In the heart of Kraków, in a 15th‑century cellar not far from Wawel, stands a machine from 1936 — the oldest exhibit in the Pinball Museum collection. This is not just an exhibition: it’s an interactive journey through the history of games where every child (and adult) can play on real pinball machines and arcade cabinets. If you’re planning a school trip, a well‑organized day here can become one of the most memorable parts of the program.
The museum occupies over 300 m² and offers dozens of machines — from electromechanical pinballs to modern tables with screens. Many ticket options include unlimited play during the visit, which makes organizing school groups easier and gives children the freedom to explore independently.
Interactivity: children learn through play — using the machines develops coordination, quick decision‑making and fair competition.
History and technology: pinball machines demonstrate the evolution of mechanics and electronics from the 1930s to today, a great fit for lessons in the history of technology or STEM activities.
Safe entertainment: the museum is a controlled space where supervisors can observe pupils while they play; exhibits are arranged to allow access without risk of damage.
Universality: appealing to both younger and older students — the program can be easily adapted to the group’s age.
Arrival and roll call (10–15 min) — ask for punctuality; quick briefing with supervisors: safety rules and splitting into smaller subgroups.
Entry and short introduction (15–20 min) — a museum staff member (or guide) talks about the history of pinball and the rules for using the machines; ask for a demonstration of the most interesting cabinets.
Play session I — free play (30–45 min) — pupils explore the machines; supervisors manage rotations so everyone gets a turn.
Educational task / mini‑workshop (20–30 min) — a short quiz, mini point tournament or an assignment related to the machines’ history; works well as a team‑building and knowledge‑reinforcing activity.
Snack break and group debrief (20–30 min) — if a refreshment is arranged, this is a good moment to eat and gather impressions.
Play session II — class tournament (30–45 min) — divide into teams or age categories; small prizes or certificates motivate participation.
Wrap‑up, group photo and departure (10–15 min) — short reflection, reminder of exit procedures and final roll call. Remaining time can be used for a walk to Wawel or lunch in a nearby restaurant.
Book the date in advance — interactive museums often have limited capacity or prefer group bookings outside peak hours.
Split into small subgroups — 8–12 people are easier to supervise; each subgroup should have a designated supervisor.
Participant list and supervisor contact — keep both paper and electronic copies.
Safety and behavior rules — explain them clearly before entering (how to handle machines, what to touch and how to respect other visitors).
Comfortable clothing and shoes — the museum is in a cellar and can be cooler; comfortable shoes are recommended for standing and moving around.
Wallets and valuables — ask pupils to keep expensive items put away; some groups make a checklist of personal belongings.
If you have pupils with disabilities — inform the museum in advance so staff can prepare accommodations.
Opening hours usually cover afternoons and evenings; popular slots are midday to late evening on weekends. Some museums offer both hourly and all‑day tickets — for example, one‑hour tickets typically cost around 50 PLN and all‑day tickets around 70 PLN (confirm current prices when booking).
The museum is located close to Wawel — a practical advantage: a short walk from the Main Market Square or a brief ride by public transport. When planning the trip, allow time for walking and possible visits to nearby attractions.
School groups often qualify for special rates or can reserve morning slots; supervisors may have reduced or free entry depending on the group arrangement — always check these details at booking.
Class tournament with scoring — pupils compete in teams, then review strategies and playing techniques.
History of technology lesson — short task: identify mechanical elements of a pinball and describe differences between electromechanical and modern machines.
Art project — ask pupils to design a poster advertising one of the pinballs or write a short retro‑style description.
Photography assignment (respecting image and copyright rules) — document the visit, create a class report or a short film with interviews.
Not booking in advance — the museum can get busy in season; group reservation secures the date and often better pricing.
Insufficient supervisor-to-student ratio — too many pupils per supervisor makes control difficult; a 1:8–1:12 ratio is sensible.
Assuming everyone will play the whole time — plan rotations; set a simple queue or timed turns every few minutes.
Neglecting allergy and dietary info — if you plan a snack after the visit, ensure the provider can handle pupils with allergies.
No plan B for bad weather or delays — keep alternative activities or a quiet waiting place ready.
Restauracja Pod Wawelem — popular, traditional Polish cuisine with large portions; a good choice for a group lunch after visiting Wawel and the museum.
Szara (on the Main Market Square) — a higher‑end option, suitable for supervisors or parents who want a more formal meal.
Camelot Cafe — a cozy café in the Old Town, good for a quick cake and hot drink for smaller groups.
For group‑friendly accommodation — choose well‑reviewed hostels or small hotels near the Old Town; book in advance and confirm that the property can issue an invoice and accept group bookings.
The oldest pinball in the collection dates back to the 1930s and comes from an early maker — a great starting point for a conversation about how entertainment used to look.
Pinball machines are not only games — many contain intricate mechanical and electromagnetic systems that operated long before modern digital electronics.
Visiting a 15th‑century cellar adds a unique atmosphere: the contrast of medieval architecture and modern entertainment is one reason this place fascinates visitors.
Do we need to reserve for a group? — Strongly recommended; a reservation makes it easier to secure a museum attendant and any applicable group discounts.
How long does a visit with play last? — A typical school visit runs 2–4 hours, depending on the chosen program and extra activities.
Do supervisors pay for a ticket? — Often supervisors receive a discount or free entry with school groups, but confirm when booking.
Can children use all machines? — In most cases yes; some devices may have age or height restrictions, which museum staff will point out.
Does the museum provide refreshments? — Not always; many groups bring their own snacks or use nearby cafés and restaurants.
Send parents a short message with times, the day plan and a request for signed permissions if required.
Plan a meeting point after leaving the museum and set an exact return time for the bus or group departure.
Bring a first aid kit and a list of pupils with important medical information.
If you liked this plan, share the article with other teachers or on your social channels — let more classes discover this unusual spot in Kraków.
If you’d like, I can suggest a detailed program tailored to your pupils’ ages or help organize a full day in Kraków. For convenience and certainty, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can contact her through the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. Good luck with planning and have fun at the pinball tables!
