You’re coming to Kraków for two days with children and want to see the main sights without rushing — and at the same time reduce your environmental footprint? This guide is for families who enjoy walking, short rides on public transport and attractions adapted to kids. I’ll suggest how to spread activities sensibly, where to eat, what to pack and how to get around the city in an eco-friendly way.
You don’t need to do everything — better less, but well. That way the children will be happy and you’ll return tired but satisfied. Below you’ll find a ready two-day plan, alternatives and practical eco-friendly tips.
The plan assumes summer weather: morning walks, breaks at playgrounds and options for longer outings (for example Wieliczka or the ZOO) if you want to change the pace.
Note: this article focuses on practical advice and suggestions — if you want, I can tailor the plan to your children’s ages, walking pace or add a map with the places.
Day 1 (center): morning in the Old Town and Wawel, lunch near the Market Square, afternoon on the Vistula boulevards or at Ogród Doświadczeń, evening walk in Kazimierz.
Day 2 (choices): option A — ZOO + Kościuszko Mound; option B — a full-day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine; option C — kid-friendly attractions around Dębniki and a short Vistula boat trip. Arrange your return and lunch in a local restaurant depending on the option you pick.
Why without a car? In summer trams and buses will get you quickly to most attractions, and walking the center is the best way to feel the city’s atmosphere while cutting emissions.
Approximate timing: plan 2–3 hours for a morning visit to Wawel and the Old Town, 1–2 hours for lunch and rest, and 2–4 hours for afternoon activities (depending on your choice).
Morning: start at the Main Market Square. A short visit to St. Mary’s Basilica (if the kids can handle the quiet and the queue) and a stroll around the Cloth Hall. Remember the trumpeter’s call and the dragon legend — short stories are great for little ones.
Walk to Wawel — about 10–20 minutes from the Market Square. At the castle it’s worth seeing the courtyard and the Dragon’s Den — the mix of legend and the Vistula view always impresses kids. If you plan to enter the royal chambers or the cathedral, check opening hours in advance and buy tickets online — it saves time.
Noon: lunch at a family-friendly place near the Planty — look for restaurants serving local products and offering kid options. Summer outdoor seating is ideal — fresh air and space for children to stretch.
Afternoon: Vistula boulevards — a walk or a short boat trip (if the children are up for it). Alternatively visit Ogród Doświadczeń or the Museum of Illusions — interactive places that engage the youngest visitors.
Evening: head to Kazimierz for a light stroll and dessert. It’s a atmospheric district with a few playgrounds and family restaurants. If the children are tired — a short rest in a park before returning to your accommodation.
Option A — ZOO and Kościuszko Mound: ideal if the kids love animals. The ZOO lies in Las Wolski forest, with mounds and large green areas nearby for a picnic. It’s an active day, so bring extra water and snacks.
Option B — Wieliczka Salt Mine: an awe-inspiring underground world, easy to reach as a day trip from the center (train or bus). This is a longer option — book tickets in advance and wear comfortable shoes. For younger children it may be tiring — consider their age and stamina.
Option C — a relaxed day of local attractions: the Botanic Garden, Jordan Park, a Vistula boat ride, plus interactive museums or workshops (for example children’s studios). This is a gentler pace for families with small children.
When choosing eco options: prefer public transport, walking or renting city bikes for short legs.
Interactive museums (for example the Museum of Illusions, the Natural History Museum) — short, engaging visits that draw children in without too much effort.
Ogród Doświadczeń and outdoor educational parks — lots of fun and learning outdoors.
‘World Villages’ and spaces with installations for children — perfect for a summer afternoon.
Vistula boat trip — a short activity that can be a pleasant change for the whole family.
The ZOO and the Salt Mine — bigger ‘events’ of the day; plan them as single points rather than trying to combine them with many other attractions.
Kraków has an extensive tram and bus network — in summer it’s often faster and more convenient than a car. Children usually like riding trams, and tickets can be bought from machines, apps or kiosks.
Wawel and the Old Town are best explored on foot. The Vistula boulevards, the Planty and Kazimierz are areas where walking is most enjoyable and helps reduce emissions.
City bike rentals are an option for older children and families who want to move faster between points. Bring helmets and agree on basic traffic rules.
If you arrive by car — consider leaving it at your accommodation parking and use public transport where possible. It’s practical and often cheaper.
Look for places serving local and seasonal products — smaller restaurants often work with local suppliers, which shortens the supply chain.
Choose places with kid options (children’s menus, high chairs) and outdoor seating — summer terraces are comfortable for families.
Bringing your own snacks and reusable water bottles reduces single-use items — there are many spots in the center where you can refill water or buy filtered water.
If you want a small picnic — the Planty, the Vistula boulevards or nearby green fields are great places to pause.
Choose lodging close to the center or in a well-connected neighborhood — shorter commutes mean less stress and lower emissions.
Check if the property offers eco solutions: waste sorting, water-saving measures, local breakfasts. Small things like the option to borrow a travel cot make family travel easier.
Apartments with a kitchenette give freedom for meals — easier to prepare snacks for kids and reduce disposable packaging.
When booking, ask about parking and family amenities — this avoids surprises on arrival.
Always have with you: a reusable water bottle, a small first-aid kit, sunscreen, a hat for the child, snacks and wet wipes.
In summer plan shade breaks and outdoor play — a park or playground between attractions is a good reset for children.
Good shoes and a picnic blanket are must-haves. If you plan to visit Wieliczka, bring a warm sweater — the underground is cooler.
Buying tickets online for popular attractions saves time and reduces the need to wait in lines under the sun.
It’s easy to get disoriented in the city — agree on a meeting point and make a short plan with the children about what to do if you get separated.
In summer remember hydration and shade breaks. It’s wise to carry a spare outfit for the youngest children.
In crowded areas watch your valuables and use backpacks with zippers or front pockets.
If an emergency occurs, check in advance the location of the nearest medical point and pharmacy near your accommodation.
Before you go: reservations (if you plan Wieliczka or the ZOO), accommodation confirmation, transport plan to/from the airport or station, a light carry-on with essentials for the children.
Morning ritual (each day): water, snacks, sunscreen, a plan for 3–4 hours of activity, a lunch break, and an alternative if the children get tired.
Evening: a short chat with the children about what they liked best and what they want to do tomorrow — a great way to build anticipation and reduce morning resistance.
A small eco checklist: reusable bottles, a fabric shopping bag, choosing local products and using public transport.
Don’t try to “see everything” — two days are enough to feel Kraków and leave you wanting to come back.
Children respond best to short stories and funny anecdotes — telling the dragon legend, brief legends or a ‘sculpture hunt’ can turn sightseeing into a game.
Alternate activities: one intense (for example the Salt Mine), one relaxed (a park or a boat ride) so the pace stays balanced.
If you want, I can prepare a personalized plan based on your children’s ages, your accommodation and your favorite activities — write to me and I’ll refine the details.
