Kraków and Wieliczka are the perfect combination of city sights and an “underground adventure” in one day. It takes about 30 minutes to get from central Kraków to Wieliczka, so you don’t spend too much time on the road, and kids get two completely different stories to discover: legends and castle walls, and salt chambers full of sculptures and underground lakes.
Wieliczka is not just the famous Salt Mine — although that is the biggest draw for families. In the town itself you’ll also find a graduation tower, a park with playgrounds, a traffic town for the youngest children and pleasant ice cream shops, so you can adapt the program to the children’s ages and mood.
For many families the best plan is to visit Kraków’s main sights in the morning — Wawel, the Dragon’s Den, a short walk along the Royal Route — and in the afternoon go underground to Wieliczka or visit the graduation tower and the Salt City. That mix combines fresh-air movement with a unique educational experience underground.
The Salt Mine is an attraction that fires the imagination: corridors, huge chambers, salt sculptures and St. Kinga’s Chapel carved in salt make a powerful impression. The tourist route is about 3 km long and runs at a depth of roughly 100–150 m, so it’s worth preparing children for a longer walk.
At the end of many family visits children receive a souvenir diploma — a small gesture that increases engagement and the joy of the trip. There is also a miners’ tavern in the mine where you can have a traditional meal after the tour.
Outside the mine we recommend the graduation tower — walking around it and breathing the salty mist is pleasant and can help with upper respiratory issues. Active children will enjoy the traffic town, the rope park and Stok pod Baranem with playgrounds, as well as the Salt City with a pool and recreational attractions.
Wawel with the Dragon’s Den is a must — the dragon legend and the statue that breathes fire every few minutes always delight the youngest visitors. A short visit to the Dragon’s Den and a walk along the Vistula terraces is a quick but exciting experience.
The Main Market and the Royal Route are full of color, street performers and ice-cream spots — plan a few short stops so children can rest and grab a snack. Interactive places that usually appeal to kids include the garden of experiments, museums with attractions for the youngest and nearby playgrounds and rope parks.
If the weather is bad, consider the Kraków Aquapark — pools and slides are a great break after sightseeing. Check opening hours and reservations in advance, especially in high season.
It’s best to buy Salt Mine tickets online and reserve a specific time — season and weekends can be very crowded. When planning the day remember the underground route takes time: counting the descent, the tour and the return by lift, plan at least 2–3 hours.
Underground temperatures are lower than on the surface — usually around 14–18°C — so bring a light but warm layer and comfortable shoes. There are many stairs on the route; a stroller will not be comfortable on the tourist trail (the lift descent happens at the end of the route).
Check age restrictions for specific routes before you go: the Tourist Route is generally accessible to families (often recommended from around age 4), while the Miners’ Route is usually for older children (10+) because it is more demanding and longer.
Bring extra water and small snacks for breaks, and have a plan B in case of long queues — nearby parks and cafés are good places to recharge.
Wieliczka is well connected with Kraków — short trips by car or public transport make it easy to combine both places in one day. In season parking in Wieliczka’s center can be limited; it’s most practical to use paid spaces along Dembowskiego Street or parking lots near larger recreational facilities.
If you travel with a stroller, remember the mine route includes stair sections and uneven surfaces. When planning your visit check lift availability and possible places to leave the stroller during the tour. There are toilets on the tourist route, and you can usually find a changing table near the exit or in the visitors’ service area.
For larger groups or if you want flexibility, plan short breaks: St. Kinga Park and the green areas around the mine are great for resting before or after the visit.
There is a miners’ tavern in the mine — a popular and convenient place for lunch after the route. In Wieliczka’s center local ice-cream shops are recommended, for example Lody P. Makłowicz, which is often a hit with children.
In Kraków look for family-friendly cafés — places with play corners or children’s menus. Parks and squares around the Market are good spots for a quick stop and ice cream. If you plan an active day, aquaparks and play centers offer an alternative ending to the day.
If you want something special — check out well-rated cafés and small restaurants around the Old Town; many of them offer dishes adapted for the youngest guests.
Not booking tickets in advance — this risks long queues and no convenient time slots. Buy tickets online and plan your entry time.
Dressing too lightly for the underground route — even in summer bring a warmer layer because it’s cooler and often humid underground. Comfortable shoes are essential — stairs and stone steps are not friendly to sandals.
Trying to do too much in one day — packing too many attractions without breaks can lead to grumpiness. Choose fewer activities with breaks for rest and outdoor play instead.
St. Kinga’s Chapel in Wieliczka is carved almost entirely from salt — it’s one of the places that most often elicit a “wow” from children and adults. Concerts and events are also held in the mine — it’s worth checking the calendar before your visit.
FAQ: Is the route safe for children? Yes, the tourist route is prepared for families, but remember the stairs and supervise the youngest. Are there toilets and a changing table on the route? Yes, toilets are available and a changing table is usually located near the exit. Can you spend the night in the mine? There are special underground accommodation offers from time to time, but they are rare and should be booked well in advance.
Practical tip: if you have little history lovers, tell them the legend of St. Kinga and the legend of the Dragon before you leave — they’ll find the visit more interesting and will ask more questions. At the end of the day praise the kids and give your own “family reward” for brave walking — small rituals like this stick in the memory.
If you’re planning a family trip to Kraków — add Wieliczka to the itinerary. It’s one of those places that combines learning, history and a lot of impressions in a form children truly remember. A well-planned day brings lots of joy and little fatigue.
If you’d like to explore comfortably with the help of a local private guide — you’re invited to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will surely help other families planning a Kraków trip!
