Yes — but it’s worth planning sensibly. Winter days are shorter and colder, and a visit to the Auschwitz‑Birkenau Museum is emotionally demanding; that’s why the best results come from spreading the trip over at least two days: one day in Kraków (Main Market, Cloth Hall, Rynek Underground, Kazimierz) and a second day for the trip to Oświęcim. This way children have breaks and there’s time to rest and talk about what they’ve seen.
Mind the pace: shorter museum visits, interesting breaks (a café with hot chocolate, a playground or a bookshop‑café), and preparing children for the topic — age‑appropriate stories and explanations. Winter has advantages too: fewer crowds in some places and beautiful, quiet photos with light mist or snow, but be ready for cold and possible transport delays.
Day 1 (Kraków, light program): a morning stroll on the Main Market — the Cloth Hall (short visit + Rynek Underground as an interactive attraction for kids), stop for hot chocolate or brunch (for example a family‑friendly bookshop‑café), afternoon walk to Kazimierz: Szeroka Street, Plac Nowy (the famous zapiekanki at the Okrąglak make a quick snack), a short visit to the Remuh Synagogue and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Dinner in one of Kazimierz’s recommended, family‑friendly restaurants.
Day 2 (Auschwitz — full day): leave Kraków in the morning — the drive takes about 1.5 hours by car or coach — book personalized entry cards online before arrival and aim to be at least 30 minutes before the visit because of checks. Touring both parts (Auschwitz I and Birkenau) usually takes from about 3.5 hours upward; after returning to Kraków plan time to recover and have dinner.
If you only have one day: rather than going to Oświęcim, choose a Kraków‑only program (Cloth Hall, Rynek Underground, Kazimierz, and the Schindler Factory — a short but intense route).
Admission to the Memorial grounds is free, but personalized entry cards must be reserved online — cards for individual visitors are available on the official booking site. Don’t leave reservations to the last minute; popular dates fill up quickly.
Arrival: plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the tour start — there are checks and organizational procedures on site. Visiting both camps takes several hours; minimally reserve about 3.5 hours, often longer if you want to see exhibitions at a calm pace.
Entrance times vary by season — in winter entry slots start early and the last possible entrances finish earlier than in summer; check exact hours before you travel. Note limits on luggage size (small bag dimensions) and dress appropriately for a place of remembrance — respectful behavior is required.
How to talk with children: Auschwitz is a difficult subject. For the youngest (0–8 years) indoor museum spaces can be too intense — consider a shorter visit to the site with explanations outside, or prepare children beforehand with an age‑appropriate book or short film. For older children provide clear, straightforward facts without graphic detail, and after the visit allow time to talk and ask questions.
The Cloth Hall (Sukiennice) is the heart of the Main Market: the ground floor stalls are always accessible and quickly satisfy tourist curiosity (souvenirs, crafts). The upper floor houses the 19th‑century art gallery — assess children’s interest before buying tickets.
Rynek Underground is an excellent family attraction: interactive displays, reconstructions and multimedia elements help explain the city’s past and engage younger visitors. In winter it’s also a warmer, dry alternative for a longer stop. Plan about 1.5–2.5 hours for the Rynek Underground; if kids get bored, shorten the visit and take a break in a nearby café.
If you want to see the Cloth Hall from above: the viewing terrace and the Main Market area are nicely lit in winter — take some photos at sunset, and remember hats and gloves.
Kazimierz is a district where Jewish history mixes with contemporary cultural life. Key points: Szeroka Street, the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Synagogue with the Old Jewish Cemetery — these places offer opportunities to talk about former residents and culture without sensational or graphic content.
Plac Nowy and the Okrąglak are great for a quick, ‘touristy’ snack — the famous zapiekanki are popular with kids and are a fast lunch solution. In Kazimierz you’ll also find the Galicia Jewish Museum (photographic exhibitions), and across the river the Oskar Schindler Factory, which shows the history of the ghetto and life in the occupied district; for children choose shorter routes and explain the context before entering.
Walking around Kazimierz you’ll discover many family‑friendly spots: cafés with children’s corners, bookshops with children’s literature, and museums offering educational programs for young visitors.
Kazimierz has a wide choice of family‑friendly places. A few tried and highly rated suggestions: Hamsa Hummus & Happiness — a welcoming spot with mezze, many vegetarian options and dishes that suit children (warm bread, mild flavors); Zazie Bistro — a French bistro with a pleasant interior and dishes that often appeal to younger guests.
For quick, classic street food go to the Okrąglak on Plac Nowy — various zapiekanki are a hit with children and a fast solution between attractions. When you need a calmer break — try the Massolit bookshop‑café, where you can warm up, read and enjoy a sweet snack surrounded by books.
In winter it’s wise to reserve a table for the evening in popular places — smaller venues fill quickly. Look for places with a kids’ menu or shareable options (mezze, platters), which make ordering easier for picky little ones.
Clothing: dress in layers, wear waterproof shoes and warm gloves. Open areas (Birkenau, Wawel) can be windy — bring hats and a thermos with hot tea.
Transport: the Kraków–Oświęcim trip takes about 1.5 hours; winter road conditions can extend travel time. If you plan an early departure, check the weather forecast and road conditions.
Breaks: schedule rests every 60–90 minutes, especially with younger children. Cafés, bookshops and small museums are great places to recharge before the next part of the route.
Safety and comfort: carry a small supply of snacks and drinks, a powerbank for your phone, and any documents needed for discounts. In winter some exhibitions or parts of venues may have shorter opening hours — check before you go.
Not booking entry cards to Auschwitz in advance — this leads to stress and the possibility of not being able to enter on your chosen day. Book online before arrival, especially during peak times and weekends.
Trying to fit too many attractions into one day — remember children (and adults) need breaks; it’s better to see less with a good rhythm and time for conversation.
Ignoring dress and behavior rules at places of remembrance — bring quiet, neat clothing and explain to children that these are spaces for reflection. Avoid loud games or inappropriate behavior in exhibition spaces.
No backup plan for winter weather — have alternative indoor activities (museums, cafés, Rynek Underground) in case parts of the route become uncomfortable due to weather.
Can children enter Auschwitz? Yes, but the adult in charge should decide based on the child’s age and sensitivity. For the youngest visitors consider a shorter, external visit and a conversation outside the site.
Do you need tickets for the Cloth Hall and Rynek Underground? Yes — some exhibitions (Rynek Underground, the Cloth Hall gallery) require tickets; in high season check opening hours and ticket options in advance.
How long does it take to get from Kraków to Oświęcim? About 1.5 hours by car; allow extra time in winter.
Are there places where kids can run around in Kraków in winter? Yes — the Planty and the Vistula boulevards (on a warmer day) or small playgrounds near larger parks; always plan a bit of active time after long periods of sightseeing.
Surprising fact: a winter morning on the Błonia or by the Vistula offers unique calm and beautiful photos — if you have a moment before the crowds, it’s worth an early start.
If you want to soften serious moments of visiting for children, bring small educational souvenirs (illustrated books, maps) bought in local museums — they help the conversation after the visit.
For families with different interests — consider splitting the day: part of the family can go on a longer museum visit while others stay in town with a guide or care for younger children.
If you prefer a ready, polished program — feel free to contact me. As a licensed Kraków guide I can prepare an itinerary tailored to children’s ages, your family’s pace and winter conditions — ensuring visits are safe, engaging and respectful of places of remembrance. Contact and offers are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com (guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz).
If you found this article helpful — share it with family and friends or on social media. Have a pleasant trip and calm, thoughtful sightseeing!
