Autumn in Kraków has its own, unmistakable atmosphere: trees change into shades of gold and crimson, the air becomes crisp, and the city takes on a cozy mood perfect for slow walks. It’s an excellent time to combine outdoor activity with an indoor attraction — for example a visit to the Kraków Arcade Museum, where the whole family can try classic arcade machines and enjoy a touch of retro entertainment. In this article you’ll find practical walking routes, a few recommended food stops and a suggested day plan tailored to the weather and the children’s moods. For visitors’ convenience — the suggestions are flexible and can be shortened or extended depending on the kids’ ages and stamina.
Autumn can be changeable, so it’s good to have a plan B: if cooler rain begins, instead of a prolonged picnic you can pause the walk and visit a cozy café or choose an indoor venue — an arcade museum is the perfect contrast to green paths. Below you’ll find recommended parks, practical tips and details about visiting the Arcade Museum, so your day is enjoyable from morning until evening.
Błonia — a huge central meadow that in autumn shimmers with the colors of grasses and trees. It’s a great spot for a family picnic with a blanket and thermoses, kite flying or letting children run freely. From Błonia you also get a pretty view of the Old Town and Las Wolski, so it’s worth bringing a camera.
Jordan Park (Park Jordana) — a typically family-friendly park with wide avenues, playgrounds, outdoor gym equipment and a concert shell. For children it’s a place full of possibilities: you can jump on playground installations, ride small bikes or hold mini races. The park is well prepared for visits by families with young children.
Planty — the green belt around the Old Town, ideal for a morning or evening stroll. The Planty paths are stroller-friendly and suitable for families who want to see historic gates and monuments without long distances.
Las Wolski and Kościuszko Mound — if you have more time and fancy a woodland walk, Las Wolski offers kilometers of trails and peacefulness. Climbing Kościuszko Mound also gives you the chance to admire the city panorama — an autumn sunset from there looks almost cinematic.
Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden — intimate, well-kept spaces, greenhouse plants and ponds make it a good place for a calm walk, especially if you want to shelter from the wind. On colder days the palm house can be a real escape from the chill outside.
Zakrzówek and Bagry Reservoir — for families who enjoy being close to water: Zakrzówek has scenic views and a lakeside café, while Bagry offers more space for play and cycling. Keep in mind that the terrain can be more demanding than Planty or Jordan Park, so comfortable shoes are essential.
Kraków Arcade Museum is an interactive video game museum and a great idea for an autumn afternoon stop. The space hosts dozens of classic arcade machines from the 1980s and 1990s, pinball machines and various simulators — all set up in “play” mode, so after buying a ticket you can try many machines without needing to insert coins.
The place feels like a time machine: neon lights, characteristic sounds and games that for adults are a nostalgic return to youth, and for children an intriguing, totally different form of entertainment. The museum often offers hourly tickets or OPEN tickets that allow longer playtime — for larger groups it’s worth checking reservation rules in advance.
The museum is also practical for families — an indoor option that lets you warm up and have fun when it gets chilly outside. For birthdays or bigger groups there are sometimes special offers and the possibility to reserve, making the museum a convenient choice for a party or an afternoon activity for kids.
Morning: start with Planty or Błonia — a short stroll, a moment to feed ducks at a pond if you come across one, and then head to the playground in Jordan Park if you have younger children.
Midday: a light lunch at a family-friendly café or restaurant. In the center consider well-reviewed places with kid-friendly menus — fresh breads and soups, plus vegetarian options. Cafés like Camelot or small bakery-cafés work well when you need a quick meal and a cozy atmosphere.
Afternoon: visit the Kraków Arcade Museum — ideally after lunch, when children have some energy to burn on the machines. An OPEN ticket or an hour visit are both good options depending on your family’s pace.
Evening: back in the Old Town you can end the day with hot chocolate, pierogi or dinner at one of the recommended restaurants. If you still have energy, Planty at night are charming — lanterns and quiet paths create a pleasant atmosphere to finish the day.
Nearby parks and walking routes you’ll find many family-friendly places. In the center look for cafés that offer a children’s corner or a kids’ menu — that helps make meal breaks calm and manageable.
Recommended types of places: bakery-cafés with warm sandwiches and soups, cafés with stroller space and restaurants with larger interiors where children can move around comfortably. If you plan to eat after sightseeing, it’s a good idea to reserve a table at weekends.
For lovers of traditional cuisine: pierogi restaurants and eateries serving homestyle dishes usually offer plates that children enjoy. If you want to try local flavors, choose well-reviewed places popular with families — comfort and quick service are usually guaranteed.
Do I need to book in advance? If you plan a visit with a larger group (e.g. a birthday), booking at the Arcade Museum is recommended. For families without reservations individual tickets are usually available, but during busy weekend peaks it’s worth checking availability.
How to dress children for an autumn walk? In layers — a thin sweatshirt under a jacket, comfortable shoes, and a hat for cooler moments. Don’t forget a small backpack with water and snacks, tissues and a spare pair of socks.
Are parks stroller and bike friendly? Planty and Błonia are convenient for strollers and bikes. Some woodland paths in Las Wolski can be more demanding — if you have small children in a stroller, choose easier lanes or visit Jordan Park.
Where are the toilets and baby-changing facilities? Public park restroom facilities can be limited. The safest option is to use a café, shopping center or the museum. For families with infants it’s wise to plan stops every few hours.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them: not checking opening hours (for museums or chosen restaurants) — always verify times; an overly ambitious one-day plan — leave some flexibility; no rainy-day backup — keep an indoor activity ready (e.g. the museum or a café with a kids’ corner).
Can I bring a dog to the parks? Many Kraków parks are dog-friendly, but remember to keep pets on a leash and clean up after them. Some waterfront areas or recreational zones may have additional rules, so it’s worth checking ahead.
For centuries Błonia served as common pastureland — a fact that often surprises city visitors: the large meadow in the center once hosted grazing cows.
At Kraków Arcade Museum some machines are set to free-play mode for ticket holders, so there’s no need to insert coins — a convenience especially appreciated by families who want to try many machines without extra cost per play.
City mounds and hills (for example Kościuszko Mound) are often overlooked by tourists who focus on the Market Square, yet they offer some of the nicest views of the city, especially during the golden hour just before sunset.
Early mornings and weekdays are the best times to visit the most popular parks — Planty and Błonia are less crowded then, and a walk becomes more relaxing. To avoid crowds at the Arcade Museum, consider an afternoon visit midweek or buy an OPEN ticket instead of going at weekend peak hours.
Look for side paths and smaller green squares — Kraków has many hidden places where you can rest away from the hustle. Local routes suggested by guides often include interesting, lesser-known stops.
If you liked this guide, share it with family or friends — it could be the inspiration for a joint trip. Leave a comment or share helpful tips from your own walks around Kraków.
If you’d like to explore Kraków with a local guide who knows the city and family-friendly routes — consider booking a private guide with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details and booking information are available on the site zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. That way your day in Kraków can be polished to the last detail and you can simply enjoy time with your loved ones.
