Yes! You can see and feel the atmosphere of Krakow and make a quick trip to the mountains in Zakopane even with a stroller. You do need to plan your pace, choose stroller-friendly routes and remember that the mountains are not a playground — sometimes a carrier or wrap will come in handy. Below you’ll find a practical two-day plan with concrete ideas, logistical tips and a "must-have" list for a parent with a stroller. Everything is friendly and flexible — so you can relax, not race non-stop.
You can treat this plan as a base: change the pace, leave breaks for naps and coffee, choose shorter or longer options depending on your child’s mood. Let’s start with a quick overview, then we’ll go into details.
Travel time Krakow–Zakopane: plan about 2–2.5 hours by car (depending on traffic and conditions). If you prefer train or bus, factor in time to get to the station and any transfers.
The text also includes practical tips: which stroller to take, what to pack and where to look for changing facilities and quiet places to feed.
Remember: this plan is for families, so flexibility and a plan B are welcome — children set the pace.
Day 1 (Krakow): a morning stroll into the center, Planty / Vistula Boulevards, Main Market Square and surrounding area (short stops), afternoon in Kazimierz or a park; finish with a calm dinner or a riverside café in the evening.
Day 2 (Zakopane): leave early for Zakopane (about 2–2.5 h), take the funicular to Gubałówka (stroller friendly in the cabins), stroll along Krupówki and possibly a short ‘mountain’ walk adapted for a stroller/carrier (Polana Szymoszkowa or easy valley sections). Return to Krakow in the early evening.
Alternative options: instead of Kazimierz you can relax on Błonia (great for kids and strollers), and instead of Gubałówka you could visit an aquapark or an indoor play area in Zakopane if the weather is bad.
Pace is up to you — less is more. Two calm attractions per day plus breaks is ideal.
If you want to stay longer in the mountains, consider prioritizing differently and booking a night in Zakopane, but this plan assumes a return to Krakow on day two.
Start early but without rushing. If you’re staying near the center, a walk in the Planty is a perfect warm-up — wide paths, grass to sit on and room for the first longer break.
Head for the Main Market Square. Walk the comfortable pavements around the Square, stop by the Cloth Hall — the arcades give shelter from sun and rain, and the covered walkways make moving with a stroller easier. Keep in mind that the center of the Square has a cobbled surface ("cobblestones") — it will be a bit less comfortable, especially with a stroller that has small wheels. It’s worth sticking to the edges of the square or choosing side streets with smoother paving.
If you plan to enter museums, check their current stroller accessibility and ticket reservation rules. Short visits (30–60 minutes) usually work well for families, followed by a break for feeding/changing.
Coffee break and lunch: look for restaurants with a changing table and high chairs. Around the Planty and Kazimierz you’ll find many family-friendly places.
If you want to avoid the biggest crowds: choose morning rather than midday and visit the busiest spots (like the Market Square) early.
Kazimierz is a great choice for the afternoon: atmospheric streets, plenty of food places and many spots to sit down. Parts of the district are stroller-friendly — although there are also some cobbled alleys, so stick to the easiest routes (Józefa Street, Plac Nowy).
Alternative: Błonia or Jordan Park — large, flat areas ideal for a relaxed walk and for a stroller nap if the weather allows. Kids have space to play and you’ll get a break from city noise.
If you plan a Vistula river cruise — the riverbanks generally have comfortable promenades, but not all piers have ramps; check accessibility before booking the cruise.
End the evening with a simple dinner and a short walk. Choose a place with the option to leave quickly if the little one gets tired.
Tip: limit the number of indoor visits that day — better to focus on pleasant, slower activities.
Leave in the morning — that way you’ll make the most of the day in the mountains. By car, expect about 2–2.5 hours from Krakow to Zakopane; on weekends and during holidays roads can fill up, so leaving right after breakfast is a good idea.
If you plan to take a train or bus: pay attention to getting to the station with a stroller and the carrier/baggage rules. Many buses and trains accommodate families, but check in advance whether there’s space for a stroller or whether you’ll need to fold it.
In Zakopane: Krupówki is easily reachable on foot from many parking areas and from the station, but to avoid parking problems right under the promenade consider arriving earlier or parking a bit further and walking in.
If you go by car, plan stops for feeding/meal breaks for the child and a rest point on the way.
If you prefer comfort over saving money, use your own car or a private transfer — you’ll have more flexibility for stops.
Gubałówka: excellent for families with a stroller. The funicular cabins allow strollers on board — the ridge has a wide, even promenade ideal for stroller walks and a safe spot for photos with Tatra views. At the top you’ll find bars, viewing terraces and paved paths, easy to handle with a stroller.
Krupówki: the main promenade is a must-see — shops, ice cream and atmosphere. Watch for crowds in high season; aim for before noon or late afternoon. Also look for side streets and cafes with changing facilities.
Polana Szymoszkowa or Rówień Krupowa: these places are good for easy walks, often on even surfaces. Check conditions before you go (in winter it can be slippery).
Chochołowska Valley and other valleys: some sections are adapted for terrain strollers, but most mountain trails are better tackled with a carrier or baby carrier. If you have an off-road stroller with large wheels, plan your route carefully.
If the weather turns bad: Zakopane has indoor options for children (playrooms, aquaparks) — it’s good to have a plan B.
Which stroller to take: a lightweight stroller with large wheels (all-terrain) works best — it makes moving over uneven surfaces and short unpaved stretches easier. A stroller that folds compactly is simpler to bring on a train or put in a car.
Essential accessories: rain cover, warm footmuff or blanket, portable changing mat, spare diapers and wipes, a small thermos with water/drink, snacks for child and adults. A small first-aid kit, lip balm and sunscreen will be useful in the mountains.
Carrier/wrap: very useful for mountain sections or boarding/leaving the funicular when you need to move the child quickly.
Toilets and changing facilities: larger attractions and shopping centers have family rooms, but outside the center you should plan quick stops. Always carry wet wipes and a thin mat for changing.
Public transport in Krakow: many trams and buses have low floors; however, during rush hour space for a stroller may be limited — pick off-peak times if possible.
Safety in the mountains: do not attempt steep or icy sections with a stroller. For short valley walks check snow and weather conditions.
Krakow: around the Market Square and Kazimierz there are many family-friendly eateries. Look for places with a changing table and high chairs — that makes organizing a longer break easier. Błonia and the Planty have great picnic spots if you prefer to eat on the grass.
Zakopane: on Gubałówka and near Krupówki you’ll find guesthouses and mountain taverns with space for families. In peak season some places have play corners or quick meals if the little one is hungry. It’s smart to keep a few snacks with you, because it can be hard to find the perfect spot at the last minute in the mountains.
Riverside cafés in Krakow often have comfortable terraces and easy access for strollers — a lovely option for an evening rest by the river.
If someone in the family has dietary needs — most places in Krakow and Zakopane will try to help, but tell the staff in advance.
Tip: short, regular breaks = a happier child and more relaxed parents.
Light stroller + optional off-road stroller
Carrier or wrap
Rain cover and poncho
Spare diapers, wipes, portable changing mat
Spare outfit for the child and an extra pair of socks for a parent (just in case)
Blanket/footmuff, thermos with a warm drink, snacks
Small first-aid kit: plasters, disinfectant, age-appropriate fever medicine
Phone charger, powerbank, documents, credit card/cash
Most important: be flexible and enjoy the small things. For the child every place can be an adventure — for parents good organization and a calm pace are key.
With this plan you’ll taste the main 'flavors' of Krakow and feel the Tatra Mountains even in a single day — without a sightseeing marathon and with time for naps, meals and photos.
If you’d like, I can prepare a version of the route tailored to your child’s age (newborn, six months, three years): shorter walks, more breaks, specific restaurant recommendations with changing tables and play areas. Write to me and I’ll prepare a plan made for your needs!
I wish you a great trip — rest, smiles and beautiful photos from your family weekend in Krakow and Zakopane. If you want, you can use my help planning stroller-friendly walks in Krakow — I’ll gladly recommend routes perfect for families with a stroller.
See you in Krakow — Małgorzata Kasprowicz, tour guide.
Are most museums stroller-friendly? Many museums around the Main Market have step-free access or elevators, but always check accessibility and ticket rules beforehand. Short visits usually work best with babies.
Best time of day to visit the Market Square? Early morning is the calmest and most comfortable time to navigate the cobbles with a stroller.
What to do in bad weather? Have a list of indoor alternatives: family cafés, shopping centers with family rooms, indoor play areas or an aquapark in Zakopane.
Is parking easy in Zakopane? Parking near Krupówki can be busy in season — consider parking a little further and walking in or arriving early.
Emergency tip: keep a small bag with essentials easily reachable (diapers, wipes, a spare outfit, snacks, water). That little kit can save a lot of stress.
