Krakow’s history is densely packed and many attractions are concentrated in the city centre, so two days is enough to soak up the atmosphere and see the most important places without pressure. When travelling with children it’s best to mix museum visits with short play breaks and meal pauses — that way everyone returns happy, not exhausted.
Pałac Krzysztofory, home to the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow, is an ideal starting point: it sits right on the Main Market Square and offers exhibitions and family workshops that introduce the city’s story in an engaging way.
This plan balances iconic sights (Market Square, Wawel) with one interactive attraction and an optional half‑day trip, leaving time for food and rest — the key to a relaxed family break.
Start your morning on the Main Market Square — it’s the best place to immediately feel Krakow’s vibe. Visit Pałac Krzysztofory (Main Market Square 35) and allow 60–90 minutes for the permanent exhibition that presents the city’s history and aspects of urban culture. The museum often runs family tours and workshops (sometimes playful “guided games”) that engage children and make history lively.
After Krzysztofory, stroll to the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and continue a stretch of the Royal Route. If you want a break, choose one of the cafes around the Square — many have cosy interiors and several are family-friendly. In the afternoon head to Wawel and walk around the hill; younger children usually enjoy the visit to the Dragon’s Den and a short telling of the Wawel Dragon story.
If you plan to go inside Wawel Cathedral or the State Rooms, check opening hours and consider booking tickets in advance, especially in peak season. Allow time for slow walking with a stroller or frequent stops for snacks and photos.
Pałac Krzysztofory is the main branch of the Historical Museum of the City of Krakow and is easy to reach from the Main Market Square. The permanent exhibition covers Krakow’s history from legendary origins to the present day and includes local icons that attract children’s attention.
The museum organises family activities and workshops, often on weekends; some require sign-up and may have a small participation fee for children. The building is adapted for families with strollers — there are lifts and solutions that allow access to much of the display. If you plan to join workshops, check dates and reservation rules ahead of time.
Useful tip: arrive a little before opening if you prefer quieter galleries, and ask at the information desk about family routes or shortest routes through the exhibition if you have limited time.
Around Wawel and the Market you’ll find restaurants ranging from more formal places to family taverns serving hearty local dishes and offering space for children. Popular options often get busy, so reserve a table if you’re visiting with a larger family.
After dinner a short evening walk through the Planty park or along the Vistula River is a calm way to wind down and help kids relax before bedtime.
If you prefer specific family spots, look for restaurants with children’s menus, play corners or large portions that are good for sharing — these make mealtimes easier when travelling with little ones.
Plan something interactive for the second day. The museum of bricks and figures (Bricks & Figs) is great for both younger and older fans of creative play — displays built from thousands of minifigures and rare sets make a strong impression and provide a short, captivating break between more traditional sights.
Alternatively, children interested in technology and planes will enjoy the Polish Aviation Museum (Muzeum Lotnictwa Polskiego) — the site often runs workshops and exhibitions aimed at younger visitors. If you have an extra hour or two, consider a half‑day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine: the tourist route is an underground adventure that delights both children and adults. The standard tourist route typically takes about 1.5–2 hours underground (plan roughly 2–3 hours including descent/ascent and logistics), and comfortable shoes are essential.
Tip: Wieliczka usually requires reservations for guided tours, and some sections involve many stairs, so check accessibility and choose the right length of the visit for your family.
A common mistake is trying to squeeze too many attractions into a short time. Rather than packing every "must see" into one day, limit the list to 2–3 main sights per day and add breaks for play, ice cream or a longer meal.
Not booking tickets in advance can be costly in time — this is especially true for popular sights like the Wieliczka Salt Mine or weekend museum workshops. I recommend checking online booking options or contacting venues ahead of your visit.
Don’t assume every museum will bore children — many branches offer family programmes. Choose short, interactive parts of exhibitions and workshops that are hands‑on; these make museums enjoyable for young visitors.
For family-friendly dining, choose places with good reviews and simple children’s menus or generous portions that please both small and big appetites. In the Wawel and Old Town area you’ll find restaurants and taverns serving traditional Polish dishes that usually appeal to children.
For a relaxed coffee and sweet break try cafes in the centre or Kazimierz, where you can often find homemade cakes, good coffee and a friendly atmosphere. Tip: picking a cafe slightly away from the immediate Market Square usually means a quieter spot with more seating and facilities for strollers or changing.
If you need quick family-friendly suggestions: look for restaurants near Wawel with space for kids and menus offering familiar dishes — pierogi, schnitzel, pasta and soups are commonly available and generally child‑friendly.
Krakow has an extensive tram and bus network; the city centre is compact enough that many places are walkable. Keep in mind that the Old Town’s cobbles can be uneven for strollers, so plan routes on smoother streets or use trams for longer stretches.
If you’re going to Wieliczka most families travel by train, car or organised transfer — the trip is short, but the underground tour needs comfortable shoes and some extra time for travel and waiting. On weekends parks and popular areas can be crowded, so consider starting early or going later in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.
Practical tip: carry a small daypack with snacks, a water bottle, a lightweight rain cover and a compact stroller if you’ll be walking a lot — these small things make family sightseeing much easier.
Pałac Krzysztofory is the main seat of the Historical Museum of Krakow and its displays include local symbols — from the Lajkonik costume to historical city memorabilia.
In the Wieliczka Salt Mine many routes go through chambers and chapels carved in salt, which feels like entering an underground world — it’s a great chance to show children that history is not only found above ground.
The bricks museum (Bricks & Figs) can surprise visitors with the sheer number of minifigures and rare sets; for many kids it’s their first encounter with an exhibition dedicated to pop culture and collecting.
Should I buy tickets in advance? Yes — for popular exhibitions and family workshops it’s wise to reserve tickets ahead to avoid queues and sold‑out sessions.
Is Pałac Krzysztofory accessible with a stroller? Yes — the building has lifts and solutions to help visitors with strollers; however, check specific exhibition routes if someone in your party has limited mobility.
How much time for Wieliczka? The tourist route usually takes about 1.5–2 hours underground; plan for around 2–3 hours total when you include descent, return and any waiting time.
Two days in Krakow with the family is a manageable and memorable trip: start at the Market Square and Pałac Krzysztofory, add one interactive attraction (Bricks & Figs or the Polish Aviation Museum) and consider a half‑day visit to Wieliczka. Remember to build in breaks, make reservations where needed and keep a comfortable pace — that’s the secret to great family memories.
If you liked this plan, share the article with friends or on your social channels to help other families plan their Krakow trip. If you prefer to tour with a private guide, you are welcome to book a guided visit with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her contact and offering are visible on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com guide page. Have a great trip and enjoy exploring Krakow!
