Planty and St. Florian's Gate are a perfect mix of green space, legends, views of monuments and important historical sites. The route is compact, easy for children of different ages, and lets you combine stories about the Middle Ages, the fortified city and 20th-century events — including traces of World War II — in a gentle, engaging way adapted to the group.
For medium groups (7–20 people) visiting the Planty and St. Florian's Gate area is convenient logistically: the route does not require long walks between stops, it’s easy to find places to rest or have a snack, and on weekdays it’s usually less crowded than at weekends, so it’s easier to keep the group’s attention and run short educational exercises. As a guide I will lead the route so children have space to ask questions, take part in activities and do short outdoor tasks. (Guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz — Margaret Kasprowicz).
In the text you will find a practical plan, activity ideas for children, logistical tips for supervisors and a short section on how to talk to the youngest about difficult events related to World War II — honestly, but without dwelling on violence.
Duration: 90–120 minutes (can be extended with a stop for ice cream or a visit inside a selected venue).
Start: St. Florian's Gate (an easy-to-find landmark at the northern end of the Royal Route).
Suggested schedule:
- 0–10 min - quick welcome, safety rules and an icebreaker (e.g. a fast “what do you see?” or a search for colorful elements of facades).
- 10–30 min - St. Florian's Gate and a short story about the city walls, the Barbican and how the city changed (legends + facts).
- 30–50 min - walk along Floriańska Street to the Main Market Square: main viewpoints, St. Mary's Basilica (exterior and a short mention of the hejnał).
- 50–80 min - the Planty: park history, remains of the fortifications, memorial spots and themed tasks for children (e.g. “green bingo”, looking for sculptures and plaques).
- 80–90/120 min - summary, questions, recommendations for further sightseeing and suggestions for places to rest (cafe/lunch).
Why on weekdays? Fewer crowds, shorter queues for interiors, quieter Planty, and it’s easier to gather the whole group and run exercises.
St. Florian's Gate - a few key facts and anecdotes children will remember:
- the gate's history: original stone parts from around 1300, a brick upper level added in the 15th century; it was connected to the Barbican by a defensive 'neck' and formed part of the city’s fortification system;
- symbolism and details: why an eagle is above the passage, what that meant to residents, and legends about the city guards;
- what to show the children: look at the wall, point out the former gates and imagine a mounted procession along the Royal Route.
Floriańska Street and the Main Market Square - the context of the Royal Route:
- a quick comparison of life in the Middle Ages and today (guilds, merchants, contrasts between wealth and moments of crisis);
- architectural elements easy for children to notice: colorful townhouses, signs, sculptures and wellheads.
Planty - the park around the Old Town:
- the Planty were created on the site of the medieval city walls — a great point to talk about how the city changed; paths, benches and trees are perfect for breaks and movement games;
- remains of the former defensive system near the Planty (e.g. the Barbican, wall fragments) are worth pointing out and comparing heights and roofs;
- memorial places and plaques: how to talk to children about commemorative plaques — what they mean and why they matter.
The city centre of Krakow was not destroyed on the same scale as some other cities, but the war left traces visible in the city’s memory: changes in everyday life, seizures, deportations and acts of remembrance. Important points to touch on during the route:
- Sonderaktion Krakau (6 November 1939) — the arrest of professors from Jagiellonian University; a way to explain that the war hit schools and cultural life, even when buildings were not always demolished;
- traces of the Jewish community in the Kazimierz area (a brief mention in the context of the Planty and further recommendations) — gently explain that before the war many families lived nearby and that their lives were interrupted;
- plaques and memorials — how to read them: who placed them, whom they commemorate and what it means for us today.
How to talk with children:
- use simple phrases: instead of brutal details, say that “during the war many people had to leave, some were arrested, and life in the city changed for a long time”;
- focus on people and consequences (homes, schools, memory), on stories of heroes and ordinary residents;
- open questions: “What would you do if you were a resident then?”, “How can we remember today?”.
On the route we will point out places where memory is present — plaques, architectural details and, if the group wishes, compare old and new photos. For children it is useful to show “then — now” with simple images and short stories instead of long descriptions.
A short set of activities that engage children and help them remember the place:
- Green bingo: hand out cards with items to find in the Planty (a bench with decoration, a specific tree species, a commemorative plaque).
- Three-sentence story: at a chosen stop (e.g. St. Florian's Gate) ask the group to invent a short story about a gate guard.
- Mini-architect: task to find 3 different façade styles and take a photo (for older children).
- Memory box: ask what from the route the group would like to remember and why — write down the three most important things on a card.
All activities are short (3–7 minutes) and can be slipped between stories to keep energy up and focus attention.
Booking and contact: for school groups and organised visits it’s worth booking in advance — especially if you want the walk in a specific language or with additional educational materials. (Guide: Małgorzata Kasprowicz — reservation details available on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com).
Best time: weekdays in the morning or early afternoon — fewer people, easier to gather the group calmly in the Planty.
Meeting point: typically by St. Florian's Gate or at Matejko Square. Both places are easy to find and have space to gather the group.
Adapting the route: the route is flexible — if the group includes strollers or participants with limited mobility, the Planty and Market area are generally accessible (stable paths), but please inform the guide in advance to plan the most suitable path.
Number of people: 7–20 is a great size — intimate enough for interactive work and cost-effective for school and family groups.
Materials: the guide can bring simple aids — copies of 'then and now' photos, task cards for children and stickers as rewards. Supervisors should bring comfortable shoes and drinks for children on warm days.
After the walk it’s good to plan a break for a hot drink, ice cream or lunch near the Market and the Planty. A few reliable directions (from quick snacks to comfortable family restaurants):
- Cafes by the Main Market Square and around the Planty — ideal for ice cream, hot chocolate and dessert (for example Café Noworolski inside the Cloth Hall).
- Family restaurants around the Main Market Square and Grodzka Street — suitable for a full meal after the walk (for example the historic Wierzynek restaurant).
- For a more local vibe and quick bites, Kazimierz offers lots of street-food options and short waits (Plac Nowy and nearby streets).
If you wish, I can suggest specific venues tailored to the group’s preferences (vegetarian, quick meals, places with space for children).
A child-friendly ice-cream chain in the city you may see is Good Lood, which has many local outlets and is popular with families.
We respect places of memory and teach respect: please keep quiet and do not run in memorial areas. A brief reminder of the rules helps children understand why some places require calm.
Photos: taking pictures outdoors is usually allowed; when entering interiors (e.g. synagogues, museums) check the institution’s rules. If the group plans interior visits, supervisors should arrange tickets and prior notification.
Behaviour in crowds: in the tourist season (especially at weekends) movement is heavier. Weekdays are calmer, but it’s still useful to agree a system for head counts (e.g. short check-in points with a list).
Is the route suitable for strollers and small children? - Yes: the Planty and Market area have paved paths and are largely stroller-friendly; only some historic entrances may have steps.
How much does the walk cost? - Prices depend on the route length and additional educational materials. Contact for a specific offer (booking information available on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com).
Can the route be organised in English/other languages? - Yes, depending on availability and advance booking.
Do we talk about difficult topics (e.g. World War II)? - Yes, but in an age-appropriate way: we focus on people, memory and consequences while avoiding graphic descriptions of violence.
What to bring on the walk? - Comfortable shoes, a water bottle, a rain poncho or umbrella in case of rain, pocket money for ice cream and souvenirs, and any necessary medicines or participant documents.
Booking: please contact us in advance via the form on ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com or by phone — especially for school trips and groups of 7 or more.
Things to clarify before the walk:
- participants’ ages and approximate mobility (strollers, people with limitations);
- preferred length and pace of the walk (more educational or more relaxed/entertaining);
- any language needs;
- whether the group wants optional interior visits or a planned meal at a specific venue.
With this information the guide can tailor the scenario, prepare suitable materials and ensure the walk is as valuable and enjoyable as possible for everyone.
Arrive 5–10 minutes early, especially when the group gathers from several places — it makes starting on time much easier.
Weekdays are more intimate — a perfect time for school and family groups who want to talk and take photos without the pressure of crowds.
If you agree, I will ask permission to take a few group photos at the end of the walk — a nice keepsake of the day.
You are invited on the walk: together we will turn the Planty and St. Florian's Gate into a place where history, play and memory meet in simple, understandable stories — so that both adults and children leave with heads full of images and hearts open to Krakow’s history.
