Yes — but it's good to know a few rules. Energylandia is outside Kraków (in Zator), while the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki and the Old Town are within Kraków. For families with children the best result usually comes from splitting the trip into two halves: one day for the amusement park (a full day) and another day for a calm visit to Łagiewniki and the city centre. If you have only one day, your plan must be very tight and flexible — prepare a plan B and set priorities based on what the children prefer.
This article was written using practical route descriptions and family tips so you can plan time efficiently and avoid common pitfalls.
Option 1 (most comfortable for families, 2 days): Day 1 — Energylandia (Zator). Day 2 — Łagiewniki in the morning, then the Old Town and Wawel.
Option 2 (if you have only 1 day): Choose a priority — if the kids want to play, spend the whole day at Energylandia and take a short evening stroll on the Market Square after returning. If you prefer Kraków’s atmosphere and the quiet of the sanctuary — do Łagiewniki in the morning and the Old Town in the afternoon, skipping Energylandia.
Option 3 (for active families, but demanding): Morning at Energylandia (hit a few highlights), afternoon at the Sanctuary and a short walk through the Old Town — remember this will be intense for both children and adults.
Driving from Kraków to Energylandia takes about 45–60 minutes depending on the route and traffic. There are also train and bus connections, but with small children a car or hired minibus gives the most flexibility for breaks and luggage.
You can reach the Sanctuary in Łagiewniki by tram or city bus; there is also a sizeable parking area near the sanctuary. In the Old Town it’s easiest to get around on foot — the centre is compact, but plan for breaks and places where children can rest.
If you plan to stay overnight, the best bases are the Old Town or Kazimierz — both make it easy to head to Zator the next day.
When planning your visit check ticket availability online and opening hours for the day you travel. During high season and holidays the park gets very crowded — if possible go on a weekday outside of school holidays.
Children have their own zones (for example Bajkolandia and the Family Zone) — if you travel with little ones start the day in those areas and leave the water attractions or zones for older kids to the afternoon. Check height limits for the biggest rides in advance to avoid disappointment.
Useful items in your backpack: spare water, snacks, sunscreen, a small first-aid kit, a change of clothes for a child and a bag for wet items. The park has eateries, but bringing snacks can make waits easier for the smallest visitors.
Łagiewniki is a place for reflection and a notable stop on a family map of Kraków — beyond the church itself it’s worth seeing the religious life museum, the Chapel of St. Joseph and the surroundings of the John Paul II Centre.
The sanctuary attracts many pilgrims. When planning your visit check the times of services (the so-called Hour of Mercy at 15:00 is popular) so you don’t arrive at the busiest moments if you prefer a quiet visit with children.
For families the parking and visitor infrastructure around the sanctuary are practical advantages; plan a short walk along the nearby paths which are a good spot to rest after sightseeing.
The Main Market Square with the Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Church (the hejnał) and the atmospheric streets is a must-see — but with children choose shorter routes and plan breaks in friendly spots. Wawel impresses even the youngest, and a walk along the Vistula embankments (Wały Wiślane) can be a relaxing pause after the busy Market.
Plan for a maximum of 2–3 “bigger” sights (for example Wawel, the Cloth Hall and a short visit to one family-friendly museum), and fill the rest of the time with play on a square, ice cream and stops to recharge. This way children won’t get exhausted and the trip stays enjoyable for everyone.
Look for baby-changing facilities and family toilets — they often decide how comfortable the visit will be.
Around the Old Town and Kazimierz there are many well-regarded family-friendly places. Look for cafés with children's menus and play corners, or restaurants with space for strollers. Popular choices for families include Pod Wawelem (near Wawel) and the food stalls at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz for quick bites like zapiekanki.
Near Energylandia it can be most convenient to eat inside the park or at nearby venues by the parking area — check opening hours in advance because some places close outside peak season.
If you want a quick meal in the centre choose places with shorter waiting times or reserve a table, especially at weekends.
Trying to see everything at once — result: tired children and frustrated adults. Solution: set priorities and leave time for unexpected delays.
No plan B for bad weather — some parts of Energylandia are covered, others are not. Bring rain ponchos or plan indoor alternatives in Kraków in case of rain.
Trying to save on comfort (for example skipping advance booking for tickets or accommodation) — solution: book tickets and lodging in advance and check parking and transport options ahead of time.
If you plan to visit Łagiewniki just before or after Mass, check for short organ concerts or services — they can be a beautiful experience for children and offer a moment of calm.
Morning opening hours at Energylandia are often less crowded at the most popular rides — if you have an early-entry option or can be there at opening, take advantage of it.
On the Old Town consider simple scavenger-hunt games for children (finding gargoyles, counting pigeons, riddles about buildings) — it’s a great way to engage little ones with architecture and history without forcing museum visits.
Is one day enough for Energylandia and the Old Town? Too ambitious — better plan two days or choose a priority, because children tire quickly.
Is the Sanctuary in Łagiewniki suitable for children? Yes — it’s a space both for pilgrims and families; remember to observe quiet and respect during services.
What is the best way to get from Kraków to Energylandia? The most convenient way is by car; trains and buses exist, but with children convenience and flexibility matter most.
If this article helped you plan your trip, share it with friends or on social media — it helps other families find simpler solutions.
If you’d like a calm, stress-free guided walk through Kraków, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers personalised family-friendly tours. Details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good luck and have a great trip — may it be full of happy memories!
Tickets: book Energylandia tickets online in advance when possible.
Packing: sunscreen, hats, refillable water bottle, snacks, changes of clothes, basic first-aid items.
Transport: check parking, or train/bus timetables if you won’t drive.
Timing: avoid the hottest midday hours for outdoor walking with small children; plan rest and snack breaks.
Plac Nowy food stalls in Kazimierz — quick outdoor snacks and a lively atmosphere.
Family cafés in the Old Town with play corners and workshops — a good option for a calm break.
Short riverbank walks along the Vistula — space to run and relax away from cobbles and crowds.
