The painting by Leonardo da Vinci known as “Lady with an Ermine” is one of the most famous works associated with the Czartoryski collection — and although for adults it is often the main attraction, children usually remember the funny story about the ermine more than the painting’s style. That’s good news: with a few simple games and, for example, a short story, even a preschooler can leave the museum smiling.
It’s worth checking in advance where the painting is currently exhibited — collections are sometimes loaned and shown in different places, and planning your visit properly will help you avoid disappointment.
The National Museum in Krakow (including the Czartoryski Palace) has been developing its family offer for years: it organizes tours and educational activities tailored to children, during which collections can be explored through games and play.
When planning your visit, pay attention to the formats of family tours — they are often aimed at children around 6–10 years old, but museums also offer shorter, simpler activities for younger ones. Fees and dates for activities are usually announced in advance and it’s worth buying tickets online to reserve a spot.
If you have a stroller or a small child, check ahead for step-free entrances, changing tables and family restrooms. Not all rooms are large, and with heavy visitor traffic convenient access and exits can make the visit much easier.
Instead of explaining technical art terms, turn the visit into a short story: who was the lady in the painting, why she holds an ermine and what kind of animal that is. You can prepare a simple riddle or bring a small stuffed ermine from your bag so the child has a reference point.
Suggest a “spot the detail” game — for example, who can first spot the dress, the hair or the ermine. Short tasks help focus attention and turn viewing into an adventure.
Don’t make the visit too long: for a preschooler 20–30 minutes of active viewing plus a short activity is often the optimal length.
After the museum, a dessert in a family-friendly place is ideal — choose venues with a children’s corner, high chairs and easy access to restrooms. Krakow has several well-rated patisseries and cafés worth considering as a stop after touring.
Some suggestions: look for artisan ice-cream shops and patisseries serving fresh treats, cafés with space for children and places offering quick sweet snacks perfect for little ones. When planning your day, pick a place in the Old Town or Kazimierz area to avoid long transfers.
When choosing a venue pay attention to other parents’ reviews and check opening hours — popular places can be crowded on weekends, so it’s worth booking a table or choosing a less typical time (for example, late afternoon).
Start: at the entrance to the Czartoryski Palace — a quick run-through of the visit plan and agreement on a short game (for example, looking for the ermine).
20–30 min: a short, interactive part with the story about the painting and a few of the most interesting exhibits — focus on one or two points so as not to overload the child.
10–15 min: a short break outside (weather permitting) — stretch legs, have a small snack and prepare for the next part of the day.
After the museum: walk to a recommended café/patisserie for a quick dessert (cake, ice cream, pancake) — choose a place with comfortable seating and the option to stow or fold a stroller.
You can buy tickets for some family tours at MNK online — it’s worth doing that in advance because spaces are limited. The National Museum’s reservation center handles enquiries by email and phone; family event bookings are usually announced ahead of time.
Check museum opening hours and any additional attractions (workshops, guided tours) before you arrive — educational programs have specific dates and participant limits.
If you’re traveling with a group or would like to arrange a private visit, consider contacting the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — it’s a convenient solution when you want to tailor the pace and format of the visit to the age of the children.
Assuming a child will tolerate a long tour — plan shorter sessions and breaks instead of trying to see everything at once.
Not checking the location of the painting before you leave — confirm where the Lady with an Ermine is currently on display to avoid disappointment.
Failing to reserve a table at a popular café after the museum — on weekends and in summer patisseries and cafés can be full; it’s worth booking or having an alternative plan.
Can a preschooler touch exhibits? Generally no — but museums often provide educational props and workshops that allow safe contact with replica or handling items.
Are there changing tables and family restrooms at MNK? Not all rooms have these facilities, so check availability before your visit and plan a break in a convenient location.
How much does a family tour cost? Museum family offers sometimes have symbolic fees (for example, a few dozen PLN per person) — exact prices are published with individual event dates.
An underrated museum asset is take-home educational materials — sometimes simple activity sheets or coloring pages are available to extend the child’s experience and help them remember the visit.
If your child is bothered by the quiet in a museum, bring quiet aids: colorful stickers (to stick on an activity card), a mini magnifying glass for looking at details, or your own short story to give the works context.
Consider finishing the outing with dessert at a place that also offers a simple lunch menu — that way you don’t have to plan a separate meal right after the museum if the child gets hungry.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it will be especially useful for families planning their first trip to Krakow with small children.
If you’d like to personalize the visit and see Krakow with a child at a pace perfect for your family, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact and details are available on the guide’s website. I wish you many smiles during your visit and delicious desserts!
