7 Day Morocco Family Itinerary: Coastal Wonders & Cultural Delights

Your 7 day Morocco family adventure begins with arrival at Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport, where you'll be met by your driver with a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle equipped with child seats if needed. After the long flight, this first day is intentionally relaxed to allow everyone to adjust to the new time zone and environment. Transfer directly to your family-friendly hotel where you can refresh and recover from your journey. Many accommodations offer swimming pools where children can burn off energy after being confined during travel.

Depending on your arrival time and energy levels, you might begin with a gentle orientation drive through Casablanca, Morocco's largest and most cosmopolitan city. The highlight for families is undoubtedly the magnificent Hassan II Mosque, one of the world's largest mosques and one of the few open to non-Muslim visitors. Its dramatic position on the Atlantic coastline and massive scale (the minaret is 60 stories high) creates an impressive introduction to Moroccan architecture that captivates visitors of all ages. If your children are older, consider taking the guided tour of the interior to marvel at the hand-carved decorations and massive prayer hall. For families with younger children, even viewing the exterior is a memorable experience.

For the remainder of the afternoon, consider a stroll along the Corniche (seaside promenade) where children can watch fishing boats and feel the ocean breeze, or visit the Morocco Mall which features a massive aquarium that fascinates young visitors. These accessible activities provide a gentle introduction to Morocco without overwhelming tired travelers. Enjoy dinner at your hotel or at a family-friendly restaurant serving Moroccan and international options, allowing children to gradually acclimate to new flavors. Return to your hotel for an early night, resting up for the adventures ahead.

After breakfast at your Casablanca hotel, check out and meet your driver for the scenic journey to Essaouira, a relaxed coastal town that offers the perfect family-friendly introduction to traditional Morocco. The approximately 4-5 hour drive follows the Atlantic coastline for much of the route, with opportunities for breaks at scenic viewpoints where

After breakfast at your Casablanca hotel, check out and meet your driver for the scenic journey to Essaouira, a relaxed coastal town that offers the perfect family-friendly introduction to traditional Morocco. The approximately 4-5 hour drive follows the Atlantic coastline for much of the route, with opportunities for breaks at scenic viewpoints where children can stretch their legs and parents can capture beautiful photographs.

Your driver will plan a strategic stop midway through the journey, perhaps at a beachside café in the town of El Jadida or Safi where the family can enjoy refreshments, use clean facilities, and have some free time to run around. Many drivers come prepared with age-appropriate entertainment ideas for the journey, from traditional Moroccan games to spotting activities that keep children engaged with the passing landscapes. This is also an excellent opportunity to learn a few basic Arabic or Berber words as a family, with your driver serving as teacher.

Arrive in Essaouira by mid-afternoon and check into your family-friendly riad or hotel within the historic medina or along the beach. This charming fortified town, formerly known as Mogador, offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and relaxation ideal for families. After settling in, take a gentle orientation walk along the impressive 18th-century seafront ramparts, where children will delight in exploring the old Portuguese cannons pointing out to sea and watching fishing boats in the harbor below. The fresh ocean breeze and relatively uncrowded streets make Essaouira much more approachable for children than other Moroccan medinas.

As the day winds down, enjoy dinner at one of the family-friendly seafood restaurants near the port, where children can watch the day's catch being grilled right before their eyes. The evening ambiance is relaxed, with street musicians often providing subtle background entertainment. Return to your accommodation for a good night's rest, with the sound of Atlantic waves creating the perfect lullaby for children and parents alike.

Begin your first full day in Essaouira with a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation. This relaxed seaside town offers the perfect environment for families to experience Moroccan culture at a gentle pace. The morning is dedicated to the expansive beach that stretches south from the city walls—a wide, clean strand perfect for family beach time. Unlike many Moroccan destinations, Essaouira's climate remains moderate year-round thanks to Atlantic breezes, making outdoor activities comfortable even in summer months.

Children will delight in the opportunity for camel rides along the beach—a quintessential Moroccan experience in a safe, controlled environment. These short rides are suitable for most ages, with parents able to accompany very young children. Friendly guides lead the camels and are often happy to take family photos during this memorable activity. The beach also offers opportunities for kite flying (Essaouira is famous for its consistent winds), sandcastle building, and shell collecting. Active families might arrange boogie board or surfboard rentals, with lessons available for beginners.

After a morning of beach fun, enjoy lunch at one of the casual beach cafés with outdoor seating where sandy feet are welcome. These establishments typically offer a mix of Moroccan and international dishes suitable for varying palates. Following lunch and perhaps a short rest, spend the afternoon exploring Essaouira's compact and family-friendly medina. Unlike the labyrinths of larger Moroccan cities, Essaouira's old town features a logical grid layout where it's actually difficult to get lost—perfect for families who want to wander without stress.

The medina exploration can be tailored to children's interests. Artistic families will appreciate the numerous galleries showcasing local art and crafts; those interested in history might visit the small but interesting Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdallah Museum housed in a traditional home; while culinary-minded families might enjoy sampling fresh pastries and mint tea at a local café. Throughout the medina, children will encounter friendly shopkeepers who often engage youngsters without the high-pressure sales tactics found in larger cities. As evening approaches, consider dinner at a rooftop restaurant where you can watch the sunset over the historic city while enjoying family-friendly Moroccan cuisine.

Your second full day in Essaouira offers opportunities for interactive experiences that engage children directly with Moroccan culture. After breakfast, participate in a family cooking class specially designed for visitors with children. These hands-on sessions usually begin with a guided visit to the local market, where families learn about exotic spices, fresh produce, and traditional ingredients. Children often receive small shopping assignments, like selecting the perfect lemons or counting out olives, which keeps them engaged while learning about Moroccan food culture.

Back in the cooking venue—typically a traditional home or purpose-built cooking school—each family member gets age-appropriate tasks in preparing a complete Moroccan meal. Young children might help knead bread dough or arrange salad ingredients, while teenagers can try more complex techniques like properly spicing a tagine. The experience culminates in enjoying the meal you've prepared together, with the satisfaction that comes from creating authentic Moroccan dishes as a family. Most cooking schools can accommodate dietary restrictions and varying spice preferences, making this activity suitable for even picky eaters.

After lunch and perhaps a short rest, the afternoon offers choices based on your family's interests. Active families might enjoy a guided bike tour of the Essaouira countryside, visiting an argan oil cooperative where children can see how this prized oil is traditionally produced by women's collectives. Creative families could participate in a craft workshop—options include simple pottery painting, Berber bracelet making, or drumming lessons on traditional instruments. These activities are typically offered in small-group settings with instructors accustomed to working with children.

Alternatively, families seeking relaxation might simply return to the beach or enjoy the pool at their accommodation. Essaouira's laid-back atmosphere encourages this flexible approach to sightseeing. As evening approaches, dine at one of the family-friendly restaurants in the medina, perhaps followed by browsing the night markets if children still have energy. Return to your accommodation for a restful night before tomorrow's journey to Marrakech.

After a final breakfast in peaceful Essaouira, check out of your accommodation and meet your driver for the approximately 2.5-hour journey to Marrakech. The scenic drive takes you through argan forests and rolling countryside, with a dramatic transition from coastal landscapes to the plains surrounding Marrakech with the Atlas Mountains visible in the distance. Your driver will likely suggest a stop at a Berber village or roadside café where the family can stretch their legs, use facilities, and perhaps try freshly squeezed orange juice – a Moroccan specialty that children typically love.

As you approach Marrakech, prepare children for the increased pace and energy they'll experience in this vibrant city. Unlike tranquil Essaouira, Marrakech pulses with activity, sounds, and colors that can be exhilarating but potentially overwhelming for sensitive children. Arriving around midday, check into your family-friendly riad or hotel, ideally located in a quieter section of the medina or in the modern Gueliz district. Properties with pools are highly recommended as they provide a peaceful retreat and cooling break from sightseeing.

After settling in and perhaps enjoying lunch at your accommodation, meet a family-specialized guide for a gentle orientation tour of Marrakech designed specifically for children. Begin in the comparative calm of the Majorelle Garden, a botanical oasis of exotic plants, vibrant blue buildings, and peaceful water features. The garden's bright colors and manageable size make it appealing to children, who can engage in a simple scavenger hunt for specific plants or colors as they explore. Continue to the adjacent Yves Saint Laurent Museum if traveling with older children or art enthusiasts.

As the afternoon progresses, your guide will introduce you to the edges of the famous souks (markets), providing an orientation to the layout and helping children understand the organization of different craft sections before tomorrow's deeper exploration. End your introduction to Marrakech with an early dinner at a family-friendly restaurant offering a mix of Moroccan and international dishes, allowing children to gradually adjust to local flavors. Return to your accommodation early enough for kids to enjoy the pool, relax, and prepare for the full day of Marrakech exploration tomorrow.

Begin your full day in Marrakech with a substantial breakfast at your accommodation, preparing for an engaging day of exploration. Meet your family-specialized guide who will adapt the day's pace and content to your children's ages and interests. The morning focuses on Marrakech's historical and cultural highlights, starting with the magnificent Koutoubia Mosque (viewed from outside as non-Muslims cannot enter), where children can learn about Islamic architecture and the call to prayer that structures daily life in Morocco.

Continue to the nearby Saadian Tombs, where the "discovery" story of these hidden burial chambers fascinates young imaginations. The manageable size and treasure-hunt feeling of finding the ornate tombs appeals particularly to children. Next, visit the Bahia Palace, where kids can imagine life as a sultan in this 19th-century complex with its beautiful gardens, intricate tilework, and hidden doorways. Throughout these visits, your guide will engage children with age-appropriate stories, simple games, and questions that keep them connected to what they're seeing.

Following a relaxed lunch at a family-friendly restaurant, perhaps in a garden setting, spend the afternoon exploring the famous souks with your guide. Unlike yesterday's brief introduction, today's exploration goes deeper into these fascinating marketplaces. Many family guides create treasure hunt activities where children search for specific items or count objects of particular colors, transforming what could be overwhelming into an engaging game. Visit workshops where artisans demonstrate traditional crafts like leather working, carpet weaving, or metalsmithing—these hands-on demonstrations particularly captivate children who can see the creation process firsthand.

As the afternoon progresses, make your way to the famous Jemaa el-Fna square as it begins its transition into evening mode. This ancient marketplace comes alive with food stalls, storytellers, musicians, and performers. While the square becomes quite busy, experiencing at least a portion of this UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage is worthwhile. Your guide will help navigate the most family-appropriate areas, perhaps stopping for fresh orange juice or watching a child-friendly performance. Return to your accommodation in the late afternoon for rest and relaxation before dinner, either at your riad or at a recommended restaurant that welcomes families.

Your final day of this 7 day Morocco family itinerary is intentionally flexible, allowing your family to choose activities based on your collective interests and energy levels. After breakfast at your accommodation, the morning offers several family-friendly options depending on your departure time.

For families seeking additional cultural experiences, consider visiting the Photography Museum of Marrakech, which offers engaging visual history accessible to all ages, or the Heritage Museum with its displays of traditional Moroccan life that children find fascinating. Active families might enjoy a guided bike tour of the palm groves outside the city center, where flat terrain and minimal traffic create safe cycling conditions for children. Those interested in nature could visit the Anima Garden, a botanical wonderland created by artist André Heller featuring imaginative sculptures among exotic plants—a magical environment that particularly enchants younger visitors.

Alternatively, many families appreciate a more relaxed final day, perhaps revisiting favorite spots from yesterday's exploration or enjoying the amenities at their accommodation. This can include swimming, relaxing on roof terraces, or simply watching the city life below. Many parents find that leaving unstructured time allows children to process their experiences and incorporate new understandings through play or drawing.

For families with evening or late afternoon flights, the day might include last-minute souvenir shopping, perhaps visiting fixed-price cooperative shops where children can make final selections without complex negotiations. Many hotels and riads can arrange late checkout or luggage storage, allowing you to make the most of your final hours in Morocco. Depending on your departure time, enjoy a final Moroccan meal before your private transfer to Marrakech Menara Airport, where you'll check in for your flight home, carrying memories of your Moroccan family adventure and perhaps already planning a return visit to explore more of this diverse country.