The Father Bernatek Footbridge is a short but very striking stretch of a walk that connects Kazimierz with Podgórze. For families and groups of 7-30 people it’s an excellent starting point: easy to reach, photogenic, with views over the Vistula and interesting details (steel arches and the acrobat sculptures). Crossing the bridge takes only a few minutes, so you can include it in any day as a pleasant break between attractions.
The bridge makes it easy to set the group’s pace — even with small children you only need a few short stops for photos and water. A practical idea for groups is a loop: cross the bridge one way, have a short stop at the square on the other side, then return along the river boulevards — this avoids retracing your steps and shows children different parts of the city.
Remember that the bridge can be windy — plan breaks with warm drinks and keep younger participants hydrated. The best light for photos is in the morning and during the golden hour before sunset, but if you plan a short morning outing with a group you’ll enjoy more space and calm.
Morning: start at Plac Wolnica or around ul. Szeroka. A short walk along Mostowa will bring you to the footbridge — let the children look at the acrobat sculptures and take quick photos.
After the bridge: on the other side it’s worth visiting Rynek Podgórski and Plac Bohaterów Getta — they are close, so a one-hour loop (bridge + Podgórze + boulevards) works perfectly for groups with children.
Coffee break: choose a café with a kids’ corner or the option to reserve tables for groups. In Kazimierz and around Plac Nowy you’ll find family-friendly places offering space, kids’ menus and the possibility to reserve for groups of about 20-30 people. Book ahead and ask for tables near the play corner if available.
Podgórze has a unique atmosphere: a market square, small plazas and boulevards along the Vistula. For mid-size groups it’s an ideal area for a relaxed walk with educational or photographic stops.
Plan for the day: a morning stroll along the boulevards, a short talk about the river and the history of bridges, then a visit to Rynek Podgórski and time for lunch or a longer break in a cafe/restaurant that can serve a group with children.
Places to eat for groups: look for venues with 'family-friendly' certificates or good local reviews. Restaurants and cafés with a dedicated play corner, a changing table and a children’s menu are the best choice — reserving tables for an hour or two will make organizing activities and group transfers easier.
Dedicate the third day to slightly educational or entertaining activities: a children’s theater, a family-friendly museum or a park with a playground. Kraków has many places that happily welcome school and family groups.
If you have an afternoon departure — plan your last break in a café close to the station or in an area with easy access to public transport. Leave time for small shopping or ice cream — it’s always a nice way to close the trip for children.
Remember: it’s better to plan fewer points and spend more relaxed time at them with breaks than to rush through a long checklist of attractions. Mid-size groups organize more smoothly with a clear meeting point, a person responsible and extra time for unforeseen delays.
In Kraków there are several venues that regularly receive positive feedback for being family-friendly — choose places that offer: a play corner, a children’s menu, a changing table, high chairs and the possibility to reserve tables or hire part of the venue for a few hours.
Examples often recommended: Famiga — a family café-club known for play corners and children’s activities; LikeKonik — a club-café with a playroom and programs for different age groups; Nova Resto Bar — a place in Kazimierz that occasionally runs an animated play corner; Kaffka — a social café recognized in city family programs; Kinokawiarnia KIKA — an unusual option combining a café with a small screening room for children.
How to reserve: always call or write in advance, give the number of children and adults, the expected duration of the visit and request table arrangements that make supervising the group easier. For groups of 20-30 people ask about hiring a larger part of the venue or flexible table arrangements.
Reservation: confirm the booking 24-48 hours before arrival and ask if the venue provides child-appropriate cutlery and tableware. On weekends and during the tourist season reserve well in advance.
Transport and meeting points: set a fixed meeting point (for example the middle of the bridge or a specific arch), remind participants of the guardian’s phone number and consider ID wristbands for the youngest children if you want extra safety.
Plan B for weather: boulevards and the bridge are great, but in bad weather have alternatives — a café with a playroom, a museum or a short indoor program. Always carry rain ponchos and spare clothes for children.
Not booking ahead — this leads to long waits and disappointment. Solution: reserve early and confirm by phone.
Not knowing the venue layout — sometimes the play corner is separated and reserved tables are far away. Solution: ask for tables near the play corner or for flexible furniture arrangement.
Planning an overly ambitious program — groups with children need more breaks. Solution: leave extra time and plan fewer attractions per day.
Is the footbridge free and open 24/7? - The bridge is a public crossing and there is no fee to cross; however, lighting and comfort after dark depend on the season and city conditions.
Do cafés accept reservations for 30 people? - Many family-friendly venues can host larger groups after prior arrangements. For 30 people it’s best to speak with the venue directly and ask about hiring a room or reserving a larger part of the space.
How to keep children safe on the bridge and boulevards? - Assign supervisors for smaller subgroups, use identification wristbands and keep a steady walking pace. Pay attention to the edges of the boulevards and avoid running near the water.
Acoustics and quiet: early morning on the bridge gives the best conditions for the guide’s voice — sound carries over the Vistula and makes storytelling pleasant.
Mini-photo tasks: split the group into teams and give kids short photo tasks (for example: "find an arch, find a reflection in the water, find an acrobat figure"). This engages them and prevents boredom.
Ice cream from local artisans: instead of well-known chains, pick a small ice-cream shop with natural flavors — children often name these places as their favorite memory of the trip.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps other families plan their stay in Kraków.
If you want a stress-free, personalized visit, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — an ideal solution for family and school groups. Contact and booking information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Good luck planning — Kraków offers so many places for children and adults that three days can be filled with joy, photos and great coffee.
