The Planty are the park that surrounds Krakow’s Old Town — created in the early 19th century on the site of the old defensive walls and covering roughly 20–21 hectares. It’s not just a green belt around the Main Market Square but a chain of smaller “gardens” with monuments, fountains and several spots that are perfect for a family stroll in May.
If you want to surprise friends during a May holiday walk with a stroller, you don’t need to stray far from the usual paths — a few small touches, a creative photo idea and visiting some less obvious Planty nooks will do the trick.
The Planty are made up of many short sections (sometimes called gardens): for example Dworzec, Barbakan, Florianka, Palace of Art, University, Wawel, Gródek and Stradom. This makes it easy to split a walk into shorter stages and adjust the pace to your child’s rhythm.
There are paved alleys in the park, but you’ll also encounter parts with cobblestones or natural surfaces — so before you go, check the sturdiness of your stroller’s wheels and be ready to lift the stroller briefly in narrow passages or at small steps.
There are public restrooms and baby-changing facilities near the Planty — the tourist information point and the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) offer family-friendly amenities, which helps when planning short breaks.
There are two modern playgrounds on the Planty designed for the youngest visitors: “Plantuś” and “Dzikie Planty.” Plantuś is located next to the Archaeological Museum — it features cave-like and wooden elements, trampolines and educational features inspired by archaeology.
Dzikie Planty are closer to Wawel, near Świętej Gertrudy Street — it’s a creative wooden playground with a snail-shaped carousel, centipede balance elements and many wooden features that spark imagination.
Stopping for a short play at one of these playgrounds is an easy way to break up a longer walk, give children something to focus on and buy adults a moment to relax.
Early morning is when the Planty are quietest — if you want to show friends the park’s beauty without crowds, plan a walk at dawn or just after nearby cafés open. May greenery and flowering shrubs look magical in morning light and on photos.
Propose a short game: a “monument hunt” — pick three lesser-known sculptures or commemorative plaques and turn it into a mini-quest for the kids. It’s a simple way to turn a regular walk into an adventure.
A surprising finale to the route: instead of heading straight back to the Market Square, stroll to the nearby Botanical Garden or down to the Vistula boulevards — the view of the river and Wawel at sunset is striking and makes a wonderful background for family photos.
Think about the child’s comfort: bring a light picnic blanket, a bottle of water and small snacks — May walks can be longer than you expect.
A stroller with larger wheels handles cobblestones and uneven surfaces better. If you expect crowds (for example during long-weekend dates), consider bringing a baby carrier or wrap for the busiest stretches.
When planning breaks, remember the locations of public restrooms and changing facilities — tourist information and the Cloth Hall are convenient options. It’s also useful to check café opening hours if you may need a warm spot for feeding or a longer break.
If you want to sit down with a child after your walk, choose places that are family-friendly. Around the Planty you’ll find cafés and restaurants that cater to families or are comfortable for a short stop with a stroller.
Quick snacks are easy to find in local bakeries, and for families seeking more comfort, look for restaurants recommended by local parents — places with a small play corner or spacious dining rooms make relaxing after a walk easier.
If you plan a longer break, check reviews and consider booking a table in advance — the May holiday is a popular time in Krakow and good venues fill up quickly.
Assuming the whole walk will be smooth — the Planty include cobbled sections and narrow spots; if comfort is a priority, use an all-terrain stroller or have a carrier ready.
Skipping reservations at a popular café or restaurant in the center — during long weekends these places can be busy, so if you want a comfortable seat with your little one, book ahead.
Not planning breaks — a planned changing spot, a short play on a playground or a snack can save the whole outing from becoming stressful.
Are the Planty fully accessible for strollers? Mostly yes — many alleys are paved, but you may find cobblestones or small steps. A stroller with better wheels is more comfortable.
Where can I change my baby? The tourist information point and the Cloth Hall typically have changing facilities; some cafés may also offer them, but it’s best to ask before entering.
Will it be crowded during the May holiday? Yes, long weekends attract both tourists and locals — the calmest times are early morning or late afternoon.
Instead of a classic photo on a bench, bring a small colorful prop (for example a toy compass or a simple hand-drawn map) and show it to the children — a short story game quickly turns the walk into a mini-expedition.
Bring small binoculars or simple observation glasses — the Planty hide interesting architectural details and birds, and kids love “discovering” the world up close.
Prepare short task cards like “find the fountain” or “count the little bridges” — these active prompts are perfect for livening up a dull stretch of the route.
If you found this article useful, share it with your friends or invite them for a joint May holiday walk — small ideas can turn a regular outing into a family adventure.
If you’d like to explore the Planty (and surroundings) with someone who will point out the best anecdotes, hidden corners and tailor the route to your family’s needs, consider contacting private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — she offers family-friendly tours and tailored walks for visitors to Krakow.
