Are you looking for a place in Kraków or Zakopane to enjoy a good coffee, eat something tasty and relax while your children play safely? This guide gathers practical tips and a few concrete addresses — useful for both locals and visitors.
Family-friendly places today are more than a corner with a few toys. Increasingly you’ll find dedicated play zones, activities for little ones, thoughtfully designed kids’ menus and practical amenities like changing tables or bottle warmers.
Kawa i Zabawa — a creative world for children (Rusznikarska 14a). A mix of café and playroom: the menu includes coffee, smoothies and homemade pastries, and the venue runs an indoor play area, workshops and the option to hire babysitting by the hour. They also organize birthday parties with packages and decorations.
Kinokawiarnia KIKA (Ignacego Krasickiego 18) is an intimate cinema with a small café that runs film series and workshops aimed at children — including screenings with animators and the “Mała KIKA” workshops. It’s a great option on a colder day when you want to combine a screening with a break for cake and coffee.
Dziórawy Kocioł (Grodzka 50/1) is an example of a café appreciated by local family-oriented initiatives. Visit if you’re looking for a cozy spot with a family-friendly offer.
Parenting directories and local portals also list other cafés with children’s corners — when planning a visit check current opening hours and the daily program (workshops, private events, etc.).
Yes — although Zakopane is primarily a mountain resort, you can find cafes and places that welcome families. A frequently mentioned spot is Cafe Tygodnik Podhalański (Main Street) — a well-rated café that often has a children’s area and a good selection of desserts.
Beyond cafés, remember that Zakopane offers many family attractions (water parks, thermal pools, walks around town and safe playgrounds), so a café can be a perfect rest stop after outdoor activities.
A safe play area - soft flooring, age-appropriate toys, safety measures and clear rules. Check whether the play space is separate and visible from the café seating area.
Practical amenities - a changing table in the restroom, highchairs, the ability to warm up baby food and a family-friendly restroom. These small details significantly improve comfort during your visit.
Food and drink options - a children’s menu (smaller portions, healthy snacks), baked goods for adults, non-alcoholic drinks and quick snacks that work well after a walk or excursion.
Activities and entertainment - regular workshops, mornings with an animator, children’s screenings or themed meetings are a big plus — check the events calendar before you go.
Not reserving — especially on weekends and in good weather family places can be busy. Reserving a table (if possible) or checking the workshop schedule will save disappointment.
Arriving at peak times with a stroller — not all cafés have easy stroller access; check for ramps or elevators beforehand.
Assuming a “kids’ café” provides full-time childcare — some places offer short-term paid care, but this does not replace a professional caregiver. If you plan to leave your child, confirm the exact conditions.
Not asking about allergens — if your child has food allergies, always ask about ingredients or request a simpler dish prepared without common allergens.
Do you have to pay to use the play corner? - It depends on the venue; some cafés include play-area access with an order, others charge an extra fee or require a ticket for workshops. Check the venue’s info or call ahead.
Are allergy-friendly meals available? - More and more places can prepare simple dishes without common allergens, but it’s best to ask in advance.
Can I organize a birthday party at the café? - Yes, many family places offer birthday packages (decorations, children’s menus, animator). Some venues have ready-made packages and can provide supervision during the party.
In Kraków there is a local poll called “Place Friendly to Families with Children,” which annually highlights venues and institutions especially open to families’ needs. Winners often have proven amenities and programs for children.
Some cafés combine coffee with culture: cinema-cafés run morning screenings with workshops, and café-playroom venues offer developmental activities and supervised sessions — a convenient solution for families with children of different ages.
1. Check opening hours and the events calendar (workshops, screenings). 2. Reserve a table if the venue accepts reservations. 3. Arrive 10–15 minutes before the planned activity to get settled and check the play area. 4. Bring small snacks and water for your child, and inform staff about any special dietary needs.
Kraków and Zakopane offer an increasing number of family-friendly places — from cafés with play corners to cinema-cafés and venues with regular workshops. Use local directories and check whether a place has up-to-date information on hours and events.
If this article was helpful, please share it on social media or send it to friends. If you’d like to explore Kraków with a private guide, consider the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact information are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
