Yes — it can. If you want to combine time in nature and a bit of Kraków’s "center" with some history and convenient stops for coffee and play, I suggest a route that isn’t exhausting, leaves plenty of breathing room and can easily be done with a stroller or small children.
In short: morning at Zakrzówek (nature, viewpoints, swimming/relaxing if it’s bathing season), then a short stop at Wawel or a walk along the boulevards, in the afternoon the Main Market Square and a descent to the Rynek Underground — with child-friendly cafés between these points.
Below you’ll find a detailed route, important practical information (tickets, opening hours, accessibility) and a list of tried-and-tested places to sit with a child over good coffee or a dessert.
Everything is written in a friendly and simple style — so you can plan your day right away and know what to expect.
Zakrzówek is a special place — a former quarry, now a park with turquoise water, limestone cliffs and pleasant paths. It’s a great "breathing" way to start the day after walking through the busy center.
In season there is a bathing area with basins of varying depth and piers — in 2025 the bathing season ran on set dates (for example: from June 19 to September 7) and entry to some parts of the bathing area was free; at the same time, limits on the number of people on the piers were in force. It’s always a good idea to check current hours and rules before you go.
Practical notes: the area has walking paths and viewpoints, there are a few facilities (toilets, changing rooms in the bathing season), and the parking by Norymberska Street is often indicated as the access point. Remember comfortable shoes and drinking water.
Rynek Underground is a multimedia exhibition in the Museum of Krakow — a journey back in time to the medieval city, rich in reconstructions, archaeological finds and multimedia installations. Allow at least 60–90 minutes to visit if you want to view the exhibition calmly with children.
Tickets and prices (approximate — check current pricing before your visit): there are usually standard, reduced and family tickets; in recent years ticket prices for the Underground have ranged from a few to several dozen zlotys per person, and a family ticket offered better terms for a family. Tickets can usually be bought online — a good way to avoid queues in season.
Accessibility and facilities: the exhibition is prepared to serve various needs — there is an elevator, routes adapted for strollers and a toilet/changing table. In practice, parents with strollers usually manage without major problems, but if you have special requirements (platform, assistance), it’s worth writing or calling ahead.
Practical note: the exhibition is below the Market Square — lighting is subdued there and it can be cooler than outside, so bring a light layer of clothing for the children.
1) Morning: Zakrzówek — 1.5–2 hours (walk, viewpoints, possible swimming in season). Have a relaxed breakfast and bring snacks for the children — there are picnic areas in the park.
2) Transfer/short walk: from Zakrzówek you can return toward the center (about 20–30 minutes by car/public transport). If you like, stop briefly at Wawel for a walk and photos — the castle and Lajkonik always impress children.
3) Midday/lunch: choose one of the child-friendly cafés or restaurants (see the list below) — a good moment to rest and restore energy.
4) Afternoon: Main Market Square and Rynek Underground — a walk by the Cloth Hall (Sukiennice), a moment by St. Mary’s Basilica, then down to the Underground. Plan about 60–90 minutes for the exhibition below the Market; if you’ve bought tickets online in advance, you can skip part of the queue.
5) Evening: a light dessert or a walk along the Vistula boulevards. If the children still have energy, a short play on a small playground or a visit to a play-café will end the day without stress.
Around the center and near the Market you’ll find a few places that work particularly well with little ones — play corners, changing tables, high chairs and friendly staff.
Examples (it’s worth confirming opening hours in advance):
- A café with a play corner near Szewska Street — a small, cozy children’s corner, a changing table and a family-friendly menu. A good place for a short break after visiting the Market.
- Cafe Manggha — a calm spot with a view of the Vistula and Wawel, often recommended by families (has a small children’s corner and conveniences).
- Szalone Widelce — a restaurant with designated areas for children and amenities like high chairs and a changing table (useful for a longer lunch).
- Places that combine "coffee and play" or small play-cafés outside the very center — a great option on a rainy day or if you want the kids to burn off some energy.
If you want pleasant, calm places with room for a stroller and a changing table, choose cafés described as "family-friendly", "children’s corner" or "changing table" in their descriptions.
Tickets: if you plan to visit the Rynek Underground, buy tickets online — it saves time, especially in season and on weekends. If you prefer to decide on the spot, come a little earlier — the ticket offices can get busy.
Hours: museums and exhibitions change hours seasonally and on public holidays. Always check current opening hours and any free-entry days before you go. If you see information about a free day — verify whether it still applies in the given year and branch.
Strollers and accessibility: the Rynek Underground and many city museum branches have facilities (elevator, step-free routes, toilet with changing table). However, going down to the Underground is a specific environment — check conditions in advance if you have a large stroller or a child with limited mobility.
Water safety: if you use Zakrzówek during the bathing season, watch children by the water and use only designated bathing zones. During the season lifeguards supervise safety, but parents are always the primary guardians.
Weather and clothing: it can be cooler underground and windier by the rocks at Zakrzówek — bring a light sweater for children and a spare set of clothes in case of water play.
Transport: public transport (tram/bus) connects Zakrzówek with the center; a car is a quick option but remember paid parking zones in the center. A parking area by Norymberska Street is often recommended for Zakrzówek — check the current status and space availability.
Are the Rynek Underground suitable for small children? Yes — the exhibition contains multimedia and educational elements that often interest children, but it depends on age and temperament. Older children usually enjoy the interactive reconstructions more. If you have a very small child, plan a shorter visit with breaks.
Is entry to Zakrzówek paid? In many seasons entry to the park and some bathing areas has been free, but limits on numbers and specific opening hours are introduced. Always check current information from the organizer.
Can you take photos in the Underground? In most cases private photography is allowed, although there are spots where photos may be restricted (e.g., for conservation or copyright reasons). Pay attention to signs on site.
Where is the best place to book tickets? The safest option is the official page of the museum branch or the official ticketing system. It’s the easiest way to avoid disappointment in season.
1) When planning a day with children, leave some extra time — it’s better to spend more moments at a playground by a café than to rush through attractions.
2) Bring extra snacks and a bottle of water — small breaks save the day.
3) If you want to go down to the Underground, book tickets in advance and plan the afternoon so children are not too hungry or tired.
4) If you prefer a calmer option: after Zakrzówek choose the Vistula boulevards and a small café with toys — often this works better than a packed schedule.
I wish you a lovely day in Krakow — if you’d like, I can help tailor the route to your children’s ages, your walking pace and culinary preferences. Enjoy your visit!
