We shared the best places for family-friendly travels in 2022, and here's the updated version for 2023.
When thinking about a Muslim and family-friendly type of travel, we want you and your family to have a safe, respectful, and exciting trip. To help you and your family's trip in 2023 be even more memorable, we put together top locations that stand out and discuss them in-depth, so you can expect the best experience there.
Morocco has many places waiting to be explored, but if you and your family have only a few days to explore, visit the city of Marrakech. On your first day, take a stroll at the square and marketplace in Marrakech's medina quarter (old city) called Jemaa el-Fnaa, one of the tourist spots in the central city of Morocco. Here, you can see the blending of locals and tourists, fruit juice vendors, street performers, snake charmers, and many more.
Panoramic view of Jemaa el-Fnaa. Image Credit: Boris Macek, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
If you're looking for a stay at Medina, we recommend you stay at a family-friendly traditional guesthouse called Riad Aya Marrakech. Excellent location, clean and beautiful are some of the common reviews the guesthouse gets. There's a lovely rooftop terrace with a cool refreshing pool for your kids to swim while you enjoy the city view in the lounge area. It's very quiet at night, so you and your family can fully rest after a whole day traveling and exploring the city. The guesthouse also covers free breakfast and dinner with additional charges.
On your second day, it's time to visit places with fun attractions in Marrakech. Start your exploration at the Museum Of Confluences, just 5 minutes from Riad Aya guesthouse. The museum, which is also called the Dar El Bacha museum, was once a palace designed with Moroccan architectural influence. Now, it's a museum dedicated to Islamic Art, and home to one of the finest coffee shops in all of Marrakech called Bacha Coffee Room.
After your museum visit and lunch treat, go straight to Jardin Marjorelle, one of the most magical areas in Marrakech. This will be one of the most tranquil gardens you and your family will ever see. Jardin Marjorelle is best known for its cobalt blue color on the garden walls, fountains, and features. The intense blue color Blue Marjorelle was trademarked after the garden designer Jacques Majorelle. Since it was so vibrant, famous designer Yves Saint Laurent decided to acquire color ownership and use it to inspire most of his designs. He also purchased the gardens in the 80s and made them his final resting place. The garden is well-maintained and a peaceful place away from the chaos of Marrakech city. Furthermore, there's a photo op on every corner that you and your family can turn to for your aesthetic family picture as a souvenir back home.
Jardin Marjorelle in Morocco. Image Credit: Mehmet Uğur Türkyılmaz on Unsplash
If you have extra time, plan a visit to interesting attractions such as Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and The Souks. Most of the food in Marrakech is Halal; therefore, take a chance to try the popular local cuisine, such as mint tea, Moroccan crepes, panache, and kofta, to name a few. Since Morocco is a part of a Muslim country, alcohol is not commonly offered here; even if there is, it will be pretty pricey. The country is relatively safe for families to travel to as long as you understand its laws and cultural customs. The crime rates are relatively low, but be aware of scam artists and pickpockets, which are common in Morocco.
Qatar, where the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 took place, shall be one of your family-travel choices in 2023. Here's why. Qatar is one of the countries that will make your kids feel welcome with its endless activities choices. From dunes bashing to camping, arts, and crafts to entertainment and beautiful open spaces, Qatar caters to all ages including you as a parent.
Stay a few nights in Doha, the capital city of Qatar, as it has plenty of activities to offer you and your family. Museums and theme parks, to name a few, are the most popular attractions here. The museums in Qatar are mostly child friendly, with interactive exhibits and educational activities that hold many classes and workshops onsite. The Museum of Illusion at The Gate Mall promises to thrill you and your family with its mind-boggling illusions and educational activities.
A new museum called Dadu, Children's Museum of Qatar, has just recently opened its door to a visitor and is a great place for your kids. Here, your kids get to join the planned stimulating activities and interactive, accessible indoor and outdoor experience for you and your kids to play and learn together. There is also a Museum of Islamic Art that your whole family can visit to learn more about Islam and the country's culture.
The skyline view of Doha during blue hour taken from The Museum of Islamic Art. Image Credit: Florian Wehde on Unsplash.
On your next day in the beautiful city of Doha, spend a full and fun family day at one of the available theme parks. Most of the theme parks in Qatar are located inside shopping malls as the weather can get hot during the day here. This is because the sun rises before 5 a.m., and the temperature can get high and uncomfortable in the daytime.
Choosing only one theme park to visit of all available parks can be overwhelming, but here's one you can check out; Quest. Quest is Qatar's first-ever indoor theme park in Doha Oasis. Here, you will be spoilt with 30 rides of choices and attractions featuring a mix of adrenaline-heavy thrill rides, media-controlled simulators, virtual reality experiences, and many more. But if you fancy more than one theme park in a day or two, check out other available theme parks around the city; Angry Birds World, Snow Dunes, Virtuocity, KidzMondo Doha, and KidZania.
Carousel at Quest Qatar theme park. Image Credit: Quest
Since Qatar is rated the 5th most Muslim-friendly country by CrescentRating, it's easy for you and your family to find Muslim-friendly accommodation and food here. Qatar is also very safe for families to travel to as it has low crime rates and extremely rare violent crimes.
According to GMTI 2022 Rankings, Malaysia is the top destination for Muslim travel. Known for its white sandy beaches, dense rainforests, and multiracial ethnicity, Malaysia is one of the best destinations for you and your family to travel to in 2023. Here, you can indulge in the awe-inspiring experience of a lifetime by exploring Malaysia's capital city, Kuala Lumpur (KL). KL is where all the best food, art, architecture, and fun attractions are located.
On your first few days, take a stroll around KL city by introducing your kids to some of the famous architecture of Malaysia. The architecture around the area is a blend of old colonial influences, Malay Islamic inspirations, and Asian traditions. To name a few, Warisan Merdeka Tower, Petronas Twin Tower, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and Istana Negara are some of the famous architectural designs in Malaysia where you and your family can take a family picture together as a souvenir back home. Since most of the food around the city is Halal certified, be sure to enjoy delicacies that the locals usually enjoy such as Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, Rendang, and many more.
Skyline of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Image Credit: Zukiman Mohamad via Pexel
We all know how restless kids can be without some entertainment during travel. In KL, you will be spoilt with endless fun attractions to keep your kids entertained during the travel and remember the memory when they grow up. Bring them to Petrosains, a discovery center in KLCC, where your kids can learn about the fascinating world of science and technology without feeling bored. They can also explore Malaysia's rainforests, mountains, and underwater scenery here.
If you and your family are in the mood for a hair-raising roller coaster experience and away from the heat of KL, take a short drive to Genting Highland, a cool-weather destination, and visit one of the most popular family attractions in Malaysia called First World Theme Park. It is a place filled with attractions to keep your whole family entertained.
If you have extra days to spend, head to the east side of Malaysia, Sabah, to check out the beautiful beaches, rainforests, and abundant wildlife with your family. Remember to spot Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Borneo, and the world-class sunset in Tanjung Aru Beach when you have the chance. Malaysia is a relatively safe place to travel but be sure to be careful at all times and respect the cultural customs when you're there.
We hope we have provided you with informative information on where to visit with your family in 2023. Check out HalalTrip for more Muslim-friendly travel blogs.
