Rain doesn’t have to ruin your plans — sightseeing can even be more interesting when the pace slows, streets empty and interiors feel cozy. For families it’s a great chance to combine short, dry attractions (museums, interactive exhibitions) with breaks for a warm drink and homemade snacks. The most important things are good clothing and a realistic daily plan.
In practice that means: shorter walking stretches, planned stops (a café, indoor playground, children’s museum) and flexibility — if it pours, you can easily swap to an indoor activity.
Instead of one heavy coat, choose a layering system: a thin thermal base (e.g., a long-sleeve top or thermal underwear if it’s cold) + a light sweatshirt/fleece + a thin waterproof jacket with a hood. That way you can quickly adjust to changing temperatures on the tram, in a museum or underground.
Avoid cotton as a base layer — once wet it dries slowly and becomes uncomfortable. Synthetics or merino wool work much better for little ones.
For children a practical solution is a thin rain jacket plus an extra layer in the backpack (for example a light fleece). In heavy rain a poncho or a waterproof shell over the jacket gives quick protection.
For city walking, waterproof trainers or low waterproof trekking shoes with good grip are best. For the youngest children, comfortable rain boots with a soft insole are great for short walks and puddle-jumping, but for longer routes shoes with a firmer sole are preferable.
Remember to pack a thick pair of spare socks — even the best shoes may let water in after a few hours. It’s worth having extra socks and a plastic bag for wet items in your backpack.
If you plan to visit the salt mine (Wieliczka) or city undergrounds, keep in mind that underground temperatures are steady and cool — bring an extra layer even in summer. Shoes should have good non-slip soles.
For active families a poncho or a lightweight jacket with a hood often beats an umbrella: hands stay free, which makes looking after a child and taking photos easier. On windy days, make sure the poncho fits well or can be fastened so it doesn’t act like a sail.
An umbrella can be useful for adults, but with small children it can get in the way when entering narrow spaces or in crowds at the Market Square. If you use an umbrella, choose a short, sturdy model.
Always keep a small packable poncho or spare rain jacket in the backpack — wet clothing cools children down quickly.
A lightweight backpack worn on the back is a must — it’s easier to balance a child, tickets and snacks. Organize the bag into three zones: dry (documents, wallet), food (snacks, bottle), and spare (jacket, dry socks, bag for wet items).
Handy little items: phone cover, small towel, tissues, a tiny first-aid kit, powerbank. Plastic bags or zip-lock bags for wet things will save the rest of the bag contents.
For little ones: a favorite small toy, a simple picture game (e.g., “find three red doors”) or a coloring book. These make breaks between attractions calmer.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is an underground attraction with a steady, lower temperature — even in summer bring one extra warm layer: a thin fleece or a light down jacket works well.
Underground areas often have stairs and uneven surfaces — comfortable closed-toe shoes are essential. A stroller for infants is not always practical underground; consider a sling or baby carrier.
Keep in mind height restrictions and narrow passages — not all sections are suitable for strollers. Check in advance whether the route you plan to take is accessible for small children or strollers.
09:30 — start at a dry spot: a café by the Market Square, quick breakfast and putting on layers.
10:30 — visit a museum or the Market Square underground (short, impressive, interactive).
12:00 — second indoor attraction: Museum of Illusions/interactive park/hands-on workshop (for example, baking an obwarzanek) — something that engages children’s hands.
14:00 — lunch at a family-friendly restaurant (a short reservation helps).
15:30 — if the weather improves: a short walk around the Planty; if not: an aqua park, indoor play center or the Wieliczka Salt Mine as an afternoon highlight.
Leave a margin for rest every 1–1.5 hours — children handle tours much better with regular breaks.
Interactive museums and exhibitions: children’s displays, the Museum of Illusions, technology and science museums are perfect for a dry day.
The Market Square underground and the salt mines in Wieliczka/Bochnia — an “other world” experience that usually fascinates children.
Indoor entertainment centers: playrooms, amusement parks, Pixel Park, Laser Park or aqua parks. These are great when kids need to burn off energy.
Cafés and family-friendly restaurants — choose places with stroller space, changing facilities and a simple kids’ menu. Reserving a table can shorten wait times on a wet day.
- Waterproof jacket with a hood for everyone, or a poncho. - Waterproof shoes or rain boots (an extra pair if needed). - Spare socks and a thin layer (fleece). - Small backpack with plastic bags for wet items. - Water bottle, healthy snacks (sandwich, fruit, nuts if no allergies). - Tissues, quick-dry towel, mini first-aid kit. - Sling/baby carrier instead of a stroller in places with many stairs. - Powerbank and a fully charged phone (e-tickets, maps).
On a rainy day the best places have space for strollers and quick family service. Around the Market Square you’ll find many cafés and bakeries with hot drinks and small snacks — ideal for a short break. If you want something traditional, look for a pierogi restaurant or a place with home-style cooking — a hot meal restores energy after a wet walk.
If you plan lunch after the mine, reserve a table — tourist groups can be large and wet clothes make waiting harder. For little ones it’s good to have small, easy-to-eat snacks in the backpack.
Wet surfaces can be slippery — pay attention around curbs, cobbles and steep stairs. Children should walk close to a guardian and avoid running in crowds.
If a child gets very wet, change them into dry clothes quickly — hypothermia isn’t likely from ordinary rain, but discomfort and crankiness can ruin the day.
Keep a cover or plastic sheet for the stroller in your luggage; a carrier is often more convenient in underground areas and on stairs.
Check opening hours and entry rules for attractions in advance (some places require timed reservations). Plan alternatives in case a site is closed or queues are long.
Should we use an umbrella or a poncho for a child? - For convenience and safety a poncho or a hooded jacket is better because it keeps the caregiver’s hands free and is less awkward when boarding a tram or entering a museum.
Is it warm or cold in Wieliczka? - Underground temperatures are steady and lower than on the surface, so bring an extra layer even in summer.
Will a stroller work in the undergrounds? - It depends on the route — many sections have stairs and narrow passages. For infants consider a carrier; if you must bring a stroller, check availability of lifts and stroller-friendly routes beforehand.
What about wet shoes? - Carry spare socks in a plastic bag and a poncho. In extreme cases quick drying at your hotel or asking a café about a hairdryer may help.
Are children’s attractions open in the rain? - Most museums and indoor centers operate normally; salt mines and underground tours are ideal for a rainy day. Outdoor attractions may be closed or limited — check before you go.
Rain teaches planning and improvisation — instead of worrying about puddles, treat the trip as a series of small, dry adventures. Children will remember “the trip when we jumped in puddles” as a funny story, and you’ll save stress with good preparation.
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized list of attractions for your route (time available, children’s ages, preferences) — tell me how much time you have and how many family members, and I’ll suggest how to arrange a dry, joyful day in Krakow and Wieliczka.
