The Market Underground in Kraków combines history, archaeology and multimedia presentations — a perfect mix when you want to engage children. Exhibits, interactive screens and models tell the story of the medieval city in a more accessible way than dry display cases. For the youngest visitors, mannequins, “animated” pictures and theatrical narrations often become a big attraction, introducing characters and legends of Kraków in a form that feels close to children.
Visiting underground also adds an element of adventure: entering the vaults, dim lighting and unusual architecture create an atmosphere of discovering secrets. Children usually react enthusiastically to light and sound effects and to the chance to “find” pieces of the old city beneath the modern Market Square.
The central part of the route is a section of the archaeological park stretching beneath the Market Square slab. The exhibition shows relics of medieval buildings, fragments of old foundations, remains of market stalls and everyday objects found during excavations. Among the attractions that often capture children’s attention are: - a model of the medieval city lit to resemble light coming through the market surface; - animated reconstructions and mannequins showing old trades and everyday life; - interactive stations and short films telling Kraków’s legends and stories.
Many rooms use multimedia technology: touch screens, projections and spatial sound. There are also areas prepared especially for younger visitors, where historical information is presented as play and simple tasks.
Location and entrance: the entrance to the Underground is in the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) on the Main Market Square, directly adjacent to St. Mary’s Church. This is the very center of Kraków and easy to reach on foot, by tram or from the main railway station.
Hours and tickets: the museum operates on a regular schedule, with shorter hours on some days of the week. Ticket prices and opening hours can change; there are various categories: regular, reduced and family tickets. Special rules often apply to school groups and there are occasional free-admission days — before your trip it’s a good idea to check the current price list and ticketing rules on the museum’s official site.
Reservations and queues: during the tourist season and on weekends consider arriving earlier or buying tickets in advance if possible. On some days (especially Tuesdays) there may be special rules for free entry or reservation limits — check information before your visit.
While the museum is accessible to little ones, children between roughly 4 and 12 years old tend to get the most out of the experience. The very youngest may also be interested, but their attention span can be shorter and some parts of the exhibition require quieter, slower exploration.
How to prepare children: - tell a short, exciting story about Kraków or the Wawel Dragon before entering to build context; - plan short breaks during the route — children tire faster; - bring small snacks and water (check the museum’s rules about eating inside the exhibition in advance); - prepare children for darker rooms and light effects, which may sometimes startle very small kids.
Education and workshops: the museum offers educational sessions and workshops for preschool and school groups, adjusted by age. If you plan to visit with a group, consider programs that are often interactive and detective-like.
Accessibility: the entrance to the Underground is equipped with an elevator, which makes it possible to visit with a stroller. There are restrooms on the route, often including a changing table, which makes visiting with small children easier.
Limitations: despite elevator access, some underground spaces have uneven surfaces and narrow passages — be prepared to carry a stroller for short stretches or to use a baby carrier for an infant. If you are traveling with a large group or a bulky stroller, contact the museum staff in advance to arrange the most convenient route.
The standard route takes about 60 to 120 minutes, depending on pace and children’s interest. For families with small children it’s wise to plan 1.5–2 hours, allowing for short stops and possible educational activities.
Half-day plan around the Market Square: - 0:00-0:15: entrance and quick orientation with the route map; - 0:15-1:30: explore the Underground, pausing at interactive stations; - 1:30-2:00: snack break on the Market Square or at a nearby café; - 2:00-3:00: short walk around the Main Market Square and a visit to the Cloth Hall or a nearby family-friendly museum.
If you plan to visit other underground attractions nearby (for example the Wieliczka Salt Mine), consider setting aside a separate day — the salt mine requires more time and is more tiring for children because of the length of the route and the underground temperature.
Tasks for children: prepare a simple game — a checklist of things to find along the route (e.g. a piece of pottery, a model, a figure on a mannequin). The reward can be a small sticker or a postcard.
Combine the visit with a legend: tell the story of Prince Krak or the Wawel Dragon as a detective tale. Children enjoy taking on the role of little investigators searching for traces of the past.
Family activities: if the museum offers children’s workshops, book a place in advance. Archaeological workshops and educational sessions are designed to engage kids and explain complex topics in plain language.
Climate and clothing: although the Market Underground is indoors, some areas may be cooler than the surface — a light jacket or sweater for children is a good idea. If you plan to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine afterward, remember temperatures there are usually lower (around 14–16°C).
Other “underground” attractions nearby: besides the Market Underground, consider the Wieliczka Salt Mine — a separate, extensive underground attraction. For younger children, look for local family-friendly museums or interactive exhibitions within the city as complementary activities.
Behavior in the museum: remind children of basic rules: don’t run, don’t touch exhibits without permission, and listen to guardians and the guide. Many interactive stations are intended to be touched, but some exhibits require caution.
Q: Where exactly is the entrance? - A: The entrance is at the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) on the Main Market Square, next to St. Mary’s Church. It’s easy to spot and centrally located.
Q: Are strollers allowed? - A: Yes — there is an elevator, but some passages may be narrow or uneven. A light stroller or baby carrier is usually most practical.
Q: How long should we plan for the visit? - A: Count on 60–120 minutes. For families with young children, plan 90–120 minutes to include breaks.
Q: Should I buy tickets in advance? - A: In high season and on weekends it’s recommended to buy tickets or arrive early. Check the museum’s current ticket rules before your visit.
Nearby family-friendly suggestions: after the Underground try a snack or hot chocolate at local cafés like Café Camelot or Charlotte, or take a gentle walk to Wawel Castle so children can see the castle courtyards and the river.
