When you organize an outing for a group of seven to thirty people it’s easy to miss small details that make the whole experience comfortable — especially when children are involved. Family-friendly venues often offer play areas, changing stations, special kids’ menus and staff used to working with families. For medium-sized groups it's also important to be able to reserve a whole room or a designated section, have flexible hours and access to family restrooms and space for strollers. This article helps you find such places in Krakow and Zakopane and gives practical advice on how to run the outing with less stress.
In the text you’ll find a list of recommended cafes and restaurants, practical tips for booking and logistics, advice for school or family trip organizers and an FAQ answering the most common questions. If you need inspiration — at the end there’s a note on how to share the article and where to find contact details for private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
Specify the exact number of participants and their ages. A venue treats a group of preschoolers very differently from a group of teenagers.
Ask about reserving the whole room or creating a separate area. For groups of 15-30 people it’s best to look for venues with a private room or a large terrace.
Clarify catering and menu options — good places offer group menus, children’s portions, vegetarian choices and information about allergens. Request a preliminary cost estimate and any payment terms.
Cafe Manggha — known for its view of the Vistula and Wawel, intimate atmosphere and family-friendly approach. The venue has high chairs, a toy corner and sometimes runs children’s workshops. It works well for groups up to around 20 people, especially for afternoon meetups after sightseeing.
Lajkonik (selected locations) — a small cafe chain operating in the centre with specific branches equipped with play corners and changing tables. A good option when part of the group wants a quick coffee and others need more space for children.
Rodzinka Cafe — a concept that combines a cafe with a playroom. An excellent solution for groups with small children; offers plenty of play space and comfortable seating for parents.
Forchetta / La Forchetta — examples of places where a touch of elegance goes hand in hand with family amenities: play corner, child-friendly dishes and attentive service. Recommended for family lunches or gatherings at a larger table.
Szalone Widelce and Makaroniarnia — venues known for their family atmosphere and breakfast or Italian menus, often with a simple play corner and a children’s menu option. They are well suited for morning or early-afternoon bookings.
If you plan a workshop or an educational activity for the group, check venues such as Cafe Bajarka that organise classes and visits for preschool and school groups. For groups of up to about 20 children these places can propose a program and provide materials.
Despite its touristy character, Zakopane has several traditional patisseries and cafes that welcome families. Classic confectioneries (for example Samanta, Żarneccy) offer ice cream and cakes; straightforward logistics and quick service are helpful with children.
Many venues along Krupówki and near attractions have space for strollers and quick access to restrooms, which is important with little kids. Venues with larger interiors or garden areas are better suited for reservations for groups of 10-30 people.
If you want an extra attraction, some cafes and pastry shops run demonstrations of ice cream making or short workshops — a great way to spice up a children’s trip.
Book in advance — in the tourist season the best cafes in Krakow and Zakopane are reserved days or even weeks ahead. For groups of 15+ call and confirm the possibility of reserving a dedicated space.
Split the group into smaller subgroups on arrival — this makes ordering and serving meals smoother. If children have different dietary needs, prepare a list of allergies and preferences to give to the staff.
Check the availability of a changing table and family restroom. For longer meetings have a backup plan (for example a nearby place where you can change or freshen up).
Ask about extra chairs or folding tables — some venues are happy to set up a continuous table but need prior notice.
Communicate clearly — give participants exact arrival time, the meeting point and the contact number of the person responsible for the group. It’s also useful to share a short map for people arriving with strollers.
Ask for a sample group menu and a children’s menu. Good venues offer smaller portions, simplified dishes for picky eaters and can prepare meals without common allergens on request.
Ask about the rules for bringing outside food and birthday cakes (important for parties). Many cafes allow a brought-in cake for a small fee or reserve a room for the celebration.
Agree on payment policy ahead of time: whether a deposit is required, whether you will pay one group bill or individuals settle separately. For groups of 20+ a single invoice or one collective bill is often the easiest solution.
Check whether the venue has insurance and basic first-aid supplies and whether staff know how to respond to minor injuries involving children.
In Krakow there are local initiatives that promote “family-friendly places” — some venues participate in municipal lists and programs, which can be worth checking when choosing a spot.
Not every place with a toy corner will be comfortable for a large, active group of children. Often it’s better to pick a venue where space can be separated rather than relying only on a small play corner.
Many cafes offer short workshops (crafts, cooking) for children in addition to standard service — these are a great option for birthdays or an educational stop during a trip.
Not getting the reservation confirmation in writing. Always ask for an email confirmation that lists agreed terms — number of people, menu, hours and any deposit.
Failing to inform about allergies and special diets. With larger groups one or two people may have allergies that require kitchen preparation — tell the venue at the booking stage.
Arriving without a backup plan. Delays, traffic or an overlong sightseeing schedule happen often — agree a short tolerance for delays with the venue or plan an alternative arrival window.
Can I reserve tables for 25 people in a cafe in central Krakow? Yes, but you need significant advance notice and agreement with the manager. In the tourist season it’s safest to book at least 3–7 days ahead.
Will a venue allow me to bring a birthday cake? Many cafes and restaurants accept bringing a custom cake, but confirm in advance and be prepared to pay a small fee for arranging the space.
How do I ensure children’s safety in the venue? Set the number of adult supervisors, bring a basic first-aid kit, inform staff about planned activities and ask for a space with easy access to the restroom.
Organizing a meeting for a medium-sized group with children in Krakow or Zakopane is perfectly doable if you take a bit of time to choose the right venue and agree the details. Choosing places with a dedicated area, children’s menus and reservation options will make the experience calmer and more enjoyable for everyone.
If you would like personalized help planning a Krakow trip (route + a break in a recommended cafe), consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. If this article was helpful, please share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help other parents and organizers find the perfect spot.
