Auschwitz is a place of remembrance and a history lesson with a very strong emotional charge. For adults and teenagers it can be a deep and moving experience. When planning a visit with children, the most important question is: why are we going and is our child ready for what they will see? There is no single answer — it depends on the child's age, maturity, prior conversations about World War II, and whether the child is asking about these topics.
The Museum recommends that decisions about visiting with younger children be made together with parents and educators. In practice, many caregivers believe that children under roughly 12–13 years old may have difficulty processing the emotions related to the exhibits. If your child is younger, consider alternatives or prepare them very gently before the visit.
If you decide to go, plan the route and pace carefully — this is not an amusement park, and rules of quiet and respect apply. Approach the topic honestly but sensitively: you can convey the truth without going into brutal details that might be traumatic.
Remember that each family member may react differently. Some young visitors show surprising maturity and interest, others need shorter visits or to stay outside part of the exhibition.
The decision to visit with children should therefore be conscious and prepared — that way the trip can be meaningful rather than distressing.
Talking before the trip is key. Instead of giving graphic descriptions, explain simply what the camps were, why they were created and what consequences they had for people. It helps to first ask the child what they already know and what they are afraid of — that lets you adjust the tone of the conversation.
Use child-appropriate materials. The Museum and educational centres offer books and stories that introduce the topic without drastic descriptions. If the child asks — answer briefly, calmly and truthfully, tailoring details to their age.
Prepare yourself emotionally as a parent. Adults often don’t expect their own strong reactions — if you feel you may be very moved at the memorial site, plan support (for example another adult to accompany you, a short break, or a clear daily plan).
Before entering the Memorial Site tell the child what to expect: silence, focus, concrete objects and exhibits. Explain that running, shouting and touching exhibits without permission are not allowed.
If you plan a conversation after the visit — schedule some time for reflection and questions. Give the child time to process impressions; don’t force them to speak immediately if they don’t want to.
Reservation: Entry to the Museum is usually based on named tickets and many slots must be booked in advance. It’s best to plan the date ahead and reserve online — availability fills up quickly in season.
Time: Touring both parts (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) usually takes 3–4 hours, plus travel time from Krakow (typically about 1–1.5 hours depending on transport and traffic) and time for breaks and possible discussion. Practically, it’s wise to plan for a full day.
Arrival: The Museum asks visitors to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time. Large luggage is best left in the car or on the car park — there are restrictions on bringing big bags into the site.
Forms and hours of visiting: The Museum offers different visiting options — with an educator or self-guided at set times. Check available options and choose what fits your family best. School groups and youth visitors can access additional materials and an introductory film.
Transport: From Krakow to Oświęcim you can travel by car, train or bus. Driving is usually the fastest and most comfortable option when travelling with small children, but check train and bus timetables in advance if you prefer public transport.
Allow extra time for possible traffic or longer stops — that makes the trip calmer for everyone.
Clothing: Dress comfortably and neatly. Remember this is a memorial site — avoid flashy costumes or clothing with suggestive slogans.
What to bring: a water bottle, tissues, a notebook and pen (if older children want to take notes), a small snack for breaks outside the exhibition area, and your booking confirmation (printed or on your phone). Large backpacks are better left in the car.
Behaviour: The memorial site requires silence and respect. Explain the rules to children before entering: we don’t shout, run, or touch exhibits without clear permission. Photographing may be allowed in some places, but do it sensitively and avoid selfies in locations where it would be inappropriate.
Pace: You don’t have to do the whole route at once. If you see a child is tired or upset, take a break outside the exhibition area. You can also arrange for one person to stay in a green area with a younger child while others tour.
If you plan on explaining history during the visit, keep it short and gentle — the places and objects themselves tell the story, and sudden detailed descriptions can be too intense.
That’s completely understandable. Don’t force the child. You can offer alternatives: a short stay in a green area nearby, a walk around outside, or a quiet activity while another family member visits. Many families split up: some tour while others wait outside, then swap places.
Important: avoid framing expectations in an accusatory way (for example, “You have to see this because…”), as that can shut the child down. Instead ask: “Do you want to try? If not — we’ll stay here together and talk after the walk.”
For very young visitors prepare a gentle story or book beforehand that explains the subject in a safe way — this helps the child feel cared for and less anxious.
If you travel with a school group, coordinate with the teacher about plans and alternative activities for children who, for various reasons, will not enter the exhibition.
If the family chooses partial visiting, agree on a meeting place and time after the visit so no one feels lost.
Many visitors from Krakow wonder if they can combine a serious visit to the Memorial Site with lighter, fun city attractions — for example seeing the Lajkonik or taking a stroll around the Market Square. It’s possible, but requires common sense and good planning.
Suggestion: plan the day so you have a lighter, touristy part and a reflective part separated in time — for example a morning walk around Krakow and a short visit to see Lajkonik (if the event is happening), and an afternoon trip to Oświęcim; or the opposite: an early trip to Oświęcim and a calm evening walk in Krakow. Avoid squeezing both activities into a hectic schedule — that can be exhausting for children and adults.
If Lajkonik (the procession/event) is on your schedule, remember it can be loud and crowded — after a joyful, noisy event emotions in children may fluctuate. Give them time to calm down before any serious conversations.
An alternative for families is to split the activities across two days — one lighter day in Krakow (Lajkonik, the Market Square, children’s museums) and another quieter, more reflective day in Oświęcim.
Most importantly: remember that a visit to a memorial site is a different kind of experience than a typical tourist attraction. Combining both types of activities requires empathy and flexibility.
Option A — morning in Krakow, afternoon in Oświęcim: - 08:30 — a gentle morning walk in the Old Town or a quick look at Lajkonik if the event is happening. - 10:00 — depart by car/train for Oświęcim (1–1.5 hours). - 11:30 — arrival, short break, snack, prepare the children. - 12:00–15:00 — visit the Museum (with breaks, adapted to children). - 15:30 — return to Krakow, evening rest.
Option B — a full day in Oświęcim (a calmer pace): - 08:30 — depart from Krakow. - 10:00 — arrival, coffee, preparatory conversation. - 10:30–13:30 — visiting with a break. - 13:30 — lunch in a neutral place outside the exhibition area, time to talk and unwind. - 15:30 — return to Krakow, a quiet evening stroll in a less crowded area.
In both options allow extra time and agree on a meeting place in case someone wants to leave the exhibition early.
If you travel with very small children and plan to visit only part of the exhibition, decide the route in advance and skip the most upsetting sections or shorten the visit.
At the end of the day plan something gentle and pleasant — a warm family dinner, shared photos (outside the memorial site) or a moment to say what stayed with you.
Talking after you return is as important as the preparation before the trip. Ask the child openly how they feel, what they remember and whether they have questions. Don’t press for a detailed account — sometimes silence means emotions need to settle.
For younger children wait a little while and then suggest a calming activity to help return to everyday life: drawing together, reading a gentle book or a simple walk in the park.
If after the visit you notice anxiety symptoms, sleep disturbances, or intense emotional reactions lasting several days, consider talking with the school counsellor or a child psychologist. Most children gradually return to normal if parents provide a safe space to talk.
Emphasise positive elements too: visiting places of historical memory helps teach empathy, remember people and care that similar tragedies never happen again.
If you like, you can offer a small educational task after the trip — for example drawing a map of the places you discussed or listing the most important questions — this helps process the experience.
1) Talk in advance and listen to your child — adapt what you say to their age and questions.
2) Book entry tickets in advance and plan for a full day — visiting is not a quick trip.
3) Don’t force it: if a child doesn’t want to enter the exhibition, find an alternative or share responsibilities within the family.
4) Bring child-friendly materials (books, short stories), but use them sensitively.
5) When combining the visit with lighter Krakow attractions (e.g. Lajkonik), allow time between activities and ensure calm before the more serious part of the trip.
If you need help planning a family day in Krakow, I’m happy to help tailor the route and pace so the trip is valuable and emotionally safe for everyone.
Wishing you a calm and mindful visit — Małgorzata Kasprowicz.
