Collegium Novum, the neo‑Gothic building of the Jagiellonian University on Gołębia Street, houses Jan Matejko paintings and portraits of distinguished professors in its Aula — a spot that can interest not only adults but also children if you turn the visit into a short story about the "old university." Kazimierz, the former Jewish quarter, offers tasty stops at Plac Nowy, colourful side streets and places where history is presented in a family‑friendly way.
If you’re planning a weekend in Kraków with children, combining a short “university” walk around Collegium Novum with an afternoon or a full day in Kazimierz gives you variety: monuments, short museums, good food and spaces where kids can move around and play.
Collegium Novum gives you a quick, “urban” start: short architecture facts, the grand Aula with paintings and coats of arms, benches in the Planty and the proximity of the Main Market Square — it’s an ideal place for a morning walk or a short history lesson presented as a game. Kazimierz, on the other hand, has family‑friendly museums, food stalls at Plac Nowy, streets full of murals and cafés with space for children, so it’s a natural choice for an afternoon or the second part of the day.
Children tolerate short, themed stops better than long museum visits, so plan 30–60 minute rounds: for example, 30 minutes at Collegium Novum and the Planty, 45–60 minutes at a synagogue or the Museum of Engineering, and leave the rest of the day for relaxed exploring and eating.
Day 1 — morning: start at Collegium Novum (Gołębia Street) — a short story about the building and the Aula (15–20 min), stroll the Planty to the Market Square, afternoon around the Market with a coffee and cake break. In the evening take an easy walk along the Vistula boulevards or a short boat trip if the kids want an extra thrill.
Day 2 — Kazimierz: morning or late morning at Plac Nowy (zapiekanki for the kids, space to run), visit the Galicia Jewish Museum or the Remuh Synagogue (depending on age and interest; 30–45 min), then the Museum of Engineering and Technology on Św. Wawrzyńca Street or another interactive exhibition. Finish with lunch at one of Kazimierz’s recommended restaurants and a walk along Szeroka and Wolnica streets.
If you have only half a day: pick either the university quarter with a short intro to Collegium Novum and the Market area, or Kazimierz with Plac Nowy plus one interactive museum.
Museum of Engineering and Technology — interactive exhibits, old trams and hands‑on opportunities to explore mechanics; perfect for little discoverers.
Galicia Jewish Museum and the Remuh Synagogue — short, thoughtfully made exhibitions and memorial spaces; good for gently introducing older children to local history.
Plac Nowy — simple and effective: quick food (zapiekanki) and open space to run, plus a Saturday antiques market that can be intriguing for curious parents and older kids.
The Planty and Vistula boulevards — places to rest, enjoy ice cream, watch swans or have a quick play on the grass.
Plac Nowy and the zapiekanki stalls are an attraction in themselves — quick, inexpensive and very kid‑friendly for a snack or light lunch.
Starka (Kazimierz) — traditional Polish cuisine in a friendly atmosphere; often praised by families for its flavours and generous portions.
Hamsa — Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavours, popular in Kazimierz; colourful dishes and a welcoming interior that works well for family meals.
Cafés and patisseries around the Market and Kazimierz — if you want something sweet after a walk, choose places with high ratings and short wait times, especially those with indoor seating for bad weather.
The Aula of Collegium Novum displays Matejko’s paintings and portraits of rectors — telling a short story about one painting is a great way to focus children’s attention.
Although Collegium Novum looks very old, it was built in the 19th century in a style that references earlier buildings; this “new‑old” look is a neat talking point about architecture.
In Kazimierz many historic places mix with contemporary cultural initiatives — galleries, murals and workshop spaces often run weekend activities for children, so check local events shortly before your visit.
Thinking you can see everything “quickly” — children need breaks. Plan no more than two major attractions a day and several short pauses for playgrounds, ice cream or a quick run on the grass.
Using restaurants right at the busiest sights without a reservation on weekends — avoid disappointment by booking in advance or having a plan B (café, food truck, Plac Nowy).
Overestimating lift access and perfect surfaces for strollers — Kraków’s streets are often cobbled; it’s wise to bring a lightweight folding stroller or a baby carrier for trickier sections.
How much time should you allow? — Collegium Novum and the surroundings: 1–2 hours including a short break; Kazimierz: half a day to a full day, depending on how many museums you visit and meal breaks.
Is everything free? — No. Some synagogues and museums charge entrance fees or require prior booking. Check opening hours and ticket availability before your visit.
Is the route suitable for strollers? — Partly. The Planty and the Market are mostly stroller‑friendly, but some side streets and parts of Kazimierz are cobbled. Bring a sling or carrier for the more difficult stretches.
Where to park? — The city centre is a paid parking zone; family‑friendly options include parking lots near the Vistula boulevards or public parking close to the Planty. Consider public transport or a taxi for convenience.
If you liked this guide — share it with friends or on social media so other families can benefit from practical tips.
If you’d like to tour with a local guide who knows Kraków inside out and can adapt the pace to children — contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz from zwiedzaniekrakowa.com; she can prepare a route tailored to your family’s needs.
Good luck planning your weekend — Kraków is a city that shows its friendliest and most surprising side when you explore it with children!
