Marrakech for The Family Explorers: a Friday-to-Monday weekend
Rose walls, spice smoke and a square that never sits still.
A weekend the children will remember and the parents will survive. Short walks between real highlights, a boat or a tram instead of a museum queue, dinners at six, and room to run.
Friday: Arrive and play
- Cyber Park Arsat Moulay Abdeslam
A shaded city park with fountains, pools and paths for children to run along. Good for letting off steam after the journey.
- Kechmara
A friendly Guéliz brasserie with burgers and pizza. An early supper fits a small child's day.
Saturday: Blue garden and square
- Jardin Majorelle
Bamboo groves and cobalt blue paths, with turtles and fish in the pools. Buy tickets online to avoid the queue.
- Café des Épices
A lunch of salads and tagines on a terrace above the spice square. Children get a mint tea, and the staff do not mind.
- Jemaa el Fna
The square wakes up at four with snake charmers and orange-juice carts. Keep hold of small hands.
- Al Fassia
Chicken with lemon and olives, or a lamb tagine, in a calm dining room. Book an early table for children.
Sunday: A garden in the foothills
- Anima Garden
André Heller's garden of sculptures, shade and fountains on the road to the Atlas. Children love the hidden statues.
- Café Clock
The camel burger is a hit with older children. A good afternoon of lunch and a rest on the roof.
- Naranj
A modern Syrian-Moroccan restaurant with a big terrace and sharing plates. An early table suits families.
Monday: Photographs and pastries
- Maison de la Photographie
Old photographs of Morocco, with cameras and tools, and a rooftop for the family. A short, gentle visit.
- Amandine
A French bakery with croissants and fresh juice. A last treat before the airport.