Zakopane is an ideal place for a short getaway from Krakow: mountains, local culture and highlander cuisine create a great mix of attractions for adults and children. Two days are enough to feel the mountain atmosphere, enjoy pleasant walks, take a funicular up to a viewpoint and relax in thermal baths — all without long, strenuous hikes when you travel with a stroller.
For families with young children the accessible tourist infrastructure is a big advantage: comfortable funiculars and promenades, parking near popular trailheads and a growing offer of family-friendly accommodation. If you plan your route in advance and bring a compact stroller plus a sling or carrier, the weekend can be pleasant and stress-free.
Remember that seasonality (school holidays, summer, long weekends) affects crowds and availability — choose times outside peak hours when possible, book thermal baths and parking ahead and consider traveling outside the busiest days.
Travel time from Krakow to Zakopane: by car usually 1.5–2 hours (without traffic), by bus about 2–2.5 hours, by train expect 3–4 hours (a scenic but longer route).
If you travel with a stroller: choose bus or car unless you prefer the comfort of the train despite the longer journey. In Zakopane it’s easiest to move on foot around the center and use the funiculars or cable lifts for viewpoints.
Remember to make reservations: accommodation in the center and access to popular thermal baths — and check the carrier’s rules for transporting strollers (bus, train). Keep a flexible plan in case of weather changes.
Day 1 (morning and afternoon): Depart Krakow in the morning (bus or car are the most convenient). After arrival, stroll Krupówki — the wide promenade is stroller-friendly, with stops for local snacks. Take the funicular to Gubałówka — the funicular usually accepts strollers and on the top there is an asphalt promenade and food points. Spend the afternoon at the thermal baths (for example Chochołowskie Termy or other nearby thermal complexes) or explore museums and short attractions in the center. Evening: relax and overnight stay at your chosen accommodation.
Day 2 (morning and afternoon): Early start to Palenica Białczańska or use the TPN e-bus/transport — reaching Morskie Oko with a stroller is possible on the paved section of the route from Palenica, but it’s a longer uphill walk; alternatively choose a shorter, flat walk in the Kościeliska Valley or other easier stroller-friendly trails. Return to Zakopane for final souvenir shopping and an afternoon return to Krakow.
This itinerary is easy to adapt: if your child needs naps, plan longer breaks in cafés or places with playgrounds; if the weather is bad, swap outdoor activities for a thermal bath visit or a short indoor workshop at a local shelter.
Car: greatest flexibility — you can bring a larger stroller, more luggage and stop as needed. Watch for traffic on Zakopianka in season and check parking availability at your destinations.
Bus: a practical and often quick option from Krakow; many daily connections and stops close to Zakopane’s center. Buses can be stroller-friendly — confirm the stroller carriage rules with the specific carrier.
Train: the most scenic but usually the longest option. Trains and stations can be adapted for strollers, but watch for transfers and possible stairs. For families with a small child the train can be calmer, though it lengthens the trip.
Locally in Zakopane: the funicular to Gubałówka is stroller-friendly and many central promenades are easy to use. To Morskie Oko there are TPN e-buses and horse-drawn carriages; e-buses were introduced with families and people with limited mobility in mind — check schedules and rules.
Krupówki: Zakopane’s main promenade, wide and paved — ideal for relaxed walks with a stroller, shopping and coffee breaks.
Gubałówka: the funicular carries strollers and the top has an asphalt promenade with food stalls and lovely views. It’s a great attraction for both children and adults.
Morskie Oko (part of the route): the paved road from Palenica Białczańska to Włosienica and onward to Morskie Oko can be done with a stroller, though some slopes may be tiring. In season there are e-buses and horse-drawn carriages; decide about the approach considering fitness and weather.
Kościeliska Valley: many sections of the valley are gentle and pleasant; shorter walks along the valley floor are often more suitable than the route to Morskie Oko if you want to avoid long climbs.
When choosing accommodation look for places described as family-friendly, offering extra beds, a play corner or a pool — these amenities make evenings with a child much nicer. Apartments with a kitchen are often the best option for families, especially if your child has special dietary needs.
Dining: choose well-reviewed places that serve regional dishes and are welcoming to parents with children. In Zakopane many restaurants and mountain inns are praised for local cuisine and family-friendly atmosphere; cafés on Krupówki and near Gubałówka are convenient. Examples of popular local venues to consider are Javorina, Góralska Tradycja and Obrochtówka — known for regional food and a friendly vibe. Always check current reviews before visiting.
If you plan to relax in thermal baths, pick complexes with good family ratings — many offer children’s zones and shallow pools. Booking tickets or packages in advance will save time and stress.
A compact, lightweight stroller with good suspension works best — it folds easily for car or bus transport. Bring a sling or carrier for shorter trail sections and emergency baby carrying.
Pack: spare diapers, extra clothes, a thermos with drink, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and a small first-aid kit. Mountain weather changes fast — dress your child in layers.
If you plan to go to Morskie Oko or take longer walks, consider an electric stroller attachment or help from a second person for steeper paved sections.
Not booking thermal bath entries and parking in advance — this is a common source of stress in season. Book ahead and choose off-peak hours.
Taking a too-large, heavy stroller for all activities — pick a compact model and have a plan B (carrier/sling).
Underestimating travel time — traffic on Zakopianka and queues at attractions can extend the trip; allow buffer time in your schedule and avoid packing too many stops into one day.
Can you get to Gubałówka with a stroller? Yes — the funicular is set up to carry strollers and staff usually help with boarding. The top has a comfortable asphalt promenade.
Is Morskie Oko accessible with a stroller? Part of the route to Morskie Oko is paved and possible to cover with a stroller, but it’s a longer walk with some uphill stretches; consider the e-bus or horse-drawn carriage to ease the way (seasonal availability and rules change).
Are thermal baths a good idea with a little one? Yes — many thermal complexes have children’s zones and shallow pools; it’s a great way to relax after a day of walking. Book tickets in advance.
Arriving early at popular places (e.g., Palenica Białczańska or valley trailheads) gives a real advantage — shorter queues, better parking and quieter walks.
At tourist stalls local artisans often sell wholesome homemade snacks (such as cheeses) — ask for recommended stands; it’s a nice way to taste the region and take a short break with your child.
If possible, consider staying slightly outside the busy center — quieter areas (for example near Gubałówka, Olcza, Krzeptówki) offer easier access to nature and often better value for money.
If you want a fully comfortable and tailored plan, I’d be happy to help organize a trip adapted to your family’s needs — from transport and accommodation choice to a detailed daily schedule. You can contact me via the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website — I invite you to get in touch.
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