Short and to the point — I describe the most accessible places in Krakow related to World War II that are worth visiting with children, suggest which subjects to avoid and how to prepare younger participants for the visit. I also explain practical rules about photography during visits: what is allowed and when it’s better to refrain from taking pictures. Everything is in simple, friendly language so your family trip is safe and educational.
If you want — you can use the ready-made route proposals right away: a half-day and a full-day plan designed with children in mind.
At the end you will find practical tips: what to bring, how to plan breaks and how to talk to children about difficult matters.
Remember: we visit with respect for memorial places and the people whose history is connected to them.
- Bohaterów Getta Square (Heroes of the Ghetto Square / formerly Plac Zgody) - a simple, moving monument with metal chairs. It’s an open space, easy to visit with a stroller or small children. The chairs symbolize empty homes and lost stories — take a moment to explain, in simple terms, what they commemorate. Photographing on the square is allowed — it’s public space.
- Eagle Pharmacy (Apteka "Pod Orłem") – a small exhibition in the former pharmacy building connected with the story of the ghetto and the pharmacist Tadeusz Pankiewicz. Because of the subject matter, first assess your child’s readiness — short anecdotes often work better than strict facts. In many small indoor museums photography is possible, but check the information signs at the entrance — temporary exhibitions sometimes have restrictions.
- Fragments of the ghetto wall on Lwowska Street – authentic remains of the walls that marked the ghetto border. It’s a quick stop: children can see a piece of history in the real city space. It’s public space, so photographing is allowed.
- Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory (Historical Museum of the City of Kraków) – a powerful, rich and moving exhibition about occupied Kraków. Because of difficult topics, such museums usually recommend visits for older children (a common suggested age is around 14). Photography for private use is usually permitted, but flash and tripods are often banned — watch for signage.
- Płaszów memorial site (former forced labour camp area) – the outdoor parts of the memorial and information boards can be visited; this is an important and painful place. Approach with children very gently — short explanations, quiet and respect are best. Photographing the external parts of the site is possible, but avoid sensational shots and posting images of other people without permission.
- Home Army Museum (Muzeum Armii Krajowej) – exhibitions about the Polish resistance movement have an educational character and often offer materials or activities for younger visitors. Many museums allow photos for private use, usually without flash. Check information at the entrance for temporary exhibition rules.
- Galicia Jewish Museum and other smaller exhibitions – moving photographs and stories, often well-prepared for teenage viewers. These places offer concentrated narratives and short forms that help introduce younger visitors. Photography is usually allowed, though temporary shows may restrict it.
- In public space (squares, streets, monuments) photographing is allowed. This means you can take pictures of Bohaterów Getta Square, fragments of the ghetto wall or city views.
- In museums and exhibitions the owner sets the rules. Very often photography for private use is permitted, but without flash and tripods. Some temporary exhibitions or specific objects (e.g., documents, films, multimedia installations) may have a photography ban — look for information at the entrance or ask staff.
- Some sites have legally enforced photo bans (for example, certain critical infrastructure or locations specified in special regulations) — such bans are clearly signposted. In practical tourist terms you rarely encounter these in Krakow’s strict city centre, but be careful near bridges, railway stations or technical installations.
- Photographing people — especially identifiable individuals — requires respect for their privacy. You can take pictures in public, but publishing images with clearly recognisable people may require their consent (especially for commercial use).
- Drones — aerial photography is a separate issue: in the city you need appropriate permits and must follow aviation regulations. Don’t fly drones over central Krakow without permission.
- If you see a 'no photography' sign in a museum or near an exhibit, take it seriously — it is usually for preservation, copyright or safety reasons.
A practical example: in Schindler’s Factory and most museums private photography is often allowed but without flash; some temporary exhibitions may prohibit photography entirely.
- Before entering a museum say a few sentences about what the exhibition is about — you don’t need to describe all the cruelties. Use simple words: "this place shows how people suffered during the war."
- Offer the child the role of a little discoverer: for example, we look for everyday objects from that time (toys, letters, kitchen items). This helps children focus on details instead of looking for frightening scenes.
- Adjust visit length to age: for a preschooler 30–45 minutes is the maximum; older children can do 60–90 minutes. Always plan a snack break.
- If the topic is too heavy — offer nearby alternatives, e.g., a walk in Podgórze, a short stop at the square with the chairs, or a game searching for old signs and plaques.
- Let children ask questions and answer briefly; if something overwhelms them, say you’ll return to the subject later.
- Encourage respect: quiet behaviour in memorial places, do not touch exhibits and light candles only where allowed.
Example sentences you can use: "This place remembers people who used to live here. Let’s walk quietly and listen to the story." or "Look, these chairs — they symbolize empty homes. It’s important because we remember the people."
- Before you take a photo in a museum — look for signs. If there is no sign, you can probably photograph for private use, but without flash.
- Avoid using tripods or selfie-sticks without permission — they are often banned for safety and preservation reasons.
- Do not record people in intimate or very personal situations without their permission — respect for visitors and victims’ descendants is paramount.
- When posting photos online remember image rights and avoid presenting content sensationally.
- Souvenir photos are fine; commercial photography (selling images, promotional materials) usually requires museum permission.
- When photographing with children, use it as an educational opportunity — show them how to take respectful and mindful shots.
Most important: keep sensitivity while photographing. Document with respect, not to shock.
- Half-day (approx. 2–3 hours) - Start: Bohaterów Getta Square — the chairs and a quick history reminder. - Short walk to Eagle Pharmacy (small rooms so the visit is not tiring). - Walk to Lwowska Street to see a fragment of the ghetto wall. - Finish: a short break in a café in Podgórze or near the Podgórski Market Square.
- Full-day (approx. 6–8 hours with breaks) - Morning: Schindler’s Factory (if the children are old enough) or alternatively a longer visit to the Home Army Museum. - Lunch and rest break. - Afternoon: Bohaterów Getta Square, Eagle Pharmacy, Lwowska Street. - Late afternoon: walk around Podgórze, Podgórski Market Square, time for play and reflection. - Optional: a trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum — only for older teenagers and after thorough preparation; it’s a separate, full-day visit that requires advance reservations.
In both options plan breaks and don’t try to see 'everything' in one day. A sensible pace protects the family from exhaustion and helps absorb the content.
- Comfortable shoes and layered clothing — Krakow can be windy and the weather changes. - Small snacks and water — especially important if you plan a longer museum visit. - A small notebook or printed cards with questions for children (e.g., "Find an object made of metal", "How many chairs are on the square?") — it’s learning and a game together. - Powerbank for your phone in case you take many photos. - Tissues, plasters and basic items for the little ones. - A small backpack instead of a large suitcase — many venues have limited space for luggage.
Reminder: if you plan to take many photos and later publish them, make sure you are not breaking museum rules and that respecting people’s images and places is your priority.
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum (Oświęcim) — a very important historical site but extremely emotionally demanding. It’s a visit for older teenagers and adults after careful preparation; it’s usually done as a separate day trip.
- War cemeteries and memorial sites around Krakow — if you’re looking for quiet, reflective places, there are several within a short drive.
- Educational trails and temporary exhibitions in various museum institutions — check museums’ event calendars before you go.
If you plan visits outside Krakow, reserve time, check age recommendations and prepare your family for a longer trip.
- Visiting World War II traces can be a valuable experience for children if you adapt the content and pace to their age.
- You may take photos, but: respect museum bans, don’t use flash, don’t publish identifiable portraits without consent, and avoid sensationalising tragedy.
- Choose open and family-friendly places — Bohaterów Getta Square, wall fragments, small museums and selected rooms in larger museums work well.
- If in doubt: ask museum staff at the entrance — they will tell you what’s allowed.
- And the most important: visit with respect, tell stories simply and empathetically, and your children will gain important lessons in history and sensitivity.
I wish you calm, curious and safe walks around Krakow — if you’d like, I can prepare a specific, personalised route for your family that takes into account children’s ages and your preferred pace.
