Looking for an idea for an engaging, accessible walk around Kraków for children or a school group? Nowa Huta is a great choice - different architecture, wide avenues, stories from a specific era, and places where it’s easy to turn sightseeing into play. This 3-hour walk, led by me, Małgorzata Kasprowicz (licensed Kraków guide), was created especially for children and teenagers - no museum entries, but simple tasks, games and practical stops.
The route focuses on outdoor attractions and stories - I will show you Nowa Huta as an urban 'story' of postwar Poland: why the streets are wide, what the monumental buildings mean, and how residents created everyday life here. Everything is presented in a lively, accessible way with activities that engage even the most energetic children.
If you want to book the walk or ask about dates, reservations and details are arranged individually - I’m happy to adjust pace and content to the group’s age.
Approximate price for a private 3-hour tour is around 400-500 PLN - the final amount depends on group size and details. After booking I will provide all practical information.
Below you’ll find a detailed route plan, ideas for children’s games, practical tips and frequently asked questions.
Nowa Huta looks completely different to Kraków’s historic center - wide avenues, large housing blocks, big squares and interesting architectural details. Children perceive it as something 'different', which encourages curiosity and questions.
It’s easy here to explain city-related concepts: planning public space, building functions, meeting places. We can also compare different architectural styles and ask young participants to find specific elements (for example sculptures, porticos, stairwells).
The walk avoids museum interiors, so it’s light, dynamic and ideal for children with shorter attention spans - yet full of stories, tasks and short rest breaks.
For teenagers the route also offers a look at the social and historical background of the district: how an industrial town functioned, what socialist-realist ideology meant, and how residents adapted the space to their needs.
I emphasize interaction - questions, mini-quizzes, tasks to complete during the walk and short outdoor games.
Meeting and short warm-up: 10-15 minutes - we explain the rules of the games, hand out simple tasks and set the pace. The meeting point is agreed at booking; I often start in the central part of Nowa Huta to make the most of the time.
Aleja Róż - the district’s representative axis: I explain the urban concept, show elements of socialist-realist aesthetics and propose a photo task for children: who can find the most interesting architectural detail?
Plac Centralny - a huge square with monumental blocks: we compare sizes, count stairs, and talk about how parades and marches used to take place here. Short game: 'Guess what this room was for' - an imagination exercise.
Arka Pana (the Ark of the Lord church) - the story of its construction and the remarkable civic initiative of residents: I tell the story of the struggle to build a church and how architecture influences urban life. When possible we view it from the outside and use the space in front of the church for a short talk.
Blocks, courtyards and murals - walking through a housing estate looking for details: playgrounds, small shops, milk bars. Suggested task: 'Treasure map' - children receive simple clues and search for spots on the route (for example an interesting balcony, a mural, an unusual gate).
Zalew Nowohucki or a nearby park (depending on route) - a moment to relax, have a snack and a short outdoor game: contest for the most interesting memory from the route, drawing a place, or a mini-tour using a 'guide’s treasure' (cards with riddles).
Summary and questions - 10-15 minutes: talk about what was most enjoyed, hand out small tips for independent further exploration and say goodbye.
- Mini treasure hunt: simple clues and tasks to complete along the route.
- Photo contest: who will take the most interesting picture of an architectural detail?
- Quiz 'Who designed this?': short, fun questions with two or three simple answer choices.
- On-site sketch: 5-7 minutes to draw a building or a fragment of the space (paper and pens can be brought by participants).
- Short scene to perform: children invent a dialogue between two block residents - a game in empathy and understanding everyday life.
Activities are adapted to age and the pace is flexible - if the group wants to stay longer in one place, I adjust the program.
00:00-00:15 Meeting, welcome, rules and short warm-up.
00:15-00:45 Aleja Róż + 1 field task.
00:45-01:30 Plac Centralny + short activities and historical stories.
01:30-02:00 Arka Pana and surroundings - tasks and social stories.
02:00-02:30 Walk through the estate, murals and courtyards - exploratory tasks.
02:30-02:50 Park / reservoir - break, snack, active game.
02:50-03:00 Summary, Q&A and goodbye.
This is only a guideline - during the walk I adapt the pace to the group.
Meeting point: agreed individually when booking; I usually choose easily accessible, recognizable spots in central Nowa Huta.
Transport: from central Kraków you can reach Nowa Huta by tram or bus. Travel time depends on the starting point - allow extra time for transfers. Check local timetables before arrival.
Clothing: comfortable shoes and a light jacket or rain poncho if the forecast is uncertain. The walk is urban, but parts of the route are exposed to wind.
What to bring: water, a snack, small cash for a possible stop at a café or milk bar, and a small notebook or phone for photos. For school groups I recommend preparing a list of participants and supervisors.
Accessibility: the route is walked on foot. If there are people with limited mobility in the group, please let me know when booking - I will adapt the route to make it as comfortable as possible.
Approximate price for a 3-hour tour for a group is about 400-500 PLN depending on the number of participants and booking details. There is group pricing for larger groups - details are arranged individually.
To book the walk: contact me directly to set the date and discuss the group’s needs. During booking we will agree on the start location, pace, end point and any thematic preferences.
When you book you will receive information about payment methods, cancellation policy and any promotions.
Note: prices may change - the amounts above are indicative.
Contact and availability are arranged directly.
Is the walk suitable for preschoolers? - Yes, but pace and task length are adjusted to age. For the youngest I suggest more frequent breaks and more active games.
Is the route safe? - Yes. I avoid dangerous crossings and busy streets. I always choose safe sidewalks and places for short stops. School supervisors are asked to oversee children according to standard school rules.
Do we need to buy tickets for interiors? - This walk was designed without visits to museums or paid interiors - all stories and activities take place outdoors.
What if it rains? - The walk usually takes place regardless of weather. In case of very bad weather I suggest another date or a small route modification.
How many people can be in a group? - The route is flexible. For school and family groups I set limits and, if needed, divide into smaller teams so the walk is comfortable and safe.
Please make sure each child has a small backpack with water and a snack - short breaks help keep spirits high.
If the group has specific interests (for example photography, architecture, PRL history), let me know when booking - I will tailor content and tasks.
For school groups I recommend splitting into small teams with supervisors - field tasks work best that way.
After the walk I can recommend local places for a simple, inexpensive meal - milk bars and family-run restaurants nearby are often child-friendly.
I’m happy to help plan another day in Kraków if you’d like more activities.
Nowa Huta is a district that opens your eyes to a different image of the city. For children and teenagers it can be a fascinating lesson in history, urban design and everyday life - no boredom, no museum queues.
If you want to book a date or have additional questions - please get in touch. I will gladly prepare a route perfect for your group and make sure every participant returns with interesting memories and new knowledge.
See you on a walk through Nowa Huta!
Małgorzata Kasprowicz - licensed Kraków guide
Contact and bookings: arranged individually.
