Yes — it is possible to visit Oswiecim and see a few of Krakow’s main sights in one day, but it requires good planning, realistic expectations, and attention to the children’s emotional needs.
In practice this means: an early start, booking named-entry tickets to the Memorial Site in advance, planning about 3–4 hours for the visit in Oswiecim itself, and choosing a short, child-friendly route in Krakow after you return.
Oswiecim is about 65–70 km from central Krakow; driving time is usually around 1–1.5 hours (depending on route and traffic).
Entry to the State Museum Auschwitz‑Birkenau requires a named ticket reserved in advance through the official booking system. The number of entries per time slot is limited, so reserve ahead of time.
Plan at least about 3–3.5 hours to see the exhibitions and walk through the camp grounds; there are also longer study programmes that last much longer.
The Memorial Site contains very difficult and often graphic material — parents should assess their children’s emotional maturity. Many families consider around 14 years as a reasonable minimum, though suitability always depends on the child.
The museum site operates rules: security checks before entry, limits on luggage size and an expectation of respectful dress and behaviour.
06:30–07:30 — depart Krakow. Leave early to avoid traffic and to make a morning entry slot in Oswiecim.
08:30–09:00 — arrive at the Memorial Site area; it’s good to be there at least 30 minutes before your entry time because of checks and organisation.
09:00–12:30 — visit Auschwitz I and Birkenau (approx. 3–3.5 hours). Plan short breaks, bring drinks and wear comfortable shoes; large strollers are not allowed inside some buildings.
12:30–13:30 — return to the car / a quick meal nearby (if you plan to eat in Oswiecim) or head straight back to Krakow (arrival around 14:30–15:30 depending on traffic).
15:30–18:00 — short, relaxed programme in Krakow: Wawel (outside and courtyard), a stroll to the Main Market Square, Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) and an afternoon coffee and sweet treat for the children. Choose at most two points so the little ones don’t get overtired.
Alternative: if children are very young or not ready for a full programme at the Memorial Site, consider a shorter visit limited to the museum information area or choose a gentler programme around Krakow that day.
Talk with children beforehand — honestly but simply, in age-appropriate language. Explain that this is a place of memory and reflection, not entertainment.
Avoid confronting them with shocking details on the spot; give the child the option to stop the visit if they feel unwell.
Bring light snacks and drinks for the journey, but remember that eating inside the exhibition is not advisable. Strollers cannot be taken into some exhibition buildings — consider a baby carrier for infants.
Agree a signal (for example a planned short break at a certain spot) in case someone needs to pause during the visit. Also remember to keep a respectful atmosphere for other visitors.
Car: the most convenient for a family — easy to carry luggage and to plan stops. Drive time is usually about 1–1.5 hours one way.
Trains and buses: there are rail and bus connections between Krakow and Oswiecim; train travel commonly takes around 1–1.5 hours depending on the connection. Check schedules in advance and allow time to get to the Krakow station and to walk from Oswiecim station to the museum entrance.
Parking: there are visitor car parks at the Museum; large luggage is best left in the car or in the museum cloakroom (check rules and possible fees before arrival).
Documents and bookings: entry tickets to the Memorial Site are booked online and are named — record the exact details of all people who will enter.
In the city centre around the Market Square there are many family-friendly places. Good, relaxed options include cafés and bakeries offering homemade dishes, space for strollers and child-friendly desserts.
Pod Wawelem (near Wawel Castle) is a well-known family-friendly restaurant with hearty portions and a kids’ play area — convenient if you return directly to the castle area.
For cafés and sweets: Camelot Café (near the Market Square) and Charlotte (Chleb i Wino, at Plac Szczepański) are friendly choices for an afternoon coffee and cake or a treat for children.
If you prefer a quieter option before heading home, consider preparing a lunchbox in advance — after an emotional morning many children feel better with familiar foods.
Wawel (courtyard and exterior of the castle) — a short walk, the dragon legend and nice views over the Vistula river that children usually enjoy.
Main Market Square — Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), St. Mary’s Basilica with the trumpet call (hejnal) if you happen to be there at the full hour, and short horse carriage rides if the children want one.
Planty — the green belt around the Old Town is perfect for a calm stroll after an intense morning.
If you have more time: a short visit to Kazimierz can be a light alternative — wandering the lanes and stopping in a small café.
Can you enter Oswiecim without a reservation? — Entry is only possible with a named ticket obtained from the booking system; places are limited, so book in advance.
Is the site suitable for small children? — The subject matter is difficult; parents must decide based on their child’s emotional maturity. For the youngest children consider alternative activities nearby.
Are there toilets and changing facilities? — Yes, toilets are available on site and there are parent-friendly facilities (changing tables) near the entrance.
Can you take photos? — Photography is usually allowed without flash or tripods, with some exceptions in certain rooms; always show respect for the place and other visitors.
Is it worth bringing a stroller? — Strollers cannot be brought into exhibition buildings; they can be used outside and on the Birkenau grounds, but the terrain is uneven — a baby carrier can be more practical.
- Book named tickets to the Memorial Site in advance and note the exact personal details of all visitors.
- Plan your departure time so you can arrive at least 30 minutes before the visit begins.
- Wear comfortable shoes and take light jackets — weather can change and some areas are outdoors.
- Prepare for children’s emotional needs: plan breaks, a place to rest and a simple way for a child to opt out if necessary.
- Bring some cash for parking/left-luggage and a fully charged phone — useful for navigation and family contact.
If you plan this kind of day with children, the most important thing is balance: remember that Oswiecim is a place of memory and reflection, not a tourist attraction. A well-prepared family can, however, do this respectfully and without excessive stress.
When planning the route, keep the pace appropriate for the youngest participants, book entries in advance and leave room for flexibility — then the day can become a meaningful experience for everyone.
Good luck and safe travels — Małgorzata (Margaret) Kasprowicz, guide (advice prepared with families visiting Krakow in mind).
