Yes — this is a very popular and doable plan, especially if your base is Podgórze. Energylandia in Zator is within about 45–60 minutes by car from Krakow and is also served seasonally by regional trains from several Krakow stations, including Kraków Podgórze.
For families a one-day outing works well if you set off early, wear comfortable shoes and plan your priorities — that way you can make the most of your time and return to Krakow the same day.
06:30–08:30 - preparations and departure from the station or home in Podgórze (the earlier, the better).
08:30–10:30 - travel by train or car; arrive around park opening time.
10:00–14:00 - morning attractions and kids’ zones (best to start with the most popular rides while lines are shorter).
14:00–15:00 - lunch (avoid 13:00–15:00 in busy restaurants; eat just before or after the peak).
15:00–18:00 - more attractions, the water area or gentler carousels for the little ones.
18:00–20:30 - return to Krakow; if you’re taking the train home, check return schedules and plan a time buffer.
Regional trains operate seasonally between Krakow and Zator; some services stop at Kraków Podgórze. The train journey usually takes around 60 minutes, and Zator station is within a reasonable walking distance from the park (about 1.5–2 km).
The train is a convenient option for families: no need to hunt for parking, children can rest during the ride, and the walk from the station to the park is straightforward. Important: services and frequency are seasonal — always check the current timetable and any special trains running to Energylandia before you travel.
Practical tip: if you choose the train, agree on a specific station (for example Kraków Podgórze) and departure time — a morning service gives the best chance of shorter queues on arrival.
From Podgórze the usual routes are via the A4 or DK44; the drive takes about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. On a long weekend roads are often congested — leaving earlier in the morning reduces stress and time spent in traffic.
Energylandia has guest parking; the park usually charges a small flat fee for parking for the day. If you plan to stay overnight nearby (for example at Western Camp or local guesthouses), include that in your planning and bookings.
Practical tip: when driving, plan an extra 10–20 minutes for walking from the parking area to the entrance and possible checks at the car park, especially during peak season.
Energylandia operates seasonally; standard opening hours in season are usually 10:00–20:00, and on special event days the park may stay open longer. Always check the park calendar before you leave.
Ticket pricing commonly distinguishes between full-price tickets and reduced tickets for smaller children based on height/age — in practice the park often has standard adult tickets and cheaper entries for children below a certain height, while the youngest children may have a symbolic fee. Parking is sometimes charged separately and is usually a low one-time amount.
Practical tip: buy tickets online in advance — on a long weekend the gates can be busy, and online purchase saves time and often guarantees entry at a preferred time.
Documents and tickets (printed or in an app) - keep them handy at the entrance.
Water, snacks, wipes and a basic first-aid kit - although there are food outlets in the park, your own snacks and a water bottle are handy between attractions.
Sunscreen, a hat and a rain poncho - the weather can change, especially in spring and autumn.
Stroller/folding buggy - useful for the youngest, but remember not all attractions are accessible with a stroller; consider a carrier for busy queues.
Powerbank, charger and a small repair kit (plasters, bandage) - a long day means phones run out and small injuries can happen.
Spare clothes for children - wet play and ice cream stains are to be expected!
Arrive at park opening. The best times for the most popular attractions are the first 1–2 hours after opening and late afternoon (when some guests start leaving).
Set your priorities — do the attractions your children most want first. Leave the rest for later or for the way out.
Eat outside peak hours — having lunch a little earlier or later helps avoid queues for food and restores energy for the rest of the day.
If you don’t want to stand in long lines, split the group: one parent queues while the other stays with the kids at nearby attractions for little ones, and rotate at rides that allow a guardian to enter more quickly.
07:30 - meet in Podgórze, have breakfast in town or take snacks with you.
08:30 - depart by train / drive from Krakow; on a long weekend allow extra time for traffic and possible delays.
10:00 - enter the park, grab a quick map and set meeting points (for example the information point or a distinctive carousel).
10:15–12:30 - first round of family attractions and the rides that are your priority.
12:30–13:30 - lunch (best outside the busiest peak).
13:30–16:30 - zones for younger kids, water attractions (if open), gentler carousels and time for ice cream.
16:30–18:00 - last attractions and slowly winding down: small souvenirs, photos and preparing to leave.
18:00–20:30 - return to Krakow; make sure you have a backup plan in case of delays.
Energylandia has extensive family and children’s zones as well as medical points and information booths — upon arrival check the map to find them.
Set a meeting point for the family in case a child gets lost and teach the youngest basic information: a parent’s name, a phone number or the meeting place.
Many rides have height and age restrictions — check safety requirements before joining an attraction to avoid disappointment.
A one-day trip from Podgórze to Energylandia is a great option for a long weekend — if you leave early, take into account seasonal train timetables and buy tickets in advance, the day can be a fantastic adventure for the whole family.
If you’d like, I can help prepare a personalized day plan: I’ll match a departure time from Kraków Podgórze, suggest the order of attractions based on your children’s ages and recommend quieter spots for a break away from the biggest crowds.
Have fun planning and I hope the weather is on your side for your family trip!
