Schindler's Factory is one of those places in Kraków that tells an important part of the city's — and the world's — history. For children it can be an opportunity to learn about the past through real objects, photographs and stories instead of dry dates from a textbook. As a guide I try to present this place in a way that respects the facts while making the history accessible and understandable for the youngest visitors.
Visiting with children also creates a chance to talk about values — from courage and empathy to what everyday life looked like in difficult times. It's important, however, to adapt the content and pace to the children's ages and sensitivities.
This article explains how to prepare your family, which parts of the exhibition are most accessible for children, and how to organize museum entries, reservations and practical matters.
I have been guiding in Kraków for years and have experience working with families — that is why I describe proven methods that help make the visit meaningful and as comfortable as possible for little ones.
You will also find a short FAQ and practical tips for before and during the visit.
Yes — but with reservations. The museum deals with difficult topics connected to World War II and the fate of people in occupied Kraków. Some parts of the exhibition are moving and require a gentle introduction.
For younger children (for example, preschool age) it is worth shortening the visit and focusing on the more “visual” elements — old objects, photographs and stories about everyday life. For older children and teenagers you can talk about historical context and show concrete examples of courage and solidarity that appear in the history related to the factory.
As a guide I adapt language and the level of detail to the group. If there are very young children in the group, I suggest a shorter route and more interactive questions that engage curiosity without causing trauma. If parents want to address more serious issues, I do so gradually and sensitively.
In practice: plan the visit so children are not overwhelmed — a short, meaningful visit is better than a long, tiring one.
Note about emotions: after leaving the exhibition it is good to give children space for questions, and if someone is very upset, offer a short break outdoors.
Schindler's Factory is part of a municipal institution, so tickets can be purchased at the ticket office, at the Visitor Service Centre and via online ticketing systems. During the season and on weekends it is worth buying tickets in advance to avoid queues and disappointment at the entrance.
If you want a guided visit, it is best to reserve a date ahead of time — this ensures the tour takes place at a convenient hour and at a level suited to the group's ages. I offer various route options — from shorter family walks to extended educational programs.
Some museums offer headphones or audio-guides for an additional fee — this can be useful if the group wants to use recorded materials individually. For family groups I usually recommend a live guide because it allows questions and tailoring the content to the children.
If you plan to visit several museums in one day, consider booking them in an order that puts places requiring more concentration first and lighter attractions later.
If you have doubts about ticket availability on a specific day, contact the museum staff or the guide in advance — this helps plan the visit without stress.
Short version (best for younger children): 60–90 minutes. We focus on the most interesting, visual parts of the exhibition, I tell short, clear stories and leave time for questions.
Extended version (for older children and interested parents): 2–3 hours. Includes deeper discussion of historical context, themed zones and time for conversation after the exhibition.
After the museum I often suggest a short walk around the Podgórze and Kazimierz neighbourhoods — places that help complete the story of the city's history in the open air. For families it is important that the route is not too long — I recommend planning breaks every 45–60 minutes.
If you book a walk with a guide, we agree on the pace and length individually so that it is comfortable for children and interesting for adults.
Summary: choose the shorter version for little ones, and the longer one if the group has older children or particular historical interests.
Start with questions: find out how much the child already knows and how they react to hard stories. This lets you choose the right language and level of detail. Simple questions like “What do you think this place is?” help assess understanding.
Avoid brutal descriptions. Speak instead about loss, lack of safety and about the bravery of people who helped others. Emphasize values: empathy, solidarity and courage.
Prepare a short, positive story from the exhibition — a tale about a specific person or event with a hopeful message that shows an example of help or bravery.
Give the child space for emotions and questions. After the visit suggest an activity to help process impressions: drawing, a conversation over a snack, or a short walk in the park.
Remember: parents decide how many details are appropriate for their child. As a guide I always ask whether they want all topics covered or if some elements should be skipped.
Stroller — check for stairs and lifts. Schindler's Factory has areas accessible to stroller users, but at some points it is better to have a foldable stroller. If you are in a larger group, ask in advance about the most convenient entrance.
Toilets and changing facilities — plan breaks. Family restrooms are not always available in every part of the route, so it is a good idea to ask museum staff at the entrance.
Snacks and water — you may not be able to eat inside the museum. Bring water and small snacks for later, but consume them outside the exhibition rooms. After the visit you will find many cafés and places to sit with children.
Clothing — bring an extra layer. Museums can be cooler than the street, and a light jacket may be useful after leaving.
Headphones and audio-guides — if you plan to use an audio-guide, check whether there are versions for children or simplified materials. In many cases a live guide provides more flexibility for families.
I tell stories with passion and light humour, while respecting the subject. I like to combine serious content with curiosities and anecdotes that help children remember the key points. My tours mix storytelling, questions for the group and short activities that engage the youngest participants.
I adjust pace and route length to the ages of the participants. Before the tour we discuss what children can expect — this helps ease any worries.
I offer route options “for children” and “for families interested in history” — so parents know whether the program will include harder topics or focus on elements more suited to younger participants.
When booking I gladly discuss individual needs: meeting place, pace, breaks and possible places to eat after the route. I make sure each tour is safe, engaging and full of positive memories.
My aim is that after the visit children feel they have learned something important and that history can be close and understandable.
Q: Is Schindler's Factory suitable for a 6-year-old? - A: Yes, but plan a shorter visit and focus on the most visual parts of the exhibition. Avoid heavy descriptions and give the child space to ask questions.
Q: How long does a guided tour take? - A: Usually from 60 minutes (family version) to 2–3 hours (extended version with an additional walk around the area). The length is set individually at booking.
Q: Do I need to reserve tickets in advance? - A: It depends on the time of year. During the season and on weekends it is worth booking tickets in advance, especially if you plan a guided visit.
Q: Can I come with a stroller and a small child? - A: Yes, but check lift availability and routes without stairs. If needed, I can advise on the most convenient solution before the visit.
Q: Will all difficult topics be discussed during the tour? - A: Parents decide. Before we start I ask about preferences and adapt the narrative to the group.
If you would like to book a family walk or a guided visit to Schindler's Factory and the surrounding area, please contact me via the ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com website — we will arrange the route, length and the level appropriate for your children.
It is best to reserve dates in advance, especially on weekends and during the holiday season, to ensure availability and a comfortable time for the visit.
When booking, provide the children's ages and any preferences (pace, breaks, topics to skip). This helps me prepare a program that is both safe and engaging for the whole family.
I look forward to meeting you in Kraków and sharing the stories of this special city in a way that interests both little and big explorers. Best regards — Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
If you have additional questions before the visit — feel free to write or call, I will gladly help plan the perfect family day in Kraków.
