Visiting Kazimierz and Podgórze with small children can be a real pleasure if you plan breaks in the right places. In the area you will find cafes with dedicated play corners, playrooms connected to cafés, and venues running workshops and activities. That way a walk through the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz and the stroll across the Bernatek Footbridge to Podgórze can include a stop for good coffee and a moment of play for little ones.
Before you enter a place, check whether the café has a changing table, a high chair, a play corner or a ball pit, and whether access to the play area requires an extra fee. The narrow, cobbled streets of Kazimierz can be tricky with a stroller — sometimes it’s easier to bring a wrap or carrier for shorter stretches.
If you want a table near the children’s area, make a reservation — especially at weekends this will save you stress.
Kazimierz: in this part of Krakow you’ll find several cafés and club-cafés that have been popular with families for years — from cosy interiors with bookshelves and a small play corner to places that run regular workshops and offer colouring sheets for the youngest guests. In Kazimierz you’ll also find venues that organise children’s activities on Sundays or have a permanent ball pit and soft flooring.
Plac Nowy and the nearby streets are a good spot for breakfast or dessert before further sightseeing; then enjoy a relaxed walk to the Bernatek Footbridge, which leads across to Podgórze. Many cafés in this area collaborate with local toy and children’s book shops, so you may find small boutiques with well-designed children’s items.
Podgórze: after crossing to the other side of the Vistula it’s worth stopping in places created with families in mind — club-cafés with classes for the little ones, larger playrooms combined with cafés, and cafés located near green spaces perfect for an afternoon stroll. In this part of the city it’s generally easier to find larger interiors and room for a stroller.
TuTa (Podgórze/Płaszów) - a café combined with a playroom: wooden, two-level play structures, a ball pit, a mini climbing wall and a café serving good coffee. This place works well when you want your child to play without leaving the venue.
Culca Cafe (Podgórze, close to the Bernatek Footbridge) - a club-café with a designer interior, clever hiding spots and workshops for children. A great stop during a walk between the districts.
Mufinka and other cafés in Kazimierz - historically some of the first places in this part of the city to offer play corners; they often organise small activities and keep bookshelves for the youngest visitors.
Nova Resto Bar (Kazimierz, Estery) - on selected days this venue runs a play corner with a ball pit and an activity leader; ask about the schedule and consider booking if you plan a weekend visit.
Mamy Café and other family-friendly cafés on the Old Town and around Kazimierz - comfortable, family-oriented interiors with changing tables, high chairs and small drawing tables for kids.
Basic facilities: a changing table, access to a restroom with a changing surface, high chairs, a children’s menu (or the possibility to adjust portions), and a clearly separated play corner with safe toys.
Safety and space: soft flooring, enclosed play areas, no sharp edges and control over the number of children in playrooms. It’s also good to check whether playtime is supervised by an animator or if supervision is the responsibility of parents.
Comfort for parents: comfortable seating, good espresso, access to sockets and Wi‑Fi, and the option to order a quick meal for the child (for example a cream soup or pancakes). Some places also offer sensory, rhythmic or creative workshops for little ones.
Start: a morning in Kazimierz — breakfast or a sweet stop in one of the family cafés, a short play at the table and time for colouring or a small workshop if available.
Walk: after a light break, stroll through Plac Nowy and the streets of Kazimierz toward the river. Along the way you can pause to see synagogues and atmospheric antiquarian shops — adapt the pace to the children.
Crossing: the pedestrian Bernatek Footbridge — a quick viewpoint and an easy connection to Podgórze. If you have a stroller remember to watch for uneven cobbles on the approaches.
Podgórze: stop at a club-café or a playroom-café for a longer break in a safe space, coffee for adults and a snack for children. After the break, enjoy a walk along the riverbank, a visit to a playground or a short stop at a nearby children’s bookshop.
Assuming every café is child-friendly - many places are welcoming, but facilities and opening hours vary. It’s better to call or check the venue profile before you go.
Not reserving a table at weekends - popular children’s corners can fill up quickly and a table next to the play area may be your most comfortable option. A reservation often solves this issue.
Being unprepared for weather and cobbles - bring a light wrap or carrier if you plan to walk Kazimierz with a stroller; narrow passages and steps can make manoeuvring difficult.
Carry a small 'emergency' kit — snacks, a spare outfit, small toys and crayons. These little things often save the calm in a café.
If your child sleeps best after a short nap — plan a visit to a café with a garden or quiet patio where the little one can nap in the stroller. Several cafés nearby offer courtyard seating, which helps with younger children.
Use morning hours on weekdays — most cafés are less crowded then, staff have more time and workshops for children often take place in the afternoons or at weekends.
Do I have to pay to enter a play corner? - Not all cafés charge extra; some include access to the play area with an ordered drink or meal, others use separate hourly tickets. Ask before you enter.
Will the venue have changing tables and high chairs? - Many family-friendly places do, but not all. If this is essential for you, call ahead or check the venue profile before you go.
Do cafés accept strollers? - Most do, but access can be limited by steps or narrow entrances. If you have a large stroller, choose a place with street-level access.
Some cafés in Krakow combine food service with boutiques of children’s design — you can enjoy a coffee and at the same time buy an original toy or a beautiful picture book as a souvenir.
A number of cafés run regular multisensory or rhythmic classes even for infants — a great chance to combine a coffee break with a developmental activity for your child.
Playroom-cafés in Podgórze often have more spacious interiors than those in the city centre, a result of industrial heritage and revitalised warehouse spaces — ideal if you need more room for a stroller and running children.
Kazimierz and Podgórze are an ideal mix of historic charm and family-friendly atmosphere. By planning your route with stops in welcoming cafés you can see the most interesting corners without giving up comfort for the children and a relaxing coffee moment.
If this guide helped you, share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer to explore with someone who knows the best family spots in Krakow and can adjust the pace to your children, consider booking a private guide - Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa website. Have a great trip and enjoy sweet coffee breaks!
