Kraków in May usually blossoms: parks and meadows are green, days are longer, and city paths invite you for stroller walks. The city offers a lot of green space close to historic sights, which makes it easy to combine short pleasant strolls with rest and outdoor play. With good planning you can see the city’s highlights without pressure, with breaks for feeding, changing and long playtime on a playground. This guide proposes a “green” route — convenient, green connections between the most beautiful parks and family-friendly spots in the centre and nearby areas.
A stroller outing doesn’t have to mean missing out on enjoyment: by choosing wide alleys, paved paths and shorter sections you can easily plan a relaxing, stress-free May weekend.
Below you’ll find a ready plan for 2–3 days, practical tips for using public transport and family-friendly places, plus a short FAQ with common questions.
Day 1 – Centre and the Planty: start with a short walk along the Royal Route, but focus on the Planty — wide alleys and many benches make it the ideal first stop to get used to moving around with a stroller. Take a break for an obwarzanek (Kraków bagel) and coffee.
Day 2 – Błonia, Jordan Park and the Botanical Garden: morning on the Błonia (a large meadow with plenty of space for laying a blanket and playing), then a walk to Park Jordana with playgrounds, and an afternoon in the Botanical Garden — peaceful paths and interesting plantings.
Day 3 – Las Wolski, the ZOO or the suburban valleys: if you have more energy and want to escape the centre, Las Wolski with its walking entrances and the Zoological Garden is a great option. Alternatively choose one of the nearby dolinki (small valleys) such as Dubie or take a shorter trip to Ojcow National Park — there are pretty, partly paved paths that are stroller-friendly.
Planty – the green belt around the Old Town: wide, usually even alleys, lots of benches and easy access to cafés and the Market Square. It’s a perfect place for the first morning walk with a child.
Błonia – a huge meadow right behind the centre: ideal for play, picnics and relaxation. In May and summer it can be busy, but the space is large so you’ll still find a quiet spot.
Park Jordana – a city park with playgrounds: the park has varied infrastructure and often paved paths, so stroller walks are comfortable and the little ones have places to run and play.
Botanical Garden of the Jagiellonian University – quiet alleys and attractive plantings: most garden paths are stroller-friendly, making it a great place for a calm afternoon and a chance to look at plants.
Las Wolski and the ZOO – more nature outside the centre: Las Wolski has both easier, flatter paths and some steeper sections; when planning pick routes suited to your stroller. The ZOO is an additional attraction for kids and often has convenient access and services near entrances.
Zakrzówek – a scenic spot by the water: some paths around the reservoir are paved, but not all approaches are fully stroller-ready — plan short sections and consider a baby carrier if you want the viewpoint experience.
Dolinki near Kraków (e.g. Dubie, Pstrąga Valley) – short paved sections ideal for a stroller: many dolinki have arranged surfaces and playgrounds, and they’re usually about 30–40 minutes from the centre by car or by suburban transport.
Choose shorter sections and frequent breaks – your pace with a child is different, so schedule stops for feeding, changing and play.
Stroller and terrain – if you have a stroller with larger wheels you’ll manage better off paved paths; on Planty, Błonia and in Park Jordana a standard stroller is usually enough.
Public transport – many trams and buses in Kraków have low floors that make boarding with a stroller easier, but before you set off check timetables and vehicle type, especially during a long weekend.
Places for changing and feeding – shopping centres and major museums often have baby changing facilities and comfortable toilets. In the centre look for cafés with changing tables or politely ask staff for access to a quiet back room if you need a calm space.
Weather and clothing – May can be changeable: bring a light rain jacket, a blanket and a wind cover for the stroller. Quick layering makes the child more comfortable.
Parking and access – outside the centre check parking availability (for example near the dolinki) and choose routes with paved entrances if you’re travelling by car with a stroller.
Cafés and places with space for children: in the centre look for cosy cafés with easy access and room for a stroller as well as a small space for children to play. Many cafés near Planty and the Market offer outdoor seating in season — perfect for a quick rest with a child.
Family-friendly restaurants: for longer meals choose restaurants with children’s menus and level entrances (no high steps). Outside the very centre you’ll find larger venues and inns near Błonia and main routes that are convenient for a break during an excursion beyond the city.
Snacks and local specialties: don’t forget to try the obwarzanek krakowski as a quick local snack. Around the Market Square and river boulevards there are many points where you can grab coffee and light bites, which helps a lot when organising breaks with a child.
Take care of documents and medicines: carry your child’s basic documents, fever medicine and a small first-aid kit.
Sunny days – sun protection: in May the sun can be strong. Bring sunscreen, a hat and a stroller sun cover.
Crowds during the long weekend – plan ahead: the centre can be crowded on the May long weekend; aim for early departures or visit popular places off-peak, e.g. morning on Błonia or afternoon at the Botanical Garden.
Have a plan B – if part of the route is too crowded or not stroller-friendly, have alternatives ready: shorter alleys, a nearby café or a public transport connection that gets you to a different spot quickly.
- Blanket and a spare change of clothes for the child.
- Changing mats and wet wipes, bags for dirty items.
- Small first-aid kit (fever medicine, plasters, ointment for scrapes).
- Water bottle, snacks, favourite toy/book.
- Phone case and powerbank – useful for navigation and photos.
- Offline map or saved routes — in case of poor signal.
Is Kraków stroller-friendly? - Yes, many central places have paved alleys (Planty, Błonia, Park Jordana, Botanical Garden). Outside the centre some routes can be rougher; then choose wider paved paths or plan shorter sections.
How do I get from the station to a park with a stroller? - Trams and buses run from the stations; many vehicles have low floors to make boarding with a stroller easier. If you have a lot of luggage or a very small baby, a taxi may be a convenient alternative.
Do museums have changing tables and can I enter with a stroller? - Many larger museums allow strollers and have baby-changing facilities, but it’s a good idea to check the museum’s website or call ahead.
Where can I change my child in the centre? - Shopping centres, some cafés and museums offer changing tables. In urgent situations café staff will often help you find a suitable spot.
Do I need extra insurance? - Standard travel insurance covers common situations; if you plan excursions outside the city (e.g. long hikes) check your policy’s coverage.
Dolinki near Kraków (Prądnik Valley, Dubie, Pstrąga Valley) – pretty short routes, some paths are paved and stroller-friendly; around 30–40 minutes by car from the centre.
Ojcow National Park – for a bigger adventure: choose shorter paved sections or well-organised spots like Prądnik and Korzkiew that are family-friendly.
A short trip to Las Wolski or the ZOO – ideal for a full day outside the city, with plenty of places to rest and cafés near entrances.
Planning and flexibility are key: prepare a plan but don’t cling to it. Time with a little one has its own rhythm and it’s best to follow it.
Use breaks as highlights: a short play on the meadow or a visit to a playground can be the day’s biggest event for your child.
Take care of parents’ comfort too: choose places with comfortable benches, family-friendly toilets and food options close to walking routes.
If you’d like, I can prepare a route tailored to your child’s age, your accommodation location and your walking pace — tell me where you’re starting from, how much time you have and how far you want to go outside the centre.
