Day Trip to Morocco With Kids: 10 Things to Do With Kids

Discover Morocco's most exciting family adventures that will transform your kids into desert explorers and cultural treasure hunters.

You’ll find Morocco offers incredible family adventures that’ll captivate kids of all ages. Let them sandboard down Sahara dunes, explore 2,000-year-old Roman ruins at Volubilis, and create pottery using ancient techniques. Your children can enjoy camel rides through desert landscapes, splash at Oasiria Waterpark near Marrakech, and swim in Paradise Valley’s natural pools. Take guided treasure hunts through traditional medinas, learn Moroccan cooking together, and trek Atlas Mountains on mule back. Discover how each activity transforms into unforgettable family memories.

Sandboarding Adventures in the Sahara Desert

sandboarding in sahara desert

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to surf down giant sand mountains? Morocco’s Sahara Desert offers incredible sandboarding adventures perfect for families with kids.

You’ll find beginner-friendly slopes at locations like Tinfou Dunes near Zagora or the Small Sahara near Taghazout, just 30 minutes away. These spots feature medium-sized dunes where kids can safely learn the ropes.

Most tours provide all equipment and quick tutorials from local guides. Your children can start by sitting or lying on boards if they’re not confident standing up.

The golden sand dunes offer smooth, consistent surfaces ideal for riding. This exciting activity helps kids develop better balance and coordination while having an absolute blast in the desert.

Plan your visit between October and April when temperatures stay comfortable at 20-30°C.

Half-day tours work perfectly for families wanting manageable desert experiences.

Explore Ancient Roman Ruins at Volubilis

While your kids might think ancient history sounds boring, Morocco’s Volubilis ruins will change their minds completely. This UNESCO World Heritage Site near Meknes offers an incredible adventure through Morocco’s finest Roman ruins, where children can explore a real ancient city that once housed 20,000 people.

Your family will walk through remarkably preserved streets, discovering stunning mosaics with vivid colors that’ve survived nearly 2,000 years. Kids love spotting the remains of 16 bakeries and 20 mills, imagining daily life in this bustling Roman settlement. The site’s dry climate has helped preserve these ancient treasures, keeping the mosaics, statuary, and inscriptions in remarkable condition for families to enjoy today.

The triumphal arch and thermal baths provide perfect photo opportunities while sparking curiosity about ancient civilizations.

Located beneath Zerhoun mountain, Volubilis makes an ideal day trip from major cities, combining education with excitement as your children step back in time.

Treasure Hunt Through Traditional Medinas

fes medina family treasure hunt

After exploring Morocco’s ancient past, transform your family adventure into an exciting treasure hunt through Fes’s legendary medina. App-guided scavenger hunts through platforms like Let’s Roam turn this maze-like UNESCO site into an interactive playground where kids solve riddles and discover hidden gems.

Your hunt covers 3+ miles, stopping at landmarks like the iconic Bab Bou Jeloud Blue Gate and Dar Batha Museum. Children complete photo challenges, hunt for cultural items like tagines and leather bags, and solve puzzles at the University of al-Qarawiyyin’s mosaic stations. For younger children, adapt the scavenger hunt with easier sights to ensure everyone can participate successfully in this cultural adventure.

These self-guided adventures adapt to different ages, letting you explore at your own pace while learning about artisan traditions and Morocco’s imperial history. Team competitions and leaderboards keep everyone engaged throughout this unforgettable cultural expedition.

Splash and Play at Oasiria Waterpark

When the Moroccan heat becomes too intense, Oasiria Waterpark offers the perfect family escape just 10 minutes from Marrakech’s bustling center.

Morocco’s largest water park spans 10 hectares with 20 attractions and 8 swimming pools, operating daily from 10am to 6pm.

Your kids will love the dedicated splash zones with mini slides and shallow pools, while older children can tackle the 17 giant water slides including the thrilling 25-meter Suicide Bomber.

The lazy river provides relaxation for all ages, and Africa’s largest wave pool creates ocean-like sensations.

Qualified lifeguards monitor all areas, and there’s an on-site infirmary for peace of mind.

You’ll find restaurants, lounger rentals, and complimentary bus service from the Medina for convenient transportation.

Entry costs approximately €19 for children and €29 for adults, with babies entering free, making it an affordable day out for the whole family.

Learn Moroccan Cooking in Hands-On Classes

family moroccan cooking classes

Since your children likely enjoyed the flavors at local restaurants, they’ll absolutely love creating those same dishes from scratch in Morocco’s hands-on cooking classes. These family-friendly experiences welcome kids as young as 5 with proper supervision, featuring individual cooking stations where children work at their own pace.

Classes typically run 3-5 hours and include market tours teaching ingredient selection, followed by preparing four traditional courses: salad, soup, main dish, and dessert. Your kids will master tagine techniques, couscous preparation, and Moroccan baking while learning cultural customs through tea ceremonies and basic Darija phrases. Each participant receives a personalized apron to wear during the cooking experience, creating a special keepsake to remember their culinary adventure.

Costs range from $29-140 USD depending on duration and location. You’ll find daily classes available in Marrakech, Fes, and other medina locations with instant booking options.

Meet Wildlife at Sinbad Park in Casablanca

While your family’s exploring Casablanca’s culinary scene, you’ll discover another perfect kid-friendly attraction just minutes from the coast. Sinbad Park near Ain Diab beach combines a safari-style zoo with thrilling rides across 32 hectares.

Your children will love meeting African and Asian wildlife including lions, giraffes, white tigers, and freely roaming peacocks. The petting zoo allows hands-on animal interactions that create unforgettable memories.

Beyond wildlife encounters, you’ll find family rides like carousels, dodgems, and the iconic Serpent roller coaster. The adventure zone features ziplines and a 42-meter tower ride with ocean views.

Pack comfortable shoes and plan morning visits for smaller crowds. With picnic areas, palm gardens, and food courts, it’s an affordable full-day destination that balances excitement with relaxation. Most families spend 3-5 hours exploring all the park has to offer, making it perfect for a comprehensive day trip experience.

Ride Camels Through Desert Dunes

camel rides in moroccan deserts

Nothing beats the thrill of swaying atop a gentle giant as your family explores Morocco’s stunning desert landscapes. Camel riding is perfectly family-friendly, with experienced guides ensuring safety throughout your adventure.

Your kids will love mounting these well-trained camels that kneel down before standing to their impressive 2-meter height.

You’ll find excellent options near Marrakech, including 20-minute rides through Agafay Desert’s rocky dunes or longer treks in the palm-fringed Palmeraie.

For the ultimate experience, head to Erg Chebbi’s towering sand seas near Merzouga. Guides lead your camel caravan by rope, so you don’t need riding experience. The padded saddles with backrests and blankets ensure a comfortable ride for children throughout the journey.

Time your trip for sunset to capture golden desert hues. Many locations offer hotel pick-up and combine rides with sandboarding, stargazing, and traditional Berber camp experiences.

Discover Pottery Making Workshops

After experiencing Morocco’s natural wonders, your family can explore the country’s rich artistic heritage through hands-on pottery workshops. Fes serves as the primary hub for traditional pottery techniques, while Marrakech offers rustic sessions perfect for kids aged 9+.

These family-friendly workshops accommodate children as young as 3, with maximum 10 participants per session.

Your 2-hour experience includes designing and painting pre-made bowls, plates, or vases using natural pigments. Kids can sketch Moroccan motifs, add personal touches, and apply vibrant patterns.

Some workshops feature potter’s wheel demonstrations and zellige mosaic assembly. Sessions typically start at 9:00 AM with introductions, followed by 15-minute demos and practical crafting. The FesPotteryArt Studio offers workshops designed for all skill levels, ensuring both beginners and experts can enjoy the creative process together.

Studios provide all materials, expert instruction, and transportation. Your children’ll take home their finished pottery pieces as meaningful souvenirs of Morocco’s artistic traditions.

Trek the Atlas Mountains on Mule Back

family mule trekking adventure

Beyond Morocco’s bustling souks and pottery studios, the Atlas Mountains offer your family an unforgettable mule-back adventure that’ll captivate kids and adults alike. Start from Marrakech with transfers to trailheads like Imlil or Imi Oughlad, where gentle mule paths wind through Toubkal National Park‘s stunning landscapes.

Your children will love the flexible pace—daily treks last 3.5-6 hours with mule support carrying gear and tired little legs when needed. Routes traverse the scenic Ouirgane Valley, passing traditional Berber villages with terraced fields where kids can meet local families and explore ancient granary ruins.

The M’Goun Circuit offers river trails and gorges, while shorter loops provide breathtaking views of mountain chains and distant Sahara Desert, creating magical memories for your family’s Morocco adventure. Expert Berber guides with decades of experience lead these family treks, sharing local culture and ensuring safe navigation through the diverse mountain terrain.

Swim in Paradise Valley’s Natural Pools

While the Atlas Mountains provide thrilling adventures, Paradise Valley’s crystal-clear natural pools offer your family a revitalizing escape just 45 minutes from Agadir.

You’ll find multiple pools at varying depths—shallow blue pools perfect for younger children and deeper plunge pools for confident swimmers. The pools form naturally from three waterfalls cascading down limestone ravines surrounded by palm trees.

Visit during spring or early rainy season when water levels peak. Arrive before 9 AM to avoid crowds and secure the best swimming spots. This tropical oasis sits at 1,600 metres altitude, providing cool breezes that make hiking comfortable for families.

Pack non-slip water shoes for rocky terrain, though flip-flops work as backup. Local guides can direct you to less crowded upper pools while most travelers stick to the first swimming area.

Street stalls provide snacks and drinks throughout the valley.

The Sum Up

You’ll create unforgettable memories exploring Morocco with your kids through these hands-on adventures. From sandboarding thrills to pottery workshops, each activity engages young minds while introducing them to rich Moroccan culture. Pack plenty of sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and your sense of adventure. Don’t forget to bring a camera – you’ll want to capture those camel ride giggles and proud cooking class moments. Morocco’s perfect blend of education and excitement makes it an ideal family destination.