Fes · With kids

Shaded walks, a lake and room to run, just outside the medina walls — the obvious midday retreat. All ages.

Leather shops lend a balcony and a sprig of mint against the smell; the dye pits hold older children for ten memorable minutes. Ages 8+.

A modern zoo in pine forest south of the city, with African species and shaded paths; half a day and easy pushchair ground. Ages 3+.

An hour west by grand taxi to Roman mosaics you walk among, with storks on the columns. Flat ground, no shade. Ages 6+.

Thousands of lanes, steps and loaded mules — use a carrier. Riads take children happily and most will cook an early dinner if asked.