Polonia Wax Museum is very close to the Main Market Square, on Florianska Street, which makes it an easy stop to include during a walk through the center. It's a relatively small wax-figure exhibition that has become well known online for its original displays and the often-humorous reactions of visitors. For families: the museum can be a quick, fun stop — especially if you want playful photos and an unusual experience for a child. Keep in mind that exhibition spaces can be tight, so when planning a visit with a stroller be prepared to fold it or leave it briefly by the entrance.
The museum generally opens later in the day and stays open into the evening, which can be convenient if you plan an afternoon stroll around the Old Town. Because it sits on one of the main tourist streets, consider visiting outside the busiest hours to make stroller navigation easier and to enjoy the exhibits more calmly.
Planty is the best circular ‘belt’ around the Old Town for parents with strollers: even paths, lots of greenery, benches and places to rest. If you want to avoid the cobbled stones of the Market Square, plan longer parts of the walk along the Planty.
The Main Market Square and the cobbled streets around it look beautiful but can be a challenge for deep prams or strollers with big wheels. It's best to visit the Square very early in the morning or late afternoon, and during peak crowds avoid stopping in the busiest spots.
Wawel is easy to view from the outside with a stroller — wide spaces and the Vistula boulevards give room to maneuver. However, entrances to some museums and exhibitions on Wawel Hill may limit stroller access; often it's better to leave the stroller and use a baby carrier, or ask a guard/staff member for guidance.
The museum is located in a representative, busy part of the city — entrances and corridors can be narrow. If you have a lightweight, folding stroller, bringing it and folding it on site will be most convenient. For bulkier models bring a carrier for short visits inside.
If you plan to enter with a small child, have diapers, snacks and a bottle of water at hand — the exhibition is short but intense and can be both amusing and distracting for children.
Outside, on Florianska and around the Market there are many cafés and spots where you can take a break with a stroller. It's worth choosing an outdoor table or checking for step-free access before you sit down.
Route 1 — "Old Town in brief" (approx. 1–1.5 hours): start on the Planty near the Barbican — walk the Planty toward the Florian Gate — a short stop at the Main Market Square (best in the morning) — Polonia Wax Museum on Florianska (a quick, fun visit) — walk to Wawel from the Podzamcze side and a short break on the Vistula Boulevards. This route minimizes cobbled sections and offers several places to rest.
Route 2 — "Kazimierz and the Vistula" (approx. 2–3 hours): start at Wolnica Square — stroll the main streets of Kazimierz (Szeroka, Józefa) with a stop at a family-friendly café — head down to the Vistula Boulevards for a picnic or an ice cream by the river — return via the Bernatek footbridge or Dębnicki Bridge. This route is more extensive, with many rest stops and fewer narrow cobbles.
There are many family-friendly places around the Old Town and Kazimierz. A few worth recommending for quality and visitor feedback: Massolit Books & Cafe (Kazimierz) — a well-known bookshop-cafe, great for a break with a child; Cafe Camelot (near the Market) — atmospheric and worth a visit, just ask for a table with easy access for a stroller; Wierzynek (Main Market Square) — a Kraków classic, pricier and suitable for a special occasion.
Along the Vistula Boulevards in season you'll find many bars and food trucks — a good option when you need a quick snack and a lot of space for parking a stroller. Always check recent reviews and reserve a table if a place has limited indoor seating.
Assuming the entire Main Square and surrounding streets are perfect for strollers — many sections have uneven cobbles and crowds; plan routes using the Planty and the boulevards.
Not bringing a Plan B for tight museums — carry a baby carrier or a compact folding stroller so you don't have to skip attractions.
Failing to check opening hours and accessibility — while many places stay open late, confirm hours before you go, especially in high season or on holidays.
Is Polonia Wax Museum suitable for small children? — Short visits can be fun for older infants and preschoolers, but some displays are a bit dark or unusual. For very small children a brief visit or staying outside might be better.
Can you leave a stroller in the museum? — Many small museums don't have official storage; bring a lightweight folding stroller or have a carrier ready.
How to cope with crowds on the Market Square? — Visit the Square early in the morning or late afternoon, use the Planty as an alternative and plan breaks in less crowded cafés.
Polonia Wax Museum gained wide attention on social media partly because some figures have an unusual appearance — many visitors come for the humorous effect and selfies. It's a quirky stop to experience during a short break in the center.
The Planty have hidden children's facilities, including the so-called "Plantuś" — small playgrounds and benches that are great rest spots during a family walk.
Finally: pack essentials in one bag, keep your phone and powerbank charged, and if you plan a longer stroller walk consider choosing one main rest point (a café with a changing table or a restaurant with a wide entrance) to keep the day comfortable for the child and calm for parents.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — family trips around Kraków deserve good preparation.
If you prefer exploring with someone who knows the city and can tailor the route to your family's needs, consider booking a private guide. Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Zwiedzanie Krakowa) offers stroller-friendly routes, help choosing rest stops and ensuring a safe, enjoyable itinerary.