Krakow is not only monuments and long walks around the Market Square — it’s a city full of places where children learn through play, can burn off energy outdoors and try special sweet treats. In one day you can visit an interactive museum, swim in an aquapark and then sit in a family-friendly café for a slice of cake or a scoop of creamy ice cream.
Thanks to its compact layout and an efficient public transport system (trams, buses), many attractions are easily reachable even with luggage or a stroller. Below you’ll find short descriptions of the most interesting spots, practical tips and suggestions for the best desserts nearby.
1. Stanisław Lem Experimental Garden – outdoor interactive installations, perfect for curious kids who like experiments and active games.
2. Krakow Zoo – a classic family day out: animals, wide paths and picnic spots.
3. Multimedia Underground Museum of the Market Square – a short interactive history lesson that engages children with multimedia and props.
4. Living Obwarzanek Museum – workshops where children can shape and bake a traditional obwarzanek, great for little hands.
5. Krakow Chocolate Manufactory – sessions where kids make chocolate treats and learn how chocolate is made.
6. Jordan Park and the Błonia Meadows – open spaces for running, playgrounds and a place for a family picnic after a city stroll.
7. Krakow Science Centre (Cogiteon) – interactive exhibitions and labs that explain science in an attractive way.
8. Museum of Municipal Engineering – old trams, machines and technical demonstrations that fascinate young fans of machinery.
9. Indoor amusement options: trampoline parks (e.g. GoJump) and large play-centres (GOkidz!) — a great alternative for rainy days.
10. Vistula river cruise – a short boat trip that lets you see the city from a different perspective and rest after intense sightseeing.
Energylandia is the largest amusement park in Poland, located in Zator — a popular day-trip destination from Krakow. It’s a good choice if you have a full day or plan to stay overnight nearby.
Logistics: driving usually takes about 45–70 minutes (depending on traffic). There are also buses and organized trips from Krakow; when traveling with small children bring extra snacks and plan breaks because the park is extensive.
Practical tips: buy tickets and fast-pass options online for specific time slots in high season, arrive early to avoid the longest queues and plan which park zones to visit according to your children’s ages (there are calmer family zones and more extreme areas). If you only plan a one-day trip, consider staying overnight in Zator or at a nearby camp to rest after a busy day.
After a day full of attractions children (and adults!) deserve a good dessert. Here are places worth visiting — tried, often recommended and family-friendly:
Ice cream on Starowiślna – an iconic craft workshop whose ice creams are extremely popular. In summer there can be queues, but the creamy flavors are worth it.
Rinella Gelato – Italian gelato in the very centre; good portions and a variety of flavors, convenient for a quick treat after a walk.
Saint Malo – artisanal ice cream with a velvety texture, often listed in local rankings.
Good Lood / local artisanal ice cream shops – Krakow has several workshops offering natural, seasonal flavors, ideal for families looking for lighter, natural dessert options.
Krakow Chocolate Manufactory – if you want something more hands-on, chocolate production places offer a fantastic experience and a sweet souvenir.
Family-friendly cafés: Massolit (bookshop + café in Kazimierz) or cosy cafés near the Planty and around the Old Town — good cakes, tea and comfortable seats for little guests.
Cukiernia Sowa and other renowned pastry shops — if you’re after cakes, eclairs or top-quality cheesecake, check out well-rated confectioneries in the centre.
- Plan breaks: after intensive sightseeing it’s better to go for dessert before dinner or as an afternoon stop — this reduces the risk of meltdowns from hunger.
- Queues in summer: popular ice cream shops (especially artisanal ones) often have lines. If you don’t want to wait, choose less touristy times: early afternoon or late afternoon.
- Allergies and children’s menus: check ingredients of ice creams and cakes (many places are happy to explain ingredients on the spot). Artisanal shops often offer lactose-free options or fruit sorbets for younger children.
- Seating: not all ice cream shops have tables — if you travel with a stroller, pick a café with seating where you can rest after dessert.
- Not only the Old Town: the best ice creams and cafés are often located away from the busiest streets. It’s worth wandering into the tenement areas of Kazimierz or the lanes of Podgórze.
- Culinary workshops as an attraction: many places (chocolate manufactories, the Living Obwarzanek Museum) offer short workshops that combine tasting with learning — a great gift and memory for a child.
- Aquaparks and trampolines for bad weather: if it rains, aquaparks and trampoline parks are excellent substitutes and Krakow’s facilities are of high quality.
1) Trying to see “everything” in one day – instead, plan themed days: one day for museums and science, another for outdoor play and desserts.
2) Not checking opening hours and ticket availability – some attractions have limited capacity or different seasonal hours; buy tickets online when possible.
3) Ignoring young children’s needs (breaks, drinks, toilets) – bring a water bottle, snacks and basic hygiene supplies.
4) Standing in line for the most famous ice cream shops without a plan B – if the queue is long, choose another equally good artisanal shop nearby.
- Transport: Krakow has an extensive tram and bus network; most central attractions are within walking distance. To reach Energylandia it’s best to go by car or bus; travel time from Krakow is usually around one hour.
- Tickets and reservations: buy tickets online where possible (for major museums and the amusement park) — it saves time and stress with children.
- Accessibility: many main attractions are adapted for families with strollers, but older historic sites (underground passages, narrow cellars) may be difficult — check accessibility information in advance.
- Where to stay: choose accommodation with family rooms and breakfast options. If you plan to visit Energylandia, consider staying in Zator or nearby to get more time in the park.
Is Energylandia suitable for toddlers? Yes — the park has zones and attractions for younger children; check the park map and choose family-friendly areas.
How long does a typical visit to the Zoo or an interactive museum take? Usually 2–3 hours with breaks for play and snacks.
Where can I find toilets and changing facilities? Most larger attractions and shopping centres have changing tables; in the dense tourist area of the centre it’s also easy to find cafés with toilets.
How to avoid queues at ice cream shops? Choose hours outside the busiest peaks (after 4:00–5:00 pm or earlier in the morning), or head to less touristy venues in Kazimierz and Podgórze.
Pack: spare clothes for children, wet wipes, sunscreen in summer, a small backpack with snacks. Plan at least one outdoor activity and one indoor option in case of changing weather. Book tickets online where possible, and leave time for dessert — the best memories often come with ice cream or cake after a shared day of adventures.
If this guide was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. If you prefer to spend time in Krakow with local support, I encourage you to consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website.
