8 Family-Friendly Activities in Meknes

Volubilis — the best-preserved Roman ruins in North Africa — is one of the most exciting family day trips in Morocco. The ruins lie 30 km north of Meknes through rolling olive groves. Children experience it as a real archaeological adventure: walking through 2,000-year-old streets, finding mosaics on the floors of ancient houses (Orpheus playing to animals, sea creatures, geometric patterns), climbing the steps of the basilica, and standing under the triumphal arch. The site is open and un-roped — children can walk freely through the ruins, which makes the experience far more engaging than European heritage sites. The hilltop setting offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The mosaics are the highlight for most children — they're remarkably well-preserved and depict animals and mythological scenes that children recognise. Allow 1.5–2 hours. Bring water, sunscreen, and hats — there is no shade.

Bab el-Mansour — the massive ornamental gate that is arguably Morocco's most beautiful — faces onto Place el-Hedim, the city's main square. For children, the gate is impressive for its sheer size (taller than a four-storey building) and its intricate decoration (zellige mosaic and carved marble columns taken from Volubilis). In the evening, Place el-Hedim comes alive with food stalls, musicians, snake charmers, and families. It's like a smaller, friendlier version of Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fnaa — children can explore the entertainment without feeling overwhelmed. Buy roasted corn, fresh orange juice, and nuts from the vendors. The illuminated gate at night is spectacular. The square is safe and family-friendly — Meknassi families use it as their evening gathering place. Children can run around while parents sit at a café and watch the gate change colour as the sky darkens.

The Heri es-Souani — the vast royal granaries and stables built by Sultan Moulay Ismail — are one of the most dramatic architectural spaces in Morocco. For children, the appeal is the scale: hall after hall of massive arched ceilings, thick walls, and dramatic shafts of light from gaps in the roof. The story is compelling: the sultan kept 12,000 horses in these stables and stored enough grain to feed his army for years. Children can run through the halls (they echo wonderfully), count the arches, and imagine the thousands of horses. The engineering is visible: thick walls for insulation, an underground water system for cooling, and ventilation channels. The adjacent Agdal Basin — a vast artificial lake — is peaceful, with views to the Middle Atlas Mountains. The site is rarely crowded. The dramatic light effects (shafts of sunlight through the broken roof) are best in the afternoon. Allow 45 minutes.

Meknes's medina souks have active craft workshops where children can watch artisans at work — and sometimes participate. The metalwork souk is the most impressive: Damascene artisans inlay silver wire into blackened steel, creating intricate geometric patterns on trays, boxes, and jewellery. Children are mesmerised by the precision and patience of the work. The woodworking souk has carvers creating geometric patterns in cedar — the scent is wonderful. The leather souk has craftspeople stitching bags and slippers by hand. Some workshops welcome children to try simple tasks (under supervision): placing silver wire, painting a leather design, or sanding a wooden piece. The Meknes souks are relaxed — artisans appreciate genuine interest and are patient with curious children. Buy a small Damascene piece as a souvenir — knowing the skill that created it gives the object meaning.