Marrakech with Kids: Riad Stays, Desert Adventures and Colourful Streets
It was my first time in Morocco and my husband first went over 20 years ago, so it felt like a fresh adventure for all of us. From the moment we arrived, the city was alive with sights, sounds and smells and the girls, six and nine at the time, were completely captivated. Seeing it all through the eyes of our two girls made the trip even more enjoyable.
Marrakech is the perfect destination for a February or October half-term break. We went in February for five nights and it felt like just the right amount of time to see the main sights at a leisurely pace — with plenty of time to relax and soak up the city’s magic.
The weather was ideal for exploring — warm, sunny days in the high teens to mid-twenties (°C) and clear blue skies most of the time. Evenings were cooler so we’d wrap up in light layers when heading out for dinner or to the rooftop. On our first day though, it rained heavily all day, which our hosts assured us was most unusual! Once the clouds cleared, Marrakech returned to its sun-drenched self. From the moment we arrived, we found everyone incredibly welcoming towards the kids — from the friendly staff at our riad, chatty stallholders in the souks to restaurant owners who always made sure the girls got extra bread or a little sweet treat. It made travelling as a family feel easy and relaxed and something I didn't think Marrakech would be if I'm honest.
Staying in a Traditional Riad in the Medina We stayed in a beautiful traditional riad tucked away in the heart of the medina — a little oasis of calm behind a heavy wooden door. Inside, tiled courtyards, orange trees and mint tea greeted us. The girls loved exploring every corner, especially the mosaic-tiled pool and the maze-like hallways that led to our rooms. Getting to the riad itself was part of the fun — the medina streets are too narrow for cars so the girls were pushed in a cart while we navigated the winding lanes. It was such a unique experience and really gave us a sense of the medina’s winding bustling streets, making our arrival feel like a little adventure. Mornings were a treat — breakfast in the riad was one of the best I’ve ever had. Each day began with freshly squeezed orange juice, warm breads, flaky pastries, eggs cooked to order, yoghurt with honey and, of course, steaming mint tea. We’d linger at the table a little longer than planned, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere before diving back into the bustle of the city. Each evening, we’d climb up to the rooftop terrace. From there, we could hear the call to prayer echoing across the medina — a sound that felt both calming and very much part of daily life in Marrakech. We’d sit together and enjoy these moments and it became one of our favourite family rituals, simple but memorable.
Henna, Camels, and the Desert Adventure One of the girls’ highlights was a visit to the Henna Art Café. We chose it because it’s welcoming and known for exceptionally skilled artists using 100% natural, safe henna unlike some street vendors. The girls were mesmerised as the intricate designs took shape on their hands and it was a reassuring and authentic experience for all of us. Later in the week, we headed out to the Agafay Desert for a camel ride. The rocky landscape stretches for miles and the girls loved the experience of riding the camels and seeing a different side of Morocco. We stayed for the evening at a desert camp, which had an Instagrammable pool and served traditional Moroccan food. After a refreshing swim and a few family photos, we had dinner together — tagines, couscous and fresh bread. It was a fun and relaxing way to end the day after the camel ride.
A Splash of Luxury: Pool Day at a Smart Hotel Our kids love a good pool on holiday and although the riad had a small splash pool, they were keen for a proper pool day. So we decided to treat ourselves to a day pass at a smart resort hotel just outside the city. The hotel was ideal — palm trees and heated pools. The girls spent hours swimming and playing while we relaxed and enjoyed the sunshine. It was the perfect way to unwind after several busy days exploring Marrakech.
Colours, Culture, and Creative Inspiration No trip to Marrakech would be complete without a visit to the Jardin Majorelle, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. We took a motorised tuk tuk to get there which we absolutely loved. Once inside, the deep cobalt blues, vibrant yellows and lush greenery are stunning, and the girls enjoyed spotting the terrapins in the ponds. We also visited the Secret Garden (Le Jardin Secret), tucked away in the medina. We found it a little oasis — quieter and more secluded — a lovely contrast to the busier Marrakech streets.
And of course — the souks! Wandering through the labyrinth of stalls was an adventure in itself. We haggled (with varying degrees of success!) for ceramics, lamps, jewellery and paintings. The girls got into the spirit of it too, proudly declaring we’d “got a bargain” every time we agreed on a price. Apparently, I haggle like a Berber woman to get a good price!
A Holiday to Remember By the end of the trip, we were completely in love with Marrakech. The colours, the sounds and the people — everything felt so different to home. The girls often talk about “when we went to Morocco” and already talk about how much they would love to go back.