Yes — it’s a great idea if you want a trip that’s both interesting and educational. Krakow can be a living lesson in history and culture: the Ethnographic Museum, located at Wolnica Square, combines colorful exhibits and family workshops, while Kazimierz and the sites commemorating the city’s Jewish past offer short, accessible stories that children can remember. A well-planned route won’t be tiring, leaves time for play and food — and that’s the key to success with little travelers.
This text offers practical information, ideas for a one-day plan, tips for keeping children engaged, and a few local suggestions for lunch and snacks that really work in Kazimierz. These are family-tested ideas: museum workshops, short photo displays and themed walks around the neighborhood.
The Ethnographic Museum in Krakow is based at Wolnica Square and places strong emphasis on educational programs for different age groups — there are permanent displays about everyday life, regional costumes and customs, plus regular family workshop cycles. In practice this means children can see colorful costumes, learn about traditional Easter egg decorating, touch replicas (where allowed) and take part in short hands-on activities.
Check opening days and hours before you go — the museum regularly runs family workshops, and some events are free or offered at reduced prices for children and families. It’s worth booking workshop spots in the summer when the program is busier.
Address: Wolnica Square 1 — in the heart of Kazimierz, easy to reach on foot from most points in the neighborhood.
Hours: the museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday; it is closed on Mondays — an important tip when planning a one-day route.
Tickets and prices: the museum offers regular, reduced and family tickets as well as special free-admission days — ask about family passes and current promotions before buying.
What you’ll see: permanent exhibitions about Polish folk culture, rotating temporary displays and educational programs including family workshops (for example: crafts, traditions). The museum shop often carries child-friendly books and souvenirs.
Kazimierz is a short walk full of stories — synagogues, tenement houses, old Jewish streets and symbolic places are easy to combine with a museum visit. The Galicia Jewish Museum in the heart of Kazimierz presents photographic exhibitions and educational programs that explain history, culture and memory without dwelling on single, distressing details — an important approach when families with young children are visiting.
Beyond museums, short stops that children enjoy include Plac Nowy with its Okrąglak and famous zapiekanki, colorful murals and places to rest on the grass or in a café. Short, themed stories (for example about Jewish food, holidays or musical instruments) stick better in young heads than long lectures.
Location: Dajwór 18, in the historic area of Kazimierz — the museum is close to the district’s main attractions.
Exhibitions: the museum shows permanent and temporary displays documenting the Jewish culture of Galicia, photographic cycles such as “Traces of Memory” and educational projects for children and teenagers. There is also a bookshop and an educational center, and the museum program includes age-appropriate classes and workshops.
Getting there: you can walk from Wolnica Square or take a tram — the museum is easily accessible by public transport, which is helpful for families with strollers.
Morning: start at Wolnica Square — a short visit to the Ethnographic Museum (MEK). A workshop or the permanent exhibition takes about 1–1.5 hours, perfect for sparking children’s imagination.
Lunch break: head toward Szeroka Street and Plac Nowy. A family-friendly choice is Hamsa (Szeroka) — a restaurant serving mezze and Middle Eastern flavors, popular with families; a quick local snack alternative is a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy (the famous Okrąglak stalls are a hit with kids).
Afternoon: visit the Galicia Jewish Museum on Dajwór — a light photographic exhibition and an educational space. Then take a short walk around Kazimierz, look at the synagogues and stop for coffee or dessert. Evening: relax in a park or return to your accommodation.
Hamsa (Szeroka) — a restaurant appreciated by families for its mezze menu, friendly atmosphere and shared-plate options; a good place for a relaxed lunch after a morning of sightseeing.
Plac Nowy — the iconic zapiekanki are a quick, cheap and kid-loved snack; stalls around the Okrąglak have a historic vibe and are a practical stop for a short break.
If you want something typically Polish, look for a well-rated pierogi place nearby (pierogi are usually a hit with children) or visit the local market hall (Hala Targowa) to try fresh baked goods and sweets.
Trying to fit too many attractions into one day — it’s better to plan less and leave time for play and rest. For children, 2–3 attractions in a day is an optimal number.
Not checking opening hours before you go — remember the Ethnographic Museum is usually closed on Mondays; workshops are seasonal and often require prior booking.
No food plan — carry snacks, water and an alternative for picky eaters; zapiekanki and pierogi are quick options, but it’s also good to pick a restaurant with a high chair and baby-changing facilities if you need them.
Are the attractions wheelchair/stroller accessible? — Some Krakow museums and spaces in Kazimierz have facilities, but historic streets can be uneven. If you’re using a stroller, plan your route and ask at the ticket desk about accessible entrances.
How much time do we need? — For the Ethnographic Museum, one short exhibition at the Galicia Jewish Museum and a walk around Kazimierz plan on 4–6 hours including breaks.
How to get children interested in history? — Instead of a dry lecture, make a “treasure hunt”: a list of things to find (a colorful costume, a musical instrument, a window with a distinctive grille, a pretzel), tell a short, personal story about a place and let kids take photos.
Do I need to book tickets? — For family workshops and special sessions booking is recommended; for permanent exhibitions buying tickets on-site usually works, but in summer it’s good to check availability online.
Safety note for families — keep an eye on children near busy streets and market stalls, agree on a meeting point in case someone gets separated and carry a small first-aid kit and sunscreen in warm months.
Surprise 1: The Ethnographic Museum does more than show costumes and objects — it regularly runs workshops that let children try traditional craft techniques themselves.
Surprise 2: Kazimierz is not only memory and history — it’s a lively cultural neighborhood where an afternoon walk can end with live music or a small market of sweets.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media. And if you prefer to explore with someone who knows the district and can tell stories in a way that’s accessible to children — consider booking a guided walk with Małgorzata Kasprowicz, a private guide who specializes in family-friendly tours. Contact details are available directly on the guide’s page.
