Morocco's largest city is surprisingly easy with children: a giant seafront mall with an aquarium and musical fountain, Atlantic beaches at Ain Diab, a long Corniche promenade and leafy parks. Here are the best family-friendly things to do in Casablanca.
The best of Casablanca
Morocco Mall
Family. One of the largest shopping centres in Africa, on the Corniche at the western end of Ain Diab. Families come for the giant cylindrical aquarium at its heart, an indoor souk, an IMAX cinema and child-friendly dining, all under one roof.
Morocco Mall Musical Fountain
Family. In front of Morocco Mall, a large choreographed fountain puts on shows set to music and lights after dark. It is free to watch from the seafront plaza and is an easy, crowd-pleasing way to end a family afternoon by the ocean.
Morocco Mall Aquarium
Family. A tall cylindrical aquarium rises through the centre of Morocco Mall, with a glass lift that lets visitors ride up past the fish. It is one of the city's most reliable hits with younger children and is sheltered from the weather.
Ain Diab Beaches
Beach. Casablanca's main beach district stretches along the Atlantic below the Corniche. The sands draw families for paddling, sandcastles and sunbathing; supervised beach clubs with pools are a calmer option for swimming with small children than the open surf.
The Corniche Promenade
Outdoors. The seafront promenade in Ain Diab runs along the Atlantic with cafes, ice-cream stops and ocean breezes. Flat and open, it suits buggies and an easy family stroll, with views back towards the Hassan II Mosque on its point.
Parc de la Ligue Arabe
Outdoors. Casablanca's largest central park, laid out in the protectorate era with avenues of tall palms and shaded walkways. Recently renovated, it gives families a green break from the city centre's traffic and busy boulevards.
Hassan II Mosque Esplanade
Landmark. The vast open esplanade around the Hassan II Mosque sits right at the water's edge, with the Atlantic crashing on the rocks below. The square is free to wander, gives children space to roam, and the monumental scale of the mosque impresses all ages even from the outside.
Tamaris Aquaparc
Family. A seasonal water park at Tamaris, on the coast just south-west of Casablanca, with pools and slides. Open in the warmer months, it is a popular day out for families looking to cool off away from the open Atlantic surf.
Anfa Neighbourhood
Outdoors. The leafy hilltop district of Anfa is one of Casablanca's greenest residential areas, with quiet tree-lined avenues and views down to the coast. It makes a calm contrast to the busy centre for an easygoing family wander or drive.
Central Market (Marche Central)
Food. The lively covered market on Boulevard Mohammed V is a colourful, sensory stop for families, with stalls of fish, fruit, flowers and spices. Small eateries grill seafood to order, making it an easy and fun spot for an early lunch.
