Is it possible to organise a trip that gives young people an adrenaline rush, a moment of calm in greenery and an evening panorama of the city from a rooftop? Yes — and in a way that keeps the day dynamic without unnecessary running around, with real breaks for rest. Energylandia in Zator is an ideal place for an intense day of attractions, while the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden in central Kraków lets you slow the pace, learn about nature and clear heads after noisy queues. Finish the day with a viewpoint or rooftop bar — a sunset over the Vistula and a view of Wawel make a perfect finale to a May holiday plan.
Energylandia is roughly 45–60 minutes from Kraków by car depending on traffic — a convenient distance that makes a one- or two-day trip with an overnight near the park a common choice. The Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in Poland; a walk through the greenhouses and paths offers a pocket of calm in the heart of the city and is valued by teachers for its educational potential.
Below you will find concrete itineraries, tested tips for supervisors and a shortlist of viewpoints and rooftops worth visiting with young people — chosen for photo opportunities as well as safety and logistics.
One-day option (for energetic groups): early departure from Kraków, arrive at Energylandia at park opening, spend the whole day on attractions and return to Kraków in the late afternoon. This is for groups who don’t want to stay overnight and prefer an intensive day of fun. Remember to plan meal breaks and allow buffer time for return-journey traffic.
Two-day option (more comfortable): day one — short morning sightseeing in Kraków (quick walking stops: Wawel, Vistula boulevards), afternoon at the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden — relaxed evening and overnight near Zator or in Kraków; day two — a full day at Energylandia. Staying close to the park (for example at a nearby camp, hostel or stopover) makes returning after a full day easier and allows a relaxed morning start without a long drive.
Educational school option: combine a visit to the Botanical Garden with a short educational module (e.g., plant identification, a small field game) and an afternoon of team-building in the theme park. When planning for school groups, order group tickets in advance and ask about a complimentary supervisor ticket — this is often available.
Buy tickets in advance and consider express or Fast Pass options if the group wants to use the most popular rides without spending hours in lines. In May queues can be long — set attraction priorities in advance.
Set clear contact rules and meeting points for the group. Wearing ID wristbands or carrying cards with a supervisorʼs phone number speeds up reunification in crowded zones.
Dress in layers: May weather can change quickly — a sunny afternoon may turn into a cool evening. Comfortable walking shoes and a small backpack are must-haves.
Check height requirements for Energylandia attractions before you go to avoid disappointment. For school groups, prepare a list of attractions appropriate for the age and bravery of participants.
Bring a basic first-aid kit and extra water. Food courts in the park serve large groups, but having your own snacks is handy between meal times.
The Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden is a short walk from Krakówʼs historic centre and a perfect stop with young people. Besides paths and greenhouses, youʼll find plant collections from different climate zones and thematic displays that often have an educational focus.
Group tickets and educational programmes are often available for school groups; check greenhouse opening hours and seasonal ticket prices before the trip, because in May hours may be extended and special outdoor events may take place.
The Botanical Garden is ideal for short field activities: mini nature quizzes, identifying species by leaves or quick photography workshops — these engage young people and turn learning into play.
Energylandia is designed for families and thrill-seekers alike. When planning with young people, agree a list of priorities — the parkʼs zones can be spread out and walking between areas may be tiring.
Check available transport options: coach, train plus shuttle bus, or car. A coach gives the greatest flexibility for organised groups. If you plan to stay overnight, consider lodging close to the park — that shortens travel time after a long day of attractions.
Safety: supervisors should know ride rules and age/height limits. A useful practice is to appoint a single contact supervisor and a meeting point every hour.
Kopiec Kościuszki and Kopiec Krakusa are classics — the paths are accessible and the panoramic views of Kraków are great for group photos. The mounds are free and offer space to rest after an active day.
The Town Hall Tower on the Main Market is a quick, impressive viewpoint; climbing the stairs is an experience and the Old Town panorama makes a great lesson in architecture. Alternatives for younger or larger groups are the terrace by Wawel and the Vistula boulevards, where you can watch the river and the architecture of Podgórze.
Notable rooftops and terraces: Sky Bar (Hotel Stary) — a well-known terrace with views of St. Maryʼs towers; Roof Top Terrace (Sheraton Grand Kraków) — wide space with a view of Wawel and the Vistula; Vidok (Jubilat) — a rooftop by the river with a strong frame on the Castle. These places are ideal to close the day with a city panorama and a pleasant drink.
In Krakówʼs centre youʼll find highly rated local restaurants that accept larger groups — for example Szara or Wierzynek at the Market Square offer traditional menus and an atmospheric setting, but remember these popular places need reservations in advance.
Near Energylandia there are convenient options such as WesternCamp and other park-area accommodations that simplify logistics for school groups — staying close to the park is comfortable for supervisors and participants after a full day.
If you plan an evening rooftop visit, reserve a table — rooftops are busy in season and some have limited capacity or open only seasonally.
Donʼt assume "it will be quiet" — the May holiday is a busy tourist period. Secure tickets and transport early and have a plan B in case of long queues.
Donʼt forget to assign responsibilities among supervisors: who keeps the attendance list, who holds the first-aid kit, who has documents and parentsʼ contact list — this saves time if you need to react quickly.
Donʼt underestimate weather. May rain can surprise you — umbrellas and rain ponchos in the backpack are a small expense for a big comfort gain. For rooftop and terrace plans, prepare alternatives for wind or cold.
Is it worth buying Energylandia tickets online? Yes — online tickets often save time and allow you to choose discounts or faster entry options.
Is the Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden suitable for school groups? Yes — it has an educational value and safe walking areas; still check availability of educational activities and greenhouse opening hours before your trip.
Which viewpoint to choose with young people? It depends on the goal: for spectacular panoramas choose Kopiec Kościuszki; for photos with a historic backdrop pick the Wawel terraces or Sky Bar; if time is limited, the Town Hall Tower is a good option.
Break the plan into short stages: travel — activity — rest — meal — attraction. This approach works well with youth and reduces tension and chaos during the trip.
If you want the trip perfectly organised, consider using the services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a private guide who offers tailored programmes for school groups and families. Contact details and offer information are available through her site.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media so more people can prepare well for a May-holiday trip. You are welcome to contact guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz for help with booking a route customised to your group.
