The Planty form the green ring surrounding the Old Town - an ideal place for a calm walk when the city warms up with lamplight and daytime crowds thin out. St. Florian's Gate together with the nearby Barbican is one of the most recognizable parts of Kraków's defensive walls - the tower itself and its architectural details can spark the imagination of any young explorer.
Evening adds magic to sightseeing: lanterns, reflections in the cobbles, and shorter lines for photos. For children and teens an evening walk can feel like an adventure - legends, puzzles and small viewpoints make an impression. As a licensed guide I will show you places often overlooked, tell stories and invite you to play, so every child returns with a head full of tales and great photos.
The walk is relaxed and unhurried - important for family and school groups. The route suits younger and older children, with breaks for games, photos and short educational activities.
Below you'll find a sample route, ideas for children's games, hidden gems around the Planty and St. Florian's Gate, and practical tips - what to bring, how to prepare and what to watch for in the evening.
Friendly and free of excessive dates and technical terms - the goal is that the visit is interesting and safe.
Start at the Planty - our walk around the Old Town begins on wide paths, with old benches and green corners. I'll explain where the Planty came from and why they stand where the walls no longer are - a great lesson on how cities change.
Passing under St. Florian's Gate - this Gothic tower used to be part of the fortifications. We'll point out the Furriers' Tower (Kuśnierzy) and small decorative elements that children love - sculptures, bas-reliefs and mysterious heraldic signs.
The Barbican and surroundings - not far from St. Florian's Gate stands the unique Barbican. The place makes an impression - some younger participants will feel like they're at a castle. I'll show where to look for lesser-known details and how to read traces of the city's former defenses.
Small alleys and hidden courtyards - along the route we'll make short turns into side streets, quiet arcades and courtyards that hide miniature sculptures, plaques and colorful doors. These 'hidden gems' are often what children remember most.
The whole route can take from 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on group pace, questions and play breaks.
Stories turned into mini-adventures - instead of dry facts I offer short legends and anecdotes: about dragons, the St. Mary's trumpet call (hejnał), mysterious symbols and guiding wolves. Children love when history becomes play.
Riddles and treasure hunts - during the walk I prepare simple tasks: find a coat of arms, count the steps, spot a sculpture. This engages everyone and keeps younger kids focused.
Movement and breaks - the route has a rhythm: a few minutes of story, then play on a bench or a short run in the park. That way even very energetic children come back to the topic happily.
Tailored storytelling - I can tell stories in a light, funny way for the youngest and add curiosities and context for teenagers so no one gets bored.
I have led many school and family groups - I know that energy and interaction are key, not only delivering information.
Small courtyards and façade details - pay attention to carefully restored grilles, former shop signs and subtle architectural details. These create the Old Town's atmosphere.
Forgotten plaques and sculptures - in side passages you'll find figurines, commemorative plates and old gate fittings. Children love discovering such 'mini treasures'.
Spots with a view - a few places reveal glimpses of Wawel or the narrow streets leading to the Market Square. Great spots for photos and a short story about old Kraków.
Green corners - small parks and Planty nooks where you can rest, have a snack and play field games.
These details are especially atmospheric in the evening, when city lights highlight stone textures and the colors of leaves.
Clothing - comfortable shoes and light layers. Evenings can be cooler, so bring a fleece or light jacket. For the smallest ones bring a hat and a rain poncho just in case.
Lighting - a phone flashlight is enough, but a small handheld torch can be an extra thrill for younger participants - it helps examine details and turns the walk into an adventure.
Snacks and drinks - a short break on a bench with a sandwich and water is a good idea. Avoid sweets right before activity; fruit and water are better.
Safety - stay together, especially in narrow streets. Remind children not to wander off without permission.
Duration - plan for about 1.5–2 hours. This is an optimal time to see the most interesting places without getting tired.
Is the route suitable for strollers? - Some parts of the Planty have paths comfortable for strollers, but side passages and some courtyards include cobbles or steps. If your group includes strollers, we'll choose a flatter variant of the route.
Is the walk safe in the evening? - Yes, the Planty and the area around St. Florian's Gate are busy and well lit. We stick to main paths and public spaces. For younger children I ask that a caregiver stays close.
Is there a limit on the number of people? - The route is flexible; it's easiest to work with groups up to 35 people. For larger groups I suggest splitting into smaller subgroups or arranging extra logistical support.
Do you offer educational materials for schools? - Yes, I prepare short lesson plans and age-appropriate tasks - on request these can be sent before the trip.
What if it rains? - In light rain we continue with umbrellas or ponchos. In bad weather we can reschedule or pick a more sheltered route.
Detective game - checklists of things to find: a coat of arms, an animal sculpture, the oldest plaque, a colorful door. Points for speed and accuracy.
Quiz with small prizes - short questions at each stop. A correct answer earns a sticker or a stamp in an 'explorer passport'.
Tell your version of the legend - after a short legend I ask children to create their own ending. This trains imagination and integrates the group.
Drawing diary - paper and crayons for a short break to draw a favorite detail, then a mini-exhibition under a streetlamp.
Games are safe and age-appropriate; I can prepare a detailed plan after learning about the group.
Rule number one - stay together. Children have caregivers and the guide supervises route and pace.
Watch for traffic at crossings, curbs and steps. Evening lighting helps, but reflective elements on clothing are welcome.
Respect residents and other visitors - avoid loud noise in quiet courtyards, don't sit on private window sills and leave places as we found them.
I carry a first aid kit and can arrange a quick return to the meeting point or a caregiver if needed.
Safety is the basis of a successful walk - then everyone can fully enjoy the stories and attractions.
Booking - I recommend reserving in advance, especially on weekends and during the school season. When planning, please provide: date, approximate number of people, children's ages and any mobility limitations.
Length and pace - there are shorter options (about 60 min) or longer ones (2–3 hours) - we'll choose what best suits your group.
Additional materials - if you want worksheets, quizzes or explorer passports, let me know before the trip; I'll prepare materials according to participants' ages.
Weather and flexibility - in poor weather we can modify the route; we'll agree on a plan B so no one is disappointed.
I personally lead the walks as a licensed guide experienced with children and teenagers. My tours combine storytelling, play and safety.
An evening walk is a way to experience Kraków with different senses - less noise, different light, more calm and perfect conditions for storytelling. Children usually return excited and full of questions.
Hidden gems - it's not about a long list of monuments. It's about small things that stay in memory: an old coat of arms, an interesting sculpture, a cozy courtyard. Those are the details that make Kraków a city to discover.
If you want a walk tailored to your group - children's ages, pace and theme (legends, architecture, city game) - I'll happily prepare a program and lead a tour that is pleasant, safe and memorable. I invite you to discover the Planty and St. Florian's Gate together - in the evening Kraków tells its best stories.
See you on the route!
Małgorzata Kasprowicz - licensed guide in Kraków
