even the youngest travelers stay energized. From stroller-friendly coastal promenades to wide-open desert spaces, this journey covers the kingdom's cultural heart while maintaining a relaxed, manageable pace.
We prioritize accessibility and child-centric activities, such as hands-on pottery workshops in Fes and gentle camel treks in the Merzouga dunes. By staying in family-run riads with spacious courtyards and selecting destinations with shorter transit times, your family can soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the souks and the serenity of the Atlas Mountains without the stress of over-scheduling.
Day 1: Casablanca, Morocco - Arrival & Coastal Ease
Arrival at Mohammed V International Airport
Complete immigration and take a pre-booked transfer to your hotel. The airport is well-equipped with elevators, making it easy to navigate with a stroller.
Hassan II Mosque (Exterior)
Marvel at the world's tallest minaret. The vast marble courtyard is flat and perfect for toddlers to run around while you admire the intricate tilework.
La Corniche Stroll
Walk along the paved Atlantic boardwalk. It is entirely stroller-accessible and lined with cafes where you can grab a refreshing mint tea.
Dinner at Rick's Café
Enjoy a family dinner in this famous recreated movie set. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming to well-behaved children.
Day 2: Casablanca, Morocco - Modern Landmarks
Hassan II Mosque Guided Tour
Take an interior tour of one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims. The scale is breathtaking and educational for older children.
Lunch at Habous District
Explore the 'New Medina' which has wider streets and a calmer atmosphere than traditional souks, making it much easier to navigate with kids.
Parc de la Ligue Arabe
A beautifully renovated park with palm-lined paths and plenty of shade, ideal for a relaxed afternoon picnic.
Morocco Mall Aquarium
Visit the massive cylindrical aquarium inside the mall, a guaranteed hit for children who need a break from historical sites.
Day 3: Rabat, Morocco - The Imperial Capital
Al-Boraq High-Speed Train
Travel to Rabat in just 1 hour. These modern trains have dedicated luggage racks and clean restrooms, perfect for families.
Kasbah of the Udayas
Explore the blue-and-white walled city-within-a-city. While some alleys have stairs, the main paths are relatively smooth.
Hassan Tower & Mausoleum
Visit this iconic unfinished minaret. The surrounding plaza is wide and flat, offering great photo opportunities without the crowds.
Rabat Beach Sunset
Watch the sunset by the Atlantic where local families gather. It’s a great spot for kids to play in the sand.
Day 4: Rabat, Morocco - Ancient Ruins & Gardens
Chellah Necropolis
Explore these Roman and Islamic ruins. The site is sprawling and features many storks nesting on the ruins, which fascinates children.
Lunch in the Agdal District
Dine in the modern part of the city where cafes offer high chairs and kid-friendly international menus.
Andalusian Gardens
Located within the Kasbah, these gardens are cool, quiet, and full of colorful flowers and cats (a favorite for Moroccan kids).
Rabat Ville Shopping
Walk the broad sidewalks of Avenue Mohammed V, which are very stroller-friendly and feature French-style bakeries.
Day 5: Fes, Morocco - Journey to the Medieval Heart
Train to Fes
Enjoy a scenic 3-hour train ride. The first-class cabins offer more legroom and a quieter environment for napping children.
Bab Boujloud (The Blue Gate)
Start your Fes experience at this iconic gate. It’s the easiest entry point for finding your bearings in the medina.
Jnan Sbil Gardens
Take a break from the medina’s intensity in these royal gardens. They are some of the most stroller-accessible green spaces in Fes.
Rooftop Dinner
Find a restaurant overlooking the medina. Watching the city light up as the call to prayer echoes is a magical family memory.
Day 6: Fes, Morocco - Artisans & Alleys
Chouara Tannery Viewpoint
View the famous dye vats from a leather shop balcony. Shopkeepers usually provide mint sprigs to help kids with the strong smell.
Al-Attarine Madrasa
Visit this historic school to see some of the most intricate wood carvings and zellij tilework in Morocco.
Family Pottery Workshop
Many workshops on the outskirts of Fes allow children to try their hand at the potter's wheel under the guidance of masters.
Mellah (Jewish Quarter) Exploration
Walk through the Mellah, which has distinct architecture and wider streets compared to the rest of the Fes el-Bali medina.
Day 7: Ifrane & Midelt, Morocco - The Middle Atlas Drive
Drive to Ifrane
Stop in 'Little Switzerland.' This town is incredibly clean, flat, and features a famous stone lion statue that kids love.
Cèdre Gouraud Forest
Meet the Barbary macaques. You can buy peanuts to feed the monkeys, which is often the highlight of the trip for children.
Lunch in Midelt
This mountain town is famous for its apples. Enjoy a hearty tajine before continuing the descent toward the desert.
Ziz Valley Overlook
Witness thousands of palm trees from above. It’s a perfect, easy stop to stretch legs before the final push to the desert edge.
Day 8: Merzouga, Morocco - Entering the Sahara
4x4 Desert Excursion
Take a 4x4 tour around the Erg Chebbi dunes. It’s more comfortable for young children than a long camel ride in the midday sun.
Khamlia Village Music
Listen to traditional Gnawa music. The rhythmic drumming is engaging for kids, and the performers often invite them to join in.
Sunset Camel Trek
Ride into the dunes as the sun sets. For families, guides can arrange for two people to share a camel or walk alongside for safety.
Stargazing at Camp
The Sahara sky is incredibly clear. Many camps have telescopes and storytellers to explain the constellations to the family.
Day 9: Merzouga, Morocco - Dunes & Relaxation
Sunrise over Erg Chebbi
Wake up early to see the dunes turn bright orange. It’s a peaceful moment before the heat of the day kicks in.
Sandboarding for Kids
The soft sand makes for a safe and thrilling 'snowboarding' experience. Even small children can slide down the smaller dunes.
Poolside Afternoon
Many desert hotels near the dunes offer day passes to their pools. A perfect way to escape the desert heat with the family.
Traditional Berber Dinner
Enjoy 'Berber Pizza' (Madfouna), a local specialty that is hearty and usually very popular with children.
Day 10: Tinghir, Morocco - The Todra Gorge
Drive to Tinghir
The drive passes through several ancient irrigation systems (khettaras), which are fascinating for older children to explore.
Todra Gorge Walk
Walk through the massive canyon. The floor of the gorge is flat and paved, making it entirely stroller-accessible and very cool.
Palmeraie Garden Walk
Follow the easy paths through the date palms and watch local farmers at work. It's an educational and tranquil stroll.
Check into a Kasbah Hotel
Stay in a renovated traditional mud-brick fortress. These hotels often have thick walls that keep the rooms naturally cool.
Day 11: Ouarzazate, Morocco - The Hollywood of Africa
Atlas Film Studios
Tour the sets of famous movies like Gladiator and Star Wars. Kids love exploring the 'ancient' Egyptian and Roman sets.
Lunch at Taourirt Kasbah
Dine right across from this historic landmark. The kasbah interior is a maze that older kids will enjoy exploring.
Ait Benhaddou Visit
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site. While there are stairs, the lower parts of the village are manageable for a walk.
Sunset Over the Oued
Watch the sun set over the riverbed at Ait Benhaddou for one of the most iconic views in Morocco.
Day 12: Marrakech, Morocco - Crossing the High Atlas
Tizi n'Tichka Pass
The drive to Marrakech is spectacular. There are many 'Argan Oil' cooperatives along the way that offer interesting demonstrations.
Arrival & Riad Lunch
Settle into your Marrakech home. A quiet lunch in a leafy courtyard is the best way to introduce kids to the city's energy.
Koutoubia Mosque Gardens
The gardens surrounding the mosque are flat, well-maintained, and offer a great space for kids to play safely.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Evening
The square comes alive with storytellers and musicians. Stick to the edges for a more relaxed experience with a stroller.
Day 13: Marrakech, Morocco - Gardens & Palaces
Jardin Majorelle
The bright blue house and exotic plants are a visual treat. It’s very popular, so arriving at opening time is essential for families.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Located right next to the garden, this modern museum is air-conditioned and has wide hallways perfect for strollers.
Bahia Palace
Explore the stunning courtyards. Most of the palace is on one level, making it one of the more accessible historic sites.
Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam
A high-tech park with free Wi-Fi and beautiful walkways. It's very popular with local families and very safe for children.
Day 14: Marrakech, Morocco - Souks & Cooking
Family Cooking Class
Many riads offer kid-friendly classes where children can help make traditional Moroccan bread or simple salads.
The Souks Exploration
Visit the Dyer’s Souk and the Spice Souk. Focus on the wider main thoroughfares like Souk Semmarine for easier stroller use.
Le Jardin Secret
An elegant garden hidden in the medina with a cafe and clean facilities—an ideal 'reset' spot during a busy day.
Henna Art Experience
Let the kids get a temporary henna tattoo at a reputable cafe. Ensure they use natural henna (orange/brown), not black henna.
Day 15: Essaouira, Morocco - The Windy City
Bus to Essaouira
The 3-hour bus ride is easy and comfortable. Supratours is the recommended company for reliable, air-conditioned service.
Lunch at the Port
Choose fresh fish at the stalls near the harbor. It’s an interactive experience where kids can see the catch of the day.
Essaouira Beach
The beach is wide and the sand is perfect for building castles. The water is shallow, though often too windy for a long swim.
Skala de la Ville
Walk along the sea bastions. The cannons and the view of the waves crashing are very exciting for children.
Day 16: Essaouira, Morocco - Coastal Relaxation
Medina Exploration
Essaouira’s medina is much flatter and wider than Marrakech’s, making it the most stroller-friendly ancient city in Morocco.
Art Gallery Hopping
Essaouira is an artist’s hub. Many galleries are located on the ground floor and are very welcoming to families.
Gelato on the Square
Place Moulay Hassan is the perfect spot for kids to enjoy a treat while parents watch the world go by from a cafe.
Sunset at the Ramparts
Join the locals on the city walls for the final sunset of your trip. The atmosphere is joyous and communal.
Day 17: Essaouira to Casablanca - Homeward Bound
Final Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some local Thuya wood carvings or Argan oil. The prices here are often better and the shopping is lower-pressure.
Transfer to Casablanca
A private transfer is the most comfortable way to get back to Casablanca (approx. 4.5 hours) for your departing flight.
Last Moroccan Meal
Enjoy one last tajine at a quiet restaurant before heading to the airport or your final hotel.
Departure Preparation
Organize your photos and enjoy the final evening of Moroccan hospitality before your journey home.
Best Time to Visit Morocco
The best time for a family trip to Morocco is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm but not scorching, making long days of sightseeing comfortable for children. Winter (December to February) is also good for the desert and cities, though it can get quite chilly at night in the Atlas Mountains and riads.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While high-end hotels and modern shops in Casablanca or Marrakech accept credit cards, Morocco remains a cash-heavy society, especially in the souks and smaller towns. ATMs are widely available in cities. Tipping is customary; a small 5-10% tip at restaurants or a few dirhams for porters is always appreciated.
Getting Around Morocco
For intercity travel, the ONCF train network is excellent, connecting Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech. The Al-Boraq high-speed train between Casablanca and Tangier is world-class. For reaching the desert or the coast (Essaouira), comfortable CTM or Supratours buses are the standard. For families, hiring a private driver for the mountain and desert segments is highly recommended for flexibility and comfort.
