Morocco with Kids: 12 Day Morocco family Itinerary - Dinosaurs, Mountains & Beaches

After arriving at Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport, meet your family-friendly driver-guide who will be with you throughout your journey. Instead of spending time in busy Casablanca, you'll head directly to Morocco's more relaxed coastal capital, Rabat (approximately 1 hour). This gentle introduction to Moroccan culture helps children adjust after the long flight.

Arrive at your family-friendly hotel and enjoy a leisurely lunch before an afternoon exploration of the picturesque Kasbah of the Udayas. This blue and white walled neighborhood resembles a mini Chefchaouen and delights children with its colorful streets and ocean views. Visit the Andalusian Gardens within the Kasbah, where children can stretch their legs while parents enjoy the serene surroundings. End the afternoon with a stroll along Rabat's beach promenade and perhaps enjoy some ice cream or fresh juice at a seaside café.

Return to your hotel for an early dinner and relaxation time. Your guide will provide a briefing about the adventure ahead and answer any questions your family may have about Moroccan culture, food, and customs. The evening is free for swimming in the hotel pool if available—a perfect way for kids to unwind after travel—or simply resting in preparation for tomorrow's journey into the Atlas Mountains.

After an early breakfast in Rabat, begin your journey toward the heart of the Atlas Mountains with a comfortable drive that will take you all the way to the magnificent Aït Bouguemez Valley (approximately 6 hours total). Your driver-guide will plan strategic breaks along the route to keep children engaged and comfortable. As you leave the coastal plains behind, watch the landscape transform into increasingly dramatic mountains, providing wonderful opportunities for nature spotting and photography.

Around midday, make a fascinating stop in Azilal to visit the Dinosaur Museum, a highlight that children will love. This interactive paleontological site showcases Morocco's prehistoric past through dinosaur footprints, fossils, and reconstructions of creatures that once roamed this region millions of years ago. Kids will be amazed to learn that Morocco was once home to massive dinosaurs and can participate in a simulated fossil dig specially designed for young paleontologists. The museum guides are particularly good at engaging children with age-appropriate explanations and hands-on activities. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the museum.

Continue your journey in the afternoon, climbing higher into the Atlas Mountains toward the spectacular Aït Bouguemez Valley, often called "The Happy Valley" for its fertile lands and welcoming communities. Arrive at your family-friendly guesthouse or ecolodge by late afternoon, in time to settle in and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings of traditional mud-brick villages set against snow-capped peaks. After dinner featuring fresh local ingredients from nearby mountain farms, your guide will provide an orientation to the valley and outline the exciting activities planned for your stay.

Enjoy a full day immersed in the rhythms and wonders of the spectacular Aït Bouguemez Valley. After yesterday's journey, this is the perfect opportunity to truly explore this breathtaking region at a relaxed pace, with your family-friendly accommodation serving as the ideal base for a variety of age-appropriate activities among traditional mud-brick villages set against dramatic mountain backdrops.

Begin with a guided family hike to dinosaur footprints preserved in mountain rock formations, where children can literally walk in the footsteps of prehistoric creatures they learned about at the museum. The hike is tailored to family abilities, with options for different energy levels. Return to your accommodation for lunch, followed by a special cooking workshop with a local family where children learn to make traditional Berber dishes alongside local kids—a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange despite language differences.

In the afternoon, participate in a horseback riding excursion suitable for beginners, with ponies available for younger children and full-sized horses for teens and adults. Visit a women's cooperative where your family can try their hand at traditional carpet weaving techniques and learn about natural plant dyes. The day concludes with a special dinner featuring traditional music and storytelling that brings Berber folklore to life in a way children will love.

Bid farewell to the Happy Valley as you journey through dramatic mountain passes to reach the fragrant Roses Valley and the village of Boutaghrar. This scenic drive takes you through some of Morocco's most spectacular mountain scenery, with plenty of stops for photos and short walks to viewpoints that children will enjoy. Your driver will time the journey to include a picnic lunch at a panoramic spot where kids can safely explore while adults take in the majestic views.

Arrive in Boutaghrar, the heart of the Valley of Roses, by late afternoon, where fields of damask roses create a stunning landscape, particularly beautiful if you visit during the May blooming season. Check into your family-friendly accommodation for a two-night stay that allows you to fully experience this unique region. After settling in, take a short orientation walk through the village to see the traditional mud-brick architecture and meet some of the friendly locals.

Return to your accommodation for dinner featuring rose-infused specialties typical of the region. As evening falls, enjoy some relaxation time at your accommodation, perhaps stargazing from the terrace or participating in a gentle introduction to traditional Berber music with staff members who might share instruments or songs with interested children.

Dedicate a full day to exploring the unique beauty and culture of the Roses Valley. Begin with a visit to a traditional rose water distillery where children can learn about and participate in flower collecting (seasonal) and see how fragrant rose water is made using centuries-old techniques. The process of transforming petals into precious rose water is fascinating for children to witness, and they'll love the sweet scents that fill the air.

After the distillery visit, enjoy a family walk through rose fields and palm oases, where children can learn about traditional irrigation systems that have sustained agriculture in this semi-arid region for centuries. Your guide will explain how these ingenious water channels work and why they're so important to local communities. Stop at a local family home where kids can help prepare rose-flavored cookies and tea—a delicious hands-on cultural experience they'll remember long after returning home.

In the afternoon, explore nearby mud-brick villages with their distinctive kasbahs (fortified houses) and palm groves, perhaps with a treasure hunt activity for younger children to keep them engaged during the cultural exploration. Return to your accommodation with time to relax before dinner, perhaps enjoying the pool if available or participating in a rose-scented craft activity such as making scented sachets or rose petal art.

After breakfast, depart the Rose Valley for the ancient walled city of Taroudant, often called "Little Marrakech" for its similar architecture but more relaxed atmosphere. The drive takes you through beautiful landscapes and changing scenery, from mountain terrain to fertile plains. Your driver will make interesting stops along the way, including a visit to a traditional Berber village where children can see how argan oil is produced by local women's cooperatives.

Arrive in Taroudant by mid-afternoon and check into your family-friendly riad or hotel. After refreshments, head out with a local guide for a family-oriented exploration of this charming walled city. Children will love walking along the massive ramparts that encircle the town and watching the afternoon sun turn the mud-brick walls golden. Visit the bustling yet manageable souk (market) where your guide can help kids participate in a gentle introduction to Moroccan market culture, perhaps learning to bargain for a small souvenir.

Return to your accommodation for dinner, followed by an optional evening walk through the main square where local families gather and children play. This authentic glimpse of Moroccan family life provides a wonderful contrast to more touristy experiences.

Begin your day with a final morning exploration of Taroudant, perhaps visiting the leather tanneries (less intense than those in Fes) or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride around the city walls for a different perspective of this ancient fortified town. After an early lunch, depart for the coastal city of Agadir, approximately a 1.5-hour drive through the fertile Souss Valley known for its citrus orchards and banana plantations.

Arrive in Agadir by mid-afternoon, a modern city completely rebuilt after a devastating earthquake in 1960. Check into your beachfront hotel and spend the remainder of the day relaxing on Agadir's magnificent 9km crescent-shaped beach. Children will delight in building sandcastles, paddling in the gentle Atlantic waves, or simply running free after days of cultural exploration. For more active families, optional activities include camel rides along the beach or renting family-friendly water sports equipment.

As evening falls, take a stroll along Agadir's lively beachfront promenade, lined with cafés, restaurants, and small playgrounds. Enjoy dinner at a seafood restaurant where kids can select their own fresh catch to be grilled to perfection. The relaxed coastal atmosphere of Agadir provides a welcome change of pace mid-way through your Moroccan adventure.

Enjoy a full day of relaxation and fun at Agadir's beautiful beaches. After several days of travel and cultural experiences, this free day gives your family time to recharge and enjoy Morocco's Atlantic coast at your own pace. Begin with a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before heading to the beach, where you might rent sun loungers and umbrellas for a comfortable base.

For active families, this is the perfect day to try some water sports suitable for various ages - options include paddleboarding, kayaking, or surfing lessons for beginners on Agadir's gentle waves. Many beach operators offer child-sized equipment and family-friendly instruction. Alternatively, you might visit Agadir's modern marina complex with its shops, cafés, and boat-watching opportunities, or simply spend the day building elaborate sandcastles and swimming in the refreshing Atlantic waters.

In the late afternoon, consider an optional visit to La Vallée des Oiseaux (Valley of the Birds), a small zoo and garden in the heart of Agadir that's free to enter and popular with families. Here, children can see exotic birds, small animals, and enjoy the playground facilities. End your day with dinner at one of the family-friendly restaurants along the beachfront boulevard, perhaps enjoying a sunset meal with views of fishing boats returning to harbor.

After breakfast, bid farewell to the coastal charms of Agadir and begin your journey to Marrakech, approximately a 3-hour drive through varied landscapes. Your driver will plan strategic stops along the way to break up the journey, perhaps including a visit to an argan oil cooperative where children can see how this valuable oil is traditionally produced, or stopping at scenic viewpoints where mountain panoramas unfold.

Arrive in vibrant Marrakech by early afternoon and check into your family-friendly riad or hotel, ideally located in a quieter section of the medina or the newer Gueliz district. After settling in, take a gentle orientation tour with your guide to help get your bearings. For a perfect introduction to Marrakech with children, enjoy a relaxing horse-drawn carriage (calèche) ride around the ancient city walls and through the palm-filled Palmerie area, providing a comfortable overview of the city's layout before diving into its bustling heart.

As evening approaches, your guide will take you to Jemaa el-Fnaa square for a first taste of this world-famous gathering place, timing your visit when it's lively but not overwhelming for children. From a safe distance, observe the street performers, musicians, and food stalls that make this UNESCO-recognized cultural space so magical. Choose a family-friendly restaurant with a terrace overlooking the square for dinner, allowing children to watch the spectacle from a comfortable vantage point.

Dedicate two full days to exploring the magical city of Marrakech at a family-friendly pace. Your time is carefully structured to prevent overwhelming children with too much stimulation while still experiencing the city's many wonders. Begin day one with a visit to the magnificent Bahia Palace, where kids can imagine life as a sultan while exploring intricate tilework and peaceful courtyards. Continue to the peaceful Majorelle Garden with its vibrant blue buildings and exotic plants that children find fascinating, followed by a visit to the adjacent Yves Saint Laurent Museum which often has family activity sheets available.

In the afternoon of your first day, participate in a private cooking class specifically designed for children, where young chefs learn to make simple Moroccan dishes like orange-flower cookies and fresh fruit smoothies. Visit a traditional apothecary to discover exotic spices and natural remedies in an experience reminiscent of a wizard's potion shop. Balance these cultural activities with plenty of downtime at your accommodation's pool or courtyard, ensuring the Marrakech experience remains enjoyable rather than overwhelming for young travelers.

Your second day might include a treasure hunt-style tour of the medina using a child-friendly map that turns exploration into an adventure game. Visit artisan workshops where children can watch craftspeople create pottery, leather goods, or textiles using traditional methods, perhaps with hands-on opportunities. Enjoy a puppet show featuring traditional Moroccan characters, followed by a workshop where children make their own simple puppets. End your Marrakech stay with a special dinner at a family-friendly restaurant, perhaps including some gentle live music or entertainment that introduces children to Moroccan cultural arts.

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Marrakech according to your departure time. For families with afternoon or evening flights, consider a final visit to a favorite spot from previous days or explore a new family-friendly site such as the Photography Museum of Marrakech, which provides interesting historical context through old photographs of Morocco. Alternatively, you might visit a peaceful garden like Jardin Majorelle for a second time or the less-visited but equally beautiful Secret Garden, where children can enjoy open spaces before the journey home.

If time permits before your departure flight, your guide can arrange a special farewell lunch at a family-friendly restaurant in Marrakech, where you can enjoy a final taste of Moroccan cuisine while reflecting on your family adventure. For last-minute shopping, consider the government-run Ensemble Artisanal, which offers quality crafts at fixed prices—ideal for stress-free final purchases that support local artisans.

Transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport with ample time for check-in procedures (we recommend arriving three hours before international flights). Your guide will assist with any departure formalities and bid farewell to your family after sharing this memorable Moroccan adventure. As you board your flight home, you'll carry with you twelve days of extraordinary experiences, from dinosaur discoveries and mountain adventures to beach relaxation and cultural immersion—memories that will inspire your children for years to come.