A May trip is a great opportunity to see Krakow while giving children more than just a walk around the Market Square. The Museum of Engineering and Technology (MIT) offers exhibits, workshops and a Brick Zone that draw in the youngest visitors, and short interactive activities help expend energy needed later for climbing a mound or a viewing tower. The afternoon balance of “learning-play” + “city panorama” works very well: children get tired in a constructive way, and adults can enjoy beautiful views and photos from the holiday.
The Museum of Engineering and Technology has several locations and family-friendly offers: Zajezdnia (main exhibition), the Stanisław Lem Experience Garden and special workshops and family tours. It makes a good base before a short trip to a mound or viewing terrace on the same day.
If you’re planning a long weekend — schedule one afternoon for the MIT and one morning/afternoon for a viewpoint; children usually tolerate shorter, intense attractions better than a series of long walks.
The MIT’s main branch at Św. Wawrzyńca Street features exhibitions tied to industry, transport, technology and communication — many exhibits can be touched, started or tested. For younger visitors there are family trails and guided tours that explain in a simple and engaging way how the city and machines work.
The Stanisław Lem Experience Garden is an outdoor laboratory with over 100 stations for simple physical experiments — an ideal place for a May picnic and outdoor play. In season there are often demonstrations and short workshops.
Additionally, MIT runs a Brick Zone and a cycle of themed workshops — from robotics to printing and even molecular cooking for kids. Check the current calendar and reserve a spot if you plan to join specific activities.
Check the schedule and buy tickets in advance: on a long weekend many families plan similar attractions, so booking ahead or arriving for the first entry will save stress.
Choose the time: mornings are often quieter. Reserve 1.5–3 hours for touring and play — longer visits can be tiring for the youngest children.
Think about comfort: bring light snacks, water bottles and a change of clothes for the kids (especially for the Experience Garden). Check availability of lockers and toilets; not all parts of the exhibits are fully stroller-accessible — if you come with a stroller, ask about accessible routes.
Krakow’s mounds (Kościuszko Mound, Krakus Mound, Piłsudski Mound) are classics: safe paths, plenty of space for play and picnics, and superb panoramas of the city from the top. Mounds are often free or have small fees; some also offer amenities like cafés, toilets and walking paths.
The St. Mary’s Church tower and the Town Hall Tower provide some of the best views of the Main Market Square and the Cloth Hall rooftops. Keep in mind there are stairs — not suitable for strollers and potentially challenging for very young children. Consider this option if your kids are older or enjoy a little height adventure.
MOCAK and some modern cultural institutions have terraces or rooftop viewpoints overlooking the Vistula boulevards and Zabłocie — a nice alternative if you prefer a shorter walk and a contemporary setting. The Academy of Music terrace is another spot with pleasant panoramas of the Market and Wawel, often with nearby places to rest and get coffee.
Safety first: not all viewpoints have large railings or edge protections; watch children closely and keep them near you near edges and on staircases.
Tables and cafés on terraces can be busy during the May holiday — if sitting with a view is important, plan your break outside peak hours or check for reservation options.
Consider wind and weather: it’s usually cooler higher up than on the ground, so bring a light jacket or thin sweaters for the children.
Massolit Books & Café (a well-known spot with good coffee and a friendly atmosphere) and cafés on the Old Town and around Podgórze are good choices for a break with kids — many places offer simple kids’ menus.
For dessert, look for ice cream — places like Good Lood and other artisan ice cream shops are usually a family favorite. For a quick, informal meal, Plac Nowy (zapiekanki, street food) is an attraction in itself: kids enjoy the variety and colorful flavors.
If you want a traditional, well-rated restaurant after a day of sightseeing, choose places with a children’s menu and space to move around; local reviews and rankings can help pick the best options in a given area.
The urge to “see everything” in one day — a May trip is a time to slow down. It’s better to plan two attractions a day than one long marathon route.
Not checking opening hours and reservations — especially on a long weekend, confirm hours and buy tickets in advance when possible.
No backup plan for bad weather — have indoor alternatives (e.g. a museum, a café with space for kids) and keep umbrellas handy.
Is MIT good for small children? Yes — the museum offers programs for the youngest visitors, including the Brick Zone and shorter guided tours; however, some exhibits may be more interesting for older kids.
Are all viewpoints stroller-accessible? No — many towers have stairs. Mounds and some terraces on modern buildings are more stroller-friendly. Check route accessibility before you go.
How to combine the museum and a viewpoint in one day? Plan MIT in the morning or late morning, take a lunch break, then head to a mound or tower in the afternoon — children are often more willing to go outside after a few hours of museum play.
Many mounds are not only viewpoints but also great places for a short history lesson and storytelling — share legends related to a given mound (for example, tales about who might be buried under Krakus Mound) to add drama to the trip.
Hidden terraces: some galleries and cultural institutions have lesser-known terraces with nice views that are not as crowded as the Market Square towers — check local reports or ask at tourist information points.
If you’re after great photos: the best light for panoramas is just after sunrise and in the hour before sunset; a May sunset over the Vistula can be especially beautiful.
If you enjoyed this guide — share it with friends or on social media; recommending it to others is the best way to help them plan a great May trip.
If you’d like to explore Krakow with a guide and have a family-tailored plan, consider booking services with guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details can be found on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. This is a great option when you want to save time and see the highlights at a pace suited to children.
Wishing you a wonderful May trip — may it be full of interesting experiences, tasty breaks and beautiful views!
