10 Best Family Things to Do in Marrakech

The Jardin Majorelle is one of Marrakech’s most iconic sites. Its sprawling garden, featuring over 300 plant species such as cacti, palms, water lilies and bamboo, is a great place for kids to roam. Spend the day admiring botanical wonders, relaxing at the courtyard cafe or checking out the Musée Berbère’s exhibits. The electric-blue villa that crowns the complex makes the perfect backdrop for a family photo.

This spot is just a 10-minute taxi ride from the city centre. It’s popular with tourists, so It’s best to get there early in the morning and purchase advance tickets to avoid a long wait.

Tucked away in the heart of the Marrakech Medina, Le Jardin Secret is one of the city’s best-kept secrets. This 400-year-old oasis is strewn with sculptures, ponds and a rich variety of plants such as fig, olive and bougainvillea. As you wander the grounds with your children, admire the elegant Islamic-style architecture and look out for the colourful birds and fish that inhabit the spot. After a refreshing stroll, unwind with a cup of mint tea at the rooftop cafe.

Keep your eye on the event calendar as this venue often hosts art workshops and cooking classes. The gift shop features a variety of locally handcrafted items. Admission to Le Jardin Secret is free for children under 6.

Oasiria is Morocco’s biggest water park. With attractions for all ages, this spot offers great fun for the entire family. Expect to find everything from water slides and wave pools to rock-climbing walls and restaurants. Highlights include the largest wave pool in Africa, a 600-metre lazy-river cruise and the pirate-ship-themed Pirate Lagoon.

After you’ve had your fill of aquatic thrills, treat yourself to ice cream or pizza at one of the on-site cafes. Oasiria is less than 6 miles from the centre of Marrakech.

Jemaa el-Fna Square, one of Marrakech’s main cultural hubs, bubbles with activity each day. Here you can expect to find all kinds of entertainment and wonders for the entire family: Henna tattoo artists, fortune-tellers, poets, dancers, comedians, snake-charmers and Berber musicians all frequent this hot spot.

At the stalls, you’ll find an array of quintessentially Moroccan items, such as mint leaves, local spices and traditional medicine. Sample local delicacies such as tajine, fried fish and hearty soups. You can also take in views of the square from a distance at one of the many rooftop cafes that flank it.

Anima Garden is a whimsical spot that combines modern art with botany. As you explore the picture-perfect premises, look out for the sculptures that seamlessly blend in with the bamboo, palm tree and cacti groves. The garden’s collection includes masterpieces by the likes of Picasso and Rodin. There are also 2 exhibition rooms that feature artwork from around the globe.

This spot also offers spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains. At the on-site café, Paul Bowles, enjoy a meal made with ingredients grown in the garden. Anima Garden is just a few miles from central Marrakech. Entry is free for children aged 11 and below.

Cool off with your family at Red Beach, the beach closest to Marrakech. Known locally as “the Plage Rouge”, this spot is actually a beach club filled with artificial sand. Kick back on the facility’s cosy lounge chairs as you soak in the Moroccan sun or take a dip in the enormous swimming pool.

Ample food and beverage options and live music make Red Beach a fun getaway for the family. It’s conveniently located just a few miles from the city.

The Koutoubia Gardens – also known to locals as Lalla Hassna Park – is a charming green space located right next to Jemaa el-Fna. Dotted with fountains, pools and shaded benches, it’s a great place to enjoy a pleasant picnic or stroll with your family, away from the hustle and bustle of the markets.

The park offers great views of the iconic Koutoubia Mosque’s minaret, and the immaculate rose bushes make a great backdrop for a family photo. Entry is free and the park is always open.

Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century, is one of the must-see spots in Marrakech. The palace covers over 80,000 square feet and children will enjoy exploring its expansive maze of rooms, courtyards and gardens. As you wander the complex, take time to appreciate the beautifully ornate architecture featuring stuccos, colourful mosaics, woodwork and marble.

The palatial gardens are just as impressive as the interior, with graceful fountains that sit under the shade of jasmine, olive, orange and cypress trees. Bahia Palace is located in the south-eastern tip of the Marrakech Medina.

Moulay Abdel Salam is a green oasis with a modern twist – among the citrus groves are high-speed Wi-Fi stations and telephone booths, which is why it’s also called Cyber Park. You can catch up on emails while you relax under the shade of palm trees.

The park also has a museum where you can learn about the history of telecommunications – youngsters will enjoy seeing their collection of old-fashioned phones and devices. There is also a cafe on the park premises where you can grab a quick bite to eat.

Rahba Kedima Square is one of the more traditional market squares. Here you can find a variety of interesting items, including carpets, woollen hats, raffia bags, herbs, spices and even scorpions and snails. Hand-woven baskets are a popular item here and you can see the artisans in action.

Once you’ve perused the selection, take a break with a cup of mint tea or fresh juice at a nearby cafe. Cafe des Epices and Gourmet Cafe are among the most renowned eateries in this area.