The Night of Museums is a unique chance to show museums to children from a different perspective - in an atmosphere of evening discovery, with shorter formats and workshops specially prepared for the youngest visitors. It is not just looking at display cases and exhibits, but often interactive activities, small theatre performances, art workshops and demonstrations that engage children’s imagination and curiosity. It is also an opportunity to explain history, archaeology or art in a simple and playful way - and the experience of the nighttime city and special staging intensifies the emotions and makes the evening memorable. For parents, it is a great way to see familiar places in a new light and to enjoy many attractions in one evening.
In Krakow the Night of Museums traditionally takes place in May - museums open their doors in the evening and run special programs. Recent editions have drawn large crowds, and many institutions prepare family ticket promotions, family workshops and events for children of different ages.
For families the main advantages of that night are the availability of special activities for children, often reduced ticket prices (sometimes only a symbolic fee) and the atmospheric evening visiting times, which provide an alternative to crowded daytime hours.
In practice the Night of Museums is one night when many cultural institutions open late - typically starting around 19:00 and finishing between 00:00 and 01:00. Organizers announce exact dates and times for each edition, and the detailed program appears on the museums' pages a few weeks before the event.
Keep in mind that although many exhibitions are available free or for a symbolic fee that evening, some events require prior reservation or have limited places. Some institutions allow entry in small, controlled groups - this is a big advantage with children, because it means calmer visits and better conditions for participating in workshops.
Before planning your route check the programs of the main municipal branches and reserve places where needed. In many past editions tickets for selected events appeared for sale online in early May - it’s worth following museum websites ahead of time.
Many Krakow institutions prepare special family programs. Look for events labeled "for families" or "for children" - these formats and activities are tailored to younger participants.
The Archaeological Museum in Krakow often runs workshops and activities with elements of experiment, storytelling about ancient times and easy-to-understand hands-on tasks - it’s an excellent place for curious preschoolers and primary-school children.
Branches of the Museum of Krakow (including locations in the Old Town) regularly prepare themed family tours, workshops and demonstrations that allow children to touch history through replicas, games and educational play. In past editions there were tours with replica dress-up and sessions about coronation insignia - big hits with younger visitors.
Also check smaller museums and specialist branches - they often offer short, attractive activities (puppet shows, animations, art workshops) ideal for families, and the smaller crowds make it easier to keep children engaged.
1) Check the program and reserve places - the most important family events are often limited. If an attraction requires booking, do it in advance. 2) Plan a realistic route - you won’t visit all museums in one night. Pick 2–3 spots and allow time for breaks for food and rest. 3) Wear comfortable shoes and layered clothing - evenings can be chilly, and children will do a lot of walking and standing. 4) Bring snacks and drinks - small snacks, water and some money for a hot drink help keep spirits high. 5) Secure documents and a phone number - in case anyone gets separated, have a contact number for the guardian or accommodation. 6) Carry a phone flashlight - useful for evening walks and as a little extra fun during darker parts of the program. 7) For small children bring a carrier or a stroller - although some exhibitions have stairs or limited space. 8) Check children’s admission rules - many places offer reduced or free entry for the youngest visitors (e.g., children up to a certain age). 9) Talk with your child about the evening beforehand - explain what to expect, how long the program will last and museum rules (quiet near exhibits, behave in workshop areas).
With this kind of preparation the evening will be more enjoyable for children and less stressful for adults. Remember: it’s better to leave extra time between events than to rush from one attraction to another.
In some editions the city introduced changes in tram and bus services - check municipal transport announcements before you go, especially if you plan to use public transport with a stroller or a large group.
- Safety tips: keep children close, especially in crowded areas and near entrances. Agree with the child that if they get lost they should approach museum staff or an information point. - Signage and staff: many museums have additional staff and volunteers during the Night of Museums - ask for help if you have questions about routes or concessions. - Rest and pace: adapt the pace to the youngest participant. It’s better to see less and enjoy it than to "do everything" at the cost of exhaustion. - Medicines and allergies: if a child needs medication or has food allergies, carry what’s necessary and inform a guardian.
Behaviour in the museum is important for the comfort of other visitors - explain to children that they should not touch exhibits unless it’s clearly allowed (touch zones and workshops). Many organisers set up interactive zones where touching is part of the experience.
If you come with a group of friends agree on a meeting point and time, and use simple clothing markers (e.g., bright vests or scarves) to make it easier to spot children in a crowd.
19:00 - start at a selected branch of the Museum of Krakow: a short themed family tour (30–40 min). 20:00 - break for a warm snack and drinks (a museum café or a nearby spot). 20:30 - workshop at the Archaeological Museum in Krakow: "little discoverer" activities with simple hands-on tasks (45–60 min). 21:45 - short visit to a smaller branch or an interactive children’s show (30 min). 22:30 - return to accommodation or a short walk around the illuminated Market Square, end the evening with a dessert (for example hot chocolate).
This is an example - choose events that best match your children’s ages and interests. Leave time for movement between venues and possible queues.
If your children are younger (preschool age), focus on one or two events and pick shorter, more interactive activities.
After an evening of visiting many places most families look for a warm spot for a snack or dessert. Around the Old Town you’ll find many cafés and pastry shops with child-friendly menus - hot chocolate, pancakes, cakes and lighter meals. If you prefer a quieter place look for venues with small tables and quick service.
Recommended spots near the Old Town include places such as Cafe Camelot, Cukiernia Noworolski (in the Cloth Hall), Wierzynek and the E.Wedel chocolate lounge - they are popular with families and offer familiar treats for children.
Practical tips: - Avoid the most touristy restaurants at peak times - queues can be long. - Choose a place with take-away options if your children are very tired - you can eat in a nearby park or at the hotel. - If someone in your family has allergies or special dietary needs check the menu in advance or pick a place that accommodates requests.
Keep in mind that after an intense evening children often need a calm place to rest - when planning your night, note locations with seating and quick service.
Is the Night of Museums free for children? - Museums usually offer concessions or free entry for the youngest children, but rules vary by institution. Check the chosen museum’s page before you go.
Do I have to book tickets online? - Popular workshops and guided tours often require reservation. It’s worth buying an online ticket when available to avoid disappointment.
Is the Night of Museums suitable for infants and very small children? - Yes, but some programs are longer and louder. Shorter activities and museums with space for changing/ resting are better for infants.
How long do family workshops last? - Usually 30–60 minutes, though some are longer. The event description typically states the duration.
Can I bring a stroller into the museum? - Most museums are stroller-friendly, but some branches have architectural barriers or limited space used during the Night of Museums. If accessibility is important check the venue information.
- Prepare Plan B: if the queue is long, have an alternative museum or a quiet event in reserve. - Don’t expect to see everything - choose quality over quantity. - Use workshops as a way to learn calmly - children often learn more by doing than by just looking at exhibits. - Give children small tasks during the visit (for example "find an object shaped like a ball" or "count three shiny objects") - this engages attention and turns visiting into a game.
I hope these tips help you plan an evening full of discoveries and fun. The Night of Museums is a great opportunity to make family visits both educational and enjoyable - a little planning and a positive attitude are enough. Have a wonderful evening in Krakow!
If you’d like, I can prepare a sample route tailored to your children’s ages and your hotel location - give me the children’s ages and where you’re staying and I’ll plan a detailed schedule with reservation suggestions and break spots.
