Kraków’s Main Market Square is a place that delights adults — and often fascinates children. It’s worth bringing little ones for a short visit: the colorful townhouses, the trumpet from St. Mary’s tower, the pigeons and street performers make an impression even on the youngest. The key to a successful walk with a child is planning breaks well — especially for the toilet, a snack and a moment to play. If you plan short stopping points in comfortable locations, the stroll will be pleasant for everyone. It’s good to have a plan B in case of large crowds or a closed restroom. Before leaving, pack a small kit: a changing mat, wipes, spare diapers, snacks and a water bottle.
The Market Square is a great first introduction for a child to the historic city center, but remember that it can be crowded in season and on weekends. A stroller can be difficult in narrow streets and at entrances to some venues, so consider a carrier for short stretches. If someone in the family needs a quiet break, a few minutes away from the Square you’ll find quieter corners in the Planty or small cafés with friendly staff.
Start with a short walk around the Square: show the child the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and tell a simple story about the stalls, walk under the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica and listen to the hejnał — a short, spectacular moment that stays in memory. Consider visiting the Rynek Underground — an interactive museum that brings the city’s history to life in a way younger explorers can enjoy; many museum branches provide a changing table and family restroom, which is very helpful during a family trip.
If you plan to stay longer, take a break for coffee or cake in one of the well-reviewed cafés by the Square — it’s not only rest time but also a reliable spot with a restroom. After a coffee or brief sightseeing you can walk to the Planty or head to nearby Park Jordana (a short walk or tram ride) — there children will find a large, modern playground and space to run.
Park Jordana and the Błonia meadow are among the most popular places for a longer break with a child. Depending on your child’s age you might also consider a short tram ride to other family attractions around the city.
The most reliable places to find a clean restroom and often a changing table are larger institutions and museums. The Rynek Underground (part of the Kraków Museum) has restrooms and a changing area, making it a convenient stop in the heart of the Square. Cloth Hall venues often have toilets for customers and visitors to the market — a practical option during a short visit.
In the center, use restrooms in staffed public facilities, larger cafés and restaurants, which frequently provide changing tables — you can ask staff before visiting. The city operates a network of public toilets; some are attended and more now accept contactless card payments, which is useful in high season. Cultural institutions and museums usually list restroom and changing-table availability on their information pages — check those when planning.
If you can’t find a restroom, keep an alternative in mind: a larger café, a museum or a hotel reception nearby will usually help. From experience, it’s best to have the name or number of a nearby spot saved in your phone so you can get there quickly when a child needs a break.
There isn’t a big playground directly on the Market Square, but within a short distance from the Old Town there are great places to play: Park Jordana — a large, varied playground with zones for different age groups; Błonia — a wide open meadow ideal for picnics and free running; Dragon Square (Smoczy Skwer) and smaller park playgrounds around the city are good alternatives for families looking for a short active break.
If you have time and want to give children plenty of space, head to the Błonia or Park Jordana. Both are very popular with families and have conveniences like benches for caregivers and often food stalls or cafés nearby. For quick stops, smaller playgrounds on streets leading from the Square toward Wawel and beyond are compact but can effectively “save” a walk when a child needs 10–20 minutes of play.
Around the Square you’ll find cafés and restaurants that are comfortable for families: places with changing tables, high chairs and friendly staff. Choose well-reviewed, established venues — places with a good reputation often go out of their way to help families with small children. Stopping at a café not only gives access to toilets but also space to settle with a stroller or change a child in a pleasant environment.
When choosing a place, check opening hours and consider reserving at weekends. In summer, terraces around the Square are great for people-watching but can be crowded; if you want calm, pick quieter streets in the Old Town or cafés on the Planty.
Relying on a single restroom — in the center it can happen that a specific place is closed or unexpectedly out of service. Always have a plan B: note two or three alternatives (a museum, a large café, a public toilet).
An overloaded sightseeing plan — children tire quickly. It’s better to plan fewer stops and more breaks. Short, frequent pauses at a playground or café make the whole outing more enjoyable.
Inappropriate clothing and lack of supplies — changeable weather and lots of walking require comfortable shoes, a hat/sunscreen in summer, and spare snacks and drinks. Also carry a small hygiene kit and spare diapers.
Where can I find a toilet in an emergency? The quickest options are restrooms in museums (for example the Rynek Underground), staffed public toilets or cafés by the Square. It’s worth checking in advance which places have a changing table.
Is a stroller a good idea for the Square? A stroller is useful, but at rush hours maneuvering can be difficult. For very crowded sections a carrier may be more convenient for small children.
Is there anything special for children on the Square? Beyond street attractions and the hejnał, the Rynek Underground is an interactive museum that appeals to younger visitors. In summer the city sometimes sets up water installations (cooling misters or shallow fountains) that are very popular on hot days — check local notices if you plan a summer visit.
Start: a short walk around the Square — show the Cloth Hall and the view of St. Mary’s Basilica. Listen to the hejnał (a brief performance).
10–25 minutes: visit the Rynek Underground — a short, interactive exhibition; restrooms/changing table available at the venue.
25–60 minutes: coffee and a snack at a family-friendly café by the Square — time to rest and, if needed, change the child.
60–120 minutes: walk to the Planty or take a short trip on foot to Park Jordana or the Błonia — playground time and free play. After play, return to the Square or continue sightseeing.
Many places in the center have drinking-water fountains — great for quickly refilling a bottle without buying a drink. Carrying light snacks saves time and reduces stress during walks.
If you want to be sure about access to a changing table, ask at the tourist information desk or the museum ticket office before entering — staff will usually point out the nearest facilities and quieter spots.
Save the names of a few nearby places (a café, a museum, a park) in your phone as quick reference points — this helps in a stressful moment when crowds make orientation harder.
The most reliable spots for a quick ‘rescue’ restroom are large cultural institutions (museums) and well-reviewed cafés by the Square. Plan short sightseeing stages and reserve a table in popular venues in advance if you want to be sure of a seat with your child.
If you’re looking for a large playground and space to run — choose Park Jordana or the Błonia. Both are family favorites and offer room to relax after an intense visit to the city center.
If this guide was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others plan family outings in Kraków. If you’d like a trip tailored to your family — including planned breaks, restaurant reservations, museum tickets and logistics — consider booking a private guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) can advise on the route, help with reservations and lead a tour so every family member leaves with a smile. Her contact details are listed on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — it’s worth writing or calling to plan the perfect day in Kraków. Enjoy your sightseeing and stress-free walks with the little ones!
