Family-Friendly Adventures in Krakow!

Wawel Hill

Why Visit?

Embark on a magical journey to Wawel Hill, the crown jewel of Krakow, rich in history and legend. Begin your adventure at the Wawel Royal Castle, a stunning example of architectural beauty. Located on Wawel Hill, it"s easily accessible by tram (any line heading to Wawel stop) or a short walk from the Old Town.

Start your tour at the Wawel Castle, which opens at 9:30 AM. Dive into Poland"s royal past by visiting the State Rooms, where you can admire Renaissance art and the intricate tapestries. Don’t miss the Crown Treasury and Armory for a glimpse of regal artifacts and ancient weaponry, fascinating for children interested in knights and castles.

Next, head to the Wawel Cathedral, just a few steps from the castle. This is where Polish kings were crowned and laid to rest. The cathedral is a showcase of various architectural styles from Gothic to Baroque. Climb the Sigismund Bell Tower for a panoramic view of Krakow – a thrilling climb for kids and a rewarding vista for parents.

After the cathedral, take a leisurely lunch break at one of the cafés on the castle grounds. Enjoy traditional Polish cuisine while soaking in the historic ambiance.

Post lunch, explore the Dragon’s Den, a legendary cave beneath the castle, said to be home to the fearsome Wawel Dragon. The entrance is near the Thieves’ Tower. Descend the 135 steps to reach the dragon"s lair and exit by the Vistula River, where a fire-breathing dragon statue awaits – perfect for a memorable family photo!

End your visit by relaxing in the Wawel Royal Gardens. These beautifully restored gardens offer a tranquil escape with stunning views and peacocked pathways, great for letting the kids run around and explore.

Wawel Hill is not just a historical site but a place of fairy tales and legends, promising a magical day out for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Planty Park

Why Visit?

Welcome to Planty Park, the lush green belt that encircles Krakow"s Old Town, offering a picturesque escape with a rich history. Here’s a perfect family-friendly itinerary to explore this enchanting park.

Morning Arrival:

Start your day at the Krakow Barbican, a historic gateway that once served as a defensive barrier. Located near the main railway station (Kraków Główny), it’s easily accessible by bus, tram, or a short walk from the city center. Here, delve into stories of medieval knights and grand battles. Kids will love exploring the interior with its exhibitions and armory.

Mid-Morning Stroll:

Exit the Barbican and enter the Planty Park. Follow the path clockwise. Along the way, admire the varied plant species and several beautifully designed gardens. This path will lead you through sections that each tell a different story of Krakow"s past. Enjoy the statues and fountains, and perhaps play a game of identifying as many bird species as you can.

Lunch Break:

By midday, stop for a picnic near the Straszewski Pond. It"s a serene spot where you can often see ducks and swans. Pack a traditional Polish picnic with items like sandwiches with kielbasa (Polish sausage) and some apple cake for dessert.

Afternoon Exploration:

Continue your walk to the Wawel Castle view. Here, the park offers a magnificent view of the Royal Castle, a must-visit. The path is stroller-friendly, so it’s perfect for families with young children.

Late Afternoon:

Conclude your tour at the Jagiellonian University’s "Collegium Maius." It’s just a short walk from Planty Park. Kids will be fascinated by the historical artifacts and maybe catch a scientific demonstration.

Planty Park is not just about lush landscapes but a journey through Krakow"s heart and history, making it a memorable day for families. Enjoy your visit!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

St. Mary"s Basilica (Kościól Mariacki)

Why Visit?

Embark on a memorable family day in Kraków, centered around the stunning St. Mary"s Basilica (Kościół Mariacki). Start your adventure at the heart of Kraków"s Main Market Square. Easily accessible by tram or a short walk from many hotels in the city center, the Basilica stands as an iconic symbol of the city"s rich history.

Morning: Begin at St. Mary"s Basilica around 10 AM to witness the awe-inspiring interior, famous for its wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss – the largest Gothic altarpiece in the world! Spend about an hour here, and don"t miss the "Hejnał mariacki," a traditional trumpet signal played from the taller of the Basilica"s two towers every hour, commemorating a historic Mongol attack on the city.

Late Morning: Step outside and treat the family to some warm obwarzanki (a local pretzel-like snack) from a nearby street vendor. Next, walk over to the Rynek Underground Museum, just beneath the Market Square. This fascinating museum features medieval market stalls and holograms that bring the past to life. It"s a thrilling underground journey through time that kids and adults alike will enjoy.

Afternoon: After resurfacing, spend some leisure time wandering around the vibrant Main Market Square. Watch street performers, pick up some souvenirs, and enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the square’s family-friendly restaurants, offering hearty Polish cuisine.

Late Afternoon: Conclude your tour with a relaxing walk to the nearby Planty Park, a green belt that encircles the Old Town where the medieval city walls once stood. It"s perfect for a peaceful stroll or a restful break on one of its many benches, letting the kids play around in the open spaces.

This itinerary offers a mix of history, culture, and relaxation, ensuring a delightful experience for the whole family in the historic city of Kraków.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Nowa Huta

Why Visit?

Morning: Exploration of Central Square and Steelworks

Start your family adventure in Nowa Huta by exploring its central point, the Plac Centralny (Central Square), designed in the socialist realist style. Arrive here by taking tram number 4 or 10 from Krakow"s city center. Wander around the vast square to appreciate its grandeur and symmetry, which reflects the ideal communist city layout. Don"t miss the intriguing Lord’s Ark Church (Arka Pana), which is just a short walk east from the square. This church, built by the local community without government permission, stands as a symbol of resistance against the communist regime.

Midday: Lunch and Relaxation at Plac Centralny

For lunch, enjoy a meal at one of the local milk bars (bar mleczny) around Plac Centralny, offering hearty Polish dishes at affordable prices. Post lunch, relax in the green spaces around the square where children can play and interact with local families.

Afternoon: Nowa Huta Museum and Submarine Tour

After lunch, head to the Nowa Huta Museum, which is about a 10-minute walk from the Central Square. The museum showcases the history of Nowa Huta as a socialist model city, including its development as a center for the steel industry. Engage with interactive exhibits that are both educational and entertaining for children.

Finish your day with a unique experience by visiting the actual Cold War submarine situated near the steelworks. To get there, catch a bus from Central Square. This submarine offers a fascinating glimpse into naval technology and Cold War history, making it a thrilling exploration spot for kids and adults alike.

Evening: Return to Krakow

Conclude your day by taking the tram back to Krakow city center, reminiscing about the historical and cultural insights gained from your visit to Nowa Huta.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia Soli)

Why Visit?

Embark on a fascinating day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a unique subterranean world located just 10 miles southeast of Krakow, Poland. Easily accessible, you can take a short train ride from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station or opt for a direct bus which frequently departs from central Krakow.

Begin your adventure at the Danilowicz Shaft, where you"ll start your descent into the depths of the earth, stepping down a wooden stairway with 380 steps to reach the first level of the mine, 64 meters below ground. Don"t worry, there’s an elevator for the way back up!

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, carved from salt blocks, is a marvel of engineering with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. As you explore the three kilometers of meandering corridors, you"ll be awe-struck by chapels, statues, and entire cathedrals carved out of rock salt by the miners. The highlight for many is the stunning Chapel of Saint Kinga, illuminated by chandeliers made from salt crystals, offering a majestic and surreal experience.

Your guide will share fascinating tales and myths of the mine, captivating both kids and adults. Learn about the ancient mining techniques and the modern artistic expressions that continue to evolve within the mines.

Make sure to dress warmly as the temperature underground stays around 14°C (57°F). The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, and you"ll want to wear comfortable walking shoes.

After your tour, visit the underground souvenir shop where you can buy unique salt-related products. The mine also features an underground cafeteria if you need a quick bite.

This magical underground world is not only a historical monument but also an enduring tribute to the generations of miners and artists who have shaped its chambers and sculptures, making it a memorable journey into the depths of Polish heritage.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.