We embarked on our adventure in Morocco nearly 7 years ago before we had kids. We were enchanted by the lure of long challenging sport climbs in Taghia and numerous adventurous trad climbs in and around Tafraout. Within our first year, I got pregnant with our first daughter and our lifestyle changed. The lure of those places never went away, we just had to figure out how to do them in different life stages with an infant, a toddler, then two. Most of our experience living and climbing in Morocco has been with kids, and we have persisted in getting out on adventures with them, and our kids have enhanced our experience of these wild and wondrous places. 

Morocco is a wonderful place to come for a climbing holiday with children, you just have to know where to go. While some of the iconic, multi-pitch routes across the country are less accessible with kids running around, there are a variety of splendid locations that suit different levels of climbing ability. 

Morocco: Family-Friendly Destination

Moroccans LOVE kids and overall it’s a very family-friendly culture. Having kids with you will only add to your experience of the people and the culture. I personally feel that raising children in Morocco has given me a richer and deeper experience of the culture of welcome and hospitality. 

Just be prepared that giving children ‘halwa’ – sweet treats – is a love language for most people here.There are also a lot of great cultural and family-friendly activities to do on your rest days near some of these climbing areas as well as great lodging options. 

Tips for Keeping Kids Happy at the Crag

If you are a seasoned adventurer with kids, you know crag snacks are what fuel our climbing days with kids. You can find a variety of healthy snacks and fresh and dried fruits and nuts and vegetables are cheap and readily available in most places. However, if you’re looking for chips or cereal bars, you will have to go to a larger supermarket. 

Depending on where you are climbing, you may also attract some of the local village kids as well, which usually just means more playmates for kids.  We often bring extra snacks to share with other kids that come around from time to time and they always enjoy playing with whatever toys we have brought along. While some kids may ask for money, we advise that you don’t give out money which encourages begging. 

Where to Go

TAFRAOUT: A Southern Moroccan Granite Paradise

While Tafraout is well known for its multi-pitch adventurous climbs, it’s also a great area to climb with families. You just might have to forego some of the bigger itineraries and opt for more family friendly spots, but there are plenty of decent options. 

Where to Climb

• Anammer Crags – Just off the Road in the Afantizar Valley above Ida Ougnidif, this crag is especially great if you’re staying at Ksar Rock Guesthouse, which our kids love! Pro tip: Go with another family and base your trip out of the Guesthouse to take shifts tackling more of the classic climbing around while kids have endless opportunities to explore here.
• Tafraout Granite
  • Kindergarten Crags – Great for setting up easy top ropes.
  • College Crags – Bolted and crack climbing with an easy approach, best in the winter, or in evening.
  • Tagtout Crag – Bolted and crack climbing with a flat base, nearby shade and an easy approach.
  • Rainbow Tor – Good climbing with mid-grade cracks and great offerings for kids.
• Bouldering Circuits
  • White Circuit has 23 easy problems great for kids to romp around on while Intermediate boulderers can hop on the Blue and Red Circuit.

Bonus Beta

• If you’re staying in Tafraout, most hotels have a pool. And while it may be cooler in the winter months, kids usually don’t care.
• You’re also just 2.5 hours from Agadir, so you could easily squeeze a beach and climbing holiday into the same trip. 

When to Go

Anytime from October to April.

More info on climbing, lodging and transport on Explore Tafraout: Adventure in Morocco’s Anti-Atlas

TODRA GORGE: A Limestone Playground for All Ages

The stunning limestone canyons of the Todra Gorge offer a number of superb climbing options for families. With multiple sport crags in walking distance from lodging, safe bolting, and plenty of kid-friendly climbing, it’s an ideal place for families with young kids. You can find plenty of good crags with wide-open flat bases and enough options in sun and shade. 

Where to Climb

• Petit Gorge 
• Jardins d’ete 

Bonus Beta

The river that runs through the gorge provides endless water play options for littles who are less interested in climbing.

When to Go

Best between October and April, but you can go year round if you can find the shade.

GAGOU – ZUHELIKA: A Well-Tested Family Crag

When to Go

You can climb here most of the year, but July and August are too hot usually. 

AGADIR: Not Just a Surfing Desitination

Up until recently, Agadir was not on anyone’s radar for climbing, but within the past year we have been developing a couple of areas within 30-40 minutes from the coastal city that are ideal for short day excursions with kids. If you are interested in exploring these areas, you can book a day of climbing with us or join one of our group days. 

Bonus Beta

At the right time of year, you can find frogs and other creatures near the climbing areas. Climb in the morning for half the day and spend the afternoon at the Crocoparc or the beach. Agadir is a very family-friendly city with lots of parks and things to do with children.

When to Go

You can climb year-round here! The two main climbing areas provide great flat areas for kids to play and explore, and one has some water to play in as well.

Other Options for Climbing in Morocco with Kids

You may also want to consider joining one of our Family Multi-Day Retreats we run throughout the year to accommodate families traveling together. These are great opportunities to get outside and climb with other families with children and are accessible to climbers of all levels, even beginners.