Short and practical — what you will see on a walk around the Planty and at St. Florian's Gate, how to prepare children and teenagers for a visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum, and what working with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz looks like. You will also find logistical tips, recommended snack breaks and a mini FAQ to help you plan a low-stress day in Kraków. We do not include external links here; the information is given in a simple, friendly way.
If you have small children — start with a short daily plan. If you are arranging a school trip or a youth group — check the section on preparing for Auschwitz. If you want to book a guide — the "Practical information" section explains how to agree on meeting place and time. (This article is based on the materials and experience of guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz and practical tips for families.)
Entering the heart of the Old Town often begins at the Planty — a green ring surrounding the historic centre. The Planty are a great place for the first stage of a walk with children — benches, shady trees and short distances between viewpoints make it easy to match the pace to the youngest participants.
St. Florian's Gate is a natural landmark and an excellent meeting point. For children the Gate is often a "gateway to adventure" — tell a short, simple legend, take a photo and continue along the Royal Route toward the Market Square. Walking through the Barbican and St. Florian's Gate gives a chance to talk about medieval defensive walls in a way that younger listeners can understand.
How to make the route more fun for the little ones — a few ideas: create a short walking quiz (who can find the oldest tree in the Planty?), point out "wow" spots — fountains, sculptures or colourful façades, and add game elements — a small mystery to solve before reaching the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice). This gives children a goal and helps them stay interested in the stories.
A guided tour speeds up understanding of the history and gives the walk a rhythm — stories are structured, full of curiosities and anecdotes that reach different age groups. Małgorzata Kasprowicz has a national licence to guide in Kraków since 2012 and many years of experience leading families, school classes and multi-generational groups.
Practical experience comes from hundreds of tours and thousands of participants — during walks the guide combines reliable information with playful, accessible presentation styles. This helps both children and adults remember more and encourages conversation.
With a guide it is easier to plan pace and breaks — the guide anticipates places to rest, stroller-friendly routes and attractions adapted to age. Working with a guide is also a time-saver — in a short walk you will see the most important points without rushing or frustration.
A visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum is an educational experience with a strong emotional charge. A well-prepared group leaves with deeper historical understanding, empathy and reflection. The trip should be adapted to participants' ages and led in a way that respects the memory of the victims while remaining comprehensible to younger listeners.
For younger children (early primary school) consider alternative educational activities in Kraków that introduce history and memory in a gentler form. For older children and teenagers a museum visit makes sense provided the group is properly prepared — explain the trip's goals, give a short introduction before entry, and allow time for discussion afterwards.
Logistics — touring Auschwitz usually takes a full day including travel. It is worth booking tickets and a museum guide in advance, informing guardians about the nature of the site and providing breaks for meals and rest. Guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz organises day trips that combine a substantive introduction with sensitive support during the museum visit.
A typical family walk around the Planty and St. Florian's Gate with a guide lasts from 1.5 to 3 hours — depending on agreed pace and additional stops. School or themed routes may last longer and require different planning.
Pricing — the guide offers various formats: shorter walks of 2–4 hours for small groups and options for larger school groups. When planning a school trip, agree in advance on the number of participants, duration and whether audio sets are needed (handsets are helpful for larger groups).
Meeting point — a convenient meeting place is the area around St. Florian's Gate or a stretch of the Planty where the guide is easy to find. The guide can also adapt meeting points to your group's needs — for example by the Adam Mickiewicz Monument, on the Main Market Square or at the Wawel entrance. When booking, agree on the exact place, time and a contact phone number for the guide.
Slow the pace — plan breaks every 20–30 minutes for the youngest. Short activities — drawing, spotting signs or a quick riddle — help keep attention.
Clothing and equipment — comfortable shoes, water, a small snack, a rain cape or light jacket for changeable weather. Keep discount documents handy (school IDs).
Talk before you go — before visiting a site with difficult history, explain in a few sentences what to expect and why it matters. After the visit, give children space to ask questions and express emotions.
A short coffee and snack break can make the day. Recommended spots near the Market and Planty: Café Camelot — a cosy café close to the Market Square, good for a post-walk treat; Charlotte on Plac Szczepański — fresh baked goods and a friendly atmosphere; Massolit Books & Cafe in Kazimierz — a good stop if you plan to continue toward the Jewish Quarter; street stalls with obwarzanki and local snacks — quick and popular with children.
For school groups choose places with space and quick meal options — pizzerias and casual eateries near the Market often offer group menus. If you need suggestions tailored to your group's age, the guide can recommend reliable addresses.
If you plan a picnic — the Planty has many shaded spots for a quick rest with sandwiches. Remember to tidy up after yourselves — it's a good habit to encourage in children.
Is the walk around the Planty suitable for a stroller? - Yes. Most paths are paved, but check with the guide about specific sections in case of repairs or public events.
Is a trip to Auschwitz appropriate for a 13-year-old? - It depends on the child's maturity and group preparation. For many teenagers it is a valuable educational experience if delivered in an age-appropriate way and followed by a conversation.
How far in advance should I book a guide? - Ideally a few days to a week in advance, and earlier during the high season. For school trips and museum visits, booking further ahead increases the chance of available dates.
Does the guide present history in a way that engages children? - Yes. Małgorzata Kasprowicz mixes knowledge with anecdotes, field tasks and questions that engage younger participants, making tours both educational and attractive.
If you want to explore Kraków calmly, thoughtfully and adapted to children's needs — consider using a licensed guide's experience. A walk around the Planty and near St. Florian's Gate is a great start for families — short, engaging and full of photo opportunities.
A trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum should be planned and conducted with sensitivity — it can teach a lot but requires emotional preparation. The guide will help determine whether the trip is suitable for your group and suggest the appropriate format.
To arrange a walk or a trip — contact the guide, agree on format, number of participants and the group's needs. That way your day in Kraków will be well planned, low-stress and full of meaningful stories. We invite you to discover Kraków together with passion and care!
