Yes — but it requires thoughtful planning. One day can be filled nicely: morning coffee and a short walk in Kraków, travel to Oświęcim in the middle of the day (visit to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum) and return for an afternoon or evening coffee in one of the family-friendly cafés. The key is a realistic schedule, breaks for rest, and choosing places that offer family amenities (high chairs, changing tables, play corners).
A good plan takes into account travel time, the attention limits of small travelers and the character of the place you are visiting. The museum in Oświęcim is a place of memory with very serious subject matter — consider in advance whether and how to bring younger children, and prepare an alternative program for the time of the visit.
07:30–09:00 - Morning coffee and breakfast at a family-friendly café (for example a place with a play corner or space for children to move around). This is the best time to get the children ready calmly and gather energy for the day.
09:00–11:00 - Short walk: Main Market Square (watch for cobblestones and crowds), the Planty or the Vistula Boulevards — places where children can run. From the center, head to the station or your departure point for Oświęcim.
11:00–12:30 - Travel to Oświęcim (by car or train) — plan extra time to allow for traffic or delays.
12:30–15:30 - Visiting the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum grounds (if you decide to go). Allow time for tickets, security checks and walking between memorial sites across the two camp areas.
16:30–18:30 - Return to Kraków and enjoy an afternoon coffee or dessert in another family-friendly café — a perfect moment to recap the day and recharge before returning to your hotel.
Depending on your children’s age and pace, the plan can be shortened or split over two days. If a museum visit seems too demanding for younger children, consider alternatives: an Educational Park, local children’s museums or a longer stay in a family café that offers activities and animation.
Famiga - a family-friendly café with play corners, workshops for children and a relaxing space for parents. Good for a morning breakfast or afternoon rest.
LikeKonik (club café) - focused on children’s activities: rooms and themed classes for different age groups and a menu for the little ones.
Stopklatka - a family café organizing chocolate workshops and activities for children; a pleasant spot for creative sessions and sweet treats.
Filmowa Cafe - a small play corner and a children’s book nook; occasional evening screenings for the youngest audiences at selected times.
Domek Tymolinka - a cozy place with a separate children’s menu and colorful, homely interiors.
Lokator - a combination of café and bookstore, with a children’s corner and a carefully curated children’s literature selection.
Krakowska Manufaktura Czekolady - an attraction for parents and kids: chocolate workshops, tastings and souvenirs for little participants.
No7 Restaurant / Nova Resto Bar / Dynia Resto Bar / Mozaika Resto Bar - several venues that offer family amenities: high chairs, changing tables, children’s menus and, at selected times, play corners or animation.
Kocia Kawiarnia - an unusual attraction for families who like animals; check the rules about children and animal contact in advance.
CiuCiu (candy manufactory) - candy-making demonstrations and workshops for children as an alternative to a classic café.
Check whether the place has high chairs, a changing table, toilet access and a play corner — these facilities really shorten the time needed for comfortable feeding or nappy changes.
Reserve a table on weekends and during afternoon hours, especially if you want a seat near the play corner.
Ask about a children’s menu and allergy options — many places offer simple dishes for the youngest and sugar-free drinks.
If you travel with a stroller: find out if the venue has steps or a narrow entrance; in Kraków’s center cobblestones and stairs can be an obstacle.
This place is a living lesson of history and remembrance about the tragedy of millions — the decision to bring a child should depend on their age, maturity and the questions they may ask. There is no formal ban on children’s entry, but the exhibition’s content is heavy.
For school-age youth (typically from primary school level upwards, depending on maturity) a guided educational visit can be a valuable experience; the museum also runs programs and educational materials adapted for younger audiences.
For small children it may be better to postpone the visit or plan an alternative program — a walk around Oświęcim, a park visit or activities during which parents can take turns visiting the museum.
If you do decide to visit with children: prepare them beforehand in simple, age-appropriate language; plan breaks and have an exit plan if the subject becomes too distressing for the child.
Transport: the Kraków–Oświęcim route usually takes about one hour by car and roughly 50–70 minutes by train, depending on the connection. Allow extra time to reach the platform and for possible transfers.
Tickets and reservations: the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum uses timed tickets and some guided routes require booking — it’s worth reserving in advance. In family cafés, reserving a table on weekends and holidays is often necessary.
Facilities: check in advance the availability of changing tables and child-friendly toilets, as well as parking or nearby public transport options near the places you plan to visit.
Trying to see too much at once - plan shorter, realistic stages and leave time for rest.
Not checking opening hours - museums and some cafés have irregular hours, especially on holidays and off-season. Call or check current opening times before you go.
No plan B in case of bad weather - have a list of cafés or indoor places where you can shelter and entertain the child if it’s raining.
Inappropriate clothing and no spare food for the child - bring a changing mat, snacks, drinks and basic medicines.
Can I visit Auschwitz with a 6-year-old? - There are no formal age restrictions, but evaluate the child’s maturity individually and prepare them using age-suitable words. If the subject proves too difficult, consider alternative activities nearby.
How much time do we need to visit Auschwitz? - Typically 2–3 hours are reserved for main routes, longer if you plan an educational guided tour or additional exhibitions.
Where in Kraków can I find a family-friendly café most quickly? - In the city center and on Kazimierz there are several places with children’s corners or a small library; for a calmer experience it’s worth choosing spots a bit away from the busiest tourist routes.
In Kraków more and more cafés organize themed family mornings and workshops — if you find one of these events, you can combine coffee with creative activities for children.
Not-obvious tip: chocolate factories and candy workshops can be a great reward after a demanding part of the trip — children remember hands-on activities longer than ordinary sightseeing.
Old town trick: if you have a stroller, avoid peak hours at the Main Market Square and use side entrances or move along the Planty — it’s less crowded and more convenient for parents.
If this guide helped you plan your day — share it with friends or on social media. It makes travel easier for other families!
If you want to explore Kraków stress-free with a program tailored to children, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — professional family-friendly routes and practical support throughout the day. You can find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Good luck with planning and safe travels — may your day in Kraków and Oświęcim be safe, instructive and friendly for the whole family!
