12 great things to do with kids in Taghazout
Family surf session for style guru Caroline Macleod-Smith and family. Surf coach: Redouane Regragui, 3 x Morocco champion
This blog article was written in response to friends' requests for tips on making the most of their family holiday to Taghazout.
Many of the suggestions have been tried and tested by families visiting, or through my personal explorations and observations.
I am grateful to all who have contributed and for the space to share these fun, child-friendly discoveries.
Is Taghazout suitable for families? Absolutely, yes! Children are a key part of Morocco’s family-centric culture, and consequently, the local community is extremely accommodating and welcoming of children of all ages.
Book a surf lesson
The coastline from Agadir to Taghazout offers a high density of surf spots, most suitable for beginners to intermediate surfers - depending on the swell. Sandy-bottomed beach breaks and warm(ish) Atlantic waters make an excellent outdoor classroom for playing in the waves. Whilst friends often enquire about a surf coach for their children, I usually suggest parents have a go, too; surfing is a beautiful activity to experience as a family. It is so unique and fun to learn something new together! If your hotel does not offer in-house surfing, email me, and I will hook you up with a local surf school or surf coach, like Redouane Regragui (3 x Moroccan champion), to fit your group's requirements.
Go hiking and wild swimming in Paradise Valley
A great excursion for when it’s too windy to head to the beach or if the waves are too big or too small. Or for those who like exploring in nature. Around 45 minutes drive from Taghazout is Paradise Valley: home to giant date palms, argan trees, steep gorges, and oases. The beginning of the Atlas Mountains offers hikes from 1 hour to a few days. Many come for a morning or afternoon, enjoying a refreshing swim in the oases pools or rock jumping if you like an adrenalin rush! There are shaded cafés where you can eat a home-cooked tagine or stop for a drink. Pack swimming clothes, drinking water and sun cream. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun. I highly recommend Amazigh Hike Tours for an authentic and insightful experience away from the crowds.
Relax by the pool day
If your hotel has a pool, great! If not, remember that many of the resort hotels are open for day visitors. You can pay for pool day passes and enjoy the pool, sunlounger and restaurant facilities at some of Taghazout’s luxury resort hotels such as the Fairmont, Hilton and Hyatt Place. Further afield, there is Le Domaine Limoune approx. 75-minute drive, here you can combine a pool day with visiting their wildlife park.
Go on a wildlife safari in Souss Massa National Park
If wildlife is your thing, a day out to the Souss Massa will appeal. You will need to visit with a guide, and I highly recommend Rachid Baltar, owner of Amazigh Immersion. Born in the region, he can tailor-make a wonderful day trip exploring the wildlife parks and rugged coastline.
Explore Tamraght’s Tuesday Souk
This weekly fruit and vegetable souk is a popular local market. Simple stalls piled with seasonal produce. It is a wonderful way to immerse yourselves in the local community.
Sunset drink in Taghazout
Walk down to the waterfront, and you will find the essence of Taghazout, the village’s main beach with a scattering of wooden fishing boats, colourful houses and wobbly steps. There are several cafés beachside; head north to Café Berbere, which has one of the best spots for sunset with floor rugs, low cushions, and a fire pit for after sunset. To combine your sunset with dinner and good vibes, check out World of Waves (alcohol license) and Windy Bay.
Play a round of golf by the ocean
Tazegzout Golf, an 18-hole golf course designed by Kyle Phillips, boasts epic ocean views and a truly unique experience for golfing families. For those wondering how a golf course is possible in a desert environment, I understand they use environmentally friendly products and keep the grass green by reusing wastewater.
Beach play with local kids
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, kids and play are a huge part of Moroccan culture. Spend some time kicking a ball at the beach, and you will soon make friends with locals. It can be a beautiful, fun, and connecting experience. There are also ponies and camels waiting around to transport you. Use your common sense as to whether the animals looked cared for, and try to support those who understand animal welfare.
Go shopping in Bab Taghazout
This cute shopping haven has popped up behind a huge ornate wooden door in Aourir over the last couple of years. It’s a hidden oasis of hand-craft shops and artisan makers selling ceramics, rugs, rattan lanterns, mirrors, and clothing. They recently added a couple of cafés, too. Take cash, as cards aren’t widely used. If you don’t make it to Aourir, there are also lots of cool surf-centric souvenir and rug shops in Taghazout village.
Go big wave-watching
If there is a swell, it can be fun to go watch the professional surfers paddling out at Anchor Point.
Take a stroll along the ‘corniche’
A new promenade was created between Tamraght and Taghazout in 2020. It is 5 km long, well-paved, and well-lit, with pretty landscaped green borders. Enjoy some or all of it in the early morning or evening. You can also hire bikes.
Things to do on a non-beach weather day
It’s not often. However, it can be nice to have a few things up your sleeve for when the beach is not an option. My first choice would be to relax and enjoy your hotel. If you need to get out and about, a visit to Targant, the argan museum may be of interest, the first of its kind in the world. Further afield in Agadir, there is ten-pin bowling alley, go-karting and Crocro Park.
I hope you enjoyed this article. Thank you for reading and sharing. If you have any updates, suggestions or questions, please drop me an email.