Collegium Maius is the oldest preserved building of the Jagiellonian University and one of the most "tangible" places where the university’s history meets historic architecture, monuments and interesting exhibits. For a medium-sized group of 7–30 people a visit here is ideal — the interiors are intimate, and stories about students, professors and medieval customs easily engage both adults and children.
In practice, a tour of Collegium Maius usually lasts 40–60 minutes depending on whether you include a short workshop, demonstrations or additional rooms. It’s worth allowing time for a calm entry to the courtyard, viewing the clock and a short Q&A session — these are the moments children remember best.
A guide can adjust the pace and language of the story to the group — anecdotes and interactive tasks help keep children’s attention and make history accessible. For medium groups (7–30 people) one guide is usually enough — she can maintain order and stay in contact with participants.
A guide also helps with practical matters: coordinating entrances, suggesting the best times to visit (avoid the biggest crowds), explaining museum rules and assisting with ticket office or staff. This saves a lot of time and stress, especially when there are children in the group.
A suggested family-friendly route starts at Collegium Maius (short introduction and visit to the courtyard and selected rooms), then a walk along the Royal Route: Grodzka Street - Sts. Peter and Paul Church - Wawel Hill (short stories about the castle and the dragon) - descent to the Main Market Square (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica, the bugle call). The route is flexible and can be shortened or lengthened, adjusting breaks to the children’s needs.
For school groups or those with children it’s worth planning frequent 10–15 minute breaks to stretch legs and have short movement games or history tasks (e.g., mini-quests, quiz questions with a small prize). This keeps the tour dynamic and helps children stay interested.
When planning a break after sightseeing, choose a place that can accommodate a medium group and offers a play corner or enough space for strollers and high chairs. Here are a few suggestions that work well for family groups:
TuTa (Podgórze) - a cafe with a large wooden playroom, ball pit and play area. The place is popular with families and often accepts group reservations and children’s birthday parties. A good option if you want to spend more time on site.
Nelon - an eco playroom with a small cafe and sensory space. Intimate interior, good for smaller groups of 7–20 people and for creative activities or workshops.
Kawa i Zabawa (Rusznikarska) - a concept that combines a cafe with a creative playroom; possible to reserve and organize short workshops for preschool groups.
Klockoland / play centers near Mikołajska and other locations - child-focused venues with group and birthday offers, often with catering options and space hire.
Camelot / Camelot LuLu (ul. Św. Tomasza) - atmospheric cafes in the heart of the Old Town. Not all have a separate playroom, but their location is perfect for a short break after sightseeing and they can host groups of up to 30 people outside peak tourist hours.
Mango Kids / FamKawa / Mufinka (example family cafes) - places that combine a cafe with a dedicated kids’ area or activity organization; check availability to reserve tables for groups.
Remember: I always call or write to the chosen place beforehand to confirm reservation options and any extra fees for booking a larger number of seats.
Book cafes and tickets in advance — especially on weekends and during the tourist season. For groups of 7–30 people the best times are before noon or early afternoon when tourist crowds are smaller.
When planning the route, take into account toilets and changing facilities — not all venues in the historic centre have convenient facilities, so it’s good to know where to take a short break.
For groups with small children have a plan B in case of rain — cafes with playrooms or small meeting rooms become invaluable then.
If your group is larger than 20–25 people, inform the museum and the break venue in advance — sometimes extra coordination is needed or splitting into smaller subgroups in some rooms.
Set a clear meeting point and give a short briefing before setting off — who watches the strollers, who has the first aid kit, who holds the participant list. A few minutes of organization will save a lot of time later.
Not booking the cafe in advance – result: no space, long waiting time. Solution: call 24–48 hours ahead or send an email requesting a reservation.
A plan that’s too long without breaks – result: tired children and rising tensions in the group. Solution: plan breaks every 30–45 minutes, with quick activations or themed tasks.
Inappropriate footwear and clothing - sightseeing in the centre involves a lot of walking. Solution: inform participants in advance about comfortable shoes and layered clothing (Krakow’s weather can change quickly).
Ignoring museum rules – result: unpleasantness at the entrance (e.g., bans on food or large backpacks). Solution: ask participants to leave large backpacks on the bus/in the hotel or use a cloakroom if available.
Will the guide help with booking cafes and tickets? - Yes, many guides (including Małgorzata Kasprowicz) help coordinate reservations and suggest optimal times, although final booking of places and tickets usually stays with the organiser.
How much time should I allocate for a visit with children? - For preschoolers 1.5–2 hours with breaks is better. For older children 2–3 hours with activations is enough to see the key places.
Can you take photos in Collegium Maius? - In most rooms photography without flash is allowed, but follow staff instructions.
Is it better to visit in the morning or in the afternoon? - Mornings are usually less crowded. In the afternoon it’s easier to take a coffee break and sit longer in a cafe after the tour.
Did you know that the Collegium Maius courtyard’s clock often "performs" and attracts children with its mechanics and moving figures? It’s a perfect moment for a short story and a small contest for the youngest.
Instead of a traditional ice-cream break — organise a 10-minute mini-workshop: hand out simple activity sheets with questions like "who saw the dragon’s most teeth?" or "find a trace of the old market" — this engages children and gives the break an educational slant.
Small groups can try a so-called "field game" — a map with tasks and riddles. It’s a great way to combine history with movement and friendly competition without screens.
If you are planning to visit Krakow with your family or a group of 7–30 people and want a route that is light, interesting and tailored to children, I invite you to get in touch. As a licensed guide, Małgorzata Kasprowicz will show the city through the eyes of both adults and the youngest visitors — with humour, curiosities and practical pauses.
Share this article with friends who are heading to Krakow — sharing is the best way to pass practical tips to other families. If you have questions or want to book a date — contact details can be found on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
