Auschwitz-Birkenau is a memorial site with a very heavy emotional charge — visitors come from around the world to remember history and pay tribute to the victims. John Paul II was one of the key figures associated with this place of memory: he visited Auschwitz in 1979 and his words about the “Golgotha of our times” remain a powerful reference to the site. For many travelers, combining a museum visit with other regional points of interest (for example Wadowice — the Family Home of John Paul II) creates a fuller historical and personal context.
If you are traveling with a child, plan the day so that after the intense and emotionally demanding visit there is time to rest: a walk around the Planty, a café with snacks or a calm lunch. This helps process the experience better and prevents children from becoming overwhelmed.
Remember: a visit to the Memorial is an educational and reflective experience — it’s a good idea to talk to your child beforehand in an age-appropriate way and prepare a short, simple explanation of why you are going.
The drive from Krakow to Oświęcim usually takes about 1–1.5 hours depending on your mode of transport and traffic. The most convenient options are a private transfer/car or organized transport — when planning your day, allow time for travel, the visit itself and breaks for feeding or changing nappies.
Entry to the Memorial requires a named admission card — during high season and popular dates these tickets sell out quickly, so booking online in advance is strongly recommended. Some guided formats (for example with an educator) may have an additional fee.
The Museum recommends caution when bringing very young children: a general guideline is to limit the youngest visitors’ direct participation in indoor exhibitions. Children below a certain age may not understand the scale of events and could be emotionally affected. Planning alternatives (a guardian stays outside with the child, using a carrier instead of a stroller, a shorter visit) often proves practical.
On site there are visitor services and sanitary facilities — parking, an information point and a museum shop. A free shuttle bus runs between Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau for visitors.
Auschwitz: the camp grounds and many outdoor areas (for example Birkenau/the rail ramp) are passable with a stroller on paved surfaces, but some interiors, narrow blocks and exhibition spaces can be tight — many families choose a baby carrier or arrange for one guardian to visit the exhibits while the other stays outside with the stroller. The Museum provides accessibility information and it’s worth contacting staff before your visit if you have specific needs.
Krakow: the historic centre has a lot of cobbles and "cobblestone" streets, especially around Wawel and the Old Town — pushing a stroller can require extra effort. Look for easier routes: the Planty (the park encircling the Old Town) offers even, pleasant paths, the Vistula boulevards are flat and traffic-free, and some approaches to Wawel (from Bernardyńska Street) are steeper.
Public transport: most modern trams in Krakow are low-floor with ramps, making boarding with a stroller relatively easy. On buses and trams it’s best to board through the front doors and position the stroller so it does not block the aisle. For greater comfort, plan your day to avoid peak hours.
Family-friendly facilities: exhibition centres and some larger attractions (for example the Zoo, the Garden of Experiences) have changing tables and parent rooms. Check in advance which museums offer these amenities — for example there are facilities on Wawel for parents with small children.
The Family Home of John Paul II in Wadowice is a relatively short trip from Krakow and is a good option if you want to combine a visit to Oświęcim with places connected to the pope’s life. The exhibition is a multimedia story about Karol Wojtyła’s childhood and youth — an app or audio guide is also available.
The museum emphasises accessibility for different visitor groups: there are solutions that ease entry and movement inside the building, plus supporting information systems. In practice, visiting with a stroller is possible, but check opening hours in advance and consider buying tickets online to avoid queues.
Wadowice is also a pleasant place for a short break: the market square with cafés and the famous papal cream cake (kremówka) — a nice treat after sightseeing and an easy spot to rest with a child.
Pod Wawelem – traditional Polish cuisine, generous portions and a family-friendly atmosphere. A restaurant near Wawel, convenient after a long walk up the hill; a good choice when you want classic Polish dishes.
Starka (Kazimierz) – an atmospheric restaurant with regional flavours. Family-friendly; reserve a table if you go on a weekend evening.
Hummus Amamamusi (Kazimierz) – a veg/vegan-friendly option with simple, tasty dishes and a relaxed vibe; good for families looking for a lighter alternative to heavier cuisine.
Charlotte (Plac Szczepański / nearby) – bakery-café ideal for breakfast or a coffee break with freshly baked croissants; a child-friendly spot for light snacks.
Plac Nowy 1 – a place combining different cuisines: pizza, pierogi and kids’ options, with interiors suitable for larger groups. Convenient for a casual, informal meal.
Pierogarnie / traditional dumpling places – quick, classic Polish dishes that usually appeal to children. Many central spots offer quick-service options and easy seating.
Child-friendly cafés: Café Camelot and similar cafés with indoor space or terraces — good for a break between attractions. If you need a changing table or a quiet corner to feed your child, choose cafés with indoor toilets and seating.
Practical note: in the tourist season popular venues can be crowded. If you plan lunch after an intense visit (for example after Auschwitz), reserve a table or choose a place a little further from the main tourist routes to avoid long waits with a child.
Short option (from Krakow): leave early for Oświęcim, visit Auschwitz I (shorter route, 1–2 hours), have lunch in a quiet restaurant after returning to Krakow, take an afternoon stroll around the Planty and enjoy ice cream — return to the hotel. This plan minimises hotel changes and avoids over-tiring the youngest children.
Full option (Auschwitz + Wadowice): a very early departure from Krakow, a morning visit to Auschwitz, then drive to Wadowice in the afternoon — visit the Family Home of John Paul II and a short walk around the market square with a kremówka. Dinner in a relaxed restaurant near your hotel in the evening. Remember to allow time for meals and the child’s nap.
Alternative option for families with infants: if the indoor exhibitions seem too heavy for the little one, consider a shorter visit limited to selected outdoor areas of the memorial (for example walking the external route) and focus on more child-friendly activities in Krakow (the Zoo, the Garden of Experiences, Jordan Park).
- Book Auschwitz tickets online in advance, especially in high season.
- Bring a baby carrier — in some parts of museums and on uneven cobbles it’s more convenient than a stroller.
- Plan breaks and meals outside peak hours; families with children often prefer earlier lunches.
- Check the weather forecast and dress your child in layers — much of the Auschwitz site is outdoors.
- Remember your documents and confirmation of the museum entry booking.
Can I enter Auschwitz with a stroller? - Yes, you can bring a stroller, but not all interiors are wide and comfortable for it. In practice it’s often more convenient to use a carrier in tight exhibition spaces or arrange that one caregiver stays outside with the stroller.
Can children enter all exhibits? - Official museum guidance suggests careful consideration of children under 14 (the visit can be emotionally difficult for them). The decision is up to parents — it’s worth discussing beforehand and planning a shorter or modified route.
Where is best to eat after the visit? - If you return to Krakow, choose a restaurant near Wawel or the Old Town (for example Pod Wawelem, Charlotte) or a place in Kazimierz (Starka, Hummus Amamamusi) — easier to find varied, child-friendly menus. Weekend reservations are recommended.
Do I need a guide? - A guide or educator is not necessary, but a museum educator can help explain context and lead a route that highlights important places. With a small child consider a shorter guided tour or a self-paced visit.
Visiting places of memory and travelling with small children requires some extra planning, but Krakow and the surrounding area offer solutions that make the trip easier: accessible routes, family-friendly venues and plenty of space to rest. When planning, think about your child’s daily rhythms, book tickets and tables in advance and have backup options (carrier, plan B for the youngest).
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalised itinerary for a specific date (departure from XX:XX in Krakow), dietary preferences and a child’s age — I will create a detailed schedule with route maps (easy/medium/harder for a stroller). Please provide the date, the child’s age and any food preferences and I’ll arrange the plan.
Have a pleasant planning and a safe trip — Małgorzata Kasprowicz and the team of guides from the heart of Krakow.
