Fès-Meknès is a region of north-central Morocco that holds two of the country's four imperial cities: Fès, home to the world's largest living medieval medina and the oldest university in continuous operation, and Meknès, the 17th-century capital of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Between and around them lie the Roman ruins of Volubilis, the holy hilltop town of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, the cedar forests and lakes of the Middle Atlas around Ifrane and Azrou, and the cherry-growing towns of Sefrou and Bhalil.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Jnan Sbil Gardens, Fès
A shaded Fès city garden beside Bab Boujloud with ponds, palms and wide paths where children can run after the narrow medina alleys; it opens daily and suits a mid-afternoon break.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Chouara Tannery Terrace Viewing, Fès
Children usually find the stone vats of dyes and the leather workers fascinating; hand over mint sprigs against the smell and keep young children close at the terrace railings.
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Bou Inania Madrasa and Water Clock, Fès
A 14th-century religious school with carved cedar, zellij tile courtyards and the opposite Dar al-Magana water clock, giving older children an easy architectural stop inside Fès el-Bali.
Duration: 45 minutes
Borj Nord Arms Museum and Hill Views, Fès
A 16th-century Saadian fort housing a collection of weapons, with open terraces over the whole medina; older children enjoy the cannons and rooftop views.
Duration: 1 hour
Volubilis Roman Ruins and Mosaics
Open-air Roman city ruins with preserved mosaics showing animals and myths, where children can walk freely among columns and the triumphal arch; storks often nest on the pillars.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Cedre Gouraud Barbary Macaques, Azrou
A roadside cedar forest between Azrou and Ifrane where wild Barbary macaques gather; keep food in bags and keep children from touching the animals.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Horse and Pony Rides at Dayet Aoua
Local horsemen offer guided rides along the shore of the lake near Ifrane, an easy way to introduce children to the Middle Atlas.
Duration: 30-60 minutes
Lion of the Atlas Statue and Ifrane Town Walk
Ifrane, a planned alpine-style town, has the stone Atlas lion statue, tidy parks and lakes that make for a flat, stroller-friendly stroll with ice cream breaks.
Duration: 1 hour
Snow Play at Michlifen
In January to March children can sled and play in snow on the Michlifen slopes about 17 km from Ifrane; dress warmly and check road conditions first.
Duration: Half day
Heri es-Souani Granaries and Bab Mansour, Meknès
The vast stable and granary ruins with Moulay Ismail's arches and the monumental Bab Mansour gate give children a sense of scale.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Sidi Harazem Thermal Pool Day
A public pool complex 12 km east of Fès with gardens and picnic areas, popular with local families on weekends.
Duration: Half day
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Fès Marriott Hotel Jnan Palace
A large hotel in Fès ville nouvelle with a swimming pool, gardens and family rooms, a practical base with taxis easily available.
Family features: Outdoor pool, family rooms, on-site restaurants, restaurants with children's options
Hotel Zalagh Parc Palace
A mid-range hotel with a pool and gardens in the Fès ville nouvelle, quieter than the medina and easier with luggage and strollers.
Family features: Swimming pool, family rooms, easy taxi access, breakfast buffet
Hotel Transatlantique Meknès
A long-established hotel in Meknès with a pool and garden terraces overlooking the medina, a comfortable base for families visiting Volubilis.
Family features: Swimming pool, garden, family rooms, restaurants on site
Michlifen Ifrane Suites and Spa
A mountain resort in Ifrane with large suites, indoor and outdoor pools and open grounds, suited to families who want cool air in summer or snow access in winter.
Family features: Suites, pools, grounds, spa, restaurants with children's menus
Riad family suites in Fès el-Bali
Many medina riads offer multi-bed suites around a courtyard, a walkable base for the tannery, madrasas and souks, though luggage must be carried through narrow alleys.
Family features: Family suites, rooftop terraces, breakfast included, porter or riad meet-up at a medina gate
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Moroccan tagines and couscous are mild and familiar for children; ask for 'bla harr' (no chili) to avoid spicy sauces.
Khobz (bread), grilled kefta and chicken with chips are safe orders for picky eaters, available at most Fès and Meknès restaurants.
Fresh orange juice and pomegranate juice from busy stalls cost about 5-10 MAD ($0.55-1.10) per glass; choose stalls with visible ice turnover.
Eat early (19:00 to 20:00) in the medinas to avoid the late rush, and choose terrace restaurants with space for strollers.
Ifrane has cafes and ice cream shops along Avenue de la Marche Verte that suit a lazy family lunch.
Carry bottled water for children and avoid ice in small street stalls unless you know the source.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.