Yes — and in 48 hours. Krakow is a city where historic monuments meet a lively contemporary art scene. In the city centre and within a short distance of the Market Square there are institutions worth visiting with a guide, especially if you want to combine stories about the city with activities that engage children.
In two days you can comfortably visit Bunkier Sztuki, MOCAK, and also Manggha or Cricoteka, and spend afternoons in places the youngest will remember — the Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama), the Water Park, Krakow Zoo or the Educational Park of the Village of the World (Park Edukacyjny Wioski Świata).
A guide will help match the pace of the visit to the children’s ages, pick attractions that won’t tire the little ones, and present places in an engaging way — with an anecdote or a short task for kids. That way a gallery or museum visit won’t be a "dry" lesson but a shared little story that’s easier to remember later.
Additionally, a guide knows opening hours, the best times to visit (for example quiet hours, free-admission days, or visits with limited numbers) and can recommend nearby breaks for play and good food.
Morning: Wawel and the Dragon’s Den — start with the legend. The Royal Wawel Castle is a must, and the Dragon’s Den sparks children’s imagination. It’s worth buying tickets in advance and coming early to avoid queues.
Midday: Lunch near the Market — choose a well-rated, family-friendly restaurant so children have options and quick snacks. A short walk to the Main Market Square lets you feel the city atmosphere and see the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice).
Afternoon: MOCAK — Museum of Contemporary Art. This is a place where exhibitions are often interactive or visually inspiring. MOCAK has set opening hours and offers family tickets and guided tours; check for quiet hours if you prefer a calmer visit.
Evening: A gentle walk by the Vistula or relaxing on the Planty. If the kids still have energy, consider a short boat trip on the Vistula — a different perspective on the city.
Morning: Manggha or Cricoteka — depending on the family’s interests. Manggha (Museum of Japanese Art and Technology) usually offers family ticket options and regularly runs workshops. Cricoteka, dedicated to Tadeusz Kantor, is interesting both for adults and art-minded children; family workshops and activities are often on the program.
Midday: A children’s attraction — the Krakow Aqua Park, Krakow Zoo or the Educational Park of the Village of the World. Each offers a different kind of experience: active play, contact with animals, or an educational cultural journey.
Afternoon: Small local museums or workshops — the Living Bagel Museum (Muzyem Obwarzanka), ceramics workshops, or a short themed route adapted to the children’s age. With a guide it’s easier to find these short, valuable activities.
Evening: Dinner and trip wrap-up — plan something simple the kids like, while adults get a taste of local cuisine.
MOCAK: usually open Tuesday–Sunday roughly 11:00–19:00; the ticket office typically closes earlier. The museum offers family tickets and paid guided tours — check prices and availability in advance. Some days have quiet hours, which are helpful for visitors sensitive to noise.
Manggha: usually open Tuesday–Sunday, often with family ticket options and guided tours for families; booking a group tour typically requires advance notice (from a few days up to a week).
Bunkier Sztuki: after renovation it has become an even more interesting contemporary art spot in Krakow — check current exhibitions and opening hours before visiting, as shows are often temporary.
Cricoteka: open during standard afternoon hours; some exhibitions may be free (for example permanent displays), and workshops are regularly held — check the calendar.
Buy tickets online where possible — the May holiday is a busy tourist period and many places limit visitor numbers.
Plan days with breaks — even a short 15–30 minute stop at a playground or in a café will work better than a long, continuous tour. Children tire faster, and a calm break lifts everyone’s mood.
Check booking conditions for guided tours — some museums require reservations well in advance (for example 7–10 days) for groups and families.
Consider the weather — the May holiday can be changeable; have a plan B for rain (museums, workshops, indoor parks).
Bunkier Sztuki is a modernist building with a distinctive facade and a long history on the local art scene — after renovation it has become better adapted to contemporary exhibitions and educational activities.
Some contemporary art museums organise "quiet hours" or special family sessions, which can make visits much easier if little ones don’t tolerate noise or intense lighting well.
Many cultural institutions in Krakow offer family tickets or discounts when combining visits to several places (for example combined tickets or city promotions) — it’s worth asking at the ticket desk.
Mistake: trying to see "everything" in one day. It’s better to pick 2–3 priorities and adapt the rest to the children’s mood.
Mistake: not checking opening hours and closed days. Museums often close on Mondays or have limited hours on holidays — check before you go.
Mistake: not booking workshops or guided tours in advance. Popular time slots, especially during long weekends, fill up fast.
Cafés and light meals: choose well-reviewed cafés around the Market and near the Planty — trusted places often offer children’s menus and quick snacks.
Restaurants: for a family lunch pick places with child-friendly menus and facilities like changing tables or small tables. Around the Market and Kazimierz you’ll find both traditional Polish restaurants and highly-rated international options.
Accommodation: for families it’s most practical to choose hotels or apartments close to the centre — shorter walks save time and energy. Well-rated properties in the Old Town and Kazimierz offer comfort and fast access to attractions.
Is a contemporary art museum suitable for small children? Yes — depending on the exhibition. Choose visually engaging displays or family-dedicated workshops.
Do I need to book a guide for the May holiday? If you want a guided tour on a specific date, especially for a family or group, booking is recommended — guides often have limited availability during long weekends.
How to get around Krakow with a stroller? The centre is largely stroller-friendly, but some historic cellars or narrow streets can be trickier — ask about access and elevators in museums before visiting.
If you’d like me to help plan this itinerary for a specific day, adjust the pace to your children’s ages, and show you the most interesting corners from the perspective of a local guide — I’d be happy to help. Booking a guide in advance during the May holiday brings peace of mind and better use of your time.
Please feel free to share this article with friends or on social media, and if you decide on a guided visit — contact details for private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website.
