If you have one day and lots of energy — the safest option is to choose just one of these attractions. Energylandia in Zator is an adrenaline-packed amusement park that easily takes several hours (and often a full day), while WOMAI in Kraków is a sensory science center worth exploring slowly and experiencing fully. If you really want to see both in a short time, plan it over two days or start very early in the morning in Kraków and drive to Zator in the afternoon — remember the drive is about 45–70 minutes from central Kraków, and Energylandia is best visited with at least half a day reserved for it.
Getting there: Zator is about 50–60 km from Kraków city centre. The fastest way is by car via the A4 motorway — depending on traffic the trip takes around 45–70 minutes. If you use public transport there are bus and train connections, but they can take longer and may require changes.
Parking and entry: Energylandia has a large paid car park. Check the park's opening hours before you go and buy tickets online to avoid queues. There are lockers on site (handy when you want to leave your backpack before big rides) — very useful if you plan to use rollercoasters.
What to bring: a light backpack (which you can also leave in a locker), a water bottle, sunscreen in summer, comfortable shoes, and your ID and payment card. In season, carry a map of the park and/or the park app if you want to find attractions and food points quickly.
Dining at Energylandia: the park offers a wide range of outlets — from quick snacks (burgers, fries, pizza) to themed restaurants. Prices are similar to large tourist attractions — budget about 30–60 PLN per person for a main meal depending on your choice.
WOMAI is a sensory Science and Senses Centre in Kraków — a place combining exhibitions “towards the light” and “towards the dark,” experiment shows and workshops. It's an excellent option for families with children, school groups and anyone curious about sensory experiences and empathy.
Address and convenience: WOMAI is located in the heart of Kraków (Pawia Street). It's easy to combine with a walk through the Old Town, so after visiting the science centre you can comfortably head to lunch in one of the recommended restaurants.
Educational offer: in addition to exhibitions the centre runs experiment shows and workshops — check available dates and buy tickets in advance, especially for larger school groups.
Around WOMAI (Old Town, Market Square) you'll find many restaurants for different budgets. If you want to recommend only top options, here are a few places that regularly receive very good reviews:
Bottiglieria 1881 – an elegant, high-class spot for food lovers (recognized and recommended for special occasions).
Pod Baranem – a classic, well-reviewed restaurant serving Polish dishes; great for tasting regional flavours.
Wierzynek – a historic restaurant on the Main Market Square, an icon of Kraków's dining scene; good for atmosphere and tradition.
Sant’Antioco – a recommended Italian trattoria for fans of authentic Italian cuisine.
Po Krakosku – for simple, well-prepared Polish dishes in a pleasant interior.
Inside Energylandia there are many food outlets: from food stalls to themed restaurants. This is a convenient choice if you don't want to waste time traveling outside the park.
Nearby the park consider restaurants by the parking area and in Zator itself — hotel restaurants and local bars offering home-style meals are often recommended. Several accommodation spots (for example WesternCamp) have their own restaurants that serve full lunches and are praised by visitors.
If you plan a longer stay in the area, look for places serving local fish and carp — the Karpia Valley region has its own culinary tradition.
Option A — Energylandia for a full day: leave Kraków in the morning, spend the day at the park, have lunch at one of the park's restaurants or at WesternCamp, return to Kraków in the evening. This option minimizes travel logistics and maximizes fun time.
Option B — WOMAI + afternoon at the Market Square: a morning visit to WOMAI (2–3 hours), a walk to the Market Square and lunch at one of the recommended restaurants, then a relaxed afternoon or a museum visit in town; leave Energylandia for a separate day — this is comfortable for families with younger children.
Trying to “do everything” in one day — it ends with stress and tiredness. Better plan one big attraction per day or split the program over two days.
Not booking tickets in advance during the high season — queues to enter and to attractions can significantly shorten your fun. Buy tickets online and check WOMAI workshop schedules in advance.
Not preparing for the weather — many attractions at Energylandia are outdoors. In summer bring sunscreen and water; in autumn check closing times and availability of some attractions.
Underestimating dining costs — prices near attractions and in the city centre can be higher than elsewhere. Plan 30–60 PLN per person for lunch at the park/nearby; restaurant budgets in the centre vary by establishment standard.
Can you leave a backpack at Energylandia? Yes — the park has paid lockers, useful when using large attractions.
Is WOMAI suitable for small children? Yes — the sensory exhibitions are designed for a range of ages, but check age recommendations for specific paths or workshops.
Are there vegetarian and vegan options near WOMAI? Yes — the Old Town and surrounding areas offer many places with plant-based options; if you have strict dietary needs, check menus in advance or reserve a table at a venue known for vegetarian choices.
Is it worth buying Energylandia tickets online? Yes — it shortens waiting time and often offers better pricing options.
How to combine both places logistically? The easiest approach is to visit each place on a different day; if you insist on one day, start very early and limit the number of attractions.
At Energylandia, beyond rollercoasters, there are themed restaurant zones and cafés that often have shorter queues outside main lunch hours — try visiting them earlier or later than the usual lunch rush.
At WOMAI one exhibition takes visitors into the experience of total darkness — it's an intense experience that helps understand how blind people function; warn children about this in advance and schedule this part for a calmer moment of your visit.
If you plan to stay overnight near Energylandia, WesternCamp and several other local sites offer interesting accommodation alternatives (including themed cabins), which can be an attraction itself and makes morning entry to the park easier.
Energylandia and WOMAI are two different but equally valuable proposals — the first for thrill-seekers and families, the second for the curious and those who enjoy sensory experiences. When planning a trip from Kraków, pick a realistic schedule: one major place per day or spread the program over two days to enjoy a calm and joyful discovery.
If you like, I can prepare a personalized trip plan tailored to participants' ages, food preferences and the visit date. If this text was helpful, feel free to share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer a guided walk with a private guide, you are invited to use the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide's page.
