Yes — and it’s quite easy. The Polish Aviation Museum offers both outdoor and indoor displays that you can explore at a pace suited to young children, and there are family-friendly restaurants and cafés nearby. Below you’ll find a practical plan, a list of the best places to eat with kids, and tips on how to avoid the most common mistakes on such a day.
Want the short version? Allow 2–3 hours for the museum (more if the children want to go inside the planes), then lunch at one of the family-friendly spots and maybe a sweet treat afterwards — simple and pleasant.
The museum is located at al. Jana Pawła II 39. It’s a large site with both indoor hangars and outdoor exhibits, so you can plan your route so breaks happen exactly where you need them. The museum offers several family-oriented routes — shorter tours and a “for the little ones” trail make it easy to show what will really excite children.
Opening days usually cover Tuesday–Sunday, with the museum closed on Mondays — it’s worth checking the day before your visit. Children under 7 often enter for free; there are reduced and family tickets that are worth considering for larger families.
On site you may find workshops for children (e.g. arts & crafts, model-making) as well as special family days and birthday packages with educational programs. If you plan to join a workshop or organize a birthday party, booking in advance is a good idea.
Important family facilities: routes are accessible for strollers and visitors with disabilities, and rest areas appear near exhibits. Many displays impress even very young children — historic airplanes, helicopters and unique examples are worth seeing in person.
Choose one of the suggested routes: “Adventure at the Aviation Museum” is tailored to the youngest visitors — shorter and packed with the most spectacular machines. Other routes focus on fighters, helicopters or civil aviation history — match the route to your child’s interests.
Especially attractive for kids: large outdoor exhibits, the chance to enter selected aircraft, and hands-on workshops (crafts, modeling) and themed events — great as a birthday surprise.
Pay attention to multimedia displays and zones where you can see engines, navigation instruments or models — touchable elements and a short educator commentary can spark curiosity in little ones.
If you want to stay close to the Polish Aviation Museum (Czyżyny district), look for family cafés and play-cafés that pair a menu with a play area: some places offer play corners, changing tables and parent-friendly facilities, which makes meals with little ones much easier.
A few tried-and-tested suggestions in different parts of the city:
- Hej, zabawa! (Czyżyny) – playroom with a café: ideal if you want the kids to play in a safe space while adults eat. Usually it works on the basis of a fee for the playroom and serves simple dishes and drinks.
- Kawa i Zabawa – a play-style café with hourly admission; a good option for a longer stay with little ones.
- Małopolski Wagon Rodzinnie (Azory) – a restaurant set up with families in mind, with a play corner and space to move; often praised by parents for calm and convenience.
- Makaroniarnia (city centre) – known for a child-friendly menu (dishes for the youngest, quick portions), a good option when you’re returning to the centre and want something kids like.
- Cafe Manggha (near Wawel) – a museum café with a children’s area, a terrace by the Vistula and a relaxed atmosphere, good to pair with sightseeing.
- Rodzinka Cafe (Old Town/Floriańska) – a café with a play corner and homemade cakes, welcoming for families strolling the centre.
When choosing a place, look for these facilities: play corner, high chairs, changing table, kids’ menu and quick service. That makes the meal shorter and less stressful.
1) Morning: arrive at the museum — ideally right after opening, when it’s less crowded and the exhibits make the strongest impression.
2) 9:00–11:00: the “for the little ones” route + a short rest by an outdoor exhibit. Let the children go inside one of the available planes if possible.
3) 11:30–13:00: lunch at a nearby café/play-café (e.g. Hej, zabawa! or Małopolski Wagon). Venues with a play corner help when children need to move.
4) Afternoon: a walk around the neighbourhood or travel to the centre (Wawel, Manggha) — depending on your children’s age and energy.
This plan leaves room for flexibility and rests, while still allowing you to see the highlights without rushing.
Here are some typical pitfalls and easy ways to avoid them:
- Arriving on Monday: the museum is often closed — check opening days and hours before you go.
- Not planning breaks: large grounds and exhibits mean a lot of walking — plan breaks and places where children can sit or play.
- Failing to book workshops or birthday parties: if you need a specific date, reserve in advance because spots fill quickly.
- Assuming the child will “do” the whole route: it’s better to choose a shorter, more engaging trail than to try to see everything at once.
- Not checking restaurant facilities: before you enter, check whether the venue has high chairs, a play corner or a changing table — it will save frustration.
- The museum has a very extensive collection: there are outdoor exhibits and hangars with multimedia displays. It’s a great place to show children how diverse aviation history is.
- Some workshops and events are included in the admission price — on special family days educational programs may be covered, which makes the visit even more interesting.
- The museum organises themed birthday parties with the possibility of entering an aircraft — a great idea for an unusual party for a young aviation fan.
Can children go inside the planes? - Yes, as part of selected programs and during some events there’s the possibility to see the interior of certain aircraft — check availability on site or when booking workshops.
How much time do you need for the museum? - For a family with small children 2–3 hours is usually enough; if you plan workshops or extended visits, reserve half a day.
Are there toilets and changing tables? - Yes, the museum provides information about facilities and stroller-accessible routes; many family-friendly cafés also have changing tables.
Is a family ticket worth it? - If your group is 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children, a family ticket typically works out cost-effective.
Should you book a restaurant table? - In popular family venues, especially at weekends, a reservation can help avoid waiting.
The Polish Aviation Museum is a great idea for a family day: there’s space, big exhibits, programs for children and options to organise workshops or birthdays. Around Krakow you’ll also find restaurants and cafés welcoming families — choose those with a play corner, kids’ menu and changing table, and the meal will be a pleasure, not a stress.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help other parents plan a day in Krakow.
If you want to explore with a personalized plan and guided care for your family, I invite you to use the services of guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on the guide’s page. Have a good trip and a successful visit with the kids!
