Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory and the area of the former ghetto in Podgórze are key places for understanding 20th‑century Krakow. A walk around the former ghetto and a visit to the museum let you tell children extraordinary human stories — about courage, neighborliness and the everyday lives of people living in difficult times. Done wisely and at the right pace, such a visit teaches empathy and provides an important historical context for younger generations.
From a practical point of view — the area around Schindler's Factory connects well with a route through Kazimierz and a walk along the Vistula, so you can plan a half‑day or full‑day family program with breaks for food and play. As a guide (licensed since 2012) I lead tours so they engage children and are comfortable for parents — with humour, short stories and stops that allow time to rest.
Suggested plan for families (3–4 hours):
- Start: walk around Podgórze — see the Heroes of the Ghetto Square and surviving sections of the wall. Short, concrete stories help keep children’s attention.
- Schindler's Factory (entrance to the museum): if you plan to visit the museum interior, allow more time — in that case the whole tour will take around 4 hours.
- After the visit: a break for cake or lunch near Kazimierz or on the Vistula Boulevards — perfect for ice cream, sandwiches and a rest.
- Shorter alternative (without entering the museum): a 2‑hour walk with external memorial points and age‑appropriate stories.
Admission to Schindler's Factory is paid. Ticket types include full and reduced fares, so the safest approach is to buy tickets in advance on the museum’s official website or check availability before arriving.
A few practical tips to shorten waiting time:
- Buy tickets online in advance — this is the most reliable way to avoid queues, especially in high season (weekends, holidays, long weekends).
- Choose an earlier visiting time — museums are usually least crowded in the morning just after opening.
- If you plan a tour with a guide: combining an outdoor walk with the museum visit in one program helps manage the pace and reduces time spent standing in lines.
- For larger groups it’s worth using a guide who has experience organising group entries and who can provide audio sets for comfort during the walk.
A standard walk around the former ghetto area and the surroundings of the Factory usually lasts about 2 hours. If the plan includes entering Schindler's Factory (museum), expect a total time of around 4 hours — the museum visit requires more attention and breaks, especially with children.
Ticket prices for the Factory (full and reduced) are published by the museum; to be safe, check current rates just before purchase on the museum’s official website or during tour booking. As a guide I offer options: an outdoor tour (2 hours) and an extended option including museum entry (up to 4 hours).
It’s best to reserve tours in advance — this allows planning the route, booking tickets and adjusting the pace for the youngest participants.
Yes — but it requires preparation. Topics related to World War II can be difficult, so it’s worth thinking ahead about how to present the main points gently. A few suggestions:
- Adjust details to the child’s age: young children need short, positively framed stories about people who helped each other; older children can hear more facts and historical context.
- Plan breaks: children tire more quickly, so include short stops at a square, benches or a café.
- Watch the child’s cues: if an exhibit upsets them, pause the story and ask if they want to stop or change the subject.
- Avoid forcing graphic details: you don’t need to tell every harsh element — focus on people and values.
The museum strives to be accessible, but it’s good to know a few things:
- Some parts of the exhibition may have limited accessibility — check in advance whether there are step‑free entrances and ramps for strollers.
- If you have a stroller, consider a pace that allows for queuing and comfortable places to park the stroller while inside the exhibition.
- I encourage exchanging phone numbers and giving children a short briefing before entering — in busy places it’s easy to get separated, so a simple plan reassures parents and children.
After leaving Schindler's Factory it’s nice to plan a comfortable break — the Kazimierz area and the Vistula Boulevards offer many options: cafés with desserts, bars with simple meals and spaces where children can stretch their legs. Good family stop ideas: ice cream in the afternoon, sandwiches or pizza in a family‑friendly restaurant, or a short walk along the river with views of bridges and boats.
If you’d like specific recommendations, during tour booking I’m happy to suggest tried‑and‑tested cafés and family‑friendly places — I know the area well and can tailor suggestions to your preferences.
- "This place tells true stories about people who lived here long ago."
- "Some stories are sad, but we share them so we can understand the past and learn for the future."
- "There are also stories about people who helped others — about courage and friendship."
These short messages open conversation and help prepare the child for what they will see.
Can little children enter the museum? - Yes, but assess individually whether the exhibition will be comfortable for them. Some parts may evoke strong emotions.
How long does visiting take with children? - It depends on age and pace, but planning 3–4 hours (including museum entry) gives room for breaks and rest.
Are there toilets and changing tables? - The museum and the surrounding area offer basic facilities, though it’s sensible to check the museum’s latest information before your visit.
Can we stay outside and only view the building? - Of course — a walk around the former ghetto and viewing external memorial points is a valuable and shorter option.
- Tickets or reservation confirmation (printed or on your phone).
- Water and small snacks for children.
- Comfortable shoes and a layer of clothing suitable for the weather.
- Documents entitling to reduced fares (if applicable).
- A short note with the guide’s or accompanying person’s contact number — it helps organise the group.
As a licensed guide in Krakow (licensed since 2012) I lead tours that combine reliable history with a flexible, family‑friendly approach. I have experience guiding school groups and families, I hold museum permissions (including for Schindler's Factory) and I can provide comfortable audio sets for larger groups. If you wish, I can prepare a program tailored to your family — taking into account children’s pace, breaks and the spots that kids enjoy the most.
To book a family tour or ask for details, contact me through ZwiedzanieKrakowa.com — I will gladly help choose the best option and reserve museum tickets. Booking in advance secures your place and helps avoid queues.
- Be flexible — visiting with children is exploring at their pace. Short stories, funny anecdotes and breaks will make the tour a success.
- Combine learning with play — simple tasks (for example, looking for specific architectural features) keep children curious.
- Remember that post‑visit conversations are the most important — that’s when children process new information best.
I wish you a wonderful visit to Krakow — if you’d like, I will prepare a route especially for your family and help with tickets so everything goes smoothly and without queues.
