A trip from Kraków to Zakopane is a classic for families who want to pair historic city walks with the natural beauty of the Tatra Mountains. Children often remember rides, animals and places where they can run — and Zakopane offers plenty of that. Kraków, especially Kazimierz and Plac Nowy, is an ideal stop: quick street-food snacks, atmospheric cafés and safe spots to rest before continuing the journey.
Below you'll find a concrete plan for a one-day or weekend trip, a list of family-friendly places in Zakopane and an overview of cafés in Kazimierz that are convenient for parents and attractive to children. At the end I add practical tips, common mistakes and a short FAQ.
The simplest option is to leave Kraków in the morning and return in the evening — by car or by bus the trip usually takes around 2–3 hours one way, depending on conditions and traffic. If you travel with small children, it's worth leaving as early as possible, taking snacks and drinks, and scheduling short breaks to stretch legs.
For families I recommend at least one overnight stay — this way a mountain day (for example a walk in Dolina Kościeliska or to Morskie Oko) won't feel rushed, and an afternoon at the aquapark gives tired feet a good rest. When planning routes, pick easy, short trails: valleys and viewpoints are usually safer and more accessible for children than long mountain crossings.
If you want to combine the trip with sightseeing in Kraków: start the day in Kazimierz — a coffee stop and a quick lunch near Plac Nowy — and head toward Zakopane in the afternoon or the next morning. This gives time for calm sightseeing without hurry.
Gubałówka — the funicular ride is great fun for little ones, and on top there are gentle walks and viewpoints; it's an excellent first contact with the Tatras.
Dolina Kościeliska — a peaceful, picturesque trail that can be managed even with a stroller on the shorter sections; caves and rock formations make a strong impression on children.
Morskie Oko — although the walk is long, the path is mostly comfortable; for smaller children consider seasonal horse-drawn carriage access and shorter walks around the lake.
Aquapark — an ideal option for a rainy day or after a long hike; children’s zones and slides let kids burn off energy without extra organization.
Myszogród, parrot cafés and mini zoos — smaller attractions dedicated to children; they complement mountain walks with entertainment and animal encounters.
Plac Nowy is a symbol of Kazimierz: by day it hums with the famous zapiekanki stalls, and in the evening it becomes an area of bars and outdoor seating. For families the square is great for a quick lunch or a sweet snack before the onward journey.
If you're looking for child-friendly cafés around Kazimierz, consider places known for a cozy atmosphere and a simple menu — good coffee for the parent and a sweet or small meal for the child. In the area you'll find bookshop-cafés with reading space as well as venues offering play corners or comfortable high chairs.
If you travel with a stroller, plan stops at places with step-free entrances or low thresholds; many cafés in Kazimierz have outdoor benches which make it easier to get in and enjoy coffee without the crowds.
What to look for: presence of high chairs, changing facilities, a play corner or at least a few toys/coloring pages, accessible restrooms and an easy entrance for a stroller. It's also important that the menu includes simple, familiar options for the youngest (pancakes, hot chocolate, yogurts, fruit).
A few places in Kraków worth keeping on your list: Massolit Books & Café — a bookshop with a café, calm atmosphere and often space for families; Mleczarnia — a cozy interior popular with locals; Cheder Café — a good option for a light meal; and smaller cafés around Plac Nowy that offer sweet treats and quick bites. Always check recent opening hours on the venue's page before you go.
If you want to avoid crowds and noise, the best times for coffee with a child are late morning or early afternoon on weekdays. Weekends in Kazimierz are much busier.
Packing: bring a basic first-aid kit, spare clothes for the children, snacks and water. Mountain weather changes quickly — layering clothing is essential.
Stroller & accessibility: not all trails and places in Zakopane are stroller-friendly — check the route in advance. In Zakopane town center and on Krupówki the surface is usually even, but popular attractions often require short walks over uneven ground.
Where to eat: for a fast, stress-free meal choose places with a children's menu or high chairs. On longer trips, plan a break at a restaurant near the parking lot or the funicular station — that saves time and energy.
Safety: on trails with views keep children close, remember sunscreen in summer and warmer clothes after dusk.
Planning an overly ambitious program for one day — families often want to “tick off” every attraction. It's better to focus on 1–2 highlights and leave time for unplanned stops.
Not leaving enough time for breaks and meals — children need regular stops; plan them ahead and stick to a basic daily rhythm.
Ignoring the weather and trail conditions — check the forecast and seasonal information (e.g. closed caves or restrictions on horse-drawn rides), especially outside the summer season.
Not reading recent reviews of venues — choose places with up-to-date recommendations to find family-friendly spots, not only trendy ones.
Is it worth going to Zakopane with a small child? Yes — it’s worth it if you choose gentler trails, plan breaks and don’t turn the trip into a race. The Tatras offer many family-friendly attractions.
What is the most convenient way to get from Kraków to Zakopane with children? A car gives the most flexibility; buses and trains are also comfortable, but check timetables and number of transfers. In high season traffic can lengthen the journey, so it's best to set off early.
Where to eat in Kazimierz with children? Plac Nowy offers quick street-food options (zapiekanki), and the side streets have cafés and restaurants with children's menus. Look for places with high chairs and changing facilities.
Do you need to reserve places in Zakopane? For popular attractions and restaurants on weekends a reservation is recommended, especially when traveling with a larger group.
To avoid crowds on Krupówki and Gubałówka, visit very early in the morning or late in the afternoon — the views are just as beautiful and queues are shorter.
Plac Nowy is not only a night street-food spot: during the day it’s easier to find a free seat and calmly try local snacks with children.
Many seasonal attractions in Zakopane have varying opening hours — before you go check the current opening times for aquaparks, parrot cafés and museums so you don’t arrive to closed doors.
If you liked this guide, share it with friends or on social media — it helps other parents find tested routes and places. If you would like to explore Kraków with a guide, consider booking a private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details and contact information are available on the site. Have a great trip and many joyful discoveries with your whole family!
If you wish, I can help create a detailed day plan tailored to your children's ages, the season and your preferences — tell me how much time you have and what you enjoy most.
