How do you plan a family day in Krakow so everyone returns happy and with no feeling that something was missed? Wawel is a must for lovers of history and art, while the Polish Aviation Museum is a paradise for children and adults fascinated by technology and large flying machines. Both institutions offer family ticket options, but their rules and coverage can differ — it’s worth preparing in advance so you don’t overpay or waste time queuing.
In practice this means the Aviation Museum has a straightforward family offer and specific days with free admission, while at Wawel you should expect that exhibitions are split into routes and separate displays that often require individual tickets — which can quickly add up for a family. In recent seasons there have been new ticket packages and public discussions about prices, so budgeting ahead is half the success.
Polish Aviation Museum: the institution offers a family ticket which, according to official price lists, covers configurations of 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children and is clearly listed in the price list. The museum also has free-admission days and paid extras such as an audio guide, aeromodelling workshops or an outdoor sightseeing ride by melex — check opening hours and the last admission time, because ticket offices often close before the official closing time.
Wawel: the Wawel Hill comprises several independent routes and separate tickets (for example castle chambers, the royal crypts, the treasury, and the cathedral). Special family routes and educational programmes are offered, which can be cheaper than buying separate tickets for everything. In practice you may find a “family route” priced around a few dozen złoty per person, but if you want to see all exhibitions and chambers the total cost for a family may be much higher — check which elements are your priority and build your itinerary sensibly.
Buy tickets in advance — this is especially important for Wawel, where the number of entries for some routes is limited. Online reservations save you from standing in queues and guarantee a specific entry time. If you plan to visit the Aviation Museum, the family ticket can be purchased on site or online — remember the last admission time and that ticket offices often close earlier than the museum.
Check free-admission days and promotions — some days of the week at the Aviation Museum offer free entry to everyone, which can be a good option if you want a low-cost visit. Wawel also occasionally offers limited promotions and free admission to selected exhibitions — exact conditions change seasonally.
Do not buy tickets from unknown resellers offering ‘fast access’ for high commissions. The safest route is to use ticket offices and official ticketing systems, and when buying online save your confirmation and, if needed, print the ticket just in case.
Visiting time: allow at least 1.5–2 hours for the Aviation Museum, more if you plan to take part in workshops or ride the melex. For Wawel, plan at least 2–3 hours if you intend to visit several routes.
Getting there and parking: the Aviation Museum is located in the part of the city that used to be the Rakowice-Czyżyny airfield and has visitor parking. Parking near Wawel in the city centre can be more difficult — use public transport or nearby paid car parks.
Family accessibility: the Aviation Museum is family-friendly — it’s easy to move around with a stroller, there are baby-changing facilities, and the outdoor exhibits give space to breathe. At Wawel there are places with stairs and narrow passages — if you have small children in strollers, plan a route that avoids the most difficult sections or bring a baby carrier.
What to bring: comfortable shoes, water, a small snack for children, any documents proving eligibility for discounts (if you plan to use reduced fares), a camera or phone for photos and a powerbank.
Prepare a short game or a scavenger list — at Wawel it could be finding a specific detail in the chambers, and at the Aviation Museum — finding the biggest plane or a cockpit. Children love simple tasks with a small reward after the visit.
Take part in workshops and educational activities — the Aviation Museum runs aeromodelling workshops and other hands-on activities for youngsters; these are a great way to combine play with learning. At Wawel look for family routes with an educator or audio guides adapted for younger listeners.
Take breaks — non-stop touring is tiring. The outdoor area around the Aviation Museum and the green spaces near Wawel are good places for a short rest and a snack.
Assuming that 'the family ticket covers everything' — this is a common mistake. At Wawel many exhibitions and routes require separate tickets, so check exactly what is included in the ticket you buy.
Leaving everything to the last minute — lack of reservations, especially in high season, ends in long queues or no available spots at the chosen time.
Assuming children will always enjoy long routes — plan attractive sections and breaks; if a part is too serious, shorten it and leave time for something interactive.
Forgetting discount documents — school or student IDs, the Large Family Card or other entitlements must be shown at entry, otherwise you may not be able to use a reduced price.
Near Wawel and the Main Market you’ll find several well-rated restaurants that work well for families after an intense day: Pod Nosem, Cafe Camelot, Wierzynek and Massolit Books & Cafe. These places have good reputations and serve both adult dishes and child-friendly options.
If you plan a break after the Aviation Museum, the Czyżyny area has a shopping centre with cafés and restaurants and pleasant green areas ideal for a picnic or short walk. For a longer rest look for places with outdoor seating — in summer this is very helpful with children.
Do children of a certain age get in free? Yes — usually the youngest children (for example up to 7 years old) have free admission to many attractions, but always confirm before your visit, as policies can differ between institutions.
Does a family ticket mean a discount for every child? It depends — at the Aviation Museum the family ticket specifies the allowed person configurations, and at Wawel there are family routes that are cheaper than the sum of individual tickets but do not always cover every exhibition.
Is it worth getting an audio guide? Yes — an audio guide helps understand the context of many exhibits and is especially useful if you are not planning to hire a live guide. Check whether there are versions aimed at children.
What to do in bad weather? The Aviation Museum has a large portion of exhibits under cover, so it’s a good option on a rainy day; Wawel has indoor parts (chambers, crypts), but walking the hill in heavy rain can be less pleasant — have a plan B for bad weather.
The Aviation Museum is not only aircraft in hangars — the site also hosts workshops, themed sessions and outdoor melex tours, which are a great variety for families with small children.
Media coverage in the past has highlighted debates about the price of comprehensive Wawel visits — that led to creating more accessible family offers and temporary promotions. That’s why before your visit it’s worth checking current seasonal packages and special offers, especially when travelling with a larger family.
When planning a family day: set priorities (what’s worth seeing), buy tickets in advance, consider the logistics of getting between sites and leave time for children to play. This way Wawel and the Polish Aviation Museum can create a varied and satisfying sightseeing programme for both history lovers and technology fans.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media. And if you’d like to explore Krakow with someone who will show places at a family-friendly pace and tell stories that engage children and adults, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — you can find her contact on the guide’s page. Good luck planning and enjoy your visit!
