Did you know that beneath the Baroque interior of the Piarist Church there is an exhibition space in a crypt, and just a short walk from Floriańska Street you can stand by fragments of the medieval Floriańska Gate and the Barbican? It’s a perfect mix of art, history and fun for kids — especially when spring brings everyone outside.
This short guide will help you organise a pleasant, low-effort day — with game ideas for the little ones, practical logistics tips and a few local surprises that will make your trip stand out to friends.
Spring is a great time for a walk around the Old Town: the trees in the Planty begin to blossom, the air feels fresh and the crowds (compared with summer) are smaller — it’s easier to plan relaxed picnic stops and ice-cream breaks.
Museums and galleries often launch short thematic shows and concerts in spring — the Piarists’ crypt regularly hosts exhibitions and musical events that can interest slightly older children. The routes here are shorter than long city-wide tours, so this is an ideal idea for a late morning or afternoon, especially when you travel with little ones.
The interior of the Church of the Transfiguration surprises with its Baroque decoration — ask the children to look for the oddest angel or the most ornate altar.
In the church basement you’ll find the gallery 'Krypta u Pijarów' — an exhibition space in the underground rooms where short shows, concerts and cultural events are often held. Crypts and underground galleries have a distinctive atmosphere — dim light, stone textures and interesting echoes — which children remember as an adventure. Opening hours can vary: weekdays often have morning and afternoon slots and longer hours on some Saturdays, so check current times before you go.
Remember that masses or religious events may take place in the church; tourist access can be limited at those times. Respect the space of worship and check the church’s schedule before visiting.
A walk from Pijarska toward Floriańska leads to some of the best-known surviving fragments of the city’s former fortifications: the Floriańska Gate and the nearby Barbican. These are excellent spots to tell children, in a few sentences, what a medieval town looked like and why defensive walls were built.
The stone wall sections and the Barbican are great for quick outdoor games: look for carved marks in the stone, count towers or play 'little defender' (of course without climbing where it’s forbidden). In the season parts of the gate and some sections of the wall may be ticketed or included in combined municipal museum offers — check entry rules and family discounts in advance.
Some fortress sections have steps and uneven terrain — if you’re bringing a stroller, keep that in mind. Lightweight all-terrain strollers or baby carriers can be more practical.
Create a mini detective game: before you leave, prepare a short list of things to find — 'an angel on the façade', 'a stained-glass window', 'a stone turret'. The child gets a small prize for completing the list.
In the Piarists’ crypt encourage children to pay attention to footsteps and echoes — ask them to say one word and listen to how it changes. This simple exercise builds awareness and makes the place feel more magical.
At the walls, play a directions game: 'where is the Market Square?', 'which way does Floriańska lead?' — a practical way to learn the city map without a map.
Check the gallery’s opening hours and any events in the crypt before you leave — underground galleries and some exhibitions run seasonal or shortened hours.
Churches are usually open at specific visiting times; during services tourist access may be paused. If you want to attend a special event (concert, exhibition) booking or confirming the date in advance may be necessary.
If you have a stroller, remember not all parts of the church or the walls are step-free. Plan for a few steps at entrances and uneven surfaces by the walls. Consider a baby carrier or a light travel stroller.
Restrooms and baby-changing facilities are usually available in nearby cafés and shopping centres; such conveniences inside historic sites can be limited. Plan a short break in a well-reviewed café nearby.
If you’re looking for a place with history and atmosphere, consider the legendary Jama Michalika — a café and restaurant long popular with families and visitors. Around the Market Square you’ll also find established restaurants with child-friendly menus — choose local places with good reviews and quick service.
For a quick snack or coffee, cafés with outdoor seating by the Planty are convenient — children can move around a little after sightseeing. It’s always a good idea to check recent reviews before choosing a venue, especially in the tourist season.
The Krypta u Pijarów also functions as a contemporary art gallery — an unusual combination of a sacred space and modern exhibitions. Children are often surprised by the contrast between a Baroque altar and contemporary installations underground.
The crypt has hosted ceremonies and funerals for notable Kraków residents, so the space carries historical memory you can tell as a short, interesting story for older children.
The Barbican and Floriańska Gate survive as parts of the old defensive system despite many city reconstructions — a chance to show children that not everything old in the city was demolished.
Trying to 'see everything' in one day — it’s better to plan a shorter route and linger in one place than to sprint through a dozen attractions. Children will be less tired and you’ll return with better memories.
Not checking opening hours — both the church and the crypt have visiting hours and can be closed for services or events. Call or check the institution’s site before you go.
Bringing bulky strollers everywhere — cities like Kraków have cobbled streets and steps at some entrances. Lighter options are more practical.
Do you need a ticket for the Floriańska Gate or the Barbican? Sometimes — parts of the fortifications and some exhibitions are managed by museums and can be ticketed. Check ticket information before your visit.
Can you take photos in the crypt? Generally, photography without flash is allowed, but always respect the rules of the place and any liturgical situations.
Is the place suitable for small children? Yes, if you plan breaks and don’t rush between sites. Crypts and museums often offer calmer spaces, but watch out for steps and low ceilings.
Where is the nearest toilet? There are several cafés and service points near the Market Square and Floriańska with restrooms; facilities inside the monuments can be limited.
If you liked the idea of a short family walk combining crypts, Baroque art and fragments of the city walls — share this post with friends or on social media. A small trip can inspire other families.
If you’d like to explore the Old Town in a more personal way — with stops chosen for your children’s ages and a pace matched to your family — feel free to contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com — I’ll gladly help plan a route and tell stories in a way that will interest even the youngest.
Good luck and enjoy discovering Kraków in its springtime look!
