Are you planning a trip to Kraków and want to combine a visit to Wawel, a walk through the atmospheric Kazimierz and a trip to Zakopane — while also finding child-friendly places and comfortable logistics? You’re in the right place. In this text you’ll find practical, tried-and-true tips on how to spread attractions across your schedule, what to book in advance, what to watch out for with little ones, and where to rest with a good coffee while keeping children in mind.
This guide is written with families and visitors who prefer to explore Kraków calmly, without rushing, and with a plan B in case of changing weather. You’ll find suggested routes, practical advice about Wawel tickets, picks for cafés and spots friendly to children, and logistical tips for a trip to Zakopane.
If you’d like, I can also help arrange a guided trip led by me — write or call: +48 501 962 037, email: kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I’m happy to adapt the plan to the children’s ages and your expectations.
Below you’ll find details and sample day plans — pick the one that best fits your pace.
Option A - One-day Kraków (for families staying in Kraków): a quick family “must-see” — Wawel in the morning, walk the Royal Route to the Main Market Square (Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica), lunch, afternoon in Kazimierz with a break for coffee and dessert. This plan balances history with time for play.
Option B - One-day Zakopane from Kraków: depart early, around 7:00–8:00, arrive in Zakopane after about 2–2.5 hours (depending on traffic). Morning on Krupówki and Gubałówka (funicular or walk), then a valley (e.g., Kościeliska Valley or a walk towards Giewont — choose a route suitable for the children’s age). Return to Kraków in the evening. It’s an intense day but doable with the right pace.
Option C - 2–3 days: Day 1 — Kraków (Wawel + Old Town), Day 2 — Zakopane (take it easier, pick one main destination: Morskie Oko or a valley), Day 3 — Kazimierz and family attractions (playroom, theatre, riverside walk). This layout gives time to rest and reduces logistical pressure with kids.
In practice many groups combine Wawel and the Old Town with an evening stroll in Kazimierz — it’s a great solution, since Kazimierz has a special atmosphere at night, and children often enjoy sitting down for dessert in a cozy café after a day full of sights.
Why Zakopane? It’s an instant change of scenery: mountains, fresh air, a different rhythm and plenty of attractions children will remember — from walks among wooden villas to a funicular ride on Gubałówka and views of the Tatras.
Most popular destinations (pick 1–2 for a single day): Morskie Oko (a longer, very scenic walk), Kościeliska Valley (shorter trails and caves), Gubałówka (funicular and views), Krupówki (a lively promenade). From single-day plans it’s best to focus on one main point and add smaller attractions — that way the day won’t be too tiring for the children.
Transport: from Kraków to Zakopane it usually takes about 2–2.5 hours by car or coach. In high season roads can be busier — allow extra travel time. If you travel with children, choose transport with short stops and plan comfortable breaks to stretch legs.
Weather and clothing: layered clothing is key in the mountains. Even in summer mornings and evenings can be cooler. Bring lightweight rain jackets and comfortable shoes. If you plan to go to Morskie Oko, prepare waterproof footwear for cooler days and bring snacks for the trail.
Food and breaks: Zakopane has many bars, mountain inns and fast-food stalls. If you prefer a quiet meal, choose a restaurant off the main Krupówki stretch or reserve a table in advance.
Wawel is a must-see in Kraków but has specific organizational rules — it’s good to prepare, especially with children.
Buy tickets in advance: some routes have daily limits and timed entry slots. To avoid queues and the risk of sold-out entries, reserve tickets online ahead of time and check your entry time.
Practical matters at the entrance: some exhibitions require separate tickets — the Cathedral, Royal Chambers, the Dragon’s Den and other routes have individual rules. Pay attention to the information about the valid entry time for each ticket — often you must enter within a specified time window.
Strollers and large luggage: strollers may not be allowed in some parts of Wawel — you may need to leave the stroller before entering or use a cloakroom. If you’re visiting with a small child, consider a sling or carrier for routes where strollers are not permitted.
Toilets and other facilities: some toilets on the hill may be paid; during sightseeing it’s better to plan short breaks outside the busiest spots. A guide can help with ticket purchases and group organization to minimize waiting.
If you need help assembling tickets for a family or group — I assist with bookings and can advise which routes are most comfortable for children.
Kazimierz is a district with a unique atmosphere: narrow streets, galleries, cozy cafés and many spots perfect for a child-friendly break. Walks can be short or longer — from historic sites to places with a good food offer.
Best pace for families: walk shorter stretches with breaks at a playground or café. Evening walks in Kazimierz are lovely, but if children are tired it’s better to plan dessert in a café before a longer stroll.
Child-friendly cafés and parent-friendly amenities: around Kazimierz you’ll find cafés and venues offering play corners, comfortable changing facilities or simply space where children can play. Larger shopping spots near the district may also have baby rooms, which can be a lifesaver during a busy sightseeing day.
Additional family attractions: near Kazimierz there are child-friendly venues — small theatres, playrooms and interactive education spaces. If you plan a longer stay, consider giving children an hour of creative play while adults relax over coffee.
Examples of what to look for: a café with a drawing and play corner, a place with a changing table and nursing area, a cake shop with comfortable benches and kids’ chairs. Always call ahead to check availability of facilities.
How to move between attractions: central Kraków is compact enough that the main sites (Wawel, Market Square, Kazimierz) can be explored on foot in one day. Walking is often the best way — it lets you notice details and discover cozy pause spots.
Public transport: if you plan to use trams or buses with children, have tickets and small change ready — don’t always count on free seats during rush hours. Strollers are accommodated, but in some historic interiors (for example certain Wawel routes) you may need to leave the stroller.
Where to leave luggage or a stroller: for longer sightseeing check baggage storage options near major attractions or ask your accommodation about holding bags for a few hours.
Timing for little travelers: when planning the day, match the number of attractions to the children’s ages — preschoolers usually do best with no more than 2–3 main stops per day and several breaks.
Basic items to have: documents, tickets (printed or on your phone), water and snacks, a sling or carrier, a basic first-aid kit (plasters, a child-friendly pain reliever in a known dose), sunscreen and a sun hat for warm days.
For a mountain trip (Zakopane) add: comfortable shoes, an extra light layer, an umbrella or thin rain jacket. If you’re going to Morskie Oko or on longer trails — bring energy snacks and a thermal drink.
For visiting Wawel and museums: a small daypack instead of large luggage (large suitcases will need to go to a left-luggage), wet wipes, small change for toilets or snacks.
Remember: plan B is essential — if the weather changes, swap a walk for museums or a longer coffee in a cozy place and playtime in a children’s room.
If you’d like me to prepare a route tailored to the children’s ages, family pace and interests — I’ll gladly help. I can advise which Wawel routes are most suitable, which Zakopane attractions to book in advance and where to stop for a calm family lunch.
Booking and contact details: phone +48 501 962 037, email kontakt@zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. After contact we’ll set a convenient date, pace and arrange stops and breaks so the day is enjoyable for the whole family.
If you prefer, tell me the children’s ages and your planned arrival date — I’ll prepare route options and an estimated cost for tickets and travel times.
Enjoy planning and see you in Kraków or on the trail towards the Tatras! - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Kraków guide)
