If you’re planning to spend a day at the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall with kids — you’re in the right place. This guide walks you step by step through what to see, where to rest, what to eat and which “hidden gems” are worth finding so the trip is fun for both little ones and adults.
You’ll find a suggested route, ideas for games and activities for the youngest visitors, practical tips and the option to book a guided tour with licensed guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz from ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — she can lead your group with passion and humor, adapting pace and content to the children’s age.
The plan is flexible — adjust it to the weather, your kids’ pace and the time you have available.
The Main Market Square is one of Poland’s most recognizable places: the largest medieval square in Europe, lively at almost any hour. With museums, churches and outdoor attractions nearby, it’s a convenient starting point for a full day of family exploring.
The Cloth Hall is more than a souvenir market — it’s a Renaissance trading hall with a long history, and upstairs there’s a gallery with interesting art collections. For children the biggest joys are often short stories, colorful handicrafts and watching craftsmen at work.
Nearby you’ll also find places that engage kids: the Underground Museum beneath the Market Square with multimedia exhibits, the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica (for the brave, with a beautiful view) and small squares and the Planty park — ideal for breaks and play.
09:00 - Start by the Town Hall or an agreed meeting point. A short warm-up: point out the Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s tower and the place where the trumpeter plays the hejnał - tell the children the legend of the trumpeter and the dragon.
09:15 - Underground Museum of the Market Square - an attraction “under your feet” where interactive displays and medieval foundations explain the city’s history in a child-friendly way. Book tickets in advance - especially on weekends.
11:00 - A short walk through the Cloth Hall and upstairs to the gallery (current exhibitions may interest older children). On the ground floor look for handicraft stalls - a good chance to talk with makers and buy a small souvenir.
12:30 - Lunch at a family-friendly restaurant near the Square. Recommendations: Restaurant Wierzynek (historic setting) or Szara (good children’s menu). Alternatively, lighter options such as pierogi, pancakes or soups at local bistros.
14:00 - Short break on a square - the Planty or the Vistula Boulevards are places where kids can run and parents can relax with a coffee. If the weather is good, consider a picnic with a view of the river.
15:30 - St. Mary’s Basilica tower or the Town Hall Tower - if children like views and don’t mind stairs. For less adventurous kids: external sightseeing with stories about the hejnał and the trumpeters.
17:00 - Little discoveries: hunt for “hidden” sculptures, interesting doors and medieval marks on tenement houses. Small tasks like “who can find the strangest face on a facade” add fun.
18:00 - Dinner or dessert at a café on the Square - hot chocolate, ice cream or pancakes make a sweet end to the day.
Underground Museum of the Market Square - the magic of discovering history beneath the pavement; reconstructions and multimedia are particularly impressive. It’s a place that teaches through play.
Small details on facades - gargoyles, carvings and initials of former owners. Make a simple “things to find” list - it always engages children.
St. Florian’s Gate and the Barbican - surviving fragments of the old city walls that impress and make a nice short walk off the Market Square.
Historic Cloth Hall stalls - see traditional handcrafted goods, beads, wooden toys and folk elements - makers often enjoy telling visitors about their work.
Small exhibitions and reenactments during events such as Museum Night or special family events - check the city events calendar before your visit.
There are many family-friendly places around the Square. For breakfast choose a cozy café with hearty sandwiches and space for children. After lunch cafés with desserts and ice cream are perfect as a reward after a day of walking.
Restaurant Wierzynek - historic interiors and staff used to families. Szara - recommended for families for its good food and convenient location on the Square. Keep in mind that during the high season it’s wise to reserve a table.
If you prefer a quick bite or snack you’ll find nearby stalls offering pierogi, zapiekanki and sandwiches - simple and tasty solutions for hungry kids.
Tickets: for popular attractions (Underground Museum, towers, some exhibitions) buy tickets online or reserve entry ahead, especially on weekends and in the holiday season.
Accessibility: some central places have stairs and narrow passages - if you’re coming with a stroller, check accessibility in advance or plan a route that avoids steps. Many cafés and restaurants have ground-level access, but not all museums are fully adapted.
Safety: the Square can be crowded - keep children close, especially in crowds or when attention is diverted (pedestrian and bicycle traffic). Agree on a meeting point in case someone gets separated.
Weather and clothing: even on a sunny day it’s good to carry a light jacket or rain poncho. Comfortable shoes are essential - the cobblestones can be hard on little feet.
Toilets: public toilets are available near the Square, but it’s a good idea to ask to use facilities in cafés or restaurants during longer stops - they often welcome families.
Detective game: prepare a short list of things to find on the Square - e.g. a coat of arms, a gargoyle, a clock, a character from a historic tale. Small rewards boost motivation.
Drawing stop: bring a small notebook and crayons - pause for 10–15 minutes to draw a favorite building or detail. It’s a nice keepsake and a way to teach observation.
Stories and legends: a short tale about the hejnał trumpeter or the Wawel Dragon will set the mood and give the tour a narrative feel that kids enjoy.
Sensory tasks: try to find three different textures (stone, wood, metal), three smells (coffee, bread, flowers) and three sounds (the hejnał trumpet, the buzz of the crowd, footsteps on cobbles).
How much time should we allow for Market Square attractions? - For a relaxed visit with children plan a full day with breaks: 4–6 hours of active sightseeing plus time for meals and play.
Are museums suitable for toddlers? - Many exhibitions include multimedia and interactive elements that catch children’s attention. However, not every gallery is adapted for the very young - choose shorter, more engaging displays.
Do we need to book a guide? - Booking a guide such as Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a great option if you want stories and curiosities tailored to children. A guide also helps manage the pace of the day.
Are lifts and transport available? - Some buildings have lifts, others do not. If full accessibility is required (stroller, limited mobility) contact specific attractions ahead to check conditions.
If you want the Market Square and Cloth Hall walk to have structure, entertaining anecdotes and a pace suited to children, consider booking a tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. As a licensed Krakow guide she tells the city’s story in an accessible and engaging way for families.
Bookings usually include tailoring the route, duration and any necessary entries to attractions. Contact ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com to arrange a date, group size and preferences (e.g. pace, child-focused themes).
It’s helpful to note in advance which attractions require tickets (for example the Underground Museum) so the guide can plan the route smoothly.
Start early if you want to avoid crowds and keep a pleasant pace for children.
Bring small rewards and plan breaks - ice cream, little souvenirs or a short play on the grass quickly recharge energy.
For a long day take a small backpack with water, snacks, a first aid kit and a change of clothes for the little ones.
Don’t forget to capture memories - a short series of playful photos by the Cloth Hall or under St. Mary’s tower will make great souvenirs.
The Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall offer an ideal setting for family sightseeing: history, art, places to play and tasty food for every budget. With simple games and short stops even younger children will remember the day for a long time.
If you’d like a more tailored experience, consider booking a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz from ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com - an experienced guide who mixes storytelling with activities for kids and keeps the pace comfortable for the whole family.
Enjoy your visit and many wonderful discoveries in the heart of Krakow!
