Kraków and Zakopane are a perfect mix: history, culture and the convenience of city sightseeing in Kraków, plus fresh air, mountains and active attractions in Zakopane. For a family this means a varied program — a museum and the main square one day, a mountain walk or a thermal pool the next. Thanks to the relatively short distance between the cities (typically about 2 hours by bus from Kraków to Zakopane), you can plan flexibly — a weekend getaway or a longer holiday with nights in both places.
In practice it’s worth planning the rhythm of days: one “city” day in Kraków (easy walks, short visits to attractions), the next a “mountain” day in Zakopane (lighter trails, amusement parks or aquaparks), and in between a rest day by a geothermal pool or in a playground. This works well when you travel with younger and older children who explore at different paces.
Combining the two destinations also helps spread costs and travel stress: instead of a single intense mountain stay, the family has more accommodation, dining and activity options suited to different ages.
The most convenient and most commonly chosen option is the bus or minibus — services between Kraków and Zakopane run frequently and the trip takes about 2 hours (depending on road conditions). For families with a stroller or a lot of luggage, a bus is often easier than the train.
Trains can be more comfortable on longer routes and are a good option if you travel through Kraków from other cities. However, direct train travel to Zakopane can take longer than the bus and requires checking timetables.
In Zakopane it’s best to walk around the town center and use local minibuses or taxis to reach lower cable-car stations and trailheads. Remember that parking in the center can be crowded in season — consider booking accommodation with parking or arriving by public transport.
Day 1 — Kraków: walk around the Main Market Square, Wawel Castle, the Dragon’s Den, a short Vistula river cruise or a child-friendly museum. End the day with a family dinner at a well-reviewed restaurant and a dessert at a café.
Day 2 — Kraków → Zakopane: morning departure to Zakopane, afternoon at Polana Szymoszkowa or at an aquapark. Evening: dinner with local specialities.
Day 3 — Zakopane: an easy trail (e.g. Kościeliska Valley or Strążyska Valley for families), visit Wielka Krokiew, optionally a parrot house or a small zoo for the youngest children.
Day 4 — optional day trip: Energylandia or Zatorland if you enjoy amusement parks, or the Wieliczka Salt Mine as a day trip on the way back toward Kraków.
Day 5 — Kraków: relaxed morning, shopping for regional souvenirs, a farewell stroll and departure.
The Old Town and Main Market Square can enchant children — street performers, carousel wheels and the legend of the Wawel Dragon are crowd-pleasers. Museums with children's programs and interactive exhibits make visits fun rather than boring.
Plan shorter themed stops instead of long visits. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is an underground adventure that impresses both adults and kids, but it requires booking tickets in advance and checking accessibility for strollers or very small children.
Tip: in the high season attractions are busiest in the afternoons; consider morning visits to avoid queues.
Zakopane is not just ski slopes. Outdoor and indoor aquaparks offer zones for the youngest, slides and thermal pools — a great way to relax after a mountain walk. Polana Szymoszkowa features a geothermal bathing area with comfortably warm water and attractions for children.
Recommended for families are easy valleys and trails: Kościeliska Valley, Strążyska Valley, or strolling along Krupówki to soak in the mountain atmosphere without strenuous climbs. Wielka Krokiew and the parrot house are additional stops that often appear on children’s “must-see” lists.
To diversify your trip, consider a visit to a regional amusement park or a small zoo. This is a good option for days when mountain weather is uncertain.
In Kraków look for restaurants with a children’s area or a kids’ menu — this makes meals easier and more comfortable for parents. Choose places with good reviews and book ahead, especially on weekends.
In Zakopane traditional mountain inns serve regional dishes — oscypek (smoked sheep cheese), kwaśnica (sour cabbage soup) or potato pancakes — which can be an attraction for little foodies. Prefer venues with high ratings and family-friendly seating. If you plan to visit the center after a busy day, schedule dinner earlier to avoid queues.
Universal tips: bring snacks for the trail (fruit, bars, water), check opening hours outside peak season and ask about gluten-free or vegetarian options if someone in the family has dietary restrictions.
When choosing accommodation, check for: availability of cots, child-friendly breakfast options, easy access to transport and parking. In Kraków it’s convenient to stay near the center to reduce travel time. In Zakopane consider location relative to lower cable-car stations or bus stops.
If you plan active mountain days, accommodation with parking and luggage/bike storage is very helpful. Look for reviews from other families and photos of rooms before booking to avoid on-site disappointments.
Consider splitting your stay: several nights in Kraków and several in Zakopane instead of changing hotels every night — this reduces packing and unpacking, which younger children will appreciate.
Match routes to the children’s ages and fitness — choose shorter, well-marked trails. Check the weather forecast before leaving and carry a basic first-aid kit, warm layers and extra water.
Popular trails can be crowded in season — plan early-morning starts to avoid packed paths. Remember that mountain conditions change quickly and even easy routes may require proper shoes and rainwear.
If you plan to use cable cars or other attractions, check age/height limits and the rules about strollers or transporting children.
Trying to pack too many attractions into one day — result: tired children. Break the program into shorter blocks with breaks.
Not booking tickets in advance for popular attractions — long queues appear in season; online reservations often save time.
Assuming the weather will be the same as in the city — mountains are cooler and more changeable. Always carry an extra layer and comfortable shoes.
Many tourists don’t know that geothermal pools and aquaparks are a great remedy for tired legs after hiking — plan a “regeneration day” in the thermal baths.
Keep an offline map or screenshots of key routes and emergency numbers on your phone — mobile coverage can be weaker in some valleys.
Small souvenirs from local markets can keep children entertained and are much lighter than big gifts; prepare a short list of must-see attractions to avoid spontaneous, often expensive purchases.
Is a winter trip safe with small children? In winter you must consider snow conditions and temperatures — choose short walks, heated attractions (aquaparks, museums) and accommodations with good insulation.
Is it worth taking a stroller to Zakopane? A stroller is useful in the center and on Krupówki, but for mountain terrain it’s better to bring a child carrier or leave the stroller at the guesthouse.
How long should I plan my stay to feel the atmosphere of both places? A comfortable trip is 4–6 days: 2–3 days in Kraków and 2–3 days in Zakopane, though shorter or longer options also work depending on preferences.
Kraków: look for family-friendly restaurants with kids’ menus and positive recent reviews; when choosing, rely on up-to-date feedback and reservations.
Zakopane: aquaparks, Polana Szymoszkowa, the parrot house and easy valleys (e.g. Kościeliska) are attractions regularly rated highly by families; choose those with child facilities and resting areas.
If you want specific recommendations tailored to your children’s ages and travel dates, I’m happy to prepare a personalized list on request.
I hope this guide helps you plan a successful family trip combining Kraków and Zakopane — the variety of attractions means every family member will find something to enjoy. If you found the article helpful, feel free to share it with friends or on social media.
If you would like a personalized itinerary or guided tours in Kraków, consider the services of local guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and more information are available on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website. Wishing you great travels and safe family adventures!
Documents: carry ID for all family members and any health insurance cards you may need.
Packing: layered clothing, waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and hats for sunny days, and a small backpack for day trips.
Money and payments: many places accept cards, but keep some cash for smaller stalls or mountain vendors.
Health & safety: note local emergency numbers, the address of your accommodation and nearest medical facility.
Best time to travel with family? Late spring to early autumn offers milder weather for hiking; winter is great for snow activities but requires more preparation.
How to avoid traffic to Zakopane? Travel early in the morning or use public buses; weekends and holidays are busiest.
Plan flexibly, prioritize rest between activities and let the children set part of the pace — a relaxed trip is the most memorable one.
If you’d like help tailoring the trip to your family’s needs, I can prepare a suggested schedule or recommend child-friendly restaurants and attractions for your dates.
