A trip from Krakow to Zakopane with children can be a fantastic adventure — if you plan it well. Short hikes in the Tatras, gentle walks, a ride on a cable car and family-friendly attractions on Krupówki are great options for families with preschoolers and school-age children. Back in the city, a must-stop is a pierogi place: in Krakow pierogi are made in many ways — classic ruskie (potato and cheese), with cabbage and mushrooms, sweet with fruit, and even creative seasonal variations. This article will help you plan the trip, show what to see with kids and where in Krakow it's worth stopping for a delicious meal.
When writing this guide I gathered practical tips: a sample day plan, a list of family-friendly attractions in Zakopane, travel logistics, and suggestions for pierogi restaurants and spots in Krakow that work well for families with children.
I want this guide to be friendly and practical — without unnecessary overload. If you prefer, I can prepare a shorter version (e.g., a one-day plan) or expand the list of restaurants with menus and approximate prices.
1. Leave Krakow in the morning - head off around 7:00–8:00 to avoid the heaviest traffic and have more time on site. The drive by car or bus usually takes about 2–2.5 hours, depending on road conditions. Trains also run and are a convenient option for families with children, offering more space to stretch legs.
2. Arrival and warm-up on Krupówki - stroll the promenade, mandatory ice cream for the kids and a quick look around. Krupówki is the heart of Zakopane: stalls with souvenirs, regional stands with oscypek cheese and places where children like to run or peek into a toy shop.
3. Age-appropriate attraction - choose an activity matched to the children’s energy: a ride on the Gubałówka funicular (a short pleasant lift and a viewpoint with easy access), a cable car ride to Kasprowy Wierch (for older children and in good weather), or an easier walk around Kościeliska Valley or Strążyska Valley.
4. Lunch and rest - after activities pick a family-friendly place for a warm meal and allow time for a nap or rest if you travel with small children.
5. Return to Krakow - head back home in the early evening to avoid the worst traffic. If you plan to stay overnight in Zakopane, schedule the next day with fewer attractions and more time to recover.
- Krupówki - busy but colorful promenade, ideal for a relaxing stroll, buying souvenirs and trying local snacks. Children enjoy street performers and toy stalls.
- Gubałówka - a short funicular ride and an easy walking trail with panoramic views of the Tatras; in summer there are food stalls and fairground attractions for little ones.
- Strążyska Valley - a short, gentle trail leading to the Siklawica waterfall; suitable even for families with a stroller in parts, and kids often delight in nature and tales of Tatra legends.
- Kościeliska Valley - a larger area for gentle walks; many caves and natural curiosities that you can present to children as a small adventure. Choose shorter stretches if traveling with younger kids.
- Rope parks and playgrounds - there are several places in and around Zakopane with attractions for children to burn off energy.
- Indoor museums and attractions - if the weather disappoints, consider visiting small regional museums, indoor playrooms or family entertainment centers.
- Train or bus? - both options are comfortable. Trains offer more space and predictability, buses can be faster outside the high season. Check schedules before you go and choose what fits your family’s rhythm.
- By car - remember to plan breaks for the children and consider parking in Zakopane; in peak season it’s best to plan ahead and have an alternative (a parking spot outside the center and local transport into town).
- Stroller and accessibility - many main routes in Zakopane have sections suitable for strollers, but mountain trails can be challenging. Bring a carrier or sling for younger children if you plan mountain walks.
- Weather and clothing - mountain weather changes quickly. Pack layered clothes, head coverings, sunscreen and light walking shoes. In summer bring lightweight rain ponchos.
Krakow has many pierogi restaurants and places serving traditional dishes that children usually love. Here are a few spots worth considering — each works well for family visits:
- Pierogarnia Krakowiacy - a well-known chain with several locations in the center; serves classic pierogi and portions that will satisfy the whole family. Many locations offer simple kids’ menus and quick service.
- Przystanek Pierogarnia - friendly, relaxed atmosphere and a wide pierogi selection: from ruskie to sweet varieties. A good place for tasty, homestyle food without long waits.
- Pod Aniołami - a restaurant with traditional Polish cuisine where pierogi are served in a classic style; the comfortable setting makes families feel welcome.
- Zielony Kredens - a spot with a homely, cozy atmosphere; besides pierogi you’ll find seasonal dishes and vegetarian options, useful for families with varied preferences.
- Local bistros and seasonal stalls - during the season (and at culinary festivals) visit festival stands and markets to try different types of pierogi in small portions - perfect for curious kids.
Practical tip - with small children look for places with takeaway options or venues where portions are easy to share. Many pierogi places also offer children’s menus or smaller portions to simplify ordering.
Krakow organizes culinary festivals and events every year, including the popular Pierogi Festival held in summer at the Small Market. It’s a great opportunity to taste classic and inventive pierogi varieties in one place. For families this is convenient — every child can find a favorite flavor, and the festival atmosphere multiplies the pleasure of outdoor eating.
The festival often features competitions for the best pierogi, workshops and stalls with local products — an extra educational attraction for children who like discovering new tastes and watching how dishes are made. If you plan to travel in August, check the festival dates and program in advance to match your trip schedule.
The festival is also a time when many restaurants present their signature pierogi — from classic ruskie to experimental flavors with seasonal ingredients.
- Documents and small items: ID (if needed), EHIC/travel insurance card, charged phone and power bank.
- Clothing: layered clothes, rain poncho, comfortable walking shoes. Mountain mornings can be cooler even in summer.
- For children: snacks, a water bottle, wet wipes, stickers/a small toy for the journey, basic medicines (fever reducer in appropriate doses), sunscreen and a hat.
- For trails: a carrier or sling for younger kids, a map with marked short routes, a flashlight (just in case).
- Money: in high season not all stalls accept cards, so it’s good to have some cash.
Q: How long is the trip from Krakow to Zakopane? - A: Usually about 2–2.5 hours by car or bus, depending on traffic. Trains are often comparable in time and comfortable for families.
Q: Are the trails in Zakopane suitable for strollers? - A: Some sections (e.g., parts of Krupówki and some valley stretches) are suitable, but mountain trails are often rocky and steep. For small children a carrier is recommended.
Q: Are pierogi restaurants in the center child-friendly? - A: Yes — many places serve simple flavors, have family-friendly atmospheres and quick service. If you prefer a quiet meal, choose hours outside peak tourist times.
Q: Where in Krakow can you try many types of pierogi at once? - A: Culinary festivals and street markets (especially in summer) are the best chance to taste many varieties in small portions. Local pierogi restaurants sometimes offer tasting menus or sets.
- Make a mini-challenge: each family member chooses one attraction to visit and then tells about it at dinner — this engages children and makes the trip their story.
- Prepare a “mountain taste box” — small samples of local cheeses, jams and takeaway pierogi; a good solution if you want to try many things without ordering large portions.
- Mind the pace - plan shorter stages and more breaks, and instead of one long trail choose two shorter ones so children don’t run out of energy.
Traveling with children is a mix of planning and flexibility. A well-prepared plan and a few trusted places in Krakow for a tasty meal (pierogi!) will make a trip to the Tatras a pleasure rather than a stress. When choosing attractions, favor shorter distances, play with the children and leave room for surprises. Krakow and Zakopane have a lot to offer — from mountain views to a plate full of different pierogi. Enjoy your meal and have a great trip!
If you’d like, I can prepare a personalized plan for your family — tell me the children’s ages, your preferences (active vs. more relaxed sightseeing) and whether you’re traveling by car, train or bus. I’ll happily refine the details.
Wishing you many beautiful memories and delicious tastes on your journey!
