Energylandia is the largest amusement park in Poland — a huge selection of attractions for every age group, from gentle carousels for little ones to extreme rollercoasters for thrill seekers. Wadowice, by contrast, is a small historic town where you can relax after a busy day at the park and sample local sweets, especially the famous kremówka.
Putting these two stops together gives a perfect balance: excitement and outdoor activity at Energylandia and a calmer, family‑friendly atmosphere in Wadowice — market square walks, a museum visit and a coffee or ice cream break in one of the child‑friendly cafés. It’s a great way to make the day enjoyable for the whole family while giving kids a chance to unwind before heading home.
For visitors coming from Kraków this outing is especially convenient — Zator (where Energylandia is located) is at a comfortable distance and Wadowice is nearby, so you can plan a one‑day trip or spread activities across two days if you’re travelling with younger children.
From Kraków to Energylandia is roughly 45–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; the distance is about 50–55 km. The route uses regional and local roads and the park provides large parking areas on site.
If you don’t have a car, consider bus or train + local transfer options: there are trains and buses from Kraków toward Zator/Wadowice, and from nearby stations local minibuses or taxis run to Energylandia. During summer and busy weekends operators often add special connections.
It’s worth planning to leave early to be at the park when it opens — queues are smaller and the most popular rides are easier to tick off. If you also want to visit Wadowice, a good plan is a morning visit to the market/museum with coffee and a kremówka, then head to Energylandia; alternatively start with the park and finish the day in Wadowice, which can be handy if you’re coming from the Katowice direction.
The park covers a large area and is divided into themed zones: a zone for the youngest children, a family zone, an extreme zone and a water zone. For families with small children the most important areas are Bajkolandia and the Family Zone — there you’ll find age‑ and height‑appropriate attractions.
- Tickets: it’s best to buy online in advance, especially during the season and on weekends. The park sometimes offers promotions, family tickets and special rates for school groups.
- Parking: the park has large parking lots; parking fees are usually modest but check before you travel.
- Facilities: there are food outlets, baby changing rooms, rest areas and family corners — check the park map to plan breaks between attractions.
- Safety: for extreme rides check age and height restrictions in advance. For the youngest children choose attractions with no lower age limit or with low entry requirements.
If you travel with a stroller, remember the area is extensive — it can be more convenient to leave the stroller in a safe spot when you plan to use many rides; there are also storage and locker options in some parts of the park.
Inside the park you’ll find food zones offering child‑friendly dishes: fries, nuggets, pancakes as well as heartier options for adults. For families, choose outlets with plenty of seating and a menu tailored to children.
Nearby (Zator/Western Camp/Zator Family Village) there are several accommodation options with restaurants and family amenities — consider staying overnight if you want to attend evening events or prefer a more relaxed return after a long day.
Practical tips for eating: - carry small snacks and water in your backpack (especially for little children), - check opening hours of major food outlets in advance because queues can form at peak times, - if you have dietary requirements, ask the staff about options before ordering.
Wadowice is a lovely place to end the day calmly. A few cafés and family‑friendly spots make great stops after the park:
- Galeria Cafe (ul. Kościelna) — a cozy café known for an excellent kremówka; atmospheric interior and a seasonal outdoor seating area; family‑friendly.
- Malinowa Kawiarnia — a patisserie offering a range of cakes and desserts, popular with families.
- Café Kościelna 5 — a small, convenient spot in the centre with outdoor seating in season and stroller access.
- STARKI — a playroom with a café for parents — ideal when children want to play a bit more while parents enjoy a relaxed coffee.
Remember: in the tourist season Wadowice’s centre can get busy, so visit popular cafés earlier or reserve a table if possible. For families with infants, check whether changing facilities and comfortable feeding spots are available.
Mistake 1: trying to “see everything” in one day. Energylandia has so many attractions that attempting the whole park in just a few hours leads to tired, frustrated kids. Choose 3–5 “must‑see” rides and treat the rest as a bonus.
Mistake 2: no meal plan. During peak season queues at food outlets can be long. Bringing water, snacks and planning meals (for example outside peak hours) will reduce stress.
Mistake 3: picking attractions that don’t match children’s age/height. Always check height and age limits before queuing so you don’t end up in a long line for a ride your child can’t use.
Practical tips: - take short rest and cooling breaks, especially on hot days, - bring a small first‑aid kit and plasters for kids, - set a fixed meeting point in case someone gets separated in the crowd, - if you plan to attend evening events at the park, check closing times and transport back.
Energylandia often introduces seasonal zones and new attractions — the park is developing quickly, so what you saw last year may already include new additions. That means returning families will usually find something new.
During the school term on weekdays the park is often quieter than on weekends and holidays — if possible, consider visiting on a weekday to shorten queues.
In Wadowice don’t forget to try the kremówka — it’s a local must. Some cafés offer child‑size portions which make it easier to share desserts without waste.
Is it worth booking tickets in advance? - Yes, especially on weekends and during the summer season. Online booking saves time and reduces the risk of disappointment.
Is Energylandia suitable for two‑ and three‑year‑olds? - Yes — the park has dedicated areas for the youngest visitors with gentle rides. Always check the description of a specific attraction beforehand.
Are there changing rooms and nursing areas in the park? - Yes, the park offers family facilities; check the park map for exact locations.
How to combine a visit to Wadowice and Energylandia in one day? - You can start the day in Wadowice with a short walk and coffee and then drive to Energylandia for afternoon attractions; alternatively start at the park in the morning and finish in Wadowice in the evening. The best choice depends on your children’s rhythm and family preferences.
A trip combining Energylandia and Wadowice is an excellent idea for a family outing — thrills, fun and pleasant moments over coffee and dessert. Plan your day ahead, include breaks for the children and choose a café that’s friendly to little ones to finish the trip in a relaxed atmosphere.
If you found this text helpful — share it on social media or send it to friends planning a family trip. If you would like to explore Kraków and the surrounding area with a local guide, feel free to contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz — private tours and individually tailored routes will make your trip stress‑free and full of family‑friendly attractions. Contact information is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Have a great trip and lots of joy with your family!
Suggested timing: - Option A (one day): leave Kraków early, arrive at Energylandia for opening, spend the day at the park and stop in Wadowice on the way back for coffee and kremówka. - Option B (two days): day one — Wadowice and a relaxed afternoon, overnight near Zator; day two — full day at Energylandia.
Transport tips: - By car: expect around 45–60 minutes each way from Kraków depending on traffic. - By train: regional trains connect Kraków and Zator; from Zator station a short local bus or taxi will take you to the park. - If you prefer not to drive, check seasonal shuttle services that run from Kraków to Energylandia.
Packing checklist: - water bottles and light snacks, - sun protection and hats in summer, - small first‑aid kit, - portable charger for phones, - change of clothes for younger children if you plan to visit the water zone.
