Krakow is not only a castle, the Cloth Hall and cobbled alleys — it is also a city that holds pieces of Polish film history. On the map of film traces Krowodrza stands out in particular, where the so-called “pre-film school” (pra-filmówka) once operated — a place tied to the beginnings of film education in Poland. Walking with your family through the right spots you can show children that streets and townhouses have played parts on screen and in stories about directors whose names appear in film textbooks.
For a family this is a great opportunity to turn ordinary sightseeing into an interactive lesson: explain to children where films come from, show film sets and involve them in a simple game of tracking down places where famous scenes were shot. It’s a walk that mixes history, culture and play — much better than another standalone museum visit.
The Krakow Film Trail is an initiative that organizes and presents places connected to film shootings and the lives of filmmakers. In practice you’ll find plaques, stories about well-known directors and actors, as well as local outdoor games and screenings in intimate cinemas. The Krowodrza district often runs guided walks, screenings at Kino Mikro and themed quests prepared with families in mind.
For parents it’s a good way to enrich traditional Krakow sightseeing with an engaging narrative: explain how a film is made, which places served as sets and what anecdotes lie behind famous scenes. Children remember the city through play — quests and short film tasks fit perfectly into that.
The route below combines film highlights with attractions that will appeal to children of different ages. It’s a full-day plan that you can shorten to half a day or spread over two days depending on your family’s pace.
1) Start: Krowodrza — begin with a walk around places connected to the local film school and plaques commemorating creators. It’s worth looking for areas featured in local educational projects and outdoor games.
2) Walk to the center: Wawel and the Dragon’s Den — a classic that always sparks children’s imagination. A short story about the Dragon and a visit down to the Dragon’s Den blends legend with film-like scenery.
3) Stanisław Lem Garden of Experiences — an interactive place ideal for experiments and playful learning, perfect after the walking part.
4) House of Illusions / Museum of Illusions — if you want something under cover and a sensory “expedition”, this is a good spot for the afternoon.
5) Museum of Municipal Engineering or the ZOO — depending on interests: old trams and technical workshops or a meet-and-greet with animals.
6) Kino Mikro or an outdoor screening (seasonal) — if there’s a family screening or an event connected to the local film trail, end the day with a film.
- Transport: Krakow has an extensive public transport network — trams and buses are generally stroller-friendly, but during rush hour it’s better to plan trips outside the busiest times.
- Tickets and reservations: for workshops in museums, screenings in smaller cinemas or participation in outdoor games, it’s worth booking in advance — places are often limited.
- Stroller or carrier: most attractions on the route are accessible with a stroller, but some townhouses or narrow streets can make passage difficult; bring a lightweight carrier in case you encounter stairs.
- Breaks and toilets: plan breaks every 1.5–2 hours — venues like the Garden of Experiences or the Museum of Municipal Engineering have family restrooms.
After a day full of excitement it’s worth heading to trusted places with a friendly atmosphere and good food for children. A few popular, well-rated spots to consider:
- Charlotte (breakfast and bakery — a cozy place for a quick meal),
- Cafe Camelot (a snug café near the Market Square, popular with families and tourists),
- Miód Malina (a restaurant with traditional cuisine, often praised for its child-friendly menu),
It’s a good idea to reserve a table at popular places, especially on weekends. If you’re on a tighter budget, look for well-rated traditional milk bars and local bistros — they offer quick and inexpensive options that kids usually like.
- Roman Polański as a young student filmed and shot shorts in Krakow’s nooks — a great starting point to talk about how a film career can begin.
- Some fragments of iconic Polish films were shot in places you pass every day — make a game of trying to find the street that appears on screen.
- Tales about the so-called pra-filmówka originated in Krowodrza — the early beginnings of a film school, which can inspire a joint mini-project: shoot a simple scene on your phone and show it to the family in the evening.
- Trying to see “everything” in one day — result: children are exhausted and sightseeing becomes stressful. Plan the route and leave margin for rest.
- No backup plan for rain — keep a list of indoor attractions (interactive museums, cinema, House of Illusions).
- Unexpected queues and no reservations — buy tickets for some attractions or workshops in advance, especially during the high season.
- Ignoring smaller local events — themed walks, screenings or family workshops happen often; follow district calendars to join them.
Is the film trail suitable for preschoolers? Yes — many elements can be adapted for the youngest: short stories, simple search tasks and attractions with playful elements.
Do you have to pay for every point on the route? No — some places are outdoor walks and memorial plaques, but screenings, museums and workshops are often paid.
How much time should you plan for the route? At least half a day, ideally a whole day with breaks; you can also split the program over two days so children have time to rest.
Are there family film events? Yes — Krakow regularly hosts themed screenings, and Kino Mikro and district initiatives organize sessions and outdoor quests dedicated to families.
- Prepare a small task card before you go: “Find a townhouse with a balcony”, “Take a photo with the dragon”, or “Record a 20‑second scene”, and then give small rewards to children for completed tasks.
- Make your own mini film festival in the evening: short clips recorded on your phone or historical photos of Krakow combined with stories about the places you visited.
- If you’d like a more personalized route or want help organizing the day around your family’s needs, feel free to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — on the guide’s website you’ll find contact details and family tour offers tailored to children’s ages.
