Ojcowski National Park is an ideal spot for a short getaway from Krakow: just outside the city you'll find limestone rock formations, short caves, picturesque valleys and the castle at Pieskowa Skała — attractions children often remember longer than museum rooms. The routes vary: from short, flat walks to easy scenic trails, plus spots where you can look for trout in a stream or see the famous Maczuga Herkulesa (Hercules' Club). It's a great opportunity for outdoor activity, a picnic and a short, hands-on nature lesson.
For families with small children the biggest advantage is the park's proximity to Krakow — from the Old Town it's usually a 30–60 minute drive, and in season there are also weekend recreational bus lines that bring visitors directly to the castle in Ojców. That makes it possible to leave in the morning, enjoy a relaxed walk and return before dinner. It's also valuable that OPN offers both short attractions (tens of minutes) and full-day loops for active families.
If you’re driving out of Krakow and staying or starting the day near the Old Town, it’s worth leaving the car in one of the convenient city-center parking lots. The most practical options are the Galeria Krakowska car park (by the Main Railway Station) and the parking under the National Museum — from these spots it’s quick to reach the ring road, and the walk to the Market Square takes about 10–20 minutes. The P+R Czerwone Maki is a good, cheaper option if you prefer to leave the car on the edge of the city and take a tram into the center before continuing your journey.
When choosing a place to park, pay attention to paid parking zones in the center and whether the lot allows 24-hour entry/exit and spaces for larger vehicles. In season consider reserving an underground spot or arriving a bit earlier — this will help you avoid the stress of searching for a free place and losing time.
If you want to skip driving, in season on weekends and public holidays a recreational line (often labeled LR0 or similar) runs from Krakow to Ojców — buses stop at points toward Bronowice and continue via Sąspów, Złota Góra and the Pod Zamkiem stop in Ojców. These lines are seasonal and run on varying days, so check the current timetable before you go.
An alternative is regional minibuses/buses from the MDA bus station at Bosacka (next to the Main Station) heading toward Olkusz; you can get off near roads that lead to Ojców. Connections and frequency change with the season, so plan your trip a day in advance and check timetables online.
There are parking lots inside and along the borders of OPN that tourists most often use. Key parking places include: the "Pod Zamkiem" (Under the Castle) parking in Ojców (close to the castle and the village center), the "Złota Góra" parking (a larger strategic lot a bit further from the center, good for coaches or to avoid a crowded center), parking at Pieskowa Skała (below the castle and near the Maczuga) and the Czajowice parking — convenient if you plan to go to Jaskinia Łokietka. Each parking has advantages depending on your day's plan.
Fees are usually modest but vary by lot: the cheapest places may charge a few złoty per hour or a small one-time fee, while the "Pod Zamkiem" lot can be pricier. Larger lots (Złota Góra, Pieskowa Skała) have more spaces, while small lots right at attractions fill up fastest. For that reason we recommend arriving in the morning or choosing Złota Góra if you plan a longer walk.
For families with a stroller or very small children the best options are short, flat sections in the Prądnik Valley — easy to walk, with nice picnic spots and frequent resting points. A short walk to Jaskinia Ciemna (Dark Cave) is a fairly simple objective, though entering the cave itself can mean dark, cooler conditions — bring a flashlight and an extra layer.
For older kids I recommend a walk around Pieskowa Skała with the viewpoint by the Maczuga Herkulesa and visiting the castle at Pieskowa Skała — a mix of rock adventure and history that usually appeals to 8–12-year-olds. Short combined trails (for example from Złota Góra to Ojców) let you see several attractions in a day without excessive fatigue.
If you plan to visit Jaskinia Łokietka, approach from the Czajowice parking — it’s a pleasant short excursion and usually less crowded than the central OPN areas. Remember that not all caves are open every day and some require reservation or guided tours.
Most paths in OPN are natural, often rocky surfaces with steps and uneven sections. For families with an infant the most convenient solution is a baby carrier or sling — they allow you to bypass difficult fragments and free your hands. If you bring a stroller, choose a model with larger wheels designed for rough terrain, but be prepared to carry it over short stretches. For short walks near parking areas (e.g. Złota Góra) a regular stroller can work.
Make sure you have comfortable shoes, a spare sweater for the child, sunscreen and water. Even when the sun warms the city, it can be cooler in shaded rock areas and inside caves. A small backpack with a basic first-aid kit and snacks is useful. For little ones bring small toys for breaks at viewpoints or during a picnic.
In Ojców and nearby you'll find family-friendly eateries. In the center of Ojców there is a place serving regional dishes and a child-friendly menu, and around the Park there are classic restaurants offering trout and home-style meals. At Pieskowa Skała there's a castle restaurant often praised for its service and local flavors. In summer many places offer garden seating, which makes it easier to eat with children and provides safe space for a short play or walk.
Choose popular, well-reviewed places — on a short trip it's usually not worth risking a doubtful spot. If you're traveling with an infant or small child, ask ahead about a changing table or a high chair.
Arriving "just in time" — many visitors arrive too late and find the parking at the Castle full. Solution: leave earlier, choose Złota Góra or Pieskowa Skała parking, or take the recreational bus on weekends.
Not checking timetables and opening hours — some attractions and bus lines are seasonal or have limited hours. Before you go check the current recreational line schedule and the opening hours of castles or caves.
Trying to see too much at once — OPN tempts with many points of interest; for a family with children it's better to plan 1–2 main goals and leave time for rest and play.
Parking in prohibited places and blocking the road — this can result in fines and obstruct traffic; park only in designated areas.
7:30–8:30 – leave the car in Krakow (Galeria Krakowska or P+R Czerwone Maki) and have breakfast in the center. 9:00 – depart for Ojców, arrive around 10:00. 10:00–11:00 – walk and visit Ojców: the castle, a short stop at the Maczuga, photos. 11:00–13:00 – walk the Prądnik Valley or a short trail to Jaskinia Ciemna; picnic. 13:00–14:30 – lunch at one of the recommended restaurants (trout, children's menu). 14:30–16:00 – drive to Pieskowa Skała, visit the castle and the viewpoint. 16:00–17:30 – return to Krakow, maybe a short stop at the Planty or for ice cream before returning to your accommodation.
This plan is flexible and can be adjusted to the children's ages and your family's pace. Kids usually do best with shorter, more frequent breaks and playful elements along the way.
Are parking lots in Ojców paid? Yes — most parking lots on and near the Park are paid. Prices are moderate but vary by lot; "Pod Zamkiem" is often more expensive, while Złota Góra or parking at Pieskowa Skała tend to be cheaper.
Are all trails suitable for strollers? No. Short, flat valley sections are best for strollers. On rocky trails you'll prefer a carrier or an off-road stroller.
Can bikes be transported on the recreational bus? Some seasonal services offer bike trailers on selected runs, but loading rules may be limited to certain stops or end-of-line points. Check the timetable information.
Do I need to reserve cave or castle visits? Some attractions may require reservations or have limited capacity in season. It's a good idea to check the park's or the attraction's current rules before you go.
Bring a small towel or picnic mat — on a nice day many families sit on the grass for a snack or a short rest. It's simple but very convenient.
If you want to avoid crowds and find quiet, step a little off the main trails — just a few hundred meters can bring calm and less-visited rock formations.
Check the weather forecast and avoid long routes during heavy rain — rocky trails get slippery and some sections become harder to manage with children.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it might help someone plan a great family day out of the city.
If you'd like a personalized trip, help with organizing a child-friendly route or a guided visit with a local guide, consider booking a tour with the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact and details are available on the guide's page. Enjoy your preparations and have a wonderful trip — Ojcowski National Park is waiting!
