This text gathers practical tips for tourists visiting Kraków and Zakopane in small groups (2–6 people) with children. You will find a list of recommended cafes and restaurants, what to check before you go, common pitfalls and a short FAQ with the most important information.
Recommendations are based on observations from local parents and guides as well as descriptions of places that offer play corners, high chairs, changing stations and menus tailored to the youngest guests.
Smaller groups (2–6 people) have a big advantage: it’s easier to find a table, move around the city faster and adapt the pace of the outing. If you choose cafes or restaurants with play corners and child-friendly facilities, a meal can become a real break — not just another task to manage.
A good family-friendly place is more than plastic cups. The most important elements are: a comfortable high chair, a changing table in the restroom, a clear children’s menu, a well-visible play area and friendly staff. That way parents can eat more peacefully and children have space for free play.
Cafe Manggha — a place with a beautiful view of the Vistula and Wawel, often running mini workshops and providing family-friendly areas. A good choice for a calm afternoon after a riverside walk.
Lajkonik (selected locations) — venues that are welcoming to parents, with children’s corners, changing tables and roomy seats; ideal for a short break while sightseeing the Old Town.
Famiga — a cafe run with families in mind: bookshelf, indoor play corners and occasional activities for the little ones. Recommended for longer visits to the city center.
LikeKonik — a club-cafe with a separate children’s room, a rich program of classes and a menu adapted to different age groups.
Nova Resto Bar — on some weekends they organize a ball-pool corner with an animator; it’s worth reserving a table close to the play area when visiting with larger family groups.
Mozaika Resto Bar — a practical choice for families: child-friendly menu, a toy corner and weekend events with activities for the youngest guests.
La Forchetta / Forchetta — an example of a venue that combines a slightly more elegant interior with family offerings — there is a play corner and high chairs for toddlers if you want a more refined meal.
Rodzinka Cafe, Makaroniarnia, Szalone Widelce — venues located in various districts of Kraków that frequently appear in parents’ recommendations for convenience, children’s menus and small play corners.
Park Janosika (playroom) — located in the center of Zakopane, often recommended for families with small children; they offer amenities such as low toilets, changing tables and high chairs.
Pizzeria Da Adamo — a pizzeria with a children’s corner, a good option for families looking for an informal, quick meal.
Restauracja Zakopiańska — traditional cuisine offered with a family-friendly approach; locations with space for children are especially worth choosing outside the high season when it is calmer.
Beyond specific venues: in Zakopane many places offer alternative family activities such as short walks to Szymoszkowa, small museums or indoor playrooms inside shopping galleries — it’s worth checking availability before your trip, especially during the season.
Book in advance — especially on weekends and during the tourist season. For a small group booking for 2–6 people is usually simpler, but for popular places it’s best to call 1–2 days ahead.
Choose a table facing the play corner — this small move significantly improves comfort. If there are no tables near the play area, ask the staff if they can move you closer, if possible.
Check in advance: changing table in the restroom, availability of a high chair and whether the venue accepts strollers. You can often find this information on place descriptions or by calling the venue.
Mind opening times and seasonality — some places expand animation offers only on weekends or off-season. In Zakopane it’s worth confirming whether an attraction is operating on the day of your visit.
Bring small extras: wet wipes, a small spare snack for your child, a change of clothes — even in the best place a surprise can happen.
Not booking a table for weekends and assuming “we’ll get in somehow” — in popular family cafes lack of reservation may mean a long wait. A booking saves family time.
Sitting with your back to the play corner — if you can’t see the children, every parent will hurry back to the table; positioning the table differently improves the mealtime experience.
Assuming every venue has a changing table or a high chair — not all venues offer these. If it’s important for you, check before you go with an infant.
For larger groups (near 6 people) forgetting to inform the staff — tell them about allergies, the need for a table near the play area or menu preferences for the child.
Do I need to reserve a table for 2–3 people with a child? Yes, especially on weekends and in popular venues. A reservation 24–48 hours before the visit is sufficient in most cases.
Is it hard to find a changing table in Kraków? Most family-friendly venues have a changing table, but not all. If this matters to you, ask the venue before you arrive.
Are animations and play corners available every day? Activities are usually more frequent on weekends; during the week many cafes run workshops, but check the event schedule first.
Do venues accept card payments? Most do, but in small places in Zakopane cash may still be preferred — it’s good to have some on hand.
Is it more expensive during the tourist season? Prices can be slightly higher in very touristy places and in Zakopane at peak season — compare menus before you go.
In Kraków some cafes combine cultural offerings with family activities — mini workshops, concerts for the little ones or story mornings. It’s a great way to mix sightseeing with relaxation for children.
In Zakopane, beyond food, pay attention to smaller local indoor attractions for children that operate off-season — indoor playrooms in the center can be a real discovery on colder days.
Ask about modified menus — the best venues can prepare simple dishes adapted for allergies or a child’s diet if requested in advance.
Sightseeing in Kraków and Zakopane as a small group with children can be pleasant and relaxing if you choose places that support families. A little preparation (booking, choosing the right table, checking facilities) pays off with more comfort for everyone.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it helps other families plan successful trips.
If you’d like to tour with a local guide, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details can be found on the guide’s website.
