Kraków can charm everyone – from toddlers to grandparents – so it’s worth having a simple 4-day plan that mixes classic sights with kid-friendly attractions and time to rest. Below you’ll find a ready, flexible itinerary and practical tips: what to see, where to stay with children, and how to schedule meals and breaks so the whole family enjoys the trip.
Start at the Main Market Square: Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), the trumpeter’s call (hejnał) and a short walk through the Planty. Kids usually enjoy the lively atmosphere, pigeons and colourful stalls. Plan a short break for ice cream or breakfast in one of the well-rated cafés near the Square.
Walk along Grodzka Street toward Wawel – the bridges over the Vistula and the views from the embankments are a great place to stretch legs. In the afternoon you can visit the area around the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul on Grodzka Street – its façade and the apostle sculptures impress even the youngest visitors.
In the evening I recommend a family-friendly restaurant in the centre – pick a place with a kids’ corner or a simple children’s menu so you can eat calmly and recharge for the next day.
Wawel in the morning: a short tour of the castle and a walk along the Vistula boulevards. If the children are curious about history, visit a selected part of the castle or the armory; if you prefer a lighter day, enjoy the panorama and play on the lawns by the river.
Spend the afternoon at the Manggha Museum or in one of the parks on the other side of the river. There are also restaurants nearby with child-friendly menus and places where little ones can run around.
Plan the evening in a quieter district such as Dębniki or Salwator, where it’s usually easier to find family accommodation and a calmer environment.
Kazimierz offers a nice mix of atmosphere, cafés and short strolls. Plac Nowy and its surroundings serve different flavours and attractions – try to find a spot with space for children.
If the weather is good, consider a trip to the Ogród Doświadczeń (Garden of Experiments), the zoo, or the Aviation Museum (good for outdoor exploration) – these are usually hits with active children.
In the afternoon choose calmer activities: a children’s baking workshop, a candy factory visit or a short seasonal boat trip on the Vistula.
Reserve this day for what the little ones will remember most: a playground, a park (for example Park Lotników or Park Dębnicki) or a short tram ride to Nowa Huta, where there is lots of green space and large play areas.
It’s also a good moment for relaxed souvenir shopping, a final coffee and lunch before departure. Avoid an overly tight schedule – children need breaks and time for spontaneous fun.
This is one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture in Kraków, visible from Grodzka Street and easy to spot while walking from the Old Town toward Wawel. Its façade is decorated with statues of the apostles that catch the eye right from the pavement.
The church has an interesting history connected with the Jesuit presence in the city and was built around the turn of the 17th century; it’s also known for containing elements of the national pantheon. The interior is spacious and can appeal to families, but remember to keep quiet and show respect during your visit.
Entrance to the church is usually free, although you will often find a box for voluntary donations to help maintain the building. Because it serves a religious function, check service times so you don’t arrive during a moment reserved for worship.
For families it’s best to choose places that combine convenient access to the centre with peace and access to green space. Recommended options include: Kazimierz – if you want to be close to atmospheric cafés; Old Town – when location near the market is a priority; Dębniki and Czyżyny – if you want more space and parks; Zwierzyniec/Salwator – for proximity to recreational areas.
When choosing a hotel or apartment pay attention to: availability of a travel cot, the possibility to prepare quick meals (kitchenette), access to a washing machine, presence of a play corner or games room and reviews from other families. Hotels offering family rooms and child-friendly amenities make life easier – check these before booking.
If you value quiet nights, avoid booking directly on the liveliest streets of Kazimierz and parts of the Old Town that can be noisy in the evenings.
Kraków has many family-friendly venues – from cafés with high chairs to restaurants with play corners. In the centre, places offering simple children’s menus and quick service work well; outside the centre, look for restaurants with stroller access and outdoor space.
Types of places to consider: cafés with good coffee and pastries for breakfast, pizzerias and pasta restaurants, or homestyle eateries serving comfort food. Popular family-friendly spots in Kraków include cafés like Massolit or Café Camelot for a relaxed breakfast, and pizzerias or local bistros that welcome children. It’s a good idea to check reviews in advance and reserve a table for the evening, especially on weekends.
If you want something special, look for restaurants that advertise children’s menus and have positive reviews from parents – that’s the most reliable way to a stress-free meal.
The most common mistake is an overly tight itinerary – Kraków is beautiful, but if you plan several long attractions every day, children will still need breaks. Schedule shorter stages and a free afternoon for a playground or a lazy walk.
Consider the weather and city walking routes – many historic centre streets are not ideal for strollers. If you bring a stroller, prefer routes through the Planty and the Vistula boulevards instead of narrow, cobbled alleys.
Be ready for queues at the most popular attractions – buying tickets online or arriving early saves time and nerves. It’s also wise to carry snacks and drinks for the little ones.
Is it worth visiting the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul with children? - Yes, the façade and surroundings are impressive, and the interior is spacious, but remember to be respectful and quiet.
How to get from the main railway station to the Old Town with a stroller? - The easiest ways are a walk through the Planty or a short tram ride; many trams have low floors that make boarding with a stroller easier.
Do you need to reserve a table at family-friendly restaurants? - On weekends and in the evenings it’s always a good idea, especially in popular places.
Take a small map and make a city game – simple checkpoints can be: an apostle statue at the basilica, a fountain in the Planty, a favourite café with dessert. It’s a great way to get children interested in history and architecture.
Check local events and children’s workshops – many museums and cafés run short family-friendly activities that add play to sightseeing.
Ask locals about indoor playgrounds and short walking routes – often these are the lifesavers when the weather turns.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media so other parents can enjoy a great time in Kraków too.
If you’d like a personalised family tour of Kraków tailored to your children’s ages and interests, contact guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. She offers custom plans and will happily answer your questions. Check her official site for contact details. Have a wonderful trip and many lovely memories from Kraków!
Public transport in Kraków is reliable for short trips across the city. Look for low-floor trams and buses for easier boarding with strollers.
Many museums and attractions offer reduced or free admission for young children; always check age policies before you go.
If you travel in high season, book accommodations and some attractions in advance to ensure availability.
Comfortable shoes for walking, a light raincover or umbrella, snacks and refillable water bottle, small first-aid kit, a compact travel stroller or carrier, and copies of important documents.
