Kraków is a city where history mixes with play — from the legend of the Wawel Dragon to interactive museums. The May holiday is a great time to visit: temperatures are usually pleasant, parks are blooming and the city feels festive. Remember, though, there will be more tourists, so plan so the little ones aren’t overwhelmed.
If you plan self-guided trips with audio and maps, you’re on the right track. Children engage more when they have tasks, a map to follow and short, interesting stories. Below you’ll find a top-10 list of places, practical tips and route ideas for 1–3 days.
Audio guides: choose short episodes (2–5 minutes) suited to the child’s age — kids lose interest faster, but you can win them back with playful narration and questions. Many attractions and independent authors offer family versions. For self-guided walks, download files for offline use so you don’t worry about signal.
Kids’ maps: these look different from standard maps — they’re colorful, include task points and fun icons like dragons, trams or an eye pointing out an Art Nouveau detail. Buy them in local souvenir shops or tourist information points, or download family-friendly versions online. For the May holiday I recommend one paper copy for the child and one digital version for the parent.
Suggestion: review the short route with your child before you leave — show how many stops there are, where the play areas are and where you’ll have lunch. That helps a lot with children’s motivation.
Wawel Castle is a must. For children the highlight is the Wawel Dragon story — the bronze dragon statue by the dragon’s den regularly “breathes” fire, which always impresses. A walk around the castle courtyard and a short tale about kings and knights mixes history with play well.
Practical tip: don’t schedule too many museums in one day. If you plan to visit the castle chambers or climb the tower, buy tickets in advance and check age restrictions and stroller accessibility. Children will enjoy a short legend told as a mission (for example: find a coat of arms, locate an entrance, count the lions).
The Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) is not just monuments but also a stage for street performers, carousels and horse-drawn carriages. For families we recommend a mini-quest walk: find the trumpet call (Hejnał), count the stalls in the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), and look for a small dragon figure on one of the townhouses.
Practical: crowds are large during the May holiday — choose early morning or late afternoon. If you want coffee or cake, pick well-reviewed cafés by the Square but expect prices and queues. Short stops at playgrounds or nearby gardens give children a chance to rest.
Wieliczka is one of the region’s biggest attractions, ideal for a half- or full-day trip from Kraków. Underground the temperature is steady around 14–16°C, so bring a light sweater even on a warm day.
Tip: the mine route involves stairs — not all areas are stroller-friendly. Book timed tickets online, especially for long weekends. Children enjoy the visit more if you tell a short miner’s story before entering and give them a “mission” (for example: find a chapel or a carving).
The outdoor interactive installations let children experience physics and optical phenomena. It’s an ideal spot for a May holiday picnic — lots of space, hands-on exhibits and benches.
Practical: check opening hours and whether educational events or workshops are scheduled on the day of your visit — workshops can draw larger groups of children and are worth including in your plan.
A water park is a great way to burn off energy: slides, wave pools and toddler zones make for a successful day. Many families combine a morning walk in the Old Town with an afternoon at the pools.
Advice: pack spare towels, swimsuits and rubber sandals. Check ticket reservations or guest limits for the May holiday — some facilities restrict numbers. Note nearby cafés or restaurants in case the little ones are hungry after playing.
The Kraków Zoo is a classic family choice — diverse animals, educational programs and playgrounds. Nearby are Piłsudski Mound and Kościuszko Mound — perfect for a picnic and a short climb with panoramic views over the city.
Tip: plan so children can relax in nature after visiting the zoo. On the mounds wear comfortable shoes, bring water and snacks. If you travel with a stroller, check the accessibility of paths; some areas have steps or uneven ground.
Interactive displays with trams, old machines and models are a hit for kids curious about technology. The Aviation Museum displays impressive aircraft and exhibits that often look like scenes from adventures and cartoons.
Tip: if your child loves vehicles, give this topic a full visit. Ask at the ticket desk about children’s workshops or family routes. For younger kids, short stories at each exhibit work better than long lists of facts.
Ojców National Park is a great day trip: rocks, caves, castle ruins and short trails that small legs can handle. The Hercules’ Club (Maczuga Herkulesa), Łokietek’s Cave and scenic paths are popular with families.
Practical recommendation: bring easy snacks, water and sun protection. Trails can be rocky — good footwear is essential. There are eateries nearby, but bring extras if you plan a longer hike.
Kraków has several well-rated indoor play centres and creative workshops — perfect for sudden bad weather. Building workshops, robotics classes and art sessions can keep children engaged for hours.
In practice: check reviews and reserve spots in advance for long weekends. Choose places with safety certificates and positive family feedback.
Children appreciate frequent food breaks — instead of one formal restaurant, plan a series of short stops: ice cream at a popular confectionery, a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy, a sandwich or pancake at a small café. This lets you adjust the plan to the children’s mood.
Recommended areas: Kazimierz and the Old Town offer the most family options — from small cafés to restaurants with kids’ menus. Pick places with good ratings and easy access to restrooms.
Book tickets online where possible — especially for Wieliczka and the most popular museums. The May holiday brings bigger crowds, and reservations give peace of mind and a fixed entry time.
Keep an elastic plan: aim for a maximum of two big attractions per day and one free-play spot. Bring spare water, fruit, blister plasters and a fever medicine — essentials for the family first-aid kit.
Transport: Kraków’s public transport is well developed — trams and buses reach most attractions. For longer trips outside the city (Wieliczka, Ojców) it’s often easier to travel by car or book transport in advance.
Trying to do “everything” in one day — instead choose 2–3 points and leave time to rest. Children tire faster than adults, and a tired child can spoil the whole day.
Not booking popular attractions — tickets sell out quickly during long weekends. Plan ahead and have a plan B in case slots are unavailable.
Unsuitable shoes and clothing — May weather can be changeable. A light jacket, comfortable shoes and spare clothes are basics. Don’t wear dress shoes for long walks.
The dragon statue at Wawel “breathes” fire at set times — a small ritual that children especially enjoy. It’s worth checking when this happens because it’s a great highlight of the walk.
In the Wieliczka Salt Mine the temperature is steady and lower than on the surface — so even on a warm May day the cool, underground tour can be a pleasant change. There are many sculptures carved from salt that amaze and interest children.
Is the May holiday a good time to visit? Yes, but be ready for more tourists and book key attractions in advance.
Are audio guides worth it for kids? Yes — when they are short and told in a lively way. Choose family versions or split longer episodes into short sessions.
Should I bring a stroller? It depends on the route. In the Old Town and parks a stroller is useful, but in the Wieliczka Salt Mine and on some mounds it can be problematic. A baby carrier or short carries are a good backup.
In the city centre and Kazimierz you’ll find many well-rated cafés and restaurants that welcome children — from simple diners to places with children’s menus. For quick bites, Plac Nowy is a classic spot; family-friendly restaurants near Wawel serve hearty portions, good after a day of sightseeing.
Accommodation: choose places close to the centre or tram stops to minimize daily travel. Hotels and apartments with a kitchenette give flexibility for preparing meals for the little ones.
Day 1: Morning walk through the Old Town and Wawel, afternoon at the Garden of Experiences or the Museum of Municipal Engineering, evening dinner in Kazimierz.
Day 2: Trip to Wieliczka or Ojców National Park; evening relaxation at a water park or in a family restaurant in the city.
Remember to keep the plan flexible depending on weather and the children’s mood.
If this guide helped you plan a May holiday in Kraków — share it with friends or on social media so other parents can benefit. If you want a more tailored route, please contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz through the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com site for details about offers and contact methods. Good luck with planning and have a wonderful May holiday in Kraków!
