Nowa Huta is a neighbourhood full of surprises: an urban scene influenced by interwar and PRL-era planning, wide avenues, historic housing estates and places rich in history, but also plenty of greenery and space for children to play. It’s an excellent alternative to the crowded Old Town — more room to run, shorter queues and attractions that interest both adults and little ones.
As a guide with many years of experience, I often lead families on routes adapted to children — stories are short, full of anecdotes and riddles, and the walking pace includes stops for rest and play. This makes sightseeing a pleasure, not a duty. Nowa Huta combines history, architecture and spots perfect for a family picnic.
A special highlight for families is Kościuszko Mound: a place with an interesting story, lovely views and small exhibitions that you can tick off during one not-too-long outing. The Mound sits in a green part of the city, so it’s easy to combine a visit with a playground, a hands-on science garden or a peaceful walk along the avenues.
Kościuszko Mound is one of Kraków’s memorial mounds. It was built in the years 1820–1823 and is roughly 34 meters high; inside it are soils brought from battlefields of the Kościuszko Uprising. It’s a historic place whose summit rewards you with a nice panorama of the city.
The Mound was once surrounded by elements of the Austrian Fortress of Kraków, and today, besides the hill itself, you’ll find small exhibitions devoted to the history of the Mound and its surroundings. Admission to the Mound is paid — tickets are available at the ticket office where you can also ask about current opening hours and exhibition availability.
Getting there: public transport reaches the foot of the Mound, and a walk from Salwator along Waszyngtona Avenue is a pleasant, shady route — ideal if you have a stroller or want to combine the outing with a leisurely promenade.
Start: Nowa Huta Central Square — easy to reach by tram and bus. The square is spacious, often hosts local events and children can run around before the rest of the route.
Stop 1: Walk along the avenues and housing estates — show the children the distinctive urban grid, interesting architecture and tell one or two short legends or funny facts to engage the younger participants.
Stop 2: Restauracja Stylowa or a café by Central Square — a break for brunch or lunch. Restauracja Stylowa is a historic spot connected to Nowa Huta, family-friendly and comfortable for a longer stop.
Stop 3: Garden of Experiments or a playground (if the kids need to burn off energy) — a short play session before continuing the walk.
Main visit: Kościuszko Mound — climb the Mound, explore the small exhibitions and enjoy the views. From the top you can see parts of Kraków and wide green areas; it’s also a great place for a family photo.
Return: walk back along Waszyngtona Avenue toward Salwator or take public transport from a nearby stop. If you still have energy — a short stop at the Vistula Boulevards or dessert in a local café is a nice way to finish.
I adjust the pace and length of the route to the participants’ ages — for small children I suggest shorter stages and lots of breaks; for older kids we can add more history and curiosities.
I include interactive elements: riddles, mini-quizzes, treasure-hunt tasks — children listen better and join in with excitement. Adults receive historical context and practical tips.
I provide sets of headsets for larger groups so everyone can hear even on busy sections. On request I prepare school programs, educational tours and family-friendly formats that combine fun with learning.
Ticket for the Mound: admission to Kościuszko Mound is paid — tickets are purchased at the Mound’s ticket office. It’s a good idea to check opening hours beforehand, as they can change seasonally.
Transport: tram and bus lines reach the area around the Mound. If you plan a walk from Salwator, Waszyngtona Avenue is a pleasant, shady route — perfect in good weather.
For families with strollers: the approach to the foot of the Mound and the avenue are stroller-friendly, but reaching the very top may involve stairs or steeper sections — for small children consider a carrier or sling for comfort.
What to bring: comfortable shoes, water, snacks for the kids, a hat for sunny days and a camera. A small blanket is handy if you want to picnic on the grass.
Weather and best times: choose clear days for the best Mound views; early morning or late afternoon light is great for photos and temperatures are often kinder for small children.
Restauracja Stylowa — a Nowa Huta classic, perfect for a family meal after the walk. Around Central Square there are also several smaller cafés and bars where you can grab a quick, comfortable bite.
If you prefer a picnic — there are plenty of green areas nearby. Buy some local bread or snacks and spread out on the grass — children will love the space to play.
For dessert I recommend the small cafés near the Salwator avenues — a nice way to close the day before returning to Kraków’s centre.
Is Kościuszko Mound suitable for small children? - Yes, provided you plan the pace and breaks. Reaching the foot is easy, but climbing to the very top can be tiring for little ones; bringing a carrier or sling is recommended.
How much time is needed for the route? - A short family visit to Nowa Huta with a stop at the Mound can be done in 2–3 hours. If you plan to visit exhibitions or have a longer lunch — allow half a day.
Do we need to book a guide? - Booking is recommended, especially on weekends or during the tourist season when availability can be limited. I offer programs tailored to the group’s age and interests.
Is the route safe for strollers and jogging strollers? - Generally yes up to the foot of the Mound and along the avenues, but the final ascent to the summit may include steps and steeper parts; I can advise on the easiest variant of the route.
Where can we buy tickets for the Mound? - Tickets are available at the Mound’s ticket office; if you plan a visit on a specific date, check opening hours in advance, especially outside the high season.
“Trail of Legends” — short interactive stories about the city; children receive tasks and a simple map with clues.
“Little Explorer” — a route with nature tasks and simple outdoor experiments (e.g., observing trees, counting birds, measuring shadows).
“History in a nutshell” — mixing games with short stories about how Nowa Huta was created and what its symbols mean; ideal for older primary-school children.
If you are planning a family day in Nowa Huta, I’ll gladly help organise a route so nobody gets bored and everyone returns home with new knowledge and a good mood. My tours combine curiosities, humour and practical tips — all to make sightseeing easy and enjoyable for the whole family.
If you have questions about booking, available dates or a special children’s program — write or call; I will prepare an offer matched to your family’s age range and needs. See you on the route through Nowa Huta and at Kościuszko Mound! Warm regards, Małgorzata Kasprowicz — licensed guide in Kraków.
PS: If you like, I can prepare a mini-quiz for children or a short checklist of tasks to do during the walk — it’s a great way to release energy and focus attention on interesting city details.
If you travel by public transport, check current tram and bus timetables the day before your visit. Many families find it useful to combine a Mound visit with a play area or the Garden of Experiments to balance history with active play.
Bring cash and a card — ticket offices usually accept both. If you plan to visit exhibitions, check whether any are temporarily closed or have special opening times.
The Mound area is generally well maintained, but parts of the ascent can be steep. Supervise small children closely on slopes and near edges.
There is basic accessibility to the foot of the Mound and along main avenues; however, reaching the summit may be challenging with some mobility aids. Contact me in advance if you need an adapted route or tips for easier access.
