Exploring Krakow with children is a wonderful adventure — and to make it successful it helps to have someone who tells stories clearly, engagingly and with a sense of humor. Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a licensed guide who leads family and school tours, knows how to capture the interest of the youngest visitors and paces the tour so nobody gets bored. With her experience guiding groups of different sizes and profiles, a walk with a guide gives you confidence that you will see the most interesting sights without getting lost or wasting energy.
Flexibility matters for families: shorter stories, breaks for play, tips about strollers, toilets or snack stops. The guide knows these needs and adapts the route to the children’s ages and the group’s rhythm — especially important for medium groups of 7–20 people, where it’s easier to keep order yet still maintain a lively atmosphere.
Another advantage is access to places and exhibitions best enjoyed with an expert: the Rynek Underground (the historical museum beneath the Main Market Square) and a trip to Ojców National Park — a natural escape from the city where children can touch nature and discover rocks, caves and castles.
The Rynek Underground is a multimedia museum beneath the Main Market Square — a great place for children because it combines images, models, interactive elements and stories. With a live guide, kids not only hear legends and curiosities but also take part in tasks and questions that engage their attention and memory.
A family program visit to the underground usually lasts about 1.5–2 hours, depending on the group’s interest. The guide knows how to heighten the narrative at visually striking moments and will make sure the pace is child-friendly. Keep in mind that the underground space can be cooler and some sections have stairs — bring a light warm layer and comfortable shoes for children.
For medium groups (7–20 people) it is possible to organize orderly touring using headset systems (audio guides), which improves comfort and audibility during busy seasons. This is especially helpful when you want to keep the rhythm while ensuring everyone can hear the story without shouting.
Ojców National Park is the nearest national park to Krakow — a green valley of the Prądnik River full of rocks, castles and caves that delight both children and adults. A typical one-day program includes travel from Krakow, a walk to the valley’s most interesting points (for example Hercules’ Club, Pieskowa Skała with its castle, caves and viewpoints) and a break for a meal or picnic. The whole trip usually takes 6–8 hours including travel time.
For groups of 7–20 people the excursion is ideal — intimate enough for the guide to watch everyone’s pace, yet large enough to create a joyful, social atmosphere. The route can be easier (shorter walking sections) or more active (longer climbs); everything is agreed before departure.
Weather matters here — on rainy days some trails become slippery and some attractions may be closed. It’s good to have a plan B: shorter walks, visiting Pieskowa Skała Castle or sheltering in a local inn.
Sample full-day program: 09:00 — meet in central Krakow (for example at the Adam Mickiewicz Monument), short warm-up and walk to the Market Square; 09:30–11:00 — visit to the Rynek Underground with stories and tasks for children; 11:00–11:30 — snack break near the Market Square; 11:30 — depart by minibus/coach toward Ojców National Park; 12:30–15:30 — explore the Prądnik Valley: Hercules’ Club, a short walk to Łokietek’s Cave or Pieskowa Skała Castle (depending on preferences); 15:30–16:30 — lunch/rest; 17:30 — return to Krakow.
A half-day version (often chosen by families living in the center) can include only the Rynek Underground plus a walk around the Market Square and a short Old Town route — about 2–3 hours. The guide always adapts pace and program elements to the children’s ages and the caregivers’ preferences.
Transport: for groups of 7–20 people renting a minibus or using private transport is optimal — the guide helps plan logistics and recommends the most efficient timetable.
Costs depend on the duration and language of the tour. Rates are available for small and larger groups — when booking a group of 7–20 people it’s worth agreeing on the exact time and any extra services in advance, such as renting headset sets. Headsets improve listening comfort in crowded places and are often available for a small fee per person.
Ask about seasonal promotions and specific prices for themed tours — there are times when reduced rates apply. Exact conditions are best confirmed when you contact the guide to confirm the date, providing group size and preferred route length. The guide holds the required licenses and permissions to conduct tours in selected sites (including the Rynek Underground and some park routes).
If you plan to use discounts (students, seniors), bring proof of eligibility, as it simplifies purchasing group tickets and organizing entry.
The Rynek Underground is set up for visits with small children, but being underground means lower temperatures and stairs in some sections — bring a light cover. For families with strollers plan the route in advance — not all sections are fully stroller-accessible, but the guide will point out the best options.
In Ojców National Park some trails are easy while others require sturdy footwear. Children should wear shoes with good grip, carry a small backpack with water and snacks, and wear head protection (for sun or wind). In summer remember insect repellent and sunscreen. When planning a trip with a group of 7–20 people the guide provides logistical and organizational support so no one falls behind.
Always agree on a contact phone number and a meeting point in case the group gets separated. For school groups the guide suggests simple safety rules before departure (roll call lists, brief instructions for chaperones).
After an active day it’s nice to stop for a pleasant meal. A few tried-and-tested options around the Old Town and Kazimierz: - Café Camelot — a cozy spot close to the Market, good for coffee and cake after a walk. - Charlotte (Plac Szczepański) — a bakery and bistro with a wide selection of bread and pastries, family-friendly. - Szara Górna / Szara (Market Square) — a restaurant serving Polish and European dishes in a comfortable setting, convenient after a city-center visit. - Starka (Kazimierz) — traditional Polish cuisine in an informal atmosphere, popular with families.
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How do we book a tour for our group? - The quickest way is by phone or email; when booking provide the date, approximate number of people (7–20), children’s ages and preferred duration. This allows the guide to tailor the program and prepare any headset sets.
Is the tour suitable for strollers? - Some central routes are stroller-friendly, but in the Underground and parts of Ojców you may need to carry the stroller or use alternative paths. Always mention this need when booking.
How long does the visit to the Rynek Underground last? - The family program usually takes 1.5–2 hours; time can be shortened or extended depending on the group’s pace.
Does the guide help organize transport to Ojców? - Yes, the guide will advise and help plan logistics, including minibus or coach options suitable to your group size.
What happens in case of bad weather during the trip to Ojców? - If weather is unfavorable the guide will suggest alternatives: shorter routes, castle visits or other indoor attractions.
Do a short briefing before you leave: a few simple rules (stay in the designated area, listen to the guide, don’t wander off without a caregiver’s permission). This increases comfort and safety while touring.
Bring small snacks and water — short energy breaks often save the day, especially after an engaging history lesson in the Underground. A small backpack for each child with at least 0.5 l of water is a good idea.
Take a camera or phone for photos — the guide will point out the best photo spots, and keepsake photos are often the most valuable souvenirs for families.
Combining the Rynek Underground with a visit to Ojców National Park gives an ideal balance between city history and close contact with nature — a format that works very well with children. Małgorzata Kasprowicz, as a licensed guide experienced with families and school groups, adapts the route to the needs of medium groups (7–20 people) and ensures a safe, engaging program full of anecdotes.
If you’re planning a visit to Krakow with children — write or call, give the date and number of participants; the guide will prepare a program proposal, recommend the optimal timing and advise how to make the most of your day. Good preparation means less stress, more smiles and memories for the whole family.
We wish you a wonderful trip and many exciting discoveries in Krakow!
