Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MARRAKESH FOR CHILDREN
The mutual admiration between kids and Marrakesh is obvious. Kids will gaze in wonderment at
fairy-tale souq scenes: snake charmers serenading cobras, herbalists trading concoctions straight out
of Harry Potter and cupboard-sized shops packed with spangled Cinderella-style slippers.
That said, for families with toddlers and babies, the city can be overwhelming and logistically chal-
lenging. Strollers are impractical in the medina, baby-changing facilities scarce and restaurants can
make few dietary concessions. But with a greater degree of planning and a careful selection of accom-
modation it is still possible to enjoy a memorable Moroccan holiday with younger children.
The majority of museums have reduced rates for under-12s, but Marrakesh museums are a poor
substitute for the live theatre of the souqs and the Djemaa el-Fna. Try to plan your time in each care-
fully for the best experience: early mornings (before noon) are quieter in the souqs, allowing for easy
strolling, less hassle and a better view of craftspeople at work. Early evening (from 6pm to 8pm) are
best for Djemaa storytellers and offer chance encounters with Moroccan families also doing the
rounds and taking carriage rides around the ramparts.
Key to a successful trip is child-friendly accommodation. Fair warning: riad plunge pools and steep
stairs aren't exactly child-proof, and sound reverberates through riad courtyards. Most riad owners
and staff, however, dote on babies and will provide cots and high chairs, and cater special meals on re-
quest. To find the most child-friendly venues, look for the
symbol throughout this chapter. The
following are our top 10 sights and activities for children.
Akioud, Semlalia) Family-friendly art centre, just north of Guéliz, offering workshops and short
courses in ceramics, drawing and painting.
Beldi Country Club
(
Click here
) A 15-hectare country retreat designed with families in mind, includ-
ing two children's pools and activities ranging from bread-making and pottery workshops to tennis,
cycling and cinema.
Calèche rides
When kids' legs and parents' backs start to give out, do what Marrakshi parents do:
hire a horse carriage in the Djemaa el-Fna and take a grand tour.
Dromedary rides
Calèche circuits of the Palmeraie usually stop at Café le Palmier d'Or, which has a
small playground and dromedaries in the parking lot. With some gentle bargaining, Dh100 should
cover a 15- to 30-minute guided ride.
Horse-riding & mountain biking
For professional lessons and horse treks in the
palmeraie
and Atlas
mountains look no further than the stables at Les Cavaliers de L'Atlas (
Click here
); mountain bikers
should contact Action Sports Loisirs (
Click here
)
.
soccer fields and two life-sized dinosaurs, this Guéliz park offers a playground and an outdoor amphi-
theatre where free shows are held.
Imam Chafaï) Activity centre where you can let Junior loose on arts-and-crafts projects, a mini-train,
playground slides, video games, a foosball table and a snack bar for around Dh100 to Dh200.