Ojcowski National Park is one of the smallest but very picturesque national parks in Poland — located just a few dozen kilometres north of Kraków, which makes it an ideal destination for a family outing. After walking among rocks and caves most parents and children look for a calm place for a snack, ice cream or a hot coffee. In this article I collected reliable, family-friendly spots — both in Ojców and the surrounding area, and in Kraków where it’s worth stopping before or after the trip.
If you plan a trip with little ones, it’s a good idea to combine the route with a break at a café that has a garden or a play corner — that often saves the day and gives adults a moment to relax with a good coffee.
The park offers short, accessible trails, interesting rock formations (Kraków Gate, Hercules’ Club), a castle and several caves that spark children’s imagination. Routes are short enough that even preschoolers can handle the walk, and every few steps there are spots ideal for a rest or a picnic.
In Ojców you can tell children the legends connected with the place — for example about the “sticks under Kraków Gate” or Łokietek’s Cave — it’s a great way to combine outdoor activity with shared stories and play.
Getting from Kraków is easy by car — the drive usually takes a few dozen minutes depending on where you start and traffic conditions. In Ojców there are small parking areas near trailheads; in high season it’s best to arrive early to find a spot without stress.
If you choose public transport, check current timetables and connections before you leave — on weekends and during the high season some services run more often, and holiday schedules may change. Apps with timetables are helpful when planning the route.
Make sure everyone has comfortable shoes, a supply of water and snacks, a first-aid kit and a change of clothes — even a short trip in the Jurassic (Jura) landscape can take more energy than expected.
Niezapominajka Café — a place often recommended by local guides and residents; it has a family-friendly garden, homemade cakes and ice cream in summer, making it an excellent stop in the southern part of the park, not far from Kraków Gate.
Grill 'Pstrąg Ojcowski' / trout spots — in the Prądnik valley trout is a local speciality; a few smaller food points serve freshly prepared trout, and these places often have space to spread a picnic blanket or places for children to rest.
Local wineries and agritourism farms nearby — besides wine they often offer local products, space for children and the possibility of a short walk around the farm; this is a good idea if you want to combine sightseeing with tasting regional flavours.
Local ice cream shops in nearby towns (for example in Skała) — after a day on the trail ice cream made from local dairy products is a big attraction for kids; choose places rated highly by visitors.
If you start or finish your trip in Kraków, it’s worth visiting cafés that have a children’s corner, comfortable high chairs and family-friendly menus. Pick places with space — a garden, terrace or a large room where children can run a little.
Cat cafés — an attraction for older children who are calm around animals; remember not every child enjoys contact with cats, and some cafés have age restrictions or require quiet and respect for the animals.
Theatres and venues with family offers — combining coffee with a short performance or a children’s workshop (for example a puppet theatre) can be a great addition to the day and a good alternative on a colder day.
Useful items to pack: comfortable shoes, a supply of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, a sling or carrier for younger children, spare clothes, a small first-aid kit, wet wipes and rubbish bags.
Avoid planning overly long routes with many attractions in a single day — children tire faster than adults. It’s better to plan a shorter route with a few interesting stops and a longer break in a friendly café than to race through a long checklist of sights.
Check opening hours of cafés and stalls before you go — outside the season some places may be closed, and on weekends popular spots fill up quickly.
If your child has food allergies, inform the staff in advance — in many small cafés using local products the owners are happy to advise and prepare a safe alternative.
Are there toilets and baby-changing facilities in Ojcowski National Park? — In the village of Ojców and at the most popular attractions there are public toilets, but the level of equipment may vary; if you need a changing table, it’s best to ask at a recommended café or at tourist information.
Are the trails suitable for strollers? — Some routes in the park are uneven and rocky; shorter sections are more stroller-friendly or consider using a carrier for the youngest children. When planning, check the specific trail surface.
Can I bring a dog? — Many trails allow dogs, but they must be kept on a leash and you must clean up after them; protected areas have additional rules — check local regulations.
When is the best time to visit? — Spring and early autumn are ideal: nature shows its best colours and temperatures are pleasant for children. Summer is busier, so consider setting off early in the day.
Ojców trout is more than a dish — in season you can sometimes see how fish are raised or prepared at some points, which can be an interesting lesson for children about local gastronomy.
Small wineries and farms in the area often offer tastings and local products — honey, cheeses or bread from local producers make great souvenirs from the trip.
The legend of Kraków Gate and the “sticks” is a simple and fun way to interest children in the site’s history — ask the little ones to look for the “sticks supporting the gate” and tell their own version of the legend.
A trip from Kraków to Ojcowski National Park is a perfect idea for a family day: nature, short walks and places where you can rest with coffee and good food. Choose cafés with a friendly atmosphere, a garden and positive visitor reviews — that will greatly increase comfort when travelling with small children.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help other families plan a great day. If you’d like to learn more about routes or arrange a private guided tour of Kraków and the surrounding area, feel free to contact tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
If you travel by public transport, check timetables in advance—services can vary by season and day of week. If you drive, allow extra time for parking in popular spots.
Bring small games or a nature scavenger list for kids (e.g. find a feather, a round pebble, a leaf with a hole) — it makes short breaks more engaging and helps little ones explore safely.
Guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz — zwiedzaniekrakowa.com
