Wawel and MOCAK are two different worlds that together make a great family program: an outdoor castle full of legends and a contemporary art museum that often surprises with form and can engage younger visitors.
Wawel gives children a bit of magic — the Dragon’s Den and the dragon sculpture usually leave the biggest impression — and walks along the terraces and riverbanks let you break up sightseeing with simple outdoor play.
MOCAK, on the other hand, is a place where it’s worth preparing kids for unconventional forms of art: short displays, installations and works that can interest even little ones, especially if the visit is well planned and pauses are scheduled.
If you plan to visit both sites on the same day, remember the children’s rhythm: outdoor play after Wawel and a calmer museum segment (or the other way around) often works best.
Buy tickets in advance where possible — for Wawel routes as well as for selected MOCAK exhibitions or entries; this saves queuing time and reduces stress with impatient children.
Check opening hours for the day you’ll visit. MOCAK has fixed rules about ticket sales and entry times, and some days include special periods (e.g. quiet hours) — take advantage of them if your child is sensitive.
Plan a simple route and time for breaks: a playground, ice cream, a short snack or a quick walk along the Vistula are perfect “resets” between attractions.
Avoid the biggest crowds (midday in high season) — early mornings or late afternoons are often calmer, especially around Wawel.
Wawel is made up of several different spaces: the castle, the cathedral, terraces, the Dragon’s Den and gardens — choose what will interest your children most. Short program points work better than long guided tours.
Some indoor routes (chambers, exhibitions) require timed tickets — buying in advance guarantees entry. Also consider stairs and uneven surfaces: strollers may need to be left at the entrance to some routes, so bring a carrier for younger children.
The Dragon’s Den and the outdoor dragon sculpture are a big hit for little ones. It’s a short attraction, easy to fit into your schedule and ideal as a reward after a market square stroll.
If you plan to enter the cathedral or visit more demanding routes, think of quick snacks and drinks — there are several family-friendly places nearby, perfect for a short rest.
MOCAK is a modern museum with specific visiting rules: tickets are usually bought at the ticket office or online, the box office closes at a set time, and last admissions are shortly before closing — check these details before you go.
The museum offers so-called quiet hours — ideal if your child is sensitive to loud sounds or bright installations; it’s a good time for a calmer look at the exhibitions.
Prepare your child for contemporary art: a short chat before entering (“we’ll look at pictures and strange sculptures, you don’t always have to understand everything”) and allowing a short exploration time without forcing interest in every exhibit helps.
Bring headphones for your child if exhibitions include intense sounds, and a small snack in case you need to leave the exhibition space for a short break.
Documents and tickets: IDs, tickets/reservations printed or in an app, EHIC/insurance card if applicable.
Clothing: comfortable shoes, layered clothes (weather can change), light rain jacket/poncho, extra socks. For children, a spare T-shirt and trousers.
Hygiene and health: small first-aid kit (plasters, ibuprofen/paracetamol for children, anti-diarrheal if you use it), sunscreen, wet wipes, hand sanitizer.
Food and drinks: water bottle, favorite snacks, small portions such as easy-to-serve sandwiches or fruit; it’s not always easy to find a feeding spot inside a museum.
Electronics and comfort: powerbank, charger, headphones for kids, carrier or sling (useful instead of a stroller in some places).
Small comforts: a small mat or blanket, a favorite toy or book, a bag for dirty clothes.
For a baby: plenty of diapers, spare wipes, a thermos for warming bottles if needed, portable changing mat, extra formula/jars, a carrier and a favorite comforter.
For a preschooler: comfortable shoes, pocket rewards (stickers), a small travel game or flipbook, individually portioned snacks, a jacket with a hood.
For older/school-age kids: headphones, a notebook or camera for taking photos, a light map/itinerary, pocket money for souvenirs, comfortable clothing for longer walks.
Water bottle, small snacks, wet wipes, mini first-aid kit, powerbank, folded rain poncho, plastic bag for dirty items and basic toys/book to occupy a child while waiting.
City map or offline maps on your phone, the accommodation phone number, cash for small purchases and occasional kiosk tickets.
Around the Old Town and Wawel there are several family-friendly places — look for restaurants with a kids’ corner or a menu with simple, familiar dishes. The restaurant “Pod Wawelem” is a popular option thanks to its space and family-friendly atmosphere.
For coffee and cake, try cafés with space for strollers and comfortable seating — places like Cafe Camelot or Bunkier Cafe have good reputations and welcoming atmospheres. If you prefer quick access to snacks for children, choose cafés near the Market Square or in Kazimierz.
If you need a quick, reliable meal, opt for well-rated places with kid-friendly menus — check local review apps for the best option on the day.
Look for hotels or apartments in the center or near good transport links (Old Town, Kazimierz, Dębniki) — then walking to Wawel and MOCAK will be short and breaks to return to the room are easy to plan.
Choose a place with family rooms or a kitchenette — this is a big help with small children. Properties with good family reviews often provide cots on request.
If you prefer a quieter area, consider staying near the Vistula boulevards or in Zabłocie — from there it’s a short trip to MOCAK and easy access to trams.
Mistake: planning too many attractions in one day. It’s better to plan less and keep a calm pace than to rush and end the day in tears. Plan one big attraction and a few short stops.
Mistake: not carrying extra food and drink. Regardless of the weather, keep water and snacks at hand — children ask for them at the least expected moment.
Mistake: bringing a stroller everywhere when a carrier would be better. Some Wawel routes and museum spaces are difficult with strollers — a carrier gives more flexibility.
Mistake: not preparing for noise or intense installations at the museum. If your child is noise-sensitive, bring headphones and choose MOCAK’s quiet hours if available.
Can you enter MOCAK with a stroller? In many museum spaces strollers are allowed, but some exhibitions and routes may be less stroller-friendly — it’s worth having a carrier and checking accessibility information before your visit.
Do children pay for tickets? Many places in Krakow offer family discounts or free admission for the youngest — check each attraction’s policy before buying tickets.
How much time do you need for Wawel with children? A short visit with stops and outdoor play usually takes 1.5–3 hours; if you plan to enter several museums and chambers, allow more time.
How to deal with queues? Booking online or in advance significantly reduces waiting. Also try to visit popular sites outside peak hours.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will help other parents better plan their visit to Krakow.
If you would like to explore Krakow with a local guide and have an itinerary perfectly tailored to your family, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. It’s a convenient option when you want to calmly see the most important places and get practical on-site tips.
