Yes — and often to the benefit of young participants. A trip that combines a visit to Energylandia (Zator) with stops at contemplative places around Krakow can offer a fuller experience: intense excitement and fun in the morning or afternoon, followed by space for reflection, conversation and calming down. For many supervisors it is also a great way to build group cohesion and develop empathy.
Energylandia is located in Zator, roughly 50–60 km from central Krakow, which makes planning a short or two-day trip that combines both types of attractions very feasible. Near Krakow there are contemplative places such as the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec, the Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki, Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and the Pauline monastery at Skałka. Each offers a different atmosphere and different opportunities to work with young people.
Below you will find concrete program ideas, practical organizational tips, a list of must-visit places for supervisors, and an FAQ with frequently asked questions.
First: balance. After intense emotional experiences there is a natural need to calm down — use that. Second: multidimensional education. Young people learn not only through play, but also by observing history and architecture and by experiencing silence or reflecting on values. Third: integration and conversation. Contemplative spaces provide excellent conditions for moderated talks about challenges, choices or shared experiences that rarely happen in a classroom.
Fourth: accessibility. Most of the places mentioned offer group programs, educational activities or the possibility to book a guide; some (for example certain sanctuaries or abbeys) also run workshops and retreats for youth. It is worth contacting them and reserving a date in advance.
Finally: psychological safety. A trip that combines high-intensity time with moments of quiet often serves young people better than constant activity without breaks.
Day 1 — Krakow: morning sightseeing and a contemplative stop. Start early in the city with a short historical walk (for example Kazimierz, Skałka) and a stop at the Pauline monastery at Skałka — a place that combines history and spirituality and is logistically friendly for groups. In the afternoon travel to Zator, check in (for example WesternCamp or other accommodations near Energylandia), have dinner and finish the day with evening integration games.
Day 2 — Energylandia all day: arrive at opening, split the group into smaller teams assigned to supervisors, agree on meeting points and a return time to the coach. On the way back you can plan a short stop in Tyniec or Łagiewniki depending on the trip theme and the group’s energy level.
One-day option: an early departure from Krakow to Energylandia, a full day at the park, return to Krakow in the evening and a short stop at Skałka or the Vistula Boulevards (Bulwary Wiślane) for a brief walk and reflection. This option is intensive and requires very good time management.
Practical notes: book group tickets to Energylandia in advance, check availability of guest houses or nearby lodging in Zator if you plan to stay overnight, schedule meal breaks and set agreed quiet times in sacred places (discuss rules with the youth beforehand).
Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec: a site with a millennium of history on the Vistula, offering a guesthouse, museum and workshops. School groups can arrange guided tours and educational activities; the abbey also provides space for retreats and silence. Agree on the form of the visit and silence rules in advance.
Sanctuary of Divine Mercy in Łagiewniki: a large pilgrimage center well-equipped for groups — chapels, quiet areas, youth programs and retreat workshops. Group services are well organized; if you plan to enter the most visited parts of the sanctuary, register your group ahead of time.
Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: a sprawling sacral complex listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with passion trails and a landscape park. It is an excellent place for contemplative walks and for learning about traditional forms of devotion; the pilgrims’ house welcomes organized groups and can arrange a guide.
Church at Skałka (Paulines): a central Krakow location that blends history, art and spirituality. The monastery offers guided tours, and its cloisters and gardens are friendly for school groups. For many young people this is an easy first encounter with sacred space in the heart of the city.
Reservations: book group tickets to Energylandia and any guided tours or lodging at least several days in advance; during high season (summer, holidays, weekends) reserve earlier.
Supervision ratios: match the number of supervisors to participant age — a common ratio is 1:8–1:12 for school youth, depending on age and group specifics. Set clear rules for behavior, meeting points and an emergency contact phone in case someone gets lost.
Documents and consents: carry participant lists, copies of parental consents, the trip sheet, a list of allergies and medications, and the phone number of a nurse or local emergency services.
Transport: from Krakow to Zator the A4 motorway is usually the quickest route — about 45 minutes to 1 hour by coach depending on traffic. When planning, allow time for stops and meal breaks.
Rules in sacred places: remind the group to respect the place (silence, modest dress where required, phones off or silent) but present these rules positively and explain their purpose.
Near Energylandia: WesternCamp Resort and the Bonanza restaurant are often used by school groups — they are convenient and set up for larger groups. When booking, check reviews for sanitary conditions and meal availability for groups.
In Krakow: groups looking for atmospheric stops after sightseeing should consider cafés and restaurants in Kazimierz and around the Vistula Boulevards. Places with good reviews and youth-friendly menus (simple dishes, vegetarian options) simplify logistics. For quick group provisioning consider Stary Kleparz market for sandwiches and snacks.
Food tips: order group meals ahead, account for food allergies and designate a meeting point where the group gathers after breaks.
Not booking tickets and guides — this wastes time and causes frustration. Book in advance and confirm dates.
An overly tight schedule — combining intense attractions without downtime causes irritability and loss of focus. Plan breaks and quiet time (for example 20–30 minutes of silence halfway through the day).
Not preparing the group for rules in sacred places — inform youth about dress code and behavior; distribute a short list of good practices before entry.
No contingency plan — carry an emergency contact list, a lost-person plan, procedures for injuries and a fast return plan to the coach.
Can children and youth enter sanctuaries? Yes, most sanctuaries and abbeys welcome youth groups. It is advisable to notify the site in advance and ask about dedicated educational programs.
How much time do we need at Tyniec? For a tour of the abbey, the museum and a short prayer or reflection, plan 1.5–2 hours.
Is Energylandia suitable for school trips? Yes — the park offers programs for school groups, zones with varying intensity of rides and logistical solutions. Prepare preference lists and plan to divide the group into smaller teams.
What if the weather ruins plans? Have alternatives: shorter museum visits, workshop activities in a guesthouse or moving some integration activities under cover.
Contemplative places can be very attractive to youth if you give them tasks — photographing an architectural detail, keeping a short reflection journal or running a mini-project about silence and noise. This turns a "quiet" place into an engaging activity.
Many monasteries and sanctuaries run workshops and retreats for youth — from music to hands-on crafts. Ask about educational offers before the trip.
On the Kalwaria trails and in abbeys you can organize a simple field game with cultural and historical tasks — this keeps the group engaged without disturbing the atmosphere.
If you found this article helpful, share it with colleagues or on social media to help other supervisors plan better trips. If you would like help designing a detailed itinerary, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. She can help tailor the program to the group’s age, educational themes and organizer expectations.
Good luck with planning a safe and inspiring trip! With a bit of preparation and sensitivity you can organize an outing that young people will remember — full of thrills, and also full of moments that encourage reflection.
