Yes — it’s a popular but intensive plan. The key is good organization: booked mine tickets (especially for the family Solilandia route), a flexible sightseeing plan in Kraków, and breaks for food at child-friendly places. For little ones the biggest attraction will be the underground mine with St. Kinga’s Chapel, and for parents comfortable cafés with play corners or changing tables will make the day more pleasant for the whole family.
It’s useful to know that you can descend more than 100 m in the mine — this often makes a big impression on children and adults. On the other hand, the route requires many stairs and walking through underground corridors, so plan time and clothing in advance.
Option A (Wieliczka in the morning → Kraków in the afternoon): travel to Wieliczka in the morning, visit Solilandia or the tourist route (about 2–3 hours), lunch in the underground tavern or on the surface, return to Kraków and stroll the Old Town with a break in one of the family cafés. This option can be less tiring for children — underground attractions first when the little ones are rested.
Option B (Kraków in the morning → Wieliczka in the afternoon): a morning walk along the Royal Route, quick visits to Wawel and the Market Square (1.5–2 hours), lunch in a child-friendly café, then travel to Wieliczka for an afternoon slot (many Solilandia tours run on weekends). This gives a calmer evening finish with a prepared meal or dessert back in Kraków.
Choose the option depending on your children’s daily rhythm and ticket availability — some Solilandia dates sell out and must be booked in advance.
Clothing: it’s cooler in the mine than on the surface — usually around 14–16°C. Bring light warm sweaters or jackets for children and adults.
Carrier instead of a stroller: the tourist route and Solilandia include many stairs (sometimes several hundred steps), so a baby carrier or sling for the youngest is very practical; strollers usually need to be left in storage.
Tickets and reservations: Solilandia and other special family routes can be very busy — buy or reserve tickets in advance, especially on weekends and during the high season. If you plan to eat at a popular café or restaurant with a kids’ corner, reserve a table ahead.
Time: allow at least 2–2.5 hours for the mine tour; a walk around the Old Town with short stops takes at least 1.5–2 hours. Add travel time (Kraków–Wieliczka is about 20–30 minutes by car).
Breaks and food: plan regular breaks for snacks and play. Younger children cooperate better with short scheduled activity moments.
Accessibility: if a family member has limited mobility, check in advance for shorter routes or elevators — some sections can be accessed alternatively but require planning.
Grande Appetito — ul. Emaus 28B (near Błonia): Italian cuisine, a large play corner, a toilet with a changing table and step-free access for strollers. A good spot for a family meal close to walking areas.
U Ziyada — ul. Jodłowa 13: café and restaurant with a colorful kids’ corner, workshops and a children’s menu. They have a changing table and high chairs on site.
PINO Garden — ul. Na Błoniach 7: family-friendly place with a children’s menu, close to Błonia — great for dessert or a light afternoon bite after a walk.
Mozaika Resto Bar — al. 29 Listopada 137: recommended for families on weekends, with a play corner and children’s activities on selected days.
No7 Restaurant — Rynek Główny 7: centrally located, offers a children’s menu and basic amenities for parents with little ones.
Nova Resto Bar — ul. Estery 18: on Sundays they organize a kids’ corner (ball pool, entertainer) — it’s worth booking a table near the play area.
Dziórawy Kocioł — ul. Grodzka 50/1: recognized in the city program “Family-Friendly Places” — a reliable choice for a relaxed afternoon.
Solilandia is a special animated attraction aimed at families — during the tour children solve puzzles, meet characters from the mine’s fairy tales and receive souvenirs, which makes the visit interactive and engaging.
Duration: the family-educational route usually takes around 2–3 hours; if you plan extra attractions (the Żupy Museum, the underground restaurant), reserve more time.
Stairs and strollers: the visit includes stairs (at the start there can be several hundred steps), so many parents recommend a baby carrier for infants; strollers most often need to be left in storage.
Food underground: there’s an underground tavern where you can eat traditional dishes — a fun option for kids and a pleasant break after a long walk underground.
Weather and clothing: the underground temperature is constant and lower — bring warmer clothing even in summer.
Not booking tickets in advance — Solilandia and popular time slots can sell out. Booking saves stress and queues.
Assuming a stroller will be enough for the whole route — for very young children a carrier is a better choice; strollers can be a hindrance because of many stairs.
Not planning breaks — long periods without rest can wear out the youngest. Plan short stops at playgrounds, cafés or attractions.
Underestimating time needed for sightseeing — with children the pace is different; it’s better to plan fewer attractions and no rush.
Is Solilandia suitable for very young children? – The route is designed for families and preschoolers, but infants may tire or get cold quicker; bring a carrier and warm clothes.
Are there changing tables and toilets in the mine? – On the tourist route there are sanitary facilities; plan to have basic child care items with you.
Should I reserve a table at a café with a kids’ corner? – Yes, especially on weekends and at popular venues — a reservation gives peace of mind and a spot close to the play area.
How to get from Kraków to Wieliczka? – The fastest way is by car (about 20–30 minutes); there are also bus and train connections — check schedules before departure and allow time to reach the mine entrance.
Bring small flashlights or battery-powered lamps — although the mine is lit, children love having their own “explorer’s torch”.
If you want a souvenir with real salt history for a child, look for small educational gifts in the official mine shop — they often have Solilandia-themed items.
When planning your Kraków route, choose cafés near main attractions (Błonia, Market Square, Wawel) — you’ll save travel time and be closer to your meeting point or parking.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on your social media — many families are looking for simple, practical day plans in Lesser Poland.
If you want someone to lead your trip without stress, private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz can help plan a route tailored to your family’s needs — you can find information about her services on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website.
Good luck with planning and enjoy your trip — Kraków and Wieliczka can leave wonderful memories for both adults and children!
