Kraków has something that instantly attracts children: castles, dragons, the trumpeter on the tower, and wide spaces where they can run. If you plan a May outing with your family, a well-organized day can give you ‘wow’ moments from morning to night — without whining, long queues, or exhaustion. In this article I collected proven, child-friendly and at the same time very photogenic places plus practical tips that will help you capture beautiful photos for Instagram and TikTok while everyone has fun.
Start early — mornings are quieter and the light is more pleasant for photos. Wawel and the Wawel Dragon are classics: the castle courtyard impresses with its scale, and the dragon statue breathing fire on the Vistula boulevards is a moment kids will remember for a long time.
The bugle call from St. Mary’s Church tower (hejnał) is a must — a simple gesture that fascinates little ones and makes great short videos.
The Planty park and the Old Town streets are perfect for a relaxed stroll between the next Instagram-worthy frames.
Wawel and the Wawel Dragon - a photo against the castle walls or next to the dragon sculpture is a classic. Early morning or evening light over the Vistula gives beautiful colors, and the dragon’s flame is a hit for short clips.
Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) - the bugle call, the horse carriages, souvenir stalls and colourful townhouses create a stage for varied frames; it’s easy to catch street-life moments here.
Vistula Boulevards and the bridges - wide riverside spaces, benches, bridges and the modern lighting of the Bernatek Footbridge make cheerful family photos and longer TikTok shots.
Dragon’s Den (Smocza Jama) and the Barbican - defensive structures and medieval mysteries create a sense of adventure; kids enjoy playing little explorers.
Kazimierz — streets and murals - colourful walls, cobbles and cosy cafés form an original backdrop for natural portraits of children.
Kościuszko Mound or Krakus Mound - a short walk and a panoramic view of the city; great for a family portrait with the skyline behind you.
Parks and playgrounds - the Planty, Vistula Boulevards and small squares near Kazimierz offer space to rest and frames where children look joyful and carefree.
Choose 2–3 “must-have” shots per day instead of trying to photograph every spot. Children lose patience faster than adults, so short, focused sessions give better results.
Use natural moments: eating waffles, feeding pigeons, playing on the steps or watching the dragon are scenes that look authentic and film well.
Match the time of day to your plan: golden hours in the morning and late afternoon give the nicest light; at midday find shade or hide in a café for a short break.
Bring a snack pack and small rewards — a simple way to keep a good atmosphere during short photo sessions.
Morning: start at 8:30 at Wawel — a short walk around the courtyard, photos with the Castle and Dragon’s Den. Spend a moment wrapping the visit in the legend to capture kids’ imagination.
Late morning: walk the Planty toward the Main Market Square, hear the hejnał from St. Mary’s tower, quick shots at the Cloth Hall, and ice cream or waffles on a bench.
Midday: a light break in a family-friendly café (time for toilets, a snack, and a change of clothes for the little one). Afternoon: Vistula Boulevards, the bridges and a short boat trip (if the kids are up for it) or a visit to an interactive museum for 45–60 minutes.
Evening: a relaxed return through Kazimierz, where charming tenement houses and murals give the last frames of the day. Dinner at a well-reviewed restaurant serving Polish dishes with children’s options.
Day 1: Wawel, Main Market Square, a short museum or the Market Underground (if children are curious about history), then Planty and the Vistula Boulevards in the afternoon.
Day 2: Kazimierz and its surroundings (short stories, a mural safari), the Barbican and a short section of the city walls, followed by relaxing and playing in a park. End the day at a restaurant with a good children-friendly menu and positive reviews.
For families, choose places with children’s menus and friendly service. A few tried-and-true spots that usually receive good feedback and have a family atmosphere: Cafe Camelot — a cosy café near the Old Town; Massolit Books & Café — a bookish café ideal for a quiet moment; Starka in Kazimierz — traditional Polish cuisine in a family style. It’s always a good idea to reserve a table for the May holiday, as popular places fill up quickly.
Trying to “do” all of Kraków in one day — choosing 2–3 attractions and really enjoying them gives better results than rushing across the whole city.
Not planning breaks — children need rest, snacks and toilets. Schedule 60–90 minutes of breaks through the day so everyone can recharge.
Not checking opening hours and special events during the May holiday — many attractions change hours for holidays; it’s worth confirming in advance.
Ignoring the weather — May can surprise with changeable conditions; a light jacket, umbrella and spare shoes for the little ones are a good idea.
Kraków is best explored on foot, but use trams and buses for longer sections — stops are frequent and tickets can be bought via mobile apps. The main train station and Galeria Krakowska have toilets and places to rest with family-friendly infrastructure.
Cobbled streets and stairs - be aware that some routes (Wawel, Old Town) have uneven surfaces; a stroller may need to be carried up steps. If you travel with a baby stroller, choose routes with fewer stairs or take a folding stroller.
Safety and crowds - the May holiday is a popular time, so pick off-peak hours (mornings or late afternoons) and watch personal belongings in crowded places.
The hejnał has a “break” in the melody — it’s part of the legend about the trumpeter who warned the townspeople of an attack and died while playing. Kids love this story and often repeat why the tune is cut off.
The Wawel Dragon “breathes fire” thanks to a gas supply — the effect is impressive, but for safety or technical reasons it may be limited sometimes; either way, tell the legend and imagine old Kraków together.
Many nooks in the Old Town hide small sculptures, plaques and curiosities that are perfect for a discovery game — instead of a classic city game, you can make your own treasure hunt.
Are the routes suitable for strollers? - Some routes have cobbles and stairs; shorter stretches in the Planty and on the boulevards are easier, but bring a folding stroller or a carrier.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance? - For the May holiday, some museums and entries (e.g. the Market Underground) are worth booking in advance to avoid queues.
How long does a standard relaxed walk with children take? - A good pace is 3–4 hours with breaks; if you plan museums or indoor visits, add 1–2 more hours.
Water and small snacks for the kids, wipes, a spare shirt, documents, a powerbank for your phone, reserved tickets/confirmed bookings for the May holiday, and a small first-aid kit.
Check opening hours of attractions and special events on the day of your visit. Plan your route to combine short “wow” moments with places to rest.
Make a list of 2–3 photo shots you really want to get — that’s enough to make the day successful.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it might save someone’s May holiday plans!
If you prefer to explore with a guide, you are welcome to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — information and offers are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I will gladly help plan a family walk tailored to your children’s ages and interests.
Good luck and have a wonderful May holiday in Kraków — may it be full of smiles, great photos and good stories!
