Yes - touring with a licensed guide helps you make the most of your time in the city and makes the trip enjoyable for the whole family. A guide will adjust the pace and the stories to the children’s ages, tell a funny anecdote instead of a long list of dates and point out places where you can comfortably take a break.
On a walk with a guide, children hear short, engaging stories, can ask questions and often take part in small tasks (for example, counting dragons or spotting details on tenement houses). These activities help them remember more than walking independently with parents.
If you plan to visit Wawel Hill, the Jagiellonian University (Collegium Maius) or Kazimierz, it’s useful to agree in advance which parts of the route should be “for kids” - the guide can suggest fun stops, short games and time for a favourite snack.
Collegium Maius is one of the oldest surviving university buildings in Europe and a must on the university route. For children, prepare a short story: this is the place where pupils and professors studied long ago, and some subjects looked very different than they do today.
A visit to the museum is a chance to show the little ones real “chests of secrets”: historic scientific instruments, portraits of old professors and rooms that Nicolaus Copernicus once used. Short, focused stories (for example about a student in the late Middle Ages or about a famous book) work better than lists of dates.
The Collegium Maius courtyard often still feels like a university space - it’s a good place for a short game of identifying sculptures or a mini-search: "Find the stone head", "Count the windows in the bay window". That kind of activity engages children and gives parents a moment of rest.
Practical tip: check opening hours and visiting rules for the museum in advance and ask about family or reduced-price tickets. Some rooms and exhibitions may have visitor limits - especially in high season.
Start: the square in front of Collegium Maius - a short story about the university and a little search game in the courtyard.
Direction: Kanonicza Street - a walk along this picturesque historic street toward Wawel Hill; along the way make short stops at architectural curiosities and tell age-appropriate stories for the children.
Wawel Hill: a short loop around the courtyards and a story about dragons, the king and the crown; entry to the Cathedral or a short exterior tour depending on interest and time.
Break: a cafe near the Market Square or in the lanes of Kazimierz - time for drinks, a sweet snack and recharging. After a break children regain energy and parents can ask about the next part of the programme.
Option for those who want more movement: after the break take a short walk along the Vistula boulevards or head toward Kazimierz - you can finish the tour there in a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer crowds.
Central Krakow has many places with play corners, changing tables or simply staff who are welcoming to families. These venues make great stops during a sightseeing walk.
Examples of cafes and places that can work well for a break with children:
- Lajkonik Cafe (Szewska Street) - in some locations of this bakery-cafe chain there is a play corner and a shelf with books for the smallest guests; it is close to the Market Square, so it’s a convenient place for a short rest after walking around the Old Town.
- Mamy Cafe - a place known to parents for its conveniences: changing table, high chair and a friendly atmosphere; recommended when you need a quiet moment with a little one.
- Krakowska Manufaktura Czekolady - an option for families who want to combine a break with a small attraction (chocolate workshops, tastings) - it attracts both children and adults.
Remember: the availability of play corners or changing tables may vary between branches and change over time. If a specific facility is important to you, call ahead or check the venue’s profile before visiting.
Strollers and accessibility: the Old Town has sections with cobblestones and steps at some entrances - choose a route without stairs or be prepared for short lifts. Museums and major attractions try to be accessible, but check entrance information for strollers beforehand.
Toilets and changing tables: not all cafes and museums have changing tables; keep wipes, a portable changing mat or ask the venue about toilet access. Many central cafes offer high chairs for children.
Tickets and reservations: if you plan to enter specific exhibitions (for example inside the castle or other popular museums), consider booking tickets in advance - this avoids queues and long waiting with a little one.
Visiting time: for families with younger children shorter outings (1.5–3 hours) with a planned break work best. Longer routes are better split into stages or planned with alternative attractions where children can stretch their legs.
Weather and clothing: Krakow’s weather can be changeable - bring head covering and comfortable shoes, and in case of sudden rain remember ponchos or an umbrella. Museums often have stable indoor temperatures, so bring a light extra layer for children.
- Water and small snacks (fruit, bars, favourite crisps) - these quickly restore energy without long searches for food.
- A small first aid kit: plasters, ointment for grazes, medicines if the child takes anything regularly.
- Wipes, wet wipes and a portable changing mat for infants.
- Comfortable shoes for everyone and breathable layered clothing.
- A phone with a charged battery and a powerbank - useful for photos, navigation and quick contact.
- A small toy or travel game to keep the child occupied during breaks or while waiting to enter a museum.
Agree on landmarks and a simple contact method before you go out (for example a parent’s phone number). In busy places like the Main Market Square keep children close.
It’s a good idea to put a small wristband on children with a name and the guardian’s phone number or store a short note in the phone. For the youngest children reflective elements on clothing help during walks after dark.
If you plan to enter crowded places, instruct children to hold an adult’s hand and agree where to meet if you get separated.
When touring with a guide: inform the guide about food allergies, needs for breaks and other special requirements. That way the guided visit will be safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Q: Is touring with a guide expensive? - A: Prices depend on route length and group size. For families it often makes sense to book a shorter, personalized walk - the cost may be lower than a full-day service and the experience will be better adapted to children’s needs.
Q: Do children need tickets for museums? - A: Many museums offer reduced tickets for children and youth; some exhibitions are free for the youngest visitors. Check the rules of the specific museum before your visit.
Q: How long should a family route be? - A: It depends on the children’s ages. For preschoolers 1.5–2 hours with a break is ideal; for older children you can plan 3–4 hours with several short stops.
Q: What if it rains? - A: Have a backup plan: museums, cafes and short indoor visits are great alternatives. A guide can modify the route to avoid long outdoor sections.
Q: Can I book a tour in English? - A: Yes, tours can be arranged in different languages - just request your preferred language when booking.
Book with some lead time, especially in the high season or if you need an afternoon or weekend slot. This ensures a convenient start time and a calm beginning to the tour.
If you want the walk to be fully family-oriented - tell the guide when booking the children’s ages, that you want to visit a particular place (for example Collegium Maius) and how much time you have. The guide will prepare the route and suggest breaks in carefully chosen, family-friendly cafes. Tours on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com can be tailored this way; when you book, mention preferences and any special needs.
For tours with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) - please include the ages of the children and the total time available so the route can be adapted to your family’s rhythm.
Touring Krakow with a guide is a great way to discover the city without stress and at a pace adapted to your family. Collegium Maius is a highlight that delights with history and offers space for educational play - and a short break in one of the child-friendly cafes will recharge batteries before the next stage of the adventure.
If you’d like a route tailor-made for your family - write or call, give the children’s ages and the time you have available. Together we will create a walk that will be interesting for the little ones and comfortable for the parents.
You are warmly invited to Krakow - where history meets everyday life and the city can truly enchant the whole family.
