Ariel Cohen
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Ariel Cromwell | Morocco travel Writer and mom sharing local insights, family travel experiences, and practical tips to help others explore the country with confidence.
Stories (54)
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Are Trains in Morocco Kid-Friendly? by Morocco Family Vacation
Traveling with kids often means rethinking everything you take for granted as an adult from transport to meals to pacing. On our family trip to Morocco, one question kept coming up: Are trains in Morocco kid-friendly?
By Ariel Cohenabout 16 hours ago in Wander
Best Things to Do in Marrakech With Kids by Morocco Family Vacation
Before visiting Marrakech, I worried it might be “too much” for kids. Too busy. Too loud. Too intense. As a mom, those concerns are always front and center. I imagined crowded streets, nonstop noise, and my kids becoming overwhelmed before we even found our rhythm. What I learned instead was that Marrakech can be incredibly family-friendly if you approach it the right way. This city isn’t designed for rushing. It rewards slow travel, flexibility, and seeing everything through a child’s perspective. Once we stopped trying to “see it all” and focused on how our kids were feeling, Marrakech transformed from intimidating to magical. Timing Is Everything in Marrakech One of the biggest lessons we learned was when to explore. Early mornings and late afternoons were magical. The city felt calmer, the light was softer, and the streets were easier to navigate with children. Midday, on the other hand, was best reserved for rest. We learned quickly that pushing through the heat and crowds only led to tired kids and stressed parents. Once we adjusted our rhythm sightseeing in the morning, relaxing at midday, and going out again later everything felt easier. The kids were happier, and so were we. Jemaa el-fnaa: Short Visits, Big Memories Jemaa el-Fnaa was one of the places I was most nervous about. It’s famous for its energy, but that can feel overwhelming with kids. Instead of diving in headfirst, we approached it slowly. We didn’t rush into the main square. We visited briefly, stood on the edges, and let the kids observe at their own pace. They were fascinated by: The musicians and drummers Storytellers surrounded by small crowds Fresh orange juice stands being squeezed right in front of them We treated it like a short experience rather than a long stay. When we felt the energy shifting toward overload, we left — and that made all the difference. Jemaa el-Fnaa became exciting instead of exhausting. Majorelle Garden: A Calm Reset After the medina, Majorelle Garden felt like a sanctuary. The bold blue buildings, exotic plants, and open pathways gave the kids space to explore quietly without worrying about traffic or crowds. For the first time that day, everyone slowed down naturally. It was one of the few places where all of us relaxed instantly. The kids wandered, pointed out plants, and asked questions. I realized how important it was to balance busy areas with peaceful ones. Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride This simple activity became a highlight of our time in Marrakech. The horse-drawn carriage ride allowed the kids to see the city without walking endlessly. They loved the gentle rhythm of the ride, waving at people as we passed by. For us, it was a chance to rest while still experiencing the city. It also helped us understand the layout of Marrakech without stress. Seeing neighborhoods from a distance gave us confidence for later walks. Cooking Classes That Include Kids A short Moroccan cooking experience turned into an unexpected favorite. The kids helped mix ingredients, shape dough, and taste what they made. They were proud of their involvement and suddenly much more interested in Moroccan food than before. It wasn’t just fun it changed their mindset. Instead of being hesitant about unfamiliar dishes, they were curious and excited. Meals became something they looked forward to, not worried about. Riads: Perfect for Families Staying in a riad completely changed our experience. The courtyards provided quiet space after busy days. The fountains fascinated the kids, and the enclosed layout made everything feel safe and contained. Evenings were calm, which helped the kids wind down naturally. It felt personal and peaceful exactly what families need after navigating a lively city. Souks as a Game, Not a Task Instead of serious shopping, we turned souk visits into small adventures. We made it into a game: Spot the brightest lantern Choose one small souvenir each Guess spices by smell This approach kept the kids engaged and prevented meltdowns. The souks stopped feeling chaotic and started feeling playful. What We Chose Not to Do Just as important as what we did was what we skipped. We avoided: Overpacked itineraries Late nights Long walks without breaks We learned that saying no to certain activities meant saying yes to better moments as a family. Planning Marrakech with kids takes experience. Having guidance from the company we booked with helped us avoid common mistakes and choose activities that matched our family’s pace instead of fighting against it. Final Thoughts Marrakech isn’t chaotic when you slow it down. With kids, it becomes colorful, musical, and surprisingly gentle. By choosing the right moments, pacing our days carefully, and listening to our children’s energy levels, Marrakech became one of the most rewarding cities we’ve ever visited together not despite traveling with kids, but because of it.
By Ariel Cohen2 days ago in Journal
When Is the Best Time to Visit Morocco With Kids?
As a mom, I know how different traveling with kids can feel compared to solo or adult-only trips. When my family and I first planned our Morocco adventure, I had one big question: When is the best time to visit Morocco with kids?
By Ariel Cohen4 days ago in Journal
Can I Drink the Tap Water in Morocco? By Morocco Family Vacation
One of the first questions travelers ask after landing in Morocco is a practical one: Can I drink the tap water here? The short answer is simple: most travelers should not drink tap water in Morocco, even though locals often do.
By Ariel Cohen8 days ago in Wander
Morocco Weather in May: Warm Days, Long Evenings, and a Perfect Travel Rhythm
The country feels warmer, more social, and more confident — without tipping into the intense heat of summer. For many travelers, May ends up being the moment when Morocco feels most alive and easiest to enjoy.
By Ariel Cohen12 days ago in Wander
Morocco Weather in April: When the Country Starts to Breathe Again
After the cooler winter months, the air softens, the sun becomes warmer without being overwhelming, and travel suddenly feels easier. When people ask me when Morocco feels most balanced, April is often the first month that comes to mind.
By Ariel Cohen12 days ago in Wander
Airports in Morocco Taught Me More Than I Expected
I never thought an airport would teach me anything meaningful about a country. Airports, to me, were always neutral spaces—places designed to move people efficiently from one point to another. Identical floors, identical signs, identical impatience. Morocco changed that assumption almost immediately.
By Ariel Cohen14 days ago in Journal
Snow in Morocco: A Side of the Country Most Travelers Don’t Expect
When most people think of Morocco, they imagine warm deserts, sunlit medinas, and palm trees swaying under a blue sky. Snow rarely comes to mind. Yet every winter, parts of the country quietly shift into a completely different landscape one shaped by cold air, white mountain peaks, and villages wrapped in silence after snowfall.
By Ariel Cohen14 days ago in Wander
