what to do in fes morocco?
what to do in fes morocco wth kids?
Planning fes with kids can feel overwhelming at first narrow medina streets, busy souks, and centuries-old traditions might not sound immediately family-friendly. But the reality is very different. Families who travel through Morocco quickly discover that Fes offers an incredible mix of culture, play, learning, and adventure that children genuinely enjoy.
From exploring colorful artisan workshops to relaxing in green gardens, fes with kids becomes less about rushing through monuments and more about creating interactive experiences your children remember long after the trip ends. Many travel guides highlight cooking classes, craft workshops, and open spaces where kids can run freely all balancing the intensity of the medina with downtime.
In this detailed family travel guide, you’ll learn:
The best family activities and attractions
How to explore the medina safely with children
Unique experiences most blogs don’t mention
Practical tips for parents visiting Morocco
Whether you’re traveling from Marrakech or planning a full Morocco itinerary, this guide will help you design a stress-free, memorable fes with kids adventure.
- Explore Morocco with your kids stress-free! Private transport, kid-friendly hotels, and safe meals included. Plan Your Family Tour
- Experience the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert with hands-on fun for kids and comfort for parents. Customize Your Adventure
- Enjoy Morocco’s coasts and cities at a calm pace. Perfect for families with young children. Book Your Relaxed Tour
Quick Takeaways: Fes With Kids
Balance medina exploration with parks and open spaces.
Cooking classes and craft workshops are among the most loved activities.
Gardens like Jnan Sbil Gardens give kids space to recharge.
Day trips to Volubilis add history without stress.
Private guides or drivers simplify logistics for families.
Cultural immersion works best when activities are interactive.
Why Visit Fes With Kids?
Traveling fes with kids introduces children to one of the world’s oldest living cities. Unlike modern tourist hubs, this destination offers an authentic cultural experience but surprisingly, it’s very adaptable for families.
Many guides emphasize how family activities here focus on participation rather than passive sightseeing. Kids can shape bread, paint ceramics, or watch artisans craft copper and leather.
What Makes Fes Special for Families?
Car-free medina: Safer walking environment compared to busy traffic cities.
Hands-on learning: Workshops turn history into fun experiences.
Local warmth: Moroccan culture is very family-oriented.
Unique Insight
Most blogs treat Fes as a “museum city,” but families who slow down and follow their children’s curiosity often enjoy it more than adults chasing landmarks. Plan fewer stops but deeper experiences when doing fes with kids.
Unique things to do in Fes
Unique things to do in Fes include exploring hidden artisan workshops, attending spiritual music events, and discovering lesser-known historic sites beyond the main medina streets.
In Fes, try these unique experiences:
Visit rooftop terraces overlooking Fes el-Bali
Explore the colorful Chouara Tannery from traditional leather shops
Discover the Royal Palace gates (Dar el-Makhzen)
Visit the Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
Join a local calligraphy or pottery workshop
Experience Andalusian music performances
Fes stands out because it feels untouched by modern commercialization compared to other Moroccan cities. Its maze-like medina and preserved traditions offer one of the most authentic cultural experiences in Morocco.
Exploring the Medina Without Stress
The medina can seem intense at first, but with the right strategy, exploring fes with kids becomes exciting rather than exhausting.
Tips for Families
Start early in the morning when streets are quieter.
Take frequent snack breaks.
Consider a licensed local guide for navigation.
Hiring a guide or driver is commonly recommended because the maze-like streets can be confusing even for adults.
Kid-Friendly Stops Inside the Medina
Bou Inania Madrasa — impressive architecture that feels like a palace to children.
Rainbow Street — colorful alleys kids love photographing.
Unique Insight
Turn navigation into a game: give kids simple missions like spotting cats, counting fountains, or finding mosaic tiles. It transforms walking into adventure.
Family-Friendly Gardens and Outdoor Spaces
After busy medina walks, open spaces are essential when traveling fes with kids.
Jnan Sbil Gardens
This historic park is often described as an oasis where children can run freely among fountains and shaded paths.
Highlights include:
Picnic areas
Peacocks and water features
Parents often use it as a “reset stop” between cultural visits.
Other Outdoor Ideas
Parc Al Amal playground
Camel rides near Ain Chkef forest park
Unique Insight
Many families underestimate how much downtime kids need in historic cities. Scheduling garden breaks every few hours makes fes with kids significantly smoother.
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Why is Fez so popular?
Fez is popular because it offers one of the most authentic and historic experiences in Morocco. It feels like stepping back in time.
The ancient medina of Fes is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. Visitors are drawn to:
The UNESCO-listed Fes el-Bali
The world-renowned Al Quaraouiyine University
Traditional crafts and artisan culture
Spiritual and religious heritage
Authentic Moroccan cuisine
Unlike more modern tourist hubs, Fez retains its traditional atmosphere. Its narrow alleys, historic mosques, and centuries-old workshops make it one of Morocco’s most culturally rich destinations.
Cooking Classes and Cultural Experiences
Interactive experiences are one of the biggest highlights of fes with kids.
Family cooking classes often include a market visit, ingredient selection, and hands-on cooking like rolling couscous or shaping msemen bread.
Why Kids Love Cooking Classes
Sensory learning spices, textures, smells
Creative involvement
Eating their own creations afterward
Typical sessions cost around 600 MAD per person and are suitable for children aged 5–6+.
Unique Insight
Instead of booking expensive classes, some families arrange informal cooking sessions through riads or hosts often more authentic and relaxed for kids.
Craft Workshops and Hands-On Learning
Workshops are perfect for families exploring fes with kids because they combine culture with creativity.
Popular options include:
Drum-making sessions
Ceramic painting
Leather embossing or bookbinding
These activities help children connect with Moroccan traditions in an engaging way.
Educational Benefits
Encourages cultural appreciation
Develops creativity
Provides unique souvenirs
Unique Insight
Choose workshops where kids actively create something not just watch demonstrations. Participation dramatically increases engagement.
Easy Day Trips From Fes for Families
One of the best ways to diversify fes with kids is adding a nearby excursion.
Volubilis
These Roman ruins offer open spaces where children can explore freely and learn history through movement rather than lectures.
Families often combine the trip with:
Meknes
Moulay Idriss village
Why It Works for Kids
Wide open areas to run
Mosaic floors and ancient structures
Less crowded than the medina
Unique Insight
Day trips give children a mental break from dense environments essential when planning multiple days of fes with kids.
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What to see in Fes in one day?
In one day in Fes, focus on the historic medina and its most important landmarks. The city’s highlights are concentrated inside the UNESCO-listed old town.
In Fes, your one-day itinerary should include:
Bab Bou Jeloud (main entrance to the medina)
Al Quaraouiyine University
Bou Inania Madrasa
Chouara Tannery
Nejjarine Fountain and Museum
A panoramic viewpoint overlooking the medina
One day is enough to see the main attractions, but hiring a local guide helps you navigate the complex streets efficiently. Start early and wear comfortable shoes.
What to avoid in Fes?
In Fes, avoid unofficial guides, overpaying in souks, and getting lost without a plan inside the medina. The old city is a maze, and first-time visitors can feel overwhelmed.
In Fes, keep these tips in mind:
Do not follow strangers offering free directions
Avoid exchanging money on the street
Don’t take photos of locals without permission
Be cautious with aggressive sales tactics in the souks
Avoid isolated alleys late at night
The medina is safe overall, but being aware helps prevent scams or confusion. Booking licensed guides and agreeing on prices before services ensures a smooth visit.
What to buy in FES?
The best things to buy in Fes are leather goods, ceramics, traditional textiles, and handmade crafts. The city is one of Morocco’s top artisan centers.
In Fes, popular purchases include:
Handmade leather bags and slippers (babouches)
Colorful ceramics and zellige tiles
Handwoven carpets
Brass lamps and metalwork
Natural beauty products (argan oil, rose water)
Many products come from workshops near Chouara Tannery and artisan districts inside the medina. Bargaining is expected, but always compare quality before buying.
Fes is known for higher craftsmanship quality compared to mass-produced souvenirs in other cities.
Safety and Practical Tips for Parents
Safety is usually the biggest concern when researching fes with kids.
General Tips
Stay in a riad with family rooms.
Use baby carriers instead of strollers in the medina.
Agree on meeting points with older kids.
The medina’s car-free design actually reduces traffic risks, but hiring licensed guides helps avoid confusion.
Food and Comfort
Choose restaurants with terraces.
Keep hydration snacks ready.
Schedule pool time or rest breaks.
Unique Insight
Children often adapt faster than adults parents feel stress from navigation more than kids themselves. Slow pacing is the real secret to enjoying fes with kids.
Conclusion
Traveling fes with kids isn’t just possible it can become one of the most meaningful parts of your Morocco journey. When families shift from checklist sightseeing to immersive experiences, the city transforms into a giant classroom filled with color, flavor, and creativity.
Gardens like Jnan Sbil Gardens offer moments of calm, cooking classes bring culture to life, and day trips to Volubilis give children space to explore freely. The key is pacing: mix adventure with downtime, learning with play.
If you’re planning a Morocco itinerary especially from Marrakech consider spending at least two nights here to fully enjoy fes with kids without rushing. Slow mornings, interactive workshops, and relaxed evenings in a family-friendly riad can turn your visit into a highlight of the trip.
Ready to plan your Morocco family journey? Start mapping activities that match your children’s interests and remember, the best memories often come from the simplest cultural moments.
─── Your questions, our answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our dedicated team is here to answer your Morocco Travel questions and ensure a smooth, memorable journey through Morocco.
How many hours is Merzouga from Marrakech by car?
Driving usually takes around 9–10 hours without stops, but families should plan 2 days for comfort.
Is the drive safe for kids?
Yes, roads are generally good, but mountain sections require careful driving and frequent breaks.
Can you fly instead of driving?
Yes fly to Errachidia then drive 2–3 hours to Merzouga, a faster option for short trips.
Kate Carter
Family Travel Blogger
Kate Carter is a mom and travel blogger who fell in love with Morocco’s culture and warmth. Through Morocco Family Vacation, she shares tips and stories to help travelers enjoy authentic, stress-free experiences. Join us along the way.
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