Markets, fairs and large events at the Main Market by the Sukiennice are among the most magical moments while visiting Kraków — colorful stalls, the smell of regional dishes, street performers and plenty of children’s attractions. At the same time, crowds and a change of routine can easily distract little ones and lead to stressful situations for the whole family. This guide gives concrete, proven advice on reducing the risk of becoming separated from your child, what to do in the first minutes after a child goes missing, and which nearby places and services are worth knowing. The goal is to make your walk by the Sukiennice joyful and safe.
A few simple preparations before you leave can save the whole day. It’s not about banning fun, but about planning sensibly and using a few crowd-tested tricks.
Below you’ll find a pre-departure checklist, behavior rules for the market, an action plan for when a child is lost, a list of helpful spots on the Market Square, and an FAQ with practical answers.
Take a current photo of your child — ideally in the outfit they’ll wear to the market. A recent photo makes searches much easier if needed.
Agree on a simple plan: who holds the child’s hand, where the meeting point is, who looks after tickets/backpack. Discuss these at home or before you step into the crowd, before the child gets distracted by attractions.
Dress your child in distinctive, preferably bright clothing or attach a noticeable badge/small backpack to make them easier to spot. Avoid large name labels with the child’s full name on display.
For very young children consider a stroller, baby carrier, or a safety harness/leash — these solutions really reduce the risk of losing a child. If the child has their own backpack, tuck a card with a contact phone number inside.
Write a contact phone number in several places: inside a jacket, on a card in a pocket, or for younger children a gentle temporary tattoo or a wristband with the number (avoid showing the child’s full name prominently).
Talk to your child briefly and concretely: what to do if they get lost — stay where they are, don’t go with strangers, look for someone in uniform or an information point.
Set a meeting point — easy to describe and recognize (for example under the Town Hall tower, or next to the largest gingerbread stall). If a problem happens, always return there first.
Hold your child’s hand in the busiest crowds or place them in front of you so they’re always within sight. This is the simplest and most effective rule.
Avoid adult distractions: keep phones put away, have a clear plan for movement and divide responsibilities among caregivers (for example, one person watches the children while another does the shopping).
If your child likes to run, set clear boundaries and make it a game: “we run only between the benches and we come back to mum every five minutes.” Children follow rules better when they are given a simple, consistent ritual.
Use a stroller as an “anchor” even for older toddlers: a backpack with a drink, jacket and small items hung on the handle makes it easier to reunite quickly.
If you need a break, step into one of the side cafes or to the edge of the square. Children often calm down after a few minutes away from the crowd.
Be mindful around food stalls: hot dishes, sharp skewers and wooden stall edges require attention. Also watch moving attractions — horse-drawn carriages, street performances and fire shows — and keep children at a safe distance.
A wristband with a phone number — simple, safe and easy to remove after you get home. Choose waterproof, non-toxic bands.
Temporary phone-number tattoos — kids often like them and they’re useful when the child has no pockets.
A small card inside a backpack or pocket with a phone number and short notes such as “Allergic to nuts” if needed. Do not place a full home address on the outside.
Keep a photo of your child in their outing clothes on your phone. The photo helps when sharing information with staff or volunteers during searches.
Stay calm. Panic makes logical action and communication harder for everyone trying to help.
Immediately return to the last place you saw the child. In crowds many children are found within a few dozen meters of the separation point.
Ask market staff or stall attendants for help. At larger events organizers usually have procedures, volunteers and radio communication between points.
Go to the nearest information point, municipal guards or police. There are often patrols in the Main Market area during big events — report the disappearance and provide a description and photo.
Call the emergency number 112 if there is a real threat to health or life. For a regular missing-child report, local police also receive and coordinate searches.
Give a clear description to people nearby: what the child is wearing, what backpack they have, age. The more people who know the description, the sooner someone may spot them.
If the child has a phone and is registered with an operator, ask for help locating it when the police request or in an emergency. Avoid attempting informal tracking on your own — cooperate with authorities.
If you cannot find the child quickly, file a report with the police and provide an up-to-date photo, description and any information about friends or favorite places the child might visit. Stay available by phone.
Market information point — usually the first place to report a missing person. Organizers have their own procedures and often coordinate with city services.
Municipal Guard and Police patrols — the Main Market area is regularly patrolled, especially during large events. Approach officers or ask them to broadcast an announcement.
Museums and official guides — if the incident occurs near the Sukiennice Salon or museum areas, notify museum staff. Museum employees and guides are often able to direct you to the correct services or help coordinate communications.
Stall staff and volunteers — people working at booths often remember faces and can help hold or redirect a child who is trying to wander off. Ask a vendor to help spread the word.
Distracting phone use — many separations happen when a parent looks at a screen. Designate one person as "officially responsible" for the child during the visit.
Overtrusting strangers — markets are friendly, but always teach your child: don’t accept sweets or gifts from strangers, and don’t go anywhere with someone you don’t know.
No meeting point — if caregivers don’t have a shared place to return to, you lose precious minutes. Choose a simple, visible meeting point beforehand.
Displaying too much personal data on the child’s backpack or shirt — the less visible personal information, the safer. A phone number in a pocket is usually enough.
There are many spots on the Market Square where you can temporarily "hide out" with a child: edge cafes by the square, stalls selling warm drinks, or the side streets leading to the Small Market. Use them as rest points.
If you plan to visit indoor museum spaces nearby (Sukiennice, National Museum, Wawel), check in advance the rules for strollers and facilities for young children. Many museums have staff and guides who can assist if difficulties arise.
Well-known eateries around the Market include Café Camelot, Charlotte and the historic Wierzynek — all are family-friendly but get very busy in season. Consider booking a table or visiting outside peak hours.
During large markets plan shorter activities and don’t expect one caregiver to be photographer, shopper and entertainer at the same time. Divide roles so the visit is more enjoyable and safer.
What should I do if I see an unfamiliar child alone on the square? — Approach calmly and ask if they are looking for someone. Ask the child for a parent’s name or the meeting point. If the child seems clearly upset, report the situation to the nearest information point or to the municipal guard.
Should I give my child documents with the home address? — Instead of an address, place only a caregiver’s phone number. A home address does not need to be visible to passersby; protecting personal data matters.
How should I talk to a small child about safety rules? — Use short, positive phrases: “We hold hands,” “If you get lost, stay where you are and look for the lady in the red jacket.” Practice the routine at home before going out — it works surprisingly well.
Will museum staff help if I lose a child inside a museum? — Yes. Many museums have reporting procedures and regular staff who can quickly coordinate assistance. Don’t hesitate to ask museum employees for help.
Make a short "recognition" visit — spend 10–15 minutes walking the route you plan to take so you can show the child landmarks. This helps small children a lot.
Agree on a password — a simple family phrase the child should repeat to the person who helps them get back to parents. A password ensures the child won’t go with a random stranger.
Use a parent’s item as a visual cue: “I’m wearing a red hat today” — simple cues help the child avoid confusion.
If you found this guide useful, share it with friends or send it to family — the more caregivers who read a few simple rules, the more peaceful visits to the Sukiennice and Main Market.
If you need help planning a trip to Kraków with children — a personalized museum route, ticket reservations, restaurant suggestions or a logistical plan — you can request assistance from private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact information is provided on the article page; Małgorzata can help design a family-friendly program, match the pace of your visits to your group, and take care of logistical details so your stay in Kraków is calm and memorable.
Wishing you happy walks around the Market — may the Sukiennice remain a warm and joyful memory, not a source of stress.
