Are you coming to Krakow with your family for a few days and want to plan a week so the kids won’t get bored and the adults will enjoy themselves too? This text will suggest how to spread sightseeing over a week, what to consider, where to find attractions for little ones and older kids, and how to weave in the Krakow Film Trail — film-related places and events that movie fans will enjoy.
You won’t find a dry list of every museum in the city here — instead I offer a friendly, family-oriented day plan, concrete ideas for play, and practical tips to make your Krakow holiday smooth and pleasant.
Note: the text is written as a friendly guide by Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — without recommending other guides or commercial routes.
Krakow on a weekday is a big advantage for families: fewer crowds in the Main Market Square and at Wawel, shorter lines at some museums, and easier chances to find a table at a restaurant. That means less stress, more flexibility, and a better chance the kids will make it to the end of the day in a good mood.
On weekdays it's easier to match sightseeing to a child’s rhythm - a longer morning walk around the Old Town, an afternoon rest in a park or at the hotel, and shorter activities in the evening. Many cultural events and smaller film screenings also take place during the week, which lets you include local attractions without weekend crowds.
Practical tip - schedule the most important entries for the morning or early afternoon, when kids are freshest. If possible, book popular tickets online.
Old Town and the Main Market Square - a walk, the bugle call, and the Cloth Hall. A short circuit of the Square can enchant children: colorful townhouses, street musicians, and an ice cream on the corner.
Wawel - the castle is impressive from the outside, and the legend of the Wawel Dragon is a great program point for kids. Even a walk along the ramparts is an attraction.
Jordan Park and the Planty - excellent places for an afternoon rest, playtime, and a picnic.
Krakow Zoo - a nice option for a full day with shorter breaks and educational attractions.
Water Park - guaranteed water fun for the whole family, ideal for uncertain weather or a rainy day.
UJ Botanical Garden - a stroll among interesting plants and calm spaces, useful when touring with a stroller.
A cruise on the Vistula - a short boat trip gives a different perspective of the city and a restful moment for the whole group.
The Krakow Film Trail is an initiative that brings together places and events related to film in the city - from specific locations where well-known films were shot, to screenings, walks, and film-themed outdoor games.
On the trail you often hear stories about famous directors and productions, as well as curiosities about scenes filmed here - it's a great chance to see the city through the eyes of a film set. In practice you can find themed walks, short screenings, or family-friendly field games.
Kids love the game and discovery elements - finding locations seen in movies, spotting hidden architectural details, or small props — so a film walk can easily be turned into a detective-style game.
Krowodrza - a district with a film history; it hosted an early film school and is associated with creators of Polish cinema. It’s a good place for a walk while telling the story of how film education began in Poland.
Kino Mikro and other small cinemas - these intimate screening rooms often host local showings, documentaries, and film events that can be friendly to families and younger viewers.
Outdoor locations across the city where scenes for Polish films were shot - a walk through such spots can be both a lesson in film history and city history at the same time.
Plan at least one day as a “film day” - a short walking route, an explanation of why a street or square appeared on screen, and a small open-air cinema or a screening in a tiny cinema if you find a showing.
Day 1 - Arrival and orientation: check in, a short walk around the Old Town, the Market Square, and ice cream. Evening: a light dinner and quick prep for the coming days.
Day 2 - Castle and legends: Wawel in the morning (stories about the Dragon), a walk along the Vistula boulevards, and an afternoon rest in Jordan Park.
Day 3 - Museums and learning: interactive exhibitions or a museum suited to the children’s interests (if the weather is bad, Water Park as an alternative).
Day 4 - Film day: a walk along Film Trail locations in a chosen neighborhood, a short workshop or field game if events are running, and in the evening a screening or a small art-house showing of a short film for children.
Day 5 - Nature around the city: a trip to Ojców National Park or another green area - easy trails, caves, and castle ruins that will delight young explorers.
Day 6 - Zoo or Water Park: a full day of attractions, feeding animals or water fun. Plan longer breaks and meals with places to sit.
Day 7 - Easy finish: souvenir shopping, a playground, a short Vistula cruise, and departure. Leave time for packing and any program adjustments.
Game “Film Frame Seekers” - prepare a simple list of things to find: e.g. stairs seen in a film, a specific sign on a facade, a sculpture, or a door with a distinctive color. Kids collect points and at the end someone gets a small reward.
Mini home film-production workshop - a smartphone, a prop, and a short scene recorded on a quiet square or in a park are enough. Then simple editing and a family screening.
Searching for places from film legends - tell a story connected to a location and have the kids draw the most interesting fragment. This combines sightseeing with creativity.
Tickets and reservations - buy tickets online for the most popular places or check availability before you go. This saves time and reduces the risk of waiting in line with children.
Public transport - trams and buses connect major attractions efficiently. For a longer stay consider a multi-day pass; it makes getting around easier and lowers planning stress.
Daily pace - children need breaks. Plan shorter morning activities, lunch and a nap/rest, and lighter activities in the afternoon. A film day works well in the morning or afternoon, when energy allows for walking and play.
Where to sleep - choose accommodation near a tram line or in a quiet neighborhood to return easily in the evening and quickly reach morning starting points.
Stroller and accessibility - most main streets are stroller-friendly, though some parts of the Old Town have cobbles. It's worth having a carrier or wrap for steeper or rougher sections of the route.
Indoor amusement parks, science centers, and interactive exhibitions - classic rainy-day options. In Krakow you’ll find child-oriented exhibitions where you can spend several hours without boredom.
Art-house cinemas and family screenings - intimate cinemas often organize morning and afternoon shows for younger viewers. Check local cinema programs for the week.
Child-friendly cafes and playrooms - a relaxed plan helps a lot; sometimes a good place with a play corner is enough to regain energy before the next walk.
First aid kit and medicines - carry basic fever reducers, plasters, and an insect bite remedy. Pharmacies are in the center, but in a crisis it’s better not to waste time looking for one.
Contact and navigation - save addresses for your accommodation and the places you'll visit. Make sure children have a note with a parent’s name and phone number in case they get lost.
Hygiene - when visiting family spots it’s always good to have wet wipes and hand sanitizer.
On weekdays try morning attractions before larger tour groups arrive - it’s often the best time for photos and peaceful sightseeing.
Pack snacks and a water bottle - simple things save time and nerves during walks with children.
Talk to the children about the place - stories about dragons, films, or historical characters engage them and make locations memorable.
If you plan a “film day”, turn film stories into a small game: whoever first finds the street that appeared in a shot gets a point.
Krakow is a city that is great for family sightseeing during the week: fewer crowds, more calm, and the chance to enjoy local events. Adding the Krakow Film Trail gives your trip an unusual character and can become a wonderful game for children.
If you want, I can prepare a detailed day plan tailored to the children’s ages, pace, and interests - tell me how many days you have and how old the children are, and I will make a program with suggested breaks and places to eat.
Happy planning and see you in Krakow! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz, zwiedzaniekrakowa.com
