Kraków and Wieliczka are a classic combination: morning coffee on the Main Square, a few hours walking the Old Town and an afternoon trip to the famous salt mine. For parents traveling with a little one the most important thing is that the schedule is flexible, allows breaks and doesn’t require long stretches of carrying heavy gear. In this article you’ll find a detailed, family-friendly weekend plan, tips on transport and places where it’s easy to change or feed your child, and practical hacks that will save stroller-using parents a lot of stress.
With a few simple choices (for example: a comfortable folding stroller, a carrier for the underground section and booking tickets online) you can turn the route from a logistical feat into an enjoyable family outing.
Saturday — Kraków: easy start and plenty of breaks. Begin the day with a short walk along the Planty or the Vistula boulevards so your child can stretch after the trip. Then take a relaxed walk along the Royal Route toward Wawel (you can see the courtyard from the outside and decide later whether to enter the Cathedral, depending on the baby’s mood). Head to the Main Market Square before midday, when it’s a bit less crowded; consider visiting the Cloth Hall or the Town Hall Tower only if you have someone to help with the stroller. In the afternoon explore Kazimierz — a café stop, a short break at Nowy Square and a walk along the riverbank.
Sunday — Wieliczka and a lighter afternoon in Kraków: plan the trip to the Salt Mine so you have plenty of time for a calm entrance and the guided visit. The mine’s tourist route includes several hundred stairs, so go underground with a baby carrier or sling; leave the stroller in luggage storage. After returning from Wieliczka finish the weekend with a relaxing time in one of Kraków’s parks or visit the Experience Garden/playground if the weather is nice.
Suggested timing (approximate): Saturday: 09:00 Planty and walk to Wawel, 11:00 Main Square, 13:00 lunch and rest, 15:00 Kazimierz. Sunday: 09:30 departure to Wieliczka, 10:00–13:30 visit to the mine and graduation towers, 15:00 return to Kraków, 16:00 afternoon at the Planty or the Experience Garden.
The Tourist Route in the Wieliczka Salt Mine is about 3–4 km long and includes roughly 800 steps in total, with a large portion at the start (around 380). For that reason the route is not comfortable or practical with a stroller.
If you are traveling with a small child, bring a carrier or sling — it’s the simplest solution underground. You can leave the stroller in luggage storage before entry (around the Daniłowicz shaft) or leave it in the car. There is also an automatic luggage locker on the surface, but not all lockers are always available, so arrive with extra time.
The graduation tower and some external sections are accessible with a stroller — a good spot for a calm walk and to air the baby after the underground visit. The underground temperature is usually around 17–18°C, so you don’t need to overdress the child, but bring a thin extra layer just in case.
Kraków has an extensive public transport network: many trams and buses have low floors, which makes boarding with a stroller easier. Plan journeys outside peak hours when possible — weekends and morning hours are usually quieter.
The best stroller for this trip is a light, easy-to-fold model — if you must use a train or a bus to Wieliczka, quick folding and carrying is a big advantage. Some vehicles have spaces reserved for strollers and people with limited mobility.
Good boarding and alighting points are stops with raised platforms or direct sidewalk access; always have a plan B in case of tram track works or a broken lift. If you travel by car, check parking rules near your accommodation in advance — central areas often have paid parking zones during specific hours.
Many larger shopping centers and popular museums have changing tables and nursing rooms; check the venue’s website before you go. The main railway station area and Galeria Krakowska often have family-friendly spaces.
Recommended family-friendly places for short breaks and lunches include Massolit Books & Café (family-friendly, comfortable interior), Cafe Camelot (cozy atmosphere) and several restaurants near Wawel that offer generous portions and quick service. Choose places with changing facilities in the restroom or a calm corner where you can sit with your child.
If you need a quick outdoor rest, the Planty, Vistula Boulevards and several large city parks are ideal for feeding or a short stroller nap.
When choosing a place to stay, pay attention to: easy access (no high thresholds), presence of an elevator, availability of a travel cot on request and the ability to store the stroller on the ground floor or in the room. Well-rated family apartments often include a kitchenette — useful for preparing meals for small children.
Good locations are the areas around the Planty, Kazimierz or Grzegórzki — depending on preference: closer to the Old Town (more touristy) or Kazimierz (quieter, with more local cafés).
Planning everything too tightly — book Wieliczka tickets in advance and leave extra time between attractions for naps or feeding.
Bringing a heavy off-road stroller for the underground visit — choose a light, foldable stroller and a carrier for the underground section.
No rainy-day alternative — have a list of covered attractions (museums with short activities for kids, science centers, cafés with play corners).
There is an automatic luggage storage near the Daniłowicz shaft on the surface — very handy, but not all lockers are always available, so arrive with time to spare.
Although Wieliczka is a historic tourist site, during selected periods some lower-level excavations can be made available to visitors with limited mobility (by prior arrangement) — if you need assistance ask about accessibility and available dates.
Can you visit Wieliczka with a stroller? Officially a stroller on the Tourist Route is impractical because of the large number of stairs; it’s recommended to leave the stroller in storage and go down with a carrier.
Can an infant go underground? There is no strict age restriction, but due to stairs and the nature of the route it’s best to use a carrier and judge the child’s comfort individually.
Are there changing tables in Kraków? Yes — larger shopping centers, some museums and selected cafés have changing tables; bring a changing mat just in case.
What clothes to take for Wieliczka? The temperature underground is roughly 17–18°C — a comfortable layer is sufficient, plus a thin sweatshirt for the child.
light, quick-folding stroller; carrier or sling; spare outfit for the child; snacks, bottles and a thermos with a warm drink; small first-aid kit and wet wipes; a document proving the child’s age (sometimes useful for discounts); powerbank and tickets saved on your phone or printed; rainy-day plan.
If this plan helped you, share it with friends or on social media — a short message can save someone’s weekend! If you want to explore with even more peace of mind, consider the private guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find contact details and family-tailored offers on the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com site. Wishing you a calm, successful weekend in Kraków and Wieliczka!
