Krakow is a city that can enchant toddlers, teenagers and adults alike. Alongside historical monuments you'll find interactive museums, playgrounds, aquaparks and attractions that turn sightseeing into a real adventure.
In this article I have gathered tried-and-true, family-friendly ideas: short descriptions of places, practical tips on what to bring, how to plan a one-day trip to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, and where to find the prettiest courtyards perfect for a spring walk with a friend.
1. Dragon’s Den and Wawel — the dragon legend always works. A short visit to the Dragon’s Den, a photo by the dragon statue and a walk around Wawel courtyard make an ideal family start to the day.
2. Main Market Underground — a multimedia exhibition where children learn about medieval Krakow without boredom: projections, reconstructions and interactive displays.
3. Krakow Aquapark — pools, slides and areas for the little ones. A great option for a rainy day or after a long walk around the city.
4. Living Obwarzanek Museum — a short, fragrant experience where children shape their own obwarzanek and learn what makes this Krakow pastry a local symbol.
5. Museum of Engineering and Technology and the Polish Aviation Museum — exhibitions with machines, trams and airplanes; lots of touching and discovering.
6. Klockoland and LEGO exhibitions — a creative space for building, experimenting and seeing large-scale models.
7. Science centers and interactive children’s museums — places that use play to teach, with labs and workshops that hold the attention of the youngest visitors.
8. Parks and playgrounds — Błonia, the Planty and small neighborhood parks offer plenty of space for running and family picnics.
9. Vistula River cruise — a short boat trip gives a new perspective on the city and is exciting for children who love any “real” boat.
10. Indoor play areas and trampoline parks — when you need to burn off energy or find an alternative in bad weather, trampoline parks and large play halls save the day.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is an oasis of calm and an interesting pilgrimage landscape, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. For families it’s an excellent option for a trip outside the city: beautiful paths, chapels and gentle hills.
What to see with children: the basilica and the Bernardine monastery, sections of the ‘paths’ with chapels built into the landscape, and spots suitable for a picnic. The route of the paths runs for several kilometers, so it’s worth choosing a shorter section and planning breaks.
Practical tips: Kalwaria is located outside Krakow, about 40 km from the city center — by car the trip usually takes roughly 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. There are also bus connections; before you go check timetables and opening hours for the basilica and exhibitions.
With children: bring comfortable shoes, water and snacks. The paths have a historic character and some places are peaceful, quiet corners ideal for relaxation. Kalwaria has a long pilgrimage tradition and is connected with Pope John Paul II, which adds historical and cultural significance to the site.
1. Wawel Royal Castle Courtyard — a Renaissance arcaded courtyard with cloisters, great for photos and short moments of contemplation.
2. Collegium Maius (Jagiellonian University) — an atmospheric courtyard with arcades and a small museum; short shows and minor performances are often held there.
3. Palace of the Krakow Bishops (Archbishop’s Palace) — a courtyard with the “papal window”, historically important and very photogenic.
4. Czartoryski Museum Palace — a historic courtyard with a glazed roof, reopened after renovation and used for events and relaxation.
5. Krzysztofory Palace (Museum of Krakow) — a restored courtyard by the Market Square, worth visiting after touring the Old Town.
6. Potocki Palace / Potocki complex — a pretty arcaded courtyard often used as a cultural space and for outdoor events.
7. Palace under the Rams (Pałac pod Baranami) — stately, retaining Renaissance-Baroque elements; a small, atmospheric courtyard.
8. Szołayski Tenement (museum courtyard) — a recreated garden between townhouses, a quiet spot near the Market Square.
9. Courtyards of the National Museum and neighboring institutions — several small, elegant spaces that often host exhibitions and chamber concerts.
10. Small private courtyards around Kanonicza Street and nearby lanes — if you and a friend look for lesser-known places, you’ll find intimate arcades and alleys perfect for morning coffee and conversation.
Krakow has many family-friendly places. A few reliable cafés and restaurants that often receive very good reviews: Camelot Cafe (a cozy café in the Old Town), Massolit Books & Café (a bookshop-café, great for a peaceful break) and the restaurant Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa — large portions and a child-friendly menu.
Good practices: choose places with a kids’ menu or simple dishes (pierogi, soups, pancakes), check reviews before you go and reserve a table for busy afternoon hours when you are in the center.
Is it worth buying tickets in advance? Yes — for Wawel, the Main Market Underground and some museums it’s better to enter at a set time. In summer and on weekends lines are longer.
How to get around Krakow with children? Walking is most convenient in the Old Town; use tram or bus for longer distances. Children often enjoy riding a historic tram, but check timetables and seat availability.
Is Kalwaria suitable for toddlers? Yes, but choose a short section of the paths and plan breaks. Some trails are stony or steep — comfortable shoes are essential.
Is it easy to find baby changing facilities and kids’ corners in Krakow? Increasingly yes — shopping centers and larger museums have amenities, but in the historic center the number of changing tables may be limited. For longer sightseeing bring a portable blanket and wet wipes.
Trying to “do everything” in one day — it’s better to plan less but enjoy it calmly. Adjust the pace to the children.
Not checking opening hours and reservations — many attractions have specific entry times and visitor limits. Check in advance and buy tickets online if possible.
Assuming the city center is always cheap and easy to eat in — restaurants by the Market can be pricier. Check reviews and reserve a table.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska is not only a pilgrimage stop — it’s an extensive architectural and landscape complex with chapels scattered across the hills; in the 19th and 20th centuries it attracted pilgrims from all over Poland. That gives walks there a different rhythm than those in a city park.
In some courtyards and palace spaces seasonal concerts and short outdoor events are organized — check local calendars, as these are a great way to add cultural variety to your walk.
Pack a daypack: water, small snacks, a first aid kit, a hat for the children and comfortable shoes. In spring the weather can be changeable — dressing in layers works best.
If you plan to drive to Kalwaria Zebrzydowska, check parking availability in advance. When traveling by public transport include possible transfers and travel time in your plan.
If this guide was useful, share it with friends or on social media — it’s an easy way to help other families planning a visit to Krakow.
If you prefer to explore Krakow more comfortably with someone who knows the city inside out, consider booking a private guide — Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) can tailor visits to your family’s needs. Contact details and more information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
