Looking for a family-friendly weekend program in Kraków that will interest both children and teenagers? Combining a walk through Nowa Huta with a visit to the Market Square Underground is an excellent choice: Nowa Huta will show younger and older visitors a chapter of 20th-century history and a surprising urban landscape, while the Market Square Underground introduces medieval mysteries and archaeological discoveries beneath the heart of Kraków.
If you want to avoid queues and enjoy a comfortable visit — choose a licensed guide. Małgorzata Kasprowicz is a local, licensed guide (licence since 2012) who has led thousands of people and is authorized to guide in the Market Square Underground. She offers programs tailored to participants’ ages, with humor and activities that engage children and teens. This makes the tour not only informative but also lively and interactive.
A guide is more than a storyteller — she knows how to run a group so you don’t feel crowded and can keep a pace suited to the youngest members. With Małgorzata you’ll hear stories, anecdotes, and curiosities children will remember for a long time.
Nowa Huta: a walk through an area designed in the socialist realism era reveals monumental squares, characteristic housing estates, and stories of social change and everyday life. The program can include central residential squares, iconic social meeting spots (for example, the legendary Stylowa restaurant as a local meeting point), religious sites, and green parks.
Museums and places linked to Nowa Huta: depending on the program, it’s worth visiting the “History of Nowa Huta” branch with exhibitions and workshops for children, or planning shorter stops at thematic points (mosaics, small chapels, the garden of experiments). In season there are also family workshops and educational walks aimed at children and youth.
Market Square Underground (Podziemia Rynku): an extraordinary museum beneath the Main Market Square where you can see archaeological remains, the former city layout and multimedia presentations. The visit transports you through time — from medieval streets and building remnants to everyday objects used by former Kraków residents. In a group with a guide, children receive accessible, engaging narratives and answers to their questions.
Families with children (from around 6 years old) — shorter, dynamic stories, elements of outdoor games and breaks for ice cream or snacks arranged to keep the youngest engaged.
School-age teenagers — a route expanded with historical and social context, discussions about the PRL era, urban planning and architecture; possible group quizzes and tasks for team building.
Schools and organized groups — educational programs matched to age and curriculum, with optional workshops in museum institutions. Małgorzata has experience leading school groups and runs activities that engage even less-interested pupils.
Book in advance — weekends (especially in high season) can be busy. Reserve a date with the guide ahead of time; entries to the Market Square Underground and any museum visits can be arranged beforehand to avoid standing in line.
Best times — morning (first sessions) or shortly after museums open are less crowded. For families late morning is convenient — children have more energy, and afternoons can be used for a relaxed walk or a café break.
Suggested family schedule (2–3 hours): 1) Meet the guide at the agreed spot in Nowa Huta; 2) Walk (approx. 60–90 minutes) with stops and short tasks for children; 3) Transfer to the Old Town and entry to the Market Square Underground (with pre-booked tickets); 4) Finish with a short break for cake or ice cream on the Market Square.
Guided tours are usually offered in 2-, 3- or 4-hour variants; family programs more often fit within 2–3 hours. The guide can also provide headset sets (audio guides) for larger groups, which improves the listening experience in busy places.
If you plan a school group or a large family — mention it when booking. The guide will prepare an appropriate lesson format and suggest practical arrangements (breaks, educational materials, splitting into smaller teams).
Discounts and promotions — at certain times there may be special offers on selected routes; check conditions when arranging the date. Remember to bring documents that qualify for reduced tickets (school or student IDs, senior cards) to make use of lower fares at ticket desks.
Clothing and footwear: comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothes are essential — the route goes on sidewalks and sometimes uneven surfaces. On cooler days bring a light jacket; in summer bring sunscreen and hats for children.
Food and breaks: plan a snack break — children appreciate short stops. In Nowa Huta and the Old Town there are many family-friendly spots (for a longer stop in Nowa Huta consider the iconic Stylowa restaurant; in the Old Town pick cafés offering desserts or ice cream).
Water and hygiene: bring a bottle of water for every participant and a small supply of wipes; museums usually have toilets, but it’s good to know in advance where sanitary points are along the route.
Safety: exchange phone numbers within the group, agree on a meeting point in case someone gets lost, and plan backup supervision for the youngest. The guide helps coordinate the group and sets a pace adapted to children.
Stylowa (Nowa Huta) — a legendary spot that also appeals to older group members; a good option for lunch after the Nowa Huta walk.
In the Old Town — after visiting the Market Square Underground you can suggest a café or restaurant by the Market: ice cream, crepes or cakes are perfect for a rest after an intense tour.
Cafés along the route — keep a list of child-friendly places (cafés with a play corner, restaurants with kids’ menus). The guide will recommend local addresses matched to your group’s taste and budget.
Is the tour suitable for very young children? - Yes, family programs are designed with the youngest in mind; the guide adjusts pace and content. For preschool children it’s worth planning a shorter program with more breaks.
How long does the Market Square Underground visit last? - A standard visit usually lasts 45 minutes to about an hour, depending on the group and the guiding format.
Do I need to buy Market Square Underground tickets in advance? - For weekends and high season it’s recommended to book tickets ahead or coordinate ticket purchase with the guide to avoid queues.
Does the guide provide audio equipment? - Yes, headset sets are available for larger groups, improving comfort in crowded places.
Can the program be modified? - Of course. During booking you can discuss expectations: pace, must-see points and extra attractions (museums, workshops). The guide will prepare a program matched to the group’s age and interests.
When booking, give the date, approximate number of participants, children’s ages and preferred tour length (2, 3 or 4 hours). If you want entry to a specific museum (e.g. Market Square Underground) — mention that in advance so tickets and time slots can be arranged without surprises.
Prepare information about special needs (stroller accessibility, mobility limitations, food allergies) — the guide will help plan a route that is enjoyable and safe for everyone.
Booking a guide is the best way to have a stress-free weekend: you’ll avoid queues, get a guide who handles logistics and hear stories suited to the participants’ ages.
Combining Nowa Huta and the Market Square Underground offers a broad cross-section of Kraków: from socialist-era estates and 20th-century history to medieval cellars and archaeology. For families and teenagers it’s a great opportunity to learn by experience — with humor, interaction and no crowds if you book a guided tour.
If you want to schedule a specific date or have additional questions about programs for children and youth — contact the guide directly, prepare information about your group and preferences, and you’ll receive a personalized proposal tailored to your needs. We wish you a great visit and many discoveries in Kraków!
