The Polish Aviation Museum in Krakow is an ideal spot for a half- or full-day family trip. For children it’s a chance to see huge machines up close, enter the world of models and interactive aviation stories; for adults it’s a journey through the history of technology that Poland can be proud of.
Pairing a museum visit with a short walk to the city’s most famous legend-related places (Wawel, the Market Square, St. Mary’s Basilica) gives families a varied, engaging experience: from big engines and cockpits to fairy-tale tales that spark the imagination of the little ones.
The collection combines hangar exhibitions with an open-air display of aircraft: historic airplanes, helicopters, engines, themed displays (for example — wings of the Great War, the Cold War or aviation archaeology) and multimedia exhibits.
For families, both the indoor historical exhibits and the extensive outdoor area with aircraft are interesting — it’s a good place for children to move around and view machines from different perspectives.
The museum regularly runs workshops, educational activities and special events (including themed "fly-away" birthday parties), so it’s worth checking what’s on before your visit.
Address: al. Jana Pawła II 39. Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday, usually 09:00–17:00; Monday — closed. Note that ticket sales usually stop about 45 minutes before closing, so plan your arrival accordingly.
Prices: the museum offers full-price, reduced and family tickets. Children under 7 often enter free of charge. The ticket office typically stops selling tickets roughly 45 minutes before closing, so it’s better not to arrive at the last minute.
On site you can book a guide or choose an audio guide; the museum also offers educational activities and modelling workshops for children. It’s a good idea to reserve workshops and guides by phone or email before arrival.
The museum is easy to reach by public transport — there are bus stops named "Muzeum Lotnictwa Polskiego" and nearby tram stops. From the city centre (Main Station, Market Square) the most convenient option is to take a tram and change to the right line or take a bus that goes directly to the museum stop.
Visitor parking is free and located near Markowskiego Street and Gnysia Street; some spaces are reserved for people with disabilities. The parking is unguarded and intended for museum ticket holders.
The museum declares accessibility measures for visitors with various needs — there is information about accessible routes, the possibility to arrange quieter hours for groups with special needs and bicycle racks.
Plan your visit for times when children are well rested — you can split the tour into an indoor and an outdoor part, which helps keep their attention.
The museum runs workshops and activities for children; if you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting early in the day (or check Tuesday for free entry days — remember these days may be busier).
Bring snacks and drinks for short breaks (check whether the museum café is open), plus comfortable clothes and water — the outdoor area involves a lot of walking and play.
After the museum visit, head for a short walk or transfer to the city centre and tell the children the most important Krakow legends: the Wawel Dragon (Wawel Hill), the interrupted bugle call from St. Mary’s Basilica and the Lajkonik — each story has its own “stage” around the city and will quickly interest young listeners.
The Wawel Dragon legend is a great starting point — in front of the castle you can show children the dragon sculpture and tell a simple version of the story about how courage and cleverness saved the city.
The interrupted bugle call is a perfect moment to listen to the melody and explain to children that some stories have a grain of historical truth and have gradually become legends. The Lajkonik is an opportunity to talk about local traditions and colorful parades that still take place in Krakow.
In Krakow’s centre, close to the Main Market Square and Wawel, you’ll find restaurants with good reputations and family-friendly menus. One recommended place is Szara Restaurant at the Main Square — solid cuisine and a convenient location for visitors.
Another family-friendly option is Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa — known for traditional dishes, a garden by the Planty and attractions for children like a playground. After a museum visit and a walk around Wawel it’s a convenient choice for lunch or an early dinner.
If you plan a coffee break, the Market Square and Kazimierz areas have many patisseries and cafés with desserts that kids usually love. Choose places with good reviews and children’s menus.
Arriving on Monday — the museum is usually closed on Mondays. Check opening days before you go.
Not checking ticket sales hours — the ticket office stops selling tickets about 45 minutes before closing, so don’t arrive at the very last minute.
Mixing up the Aviation Museum with an airport — the museum is located on the former Rakowice-Czyżyny airfield, but it’s a separate museum space. Allow time to walk through the outdoor exhibition.
How much time do we need? A standard visit takes 1.5–3 hours; if you plan workshops or a long outdoor walk, reserve half a day.
Is the museum suitable for toddlers? Yes — the outdoor exhibition and interactive parts can interest even the youngest children, but it’s worth checking the workshop offer for specific age groups in advance.
Can you bring a stroller? The museum declares accessibility measures, but due to the layout of some exhibits it’s best to ask staff about the easiest route for strollers.
Some stories we now call legends (for example the interrupted bugle call) took their current form relatively recently — this is a nice topic to talk about how urban stories develop.
At the museum you’ll find aircraft that served in many different eras — from military planes to trainers — and each machine has its own story that can be shared as a short anecdote for children.
If you found this text helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it’s a great way to recommend family-friendly ideas for exploring Krakow.
If you want to explore Krakow with a private guide, consider a guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. A private tour allows you to tailor pace and content to your needs and your children’s ages.
