The Polish Aviation Museum in Czyżyny is one of Poland's largest technology museums - it tells the story of aviation through powerful exhibits, interactive displays and restored hangars. In 2025 the museum continues to expand its permanent and temporary exhibitions, and offers family-friendly entry options, discounts and special events that make a day here a great choice both for the youngest visitors and for adults interested in history and technology.
The museum sits on the grounds of the former Rakowice-Czyżyny airfield, which creates a unique mix of aviation history and large green spaces for a walk after touring the exhibitions.
Remember that the museum is not just aircraft in hangars - there are multimedia and theme displays, outdoor exhibits and special educational programs for children and young people.
The museum's official price list normally includes several ticket types - adult, concession and family tickets. A family ticket usually covers one of these configurations: 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children - this is a convenient option for a standard family and saves money compared with buying single tickets.
Children up to 7 years old typically enter for free; discounts are also available for holders of the Large Family Card and other discount cards. When buying a family or concession ticket, have documents that confirm eligibility ready, as the ticket desk may ask to see them before selling the discounted or family ticket.
Example prices used in the museum (approximate for 2025) are: adult ticket around 30 PLN, concession around 18 PLN, family ticket about 70–80 PLN. Keep in mind that the museum sometimes runs promotions, seasonal offers and partnerships that provide additional discounts.
The museum regularly designates days with free admission - for example, Tuesdays are sometimes free-entry days, although it's best to check current information shortly before your visit because policies and dates can change.
In 2025 the museum also ran occasional promotions and special offers - for instance during school holidays or public holidays - and cooperated with nearby cultural institutions. Thanks to partnerships with local science centres or museums, visitors may receive reciprocal discounts when visiting both places within a short time - a great option for families planning a bigger day out.
For example, in some seasons the museum has offered a partner discount that lowers the price of the second ticket upon presentation of the first purchase. Always check the exact terms at the ticket desk.
The museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday; Mondays are often closed. The ticket office typically stops selling tickets about 45 minutes before closing, so arrive earlier to comfortably see the exhibitions.
Plan at least 2-3 hours to calmly see all hangars and displays; if you'd like a guided tour or to join workshops, book additional time. Also allow for meal breaks and a walk around the outdoor area - the grounds are a great place for children to rest after intensive touring.
The museum is located near al. Jana Pawła II in Czyżyny. Travel from Krakow's city centre by tram or bus usually takes anywhere from a few minutes to around half an hour, depending on your starting point and traffic. On the day of your visit check the public transport schedule and consider a taxi or rideshare if needed.
If you arrive by car - check parking availability as spaces can be limited on busy days. Bring comfortable shoes, snacks for the children, a water bottle and a camera. Hangars can be cooler - on chilly days bring a light jumper or jacket.
Remember the ticket office may stop selling tickets 45 minutes before closing - factor this in if you plan to arrive late in the afternoon.
The museum's permanent displays cover the history of military and civil aviation, themed exhibitions (for example 'Wings of the Great War', 'Wings and People of the 20th Century') and exhibitions dedicated to engines, aviation archaeology and large outdoor aircraft on the lawn.
There are educational activities and often interactive elements designed for children so younger visitors can learn the principles of flight, the work of a pilot or aircraft history in an engaging way. Check the schedule for guided tours and workshops - sometimes short themed tours are included with admission.
Don't miss the outdoor section and the aircraft parked outside - it's an excellent spot for family photos.
Morning start: arrive shortly after opening, quickly get tickets and begin with the hangars where the largest exhibits are displayed.
Midday: take a break for a light meal - you can find cafés near the museum or bring sandwiches and picnic on the grass if the weather is good.
Afternoon: a short visit to a nearby science centre or a walk across the former airfield grounds, ending with play and exploration among the outdoor exhibits.
If you have more time - combine the visit with other parts of Krakow, but plan your travel so you don't rush to the last admission.
After your visit it's worth eating at one of Krakow's well-regarded places. If you head to the centre, consider Charlotte (famous for bread and breakfasts), Massolit Books & Café (a bookshop café - a nice option for families with slightly older children) or Stara Zajezdnia (a large venue with a kids' menu and craft beer options for adults).
Depending on which part of Krakow you visit next, you can also choose smaller family-run restaurants and pizzerias with good reviews - follow recommendations from other families. If you prefer something close to the museum, check local cafés and bistros in Czyżyny or on nearby housing estates - convenient with small children.
Assuming that Tuesday always means free entry - free-entry rules can change seasonally or because of special events; confirm before you go.
Arriving at the last minute - the ticket office closes about 45 minutes before the museum, so if you arrive late you might not be able to enter.
Thinking the museum is only for aviation enthusiasts - exhibitions and educational activities are designed to interest children and adults with engaging stories and hands-on elements.
Not preparing for the weather - some exhibits are outdoors, so bring suitable clothing for chilly or rainy days.
Does a family ticket include a guided tour? - Usually no. a guided tour is an additional paid service with its own rates. The museum offers guided tours in Polish and in selected foreign languages for an extra fee.
Can I buy tickets online? - The museum encourages checking available options on its site and for any announcements about online ticket sales; when in doubt call the museum's information desk.
Are there age limits for the family ticket? - A family ticket usually specifies the maximum number of adults and children (for example 2+2 or 1+3); children up to 7 years often enter free.
Are there discounts for holders of the Large Family Card? - Yes, the museum honours certain cards that entitle holders to reduced fares.
Where to check the latest information? - The most reliable source for hours, free-entry days and prices are the museum's official announcements; confirm them before your planned visit.
The museum grounds are a remnant of one of Europe's older former airfields - walking the courtyards is in a way a journey through a part of local aviation infrastructure history.
The museum houses not only aircraft but also interesting archival collections - photographs, documents and aircraft structure elements that can fascinate young explorers and family history hunters.
The museum often organises themed days and workshops - during these activities children can take on roles of young constructors or flight observers, which can be much more engaging than passive viewing.
Near the museum there are parks and recreational areas ideal for a picnic, as well as scientific and educational institutions that sometimes offer mutual discounts or joint offers.
If your time is limited, focus on the museum in the morning and spend the afternoon walking around Krakow's centre or visiting a café. For families with small children it's a good idea to plan shorter but more interactive stops.
Bring a small backpack with snacks, drinks and wipes - it makes caring for children between exhibits easier.
If you plan to join workshops, reserve a place in advance when possible.
Check for changing facilities and rest areas for children - not every museum has extensive baby facilities, so be prepared.
Have a backup plan in case of bad weather - some displays are outdoors and small children can get cold or overheated quickly.
If this article was helpful - share it with friends or on social media, especially if you're planning a joint family trip to Krakow. Good planning makes the outing more enjoyable for everyone.
If you'd like to tour with a guide, we recommend the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz - she offers personalized routes tailored to families with children and helps discover interesting places and practical solutions during a stay in Krakow. Contact details for Małgorzata can be found on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
We wish you a wonderful visit and many exciting discoveries at the Polish Aviation Museum - may it be a day full of curious questions, fun and safe adventures!
