Yes — but it’s worth having a plan. Wieliczka, the Museum of Engineering and Technology (MIT) and Jewish Kazimierz offer very different experiences: an underground adventure in the salt mine, interactive workshops and exhibitions in the museum, and intimate, moving walks through a district full of memory and monuments. A sensible pace, booking in advance and an early start will let a family see the highlights without frantic rushing or overtired children.
This article gives route suggestions, practical tips on tickets, transport and places to eat, plus a list of common mistakes and how to avoid them. At the end you’ll find an FAQ and a short invitation — if you’d like, guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz can help plan a route tailored to your needs (her contact details are visible on the guide’s website).
If you only have a long weekend, a good approach is to split activities by day: dedicate a separate day to Wieliczka (a half or full day with some relaxation), and another to Kraków for MIT and a Kazimierz walk — or the other way around depending on opening hours and reservations. A visit to Wieliczka usually means 2–3 hours of underground touring, plus time for getting there, possible queues and transport; visit the Museum of Engineering and Technology when the kids have the most energy, because there are many workshops and play zones. Leave the Kazimierz walk for the afternoon — a strolling pace with breaks for ice cream or a zapiekanka at Plac Nowy works very well.
Book Wieliczka tickets in advance and check family workshop dates at MIT — the museum regularly runs child-focused classes and a Block Zone. For weekends, especially in high season, secure places early. Allow time to rest — especially after leaving the mine, where lighting is lower and there are many steps. Have a Plan B for rainy weather — Kraków has many cozy cafés and museums that can fill extra time.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most popular attractions near Kraków. The Tourist Route is about 3.5 km long, visits usually take 2–3 hours, and underground temperatures are steady around 16–18°C, so bring a light sweater even in summer. The route includes many stairs — at the entrance you face several hundred steps, and there are more to climb during the tour, so wear comfortable, stable shoes.
Tours run in guided groups and in season tickets sell out fast — online reservation is highly recommended. Special family offers and themed routes are available, and weekends sometimes feature programs dedicated to children. If you travel with small babies check stroller conditions — most routes aren’t stroller-friendly, so a baby carrier is often easier. Near the main shaft you’ll find a brine graduation tower (Tężnia Solankowa) and places to rest — a good option after exiting the mine.
The Museum of Engineering and Technology in Kraków combines permanent exhibitions with workshops and interactive attractions. For families the museum offers special guided tours and educational programs — from technical classes and a Block Zone to simulators and demonstrations of historic trams. Opening hours and entry rules can change, so check current times on the museum’s website before your visit.
Family-friendly offerings include workshops and “family tours” — shorter, hands-on formats that keep children engaged. On site you’ll usually find themed activities and the Block Zone where the youngest can play creatively. To make the most of your visit, arrive at opening or reserve a spot for an afternoon workshop — the museum is often less crowded then, making it easier to explore the exhibits calmly.
Kazimierz is the heart of Kraków’s Jewish history — Szeroka Street, historic synagogues and quiet cemeteries create a unique space for family walks. Key points include the Old Synagogue (part of the Historical Museum of the City of Kraków), the Remuh Synagogue with its adjacent cemetery, and the Tempel, Kupa and Isaac (Izaaka) synagogues. Plan your walk to allow time for entering a few museum sites and breaks — many synagogues have limited opening hours, especially on Saturdays.
After Kazimierz you can take a short trip to Podgórze to see sites related to the occupation period — the Ghetto Heroes Square (Plac Bohaterów Getta), the “Under the Eagle” pharmacy and the area of Oskar Schindler’s former factory (Schindler’s Factory Museum). For families choose routes adapted to younger visitors, focusing on stories and places that are easy to explain to children. Schedule a snack break at Plac Nowy — try the famous zapiekanki there or sit down for a meal at one of Kazimierz’s well-regarded restaurants, such as Hamsa or Szara Kazimierz.
Day 1 — arrival and an easy walk: check in, an afternoon stroll through Kazimierz; visit Szeroka Street, the Old Synagogue and the Remuh Synagogue, then pause for lunch at a recommended restaurant. Evening: dinner and rest.
Day 2 — Wieliczka: depart in the morning for Wieliczka (book a timed entry), 2–3 hours touring the Tourist Route, possible visit to the brine graduation tower or a park walk near the shaft. Return to Kraków for an afternoon museum visit or relaxation.
Day 3 — MIT and family workshops: morning workshops or exploring interactive exhibits, time for experiments in the Block Zone, an afternoon walk in the centre or souvenir shopping. Alternative: if you only have two days, combine MIT and Kazimierz in one day and plan a separate trip to Wieliczka.
Kazimierz offers many well-reviewed places — Hamsa is a popular local option for Middle Eastern cuisine, often recommended by families; Szara Kazimierz provides a more classic menu and comfortable surroundings, a favorite for guests seeking a relaxed meal. On Plac Nowy you’ll find the classic zapiekanki — a quick and tasty street snack if you’re on the move. Near the centre and MIT look for family-friendly cafés with play corners or spaces to rest after an intense visit.
For accommodation choose places near the centre or with easy access to the rail station that serves Wieliczka. Hotels and apartments around the Old Town and Kazimierz make walking easy without a car. Well-rated family properties often offer conveniences such as cots for children, breakfast on request and luggage storage.
Wieliczka hides whole underground “towns” with chapels, salt sculptures and small lakes — many of these details were carved by miners and artists who created the subterranean interiors over centuries. At MIT you’ll find exhibits that not only tell the story of technology but also show the city’s changes and everyday life in the past through interactive solutions — that often surprises adults while children love the hands-on displays. In Kazimierz you’ll come across places that remember famous figures — former residents’ houses, stories of prominent Jewish families and traces of old crafts woven into the city fabric.
Not booking entries in advance — in season tickets for Wieliczka and places for family workshops at MIT sell out fast; reserve your slots early, especially for a long weekend. Overestimating what you can do in half a day — Wieliczka is physically demanding (stairs, long underground walks), so plan for a calmer evening afterwards. Being underprepared clothing-wise — underground is cooler and more humid than the surface; bring a light layer and comfortable shoes. Failing to plan breaks for food and rest — with children breaks are essential to keep the trip enjoyable rather than frustrating.
If you intend to photograph places of memory — remember respect and quiet. Some synagogues and cemeteries have rules about photography, so honor them and check local rules before taking pictures.
You can reach Wieliczka from Kraków by suburban train or car — the train from Kraków Główny usually takes about 20–30 minutes, which makes it a convenient choice for families (check current timetables before travel). Within Kraków public transport connects the Old Town, Kazimierz and the museum area smoothly. Parking near popular attractions can be busy in season; if you drive, allow time to find a space and for parking fees.
Buy tickets on official attraction websites or from authorized sellers — that’s usually the most reliable way to guarantee entry and current times. Family tickets or discounts are often available; check rules on concessions before purchase.
Can children under 4 enter Wieliczka? Very young children are often admitted free, but the route can be demanding — consider whether your child can handle long walks and stairs. Are there workshops for toddlers at MIT? Yes — the museum regularly runs activities for children across age groups; check the workshop schedule before your visit. Can you enter all synagogues in Kazimierz? Some synagogues serve active religious functions and have limited visiting hours, especially on holidays and Saturdays — plan visits outside those times. How long does a Wieliczka visit take? The standard Tourist Route takes about 2–3 hours plus time for getting there and possible queues, so plan for at least a half day.
If you have special needs (for example mobility restrictions), check accessibility options in advance — some places have limitations, and staff can often help arrange a more comfortable visit.
If you value comfort and want to make the most of your long weekend, consider the help of a guide who will tailor pace and content to your children’s ages, family interests and fitness. Guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz offers private tours of Kraków and the surrounding area — her contact details are available on her website; this is a good option if you want to avoid lines, learn local curiosities, or plan a route with the needs of little travelers in mind.
If you found this article useful, please share it on social media or send it to friends planning a trip to Kraków. Good luck with your planning and enjoy a wonderful long weekend with your family — Kraków has many stories to tell and sights to show!
