The Planty are a green ring surrounding the Old Town — a long but gentle park strip that has served residents for years as a place for walks, play and short adventures. For a preschooler it’s a treasure trove of sensory experiences: soft moss, the crunch of leaves underfoot, interesting tree bark and numerous monuments that can be turned into little stories. A walk around the Planty can be organized in many ways — from a 20‑minute short outing to a one‑and‑a‑half‑hour stroll with stops at playgrounds and a picnic. In this article you’ll find practical routes, game ideas and a checklist of things to remember when taking a preschooler to the Planty.
The Planty have natural advantages: even paths (much of the route is paved), lots of benches, shade from old trees and relatively small level changes — all of this makes the route comfortable for strollers and small feet. The park is divided into eight “gardens,” each with its own atmosphere, and among the plants you can find 30–40 species of trees and shrubs, which is great for nature observation. There are also two themed playgrounds designed with the youngest visitors in mind, so you can combine a walk with free playtime.
You’ll also find small architectural features and monuments — excellent starting points for stories: who used to live by the walls, what soldiers did, or which instruments famous composers played (the piano‑shaped fountain is a favorite landmark for children). For a little one every sculpture or fountain can become the hero of a short tale, which captures attention and makes them want to keep walking.
A suggested short route begins at Collegium Novum (Gołębia Street) — a convenient meeting point close to public-transport stops and the city center. From there head to the small playground by the Archaeological Museum (often called “Plantuś”), where children can quickly stretch their legs on a safe play area. Then walk at a calm pace towards the Wawel garden, passing the piano fountain — stop to listen to the water and count the steps.
If little heads are full of impressions, finish the walk with an ice cream or snack in a nearby café. This route is easy to shorten or extend and offers many places to rest. It’s also stroller‑friendly, as most alleys are paved or firm.
For a kindergarten group or a family that likes tasks, a short field game works great: prepare a simple map and a list of “finds” — a tower, the piano‑shaped fountain, a poet’s monument, a plane tree with distinctive bark, a bench with a plaque. Children delight in “finding” each point, while the caregiver can add short, age‑appropriate historical stories.
Start: St. Florian’s Gate or the Barbican — from there walk the Planty along the former city rampart. The route goes through gardens: Florianka, Palace of Arts, University, Wawel, and Gródek. In each garden pause for 5–10 minutes: treasure hunting, a short movement game or a mini nature workshop (leaf recognition, counting chestnuts). The game is safe if caregivers ensure children don’t stray off the path or run near the curb of streets bordering the park.
Plantuś — the small themed playground next to the Archaeological Museum, with a climbing hill, slides and sensory elements. Dzikie Planty (Wild Planty) — another playground in a ‘wild nature’ style, with decorative elements referencing insects and natural motifs. Both spaces are designed for play and sensory stimulation.
The piano fountain near the University is a point that amazes children — it’s great for observation games (how many streams, how loud is the water). Kids also enjoy counting small bridges over ponds and finding “hidden” fragments of the old defensive walls marked with information boards.
A bottle of water and small snacks — even a short walk can extend when children are curious. Tissues and hand sanitizer. A light blanket or plastic sheet to sit on the grass.
A small first‑aid kit (plasters, disinfectant). Sun hat and sunscreen on sunny days; a poncho or light rain jacket if clouds are expected. A stroller or carrier — the Planty are mostly stroller‑accessible, but there are short sections with cobblestones or stone paving.
Don’t plan a route that’s too long. The most common mistake is overestimating small children’s stamina — it’s better to plan a shorter walk with the option to extend it than the other way around. Don’t ignore pedestrian crossings — the Planty are surrounded by streets, so keep children close when crossing roads.
Remember to schedule rest and snacks on time. Hunger and fatigue quickly end the fun. Watch out for small uneven surfaces and curbs — children often run and fall. Secure sweets or small toys so they don’t get lost during play.
Public toilets directly in the Planty are limited — when planning a longer walk you can use facilities in nearby museums, cafés or restaurants. The easiest public‑transport access is from the Market Square end and Grodzka Street — main tram and bus stops there make getting to the Planty simple from different parts of the city.
The Planty are open to everyone and free to enter. It’s worth checking local events — sometimes workshops for children, animations or field games are organized (the city and educational organizations announce them in spring and summer). If you’re interested in a family event, check the city’s official pages or the profile of the nature education center before your outing.
There are many family‑friendly places around the Planty. The Lajkonik bakery and café chain is a quick option for fresh baked goods and snacks to take away. Families often appreciate cafés and restaurants with children’s corners and kids’ menus — check reviews in advance if you need a changing area or a quiet room.
If the weather turns, a play‑café near Grodzka Street can be an emergency option: a place where children can play while adults have a coffee. For lunch, choose family‑friendly restaurants with good reputations — places with kids’ menus and friendly service make outings with little ones easier.
The Planty were created where the old defensive walls once stood — you can show your child that the city used to be surrounded by “huge walls,” and today a park grows in their place. This is a great way to combine nature with a short history lesson.
Exotic trees grow in the park, such as ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) and tulip tree — ask children to find a tree with unusual bark or leaves. Tell a simple story that every tree has its age and that some remember long ago times.
Are the Planty suitable for strollers? Yes — most paths are paved and stroller‑friendly, though it’s wise to avoid short stretches of stone cobbles.
Are there playgrounds in the Planty? Yes — the best known are “Plantuś” and “Dzikie Planty,” each offering a different play atmosphere.
Can I bring a dog? Usually yes — keep your dog on a leash and clean up after it.
Is the walk free? Yes — the Planty are a public park with free entry.
What to do if it rains? Have a nearby café or play‑café as a backup; alternatively visit a nearby museum or cultural institution that often has toilets and a changing area.
The Planty are a place that nicely combines nature, history and safe play space — perfect for a first or next city walk with a preschooler. Simple field games, counting chestnuts and stopping by fountains make even the youngest children eager to walk on.
If you enjoyed this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it will help other families plan their outing. If you’d like extra support and a personalized family plan for exploring Kraków, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details and information are available on the site. Enjoy your time on the Planty and have fun with your little one!
