Yes — Krakow is a city where history mixes with family-friendly places: from interactive museums through parks and the ZOO to short, easy trips outside the city. A small child will enjoy the Dragon's Den and playgrounds, while older kids will like museum workshops or a cruise on the Vistula. Plan sensibly: 2–3 attractions a day brings more joy than trying to see everything at once.
If you plan to visit the Cistercian Abbey in Mogiła — make time for a walk around the cloisters and the monastery garden; it’s a great spot for calm sightseeing with children away from the crowds of the Old Town. For practical reasons, check opening hours and entry rules before you go, because some events have special prices or free admission.
Address: ul. Klasztorna 11. This historic abbey has been adapted into a museum and cultural space — models, reconstructions and multimedia elements help tell children about monastic life in an accessible way.
In practice: the abbey houses permanent and temporary exhibitions, there’s also a monastery shop and a small courtyard where children can rest. On certain days guided tours and workshops are organized — sometimes admission is free as part of local cultural events, and group tours can cost a symbolic amount (for example a few zloty per person).
How to get there: from central Krakow you can reach Mogiła by public transport (trams/buses — the Klasztorna stop is served by lines heading towards Nowa Huta). By car: parking at the abbey is limited, so it’s better to come by public transport or taxi.
Tip: if you want a guided visit or to come at a specific time, email or call in advance — group reservations may be required.
The ZOO is a classic for families: aquariums and terrariums, enclosures for large mammals and a playground make it easy to spend half a day there. In summer it’s best to come in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest hours and the biggest crowds.
Tickets: regular, reduced and family tickets are usually available; very young children (e.g. preschool age) often have free or very cheap admission. Check current prices and opening hours on the official ZOO website before you go.
Tip: bring plenty of water and small snacks — there are restrictions on eating in some pavilions. If your child likes activity, plan a stop at the playground and the educational zone.
A short cruise on the Vistula is a simple, impressive attraction: the panorama of Wawel and the Old Town from a different perspective always amazes children. Cruises usually last 30–60 minutes and are sometimes themed (legends, children’s stories).
Tickets: operators offer separate prices for adults and children; on some routes children benefit from reduced fares. A cruise can be combined with a walk along the riverbank or a picnic on the Błonia.
Practical tip: when choosing an operator check the cruise length and weather conditions — bring extra layers on cool days and sunscreen and a hat on hot days.
Interactive workshops where children shape and bake a traditional Krakow obwarzanek themselves are a great mix of fun and learning. Sessions are led by master bakers and adapted to the youngest participants.
Prices and reservations: workshop tickets have different rates (child, adult, family). It’s definitely worth booking in advance — holiday and weekend slots fill up quickly.
A tasty souvenir: after the workshop each child can take their obwarzanek home — a big joy for little ones and a good way to learn about local cuisine.
Wawel Royal Castle and the cathedral are must-see sights; for children the Dragon’s Den and the legend of the Wawel Dragon add extra fun. Wawel has several exhibition branches, so choose those most suitable for your child’s age.
Tickets: for popular parts of Wawel (state rooms, armory, exhibitions) it’s best to buy timed tickets online — this saves you from long queues.
Tip: after visiting, walk down to the river and look for the Dragon statue, especially if you’re with a preschooler — it’s a magical way to end the day.
Water parks and city parks are a lifesaver on bad-weather days and a great way to burn off energy. The water park offers pools and slides for different age groups; city parks have playgrounds, bike paths and places for picnics.
Practical: water parks have toddler zones and changing facilities; check height limits on slides and family hours for small children. Portable blankets and simple snacks are useful in city parks.
Modern museums, including MOCAK and interactive science centers, offer exhibitions that engage children’s imagination — tactile displays, workshops and educational zones. They’re a good complement to city walks, especially in unpredictable weather.
Tickets: museums often offer reduced admission for children and youth as well as special family tickets. Some institutions have free days or lower prices on certain weekdays, so check before you go.
Although outside the city center, Wieliczka is a magical underground route: salt chapels, sculptures and chambers make a strong impression on children. Plan the trip as a half-day or full-day outing.
Pay attention to the route length and choose one suited to your child’s abilities — shorter tourist routes and family-themed tours are available. Booking with a guide helps maintain pace and keep children interested.
Many Krakow cultural institutions offer reduced tickets (pupils, students, seniors), family tickets and online purchase promotions. Sometimes extra rules apply (e.g. showing a document entitling you to a discount), so always carry ID or a relevant card.
How to save: plan visits on free-admission days, look for family tickets and check whether an institution accepts cards like the Large Family Card. Booking online often guarantees entry at the chosen time and avoids queues.
Note: prices and discount rules can change — check the latest information on the official pages of the places you plan to visit.
Getting to the abbey in Mogiła is easy: tram and bus lines connecting the centre with Nowa Huta stop at Klasztorna or Fort Mogiła (depending on the route). Trams running toward Pleszów and Nowa Huta stop in this area.
When travelling with small children: check timetables and possible disruptions (track work can sometimes change routes and stops). If driving, note limited parking at historic sites — plan to park in a nearby zone or use a taxi.
Around the Market Square and along typical sightseeing routes you’ll find family-friendly places — choose spots with a children’s menu, high chairs and pram access. Many central cafés and restaurants welcome families and have menus suited to the youngest guests.
A few practical tips: book a table if you plan to eat out at the weekend; choose accommodation with breakfast for children or a kitchenette; check family reviews before booking. If you’d like recommendations, guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz recommends tried-and-tested places in the center — you can find a list of recommended venues on the guide’s website.
Overpacked schedule — families often try to “tick off” too much. Instead, plan 2–3 attractions and leave time for breaks.
Not checking opening hours and entry rules — many places have limited slots or special free days; verify in advance.
Not preparing for the weather — Krakow can surprise you: have rain jackets and extra clothes for children ready, especially for park visits and river cruises.
Do children get free admission to museums in Krakow? Not all of them; many institutions offer free entry for the youngest visitors or discounts, but rules vary — check the specific venue before your visit.
Is the Mogiła abbey suitable for small children? Yes — the abbey and garden are stroller-friendly, but some exhibitions may be more interesting for children aged 6–7 and up. For younger kids plan a shorter visit and time for outdoor play.
What is the easiest way to get around Krakow with children? Public transport (trams and buses) is convenient; choose shorter rides and plan breaks in parks or family-friendly cafés.
If you want to explore Krakow at a pace suited to children — calmly, with breaks and engaging stories — consider private guiding. Małgorzata Kasprowicz creates family-friendly routes tailored to children’s ages and the pace of the group.
Share this article with friends if you think it will help them plan their trip. If you’d like, plan your route together with the guide — contact details for Małgorzata are available on the guide’s website.
