Yes — but it helps to have a plan. Energylandia is a huge amusement park in Zator that can fill a whole day (or sometimes two), especially if you go with children and want to use the water zone or family areas. The Royal Route in Krakow, by contrast, is a "Krakow in a nutshell" walk — the best sights on a short, pleasant stroll. The best solution for families is to separate the attractions: one full day or a day and a half at Energylandia, and another day for a relaxed walk around Krakow with short stops at the most important sites. That way you avoid rushing, spare the kids too much fatigue, and still see the most interesting parts of both places.
Preparation is half the success. Buy tickets online and check opening hours for the day of your visit — an electronic ticket saves time at the gates. The shortest queues are usually early in the morning and on weekdays outside school holidays; if you can, go on a Wednesday or Thursday off-season. It's worth arriving at the gates just before opening and heading straight to the biggest attractions, which usually have the longest lines in the afternoon.
If faster access to the biggest rollercoasters matters to you, consider buying a priority system (Fast Pass) — it is especially useful on weekends and during peak season. However, on less crowded days a good strategy is enough: start with the extreme zones, and spend the afternoon in the family area and Bajkolandia. Install the park app, carry a paper or digital map, and agree on meeting points with your family — the park is large and it is easy to get separated.
Good practices for families with little ones: plan breaks every 1-2 hours, use the children-friendly zones (they have changing stations and rest areas), and bring plenty of water and light snacks. Lockers are useful if you plan to leave bigger items for the day. Remember sunscreen, hats and comfortable shoes — there is a lot of walking. If you plan to use water attractions, pack a change of clothes and towels.
Transport and logistics: driving is the most convenient way to reach Energylandia; parking near the park is large but often paid. Trains run from Krakow to Zator, and special shuttles or buses from Zator station to the park are usually available — a good option if you prefer not to drive. Plan for about an hour of travel time from Krakow, depending on transport and traffic.
Small time-saving tricks: choose priority attractions before you go, set a "must-see" and an "ok if not" list with the kids, write the guardian's contact number on a child's hand in case someone gets lost, and include short breaks for gentler attractions to skip peak queues.
The Royal Route is perfect if you have half a day or less and want to show children the most important places in Krakow without long museum visits. The walk starts near Matejko Square (with the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate close by), then continues along Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square, where watching the trumpeter's hejnał from St. Mary's Church tower and strolling around the Cloth Hall are musts. From there you walk along Grodzka Street straight to Wawel — on the way stop for cafes and small souvenir shops.
For families it's sensible to plan a shortened route: Matejko Square - Barbican - St. Florian's Gate - Floriańska Street (short stories about old trades and houses) - Main Market Square (Cloth Hall, St. Mary's Basilica, Town Hall) - Grodzka Street - Wawel (Dragon's Den, courtyard). The whole walk without entering sites usually takes 1.5-2 hours and is manageable for children, including strollers. If you want to visit the cathedral or Wawel courtyard, allow extra time and tickets.
Kids will enjoy turning the walk into a game: mini dragon hunts, a contest to find gargoyles, short legends about the Wawel Dragon or the hejnał. This engages them, shortens the perceived time and turns the stroll into an adventure. Check whether the Dragon's Den or family-friendly Wawel routes are open on the day of your visit — institutions often offer special family trails.
Family weekend (relaxed option): day 1 — Energylandia (arrive in the morning and stay the whole day or split attractions across two days); day 2 — a morning walk along the Royal Route in Krakow, a light lunch and return. This minimizes rushing and lets you rest between the park's excitement and the city's calm.
One-day weekend (for families who like a fast pace): early departure from Krakow to Energylandia, a full day at the park and return in the evening; if you still have energy, you can do a short stretch of the Royal Route the next morning (for example Wawel + Main Market Square) — keep in mind children's tiredness.
A day in Krakow plus an afternoon at Energylandia is rarely comfortable because of distance and different paces of activities, so it is better to split them over two days or book nearby accommodation in Zator or on Krakow's outskirts.
Along the Royal Route in Krakow there are plenty of pleasant places for a break. Highly recommended cafes and bakeries include the atmospheric Cafe Camelot on Świętego Tomasza, Mleczarnia in Kazimierz and Charlotte at Plac Szczepański. For families, choose places with quick, tasty meals and comfortable seating — a smaller menu and speedy service help when kids are hungry after a walk.
Around Wawel and the Market you will also find historic restaurants such as Wierzynek, but note these are pricier options. For a lighter budget try ice cream stands, pancake places or sandwich corners that will please both kids and adults. Energylandia has several food outlets — pick those with shorter lines or bring small snacks, observing park rules. There are also good accommodations and guesthouses near the park if you plan to stay overnight.
Trying to do everything at once — attempting to see every attraction in a single day often ends in tired, unhappy children. Choose priorities and leave room for unplanned breaks.
Ignoring height or access limits — check height restrictions and safety rules before queuing to avoid disappointment. A quick height check before approaching an attraction saves time.
Lack of a transport plan — schedule travel and return in advance, especially on weekends. If using the train, check timetables and shuttle connections; if driving, allow time and pay attention to parking fees and the walk from parking to the park entrance.
Inappropriate clothing — pack a change of clothes for water attractions and a raincoat for sudden weather changes. Comfortable shoes are essential for long walking days in the park and the city.
Is it worth buying a Fast Pass? If you visit during peak season or a weekend and want the most popular rollercoasters, a Fast Pass reduces waiting times. On less busy days, arriving at opening time and having a good plan is usually enough.
How much time is needed for the Royal Route with kids? The walk itself, without entering attractions, usually takes 1.5-2 hours. Visits to Wawel or the cathedral require extra time and tickets.
Does Energylandia have attractions for toddlers? Yes — Bajkolandia and the family zones offer carousels, mini rollercoasters and rest areas suitable for the youngest visitors. The park also provides facilities like changing tables and feeding zones.
Can you get to Energylandia from Krakow by train? Yes — there are train connections to Zator, and local shuttles or bus services typically run from the station to the park. This is often a convenient option for families who prefer not to drive.
For photos without crowds, an early morning walk around the Market Square gives the best light and fewer people. At Energylandia it often pays off to start in the rear zones of the park — they sometimes have bigger, less crowded lines in the morning.
Remember the contact number and a meeting spot — a simple measure that helps if someone gets separated. A small sticker with a phone number on a backpack or a written phone number on a child's arm is a tiny trick that can be very helpful.
With good daily planning you can reduce queues and stress — for example a morning at the park, an afternoon rest by a hotel pool, and the next day a relaxed walk around Krakow without hurry.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it's a great way to help other families plan. If you want to explore Krakow calmly and without surprises with your children, consider the services of tour guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Information about her guided walks and family-friendly offers is available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Professional support can turn the Royal Route into a game rather than a challenge, giving you more time and peace to enjoy moments with your family.
