Krakow for Kids

8 min read    31 comments

While the scores of bars and clubs lining Krakow's streets might give the impression that Krakow is a city for adult revelries, in reality Krakow is a very kid-friendly place, with lots of businesses specially catering to children and regular special events just for the little ones. Below, we've tried to list some of the most kid-friendly places (that adults can enjoy as well) to keep your little ones happy while on holiday.

Hint: Your children will look happier than the ones above if you don't make them wear folk costumes and parade through town

Indoor activities 

Wawel Castle
Wawel 5
Sure, a trip through the state rooms will seem like a yawn-fest to most kids, but afterwards you can reward them with a journey to the dragon's lair! At the foot of the castle by the Wisla, you'll find a real fire-breathing dragon that's always a hit with kids.

Transport Museum
ul. Wawrzynca 15
While spending a day at the museum might seem like a one-way ticket on boredom express to little Timmy, just wait until he gets inside the Transport Museum. This gem is a big hit with kids of all ages, with all kinds of motor vehicles on display, as well as plenty of interactive exhibits that are actually fun whilst being educational.

Groteska Theatre
ul. Skarbowa 2
Krakow's only theatre especially catering to the youngest audience, Groteska has special showings of magical plays just for kids every Sunday, as well as frequent special presentations year-round.

Oceanarium
ul. Sebastiana 9
Goldfish and seahorses and sharks, oh my! This newly-opened aquarium features a wide variety of colourful fish and sea-life for viewing.

Kino Kijow
ul. Krasinskiego 34
When the weather's bad or the kids are being especially hyperactive, sometimes a day at the movies is the only solution. Kijow hosts frequent movie showings for children, particularly on weekend mornings and afternoons.

Multikino
ul. Dobrego Pasterza 128
Multikino is generally the only movie theatre that shows children's films undubbed - so if you want to take your child to see Harry Potter or Shrek in its original version, this is the place to go.

IMAX
Al. Pokoju 44
This IMAX theatre plays a host of movies in 3D, from undersea documentaries to gigantic dinosaur adventures, as well as special 3D-screenings of new movies.

Fantasy Park
Al. Pokoju 44
One of the most modern bowling alleys on the continent is the main attraction of this park, which also features pool, air-hockey, and video arcades. A supervised play-pen is available for very young children. For the adults, there's a full bar as well.

Cracovia Football or Ice Hockey
ul. Kaluzy 1, ul. Siedleckiego 7
If your kid is into sports, why not take him or her to a match? Depending on the season, a game of football or ice hockey is an entertaining way to pass the afternoon. Buying hockey equipment and football equipment can prepare you and your childs for a trip to Krakow. Who knows, you might even end up bonding!

Krakowianka Ice Rink
ul. Siedleckiego 7
While it's hard to find outdoor activities in the winter, it is the perfect season for ice skating, and Krakow's indoor rink will guarantee that you don't freeze while your kid is practising his or her figure eights.

Wieliczka Salt Mines
Wieliczka
Just 20 minutes from Krakow, the biggest attraction in the small town of Wieliczka are the salt mines: giant underground caverns full of carvings made of salt. But this one is only for the more patient youngsters, as the tour takes two hours and goes through 2 km of underground tunnels, immense chambers, and underground lakes. It's well worth it however, and there's even a special display for children consisting of the Seven Dwarfs!

Outdoor activities

Market Square
Rynek Glowny
Kids never seem to get enough of the Market Square. Whether it's chasing pigeons (a quite unsanitary activity in our opinion), watching the many street performers in the summer, or getting some cotton candy at one of the numerous festivals that take place here year-round, you can't go wrong with taking a stroll through the Rynek.

Blonia Commons and Jordan Park
Al. 3ego Maja
Jordan Park (Park Jordanski) is located adjacent to the enormous Blonia Commons, and both locales are excellent for spending a whole day outdoors with the kids. In Jordan Park there are plenty of paths for strolling or biking, as well as several playgrounds, including a new one with a wooden castle. But the prime attraction of the park is the artificial lake with paddle boats and canoes that can be rented, and a colourful train that circles the park frequently and costs only a few zloty for a ticket.

Kryspinow Beach
Kryspinow
In the summer, there's nothing better than relaxing at the beach, making sandcastles and swimming. Luckily, there's a place where you can take your kids to the beach, and it's just outside of Krakow! Kryspinow has a playground for younger kids, beach volleyball and basketball for the older kids, as well as a swimming area that's carefully watched by lifeguards, and even a bar to occupy the adults.

The Aviation Museum
Al. Jana Pawla II 39
Another museum with big shiny machines that kids love. With over a hundred aircraft, from pre-war Polish fighter-planes to German Albatrosses, Spitfires and Soviet Kakaruzniks, all on a giant former airfield, it's sure to be a great day out.

Krakow Zoo
ul. Kasy Oszczednosci 14
An excellent zoo with a variety of animals, big and small, furry and scaly, as well as a playground and petting zoo. It's located in the spacious Wolski Forest at the edge of town, which in itself makes for a great day out with its many walking and biking trails.

Park Wodny
ul. Dobrego Pasterza 126
Krakow's only waterpark has plenty of chutes and slides to keep the young ones busy, plus nice pool-side chairs to lounge around in.

Lokietek's Cave
Ojcow National Park
Located in Ojcow National Park, just an hour from Krakow, Lokietek's Cave is a favourite of children, while the surrounding countryside is absolutely beautiful.

Krakow Paintball
Undisclosed military facility
While this is mostly for the older kids, adults undoubtedly will have a blast as well hunting each other with paint guns in the woods.

Motodrom Go-Karting
ul. Wawrzynca 12
Krakow's only go-carting track will delight both kids and adults. But be careful, the carts are quite fast and the safety gear is minimal - basically a helmet - so we wouldn't recommend it for children under 10.

Krakow Valley Horse-Riding or Tabun Horseriding
Paczoltowice 328 Krzeszowice 3, ul. Ireny Kosmowskiej 12
If your daughter has always begged for a pony, better than breaking her heart outright and saying she can't have one, offer her a day of riding! The beautiful countryside an hour out of Krakow is the perfect setting for a riding tour.

Child-friendly Venues:

Cafe Bunkier
pl. Szczepanski 3a
During the warmer months, this cafe has an outdoor sandbox where the children can occupy themselves while the adults have a coffee or drink.

Massolit Books
ul. Felicjanek 4
Whether you need to pick up a Tolstoy or a guide-book around Krakow, this quaint English bookshop has a kids' section complete with toys and a large selection of children's books in English.

Smyk stores
In just about every large shopping centre
Poland's answer to Toys'R'Us, the Smyk chain has been around for decades, and its stores' shelves are stacked high with dolls, toy cars, video games, Legos, and just about everything you child could want. The larger stores offer children's clothing as well as baby accessories.

Additionally, for quite a few years now, a Kraków newspaper and internet portal Gazeta.pl has been holding a contest among restaurantscafes, and cultural institutions named "Krakow Przyjazny Maluchom" ("Krakow Friendly to Children"). Each year, new places are confirmed, or added to the list as children-friendly. In practice, this means that you can expect a play area for children, kid's menus or menu selections at restaurants, and often special feeding and changing facilities. Look out for the special sticker, and you know you've found a kids-friendly spot.


Some kids friendly places in Kraków:

National Museum, al. 3-go Maja 1
Galicia Museum, ul. Dajwor 18
Collegium Maius Museum, ul. Jagiellonska 15
Art Club Cieplarnia, ul. Bracka 15
Klub Skowronek, ul. Gertrudy 3
U Louisa, Rynek Głwny 13
Kawiarnia Lido, ul. Zagaje 40
Cherubino, ul. Tomasza 15
Oberza Sasiadow Restaurant, ul. Kordiana 19
Cosa Nostra Restaurant, ul. Dajwor 25
Kawaleria Restaurant, ul. Golebia 4
Dynia Cafe Bar, ul. Krupnicza 20
Cafe Africana, ul. Straszewskiego 24
Magillo Pizzeria, ul. Lipowskiego 24
Taco Mexicano, ul. Poselska 20
Wierzynek Restaurant, Rynek Glowny 15
Pod Sloncem Restaurant, Rynek Glowny 43
Rooster Restaurant, ul. Szczepańska 4
Farina Restaurant, ul. Sw. Marka 16
Del Papa Ristorante, ul. Sw. Tomasza 6
Bar Smaczny, ul. Sw. Tomasza 24
Ikea, ul. Josepha Conrada 6

Massolit Books & Cafe, ul. Felicjanek 4, Kraków, http://www.massolit.com

Forum Przestrzenie, ul. Konopnickiej 28, Kraków, www.facebook.com/forumprzestrzenie

Karma, ul. Krupnicza 12

Yellow Dog, ul. Krupnicza 9

Miód Malina, ul. Grodzka 40

Pijalnia Czekolady Wedel, Rynek Główny 46

Teatr Groteska, ul. Skarbowa 2

Galicia Jewish Museum, ul. Dajwór 18

Underground Rynek Exhibition, Rynek Główny 1

Manggha Centre, al. M. Konopnickiej 26

Services and Activities for Children:

"Rosie and Violetta's Musical Storytime" - Krakow's only English-language entertainment for kids
Massolit Books, Various Locations
Rosie and Violetta are two musical, story-telling flowers. Rosie is an accordion-playing rose who creates an interesting musical soundtrack while her partner, Violetta, tells exciting stories. Between the stories there are lots of interactive songs and games. The shows that are open to the public occur once every few months, but they are also available for private hire. Check their MySpace page for details of the next show.

"Children Now" ("Teraz Dzieci")
In front of Bunkier Sztuki, pl. Szczepanski 3a
Every Sunday in July and August, Children Now invites children to join them at 11 am for an afternoon of painting and colouring.

Be sure to regularly check our events calendar, where we frequently list special shows and events just for children. Of course, if you have any other suggestions for places to take children in Krakow, please contact us or comment below!

Comments

not shown
Margaux
France

Dear families, I am a native French, English and Spanish speaking woman looking for a part time on the side of my studies and as I really like children and I already have experience in baby sitting I propose my pleasant services. Do not hesitate to contact me for more details. Regards, Margaux

Reply Nov 8th, 2016
Agata
Poland

Bonjour Margaux, Je m'apelle Agata, je suis polonaise.J'ai trouve ton annonce, mais je ne sais pas si c'est encore actuelle?Nous avon trois enfants,je parle avec eux en francais, mais tros peu pour qu'ils parlent bien.On cherche quelequ'un qui voudrait venir chez nous pour passer le temps avec les enfants en jouant ect. On habite a Kraków-Opatkowice.Quelle est votre prix par l'heure? J'attneds pour votre reponse, tres corrdiallement, Agata

Reply Feb 26th, 2017
Michael
Germany

Hi, we just moved to Krakow and would like our kids (3.5 years and 1 year) to meet with other children, while the mums can have a nice time as well. Please send me a mail when you are interested

Reply Jul 14th, 2016
Stephen
United Kingdom

Hi Michael, I saw your post on local-life and it caught my eye. We're moving to near Krakow this year for some time from the UK and have a 2.5 year old girl and a little baby. My wife is polish but I'm British and it would be great to meet some international friends. Did you manage to find any social groups to meet people? Cheers, Stephen

Reply Feb 15th, 2017
Magda
Poland

Hi Guys, me and my English husband would like to meet other parents in Krakow. Our daughter is 2.5 years old (speaks Polish and English).

Reply Apr 30th, 2017
Natalia
Switzerland

Dear one, I will be visit Crakow and I am looking for a reliable babysitter to look after my 4 year old boy for few hours a day. There will be a birthday party on the 7th, then I need it from 18:00 until midnight at the hotel located centraly. Please contact me with: Availability Rate/hours experience references Thanks in advance Natalia natalia.m.monteiro@gmail.com

Reply Jun 2nd, 2016
angelica
United States

This place is awsome you can learn alot of things

Reply May 6th, 2016
Rionagh
Ireland

Really helpful heading to Kraków with 3 kids and was nervous about it. Feeling very reassured thank you

Reply Jul 22nd, 2015
Slávka Pitková
Slovakia

Hello! I am Slovak student studying in Cracow, offering you babysitting of your children. Experience: 6 yrs of babysitting. Speaking English, French, Slovak. Write me :)

Reply Sep 29th, 2012
Rachel
United Kingdom

Hi we've just moved to cracow with our 4year old son and 16 month old daughter and I'm keen to for them to meet other children as won't start school until September

Reply Jul 9th, 2012
Michael
Germany

Hello Rachel, Are you still living in Krakow with your kids? we recently moved to Krakow and would also like to arrange something to meet with other children. Best regards, Michael

Reply Jul 14th, 2016
Anna
Poland

I'm looking for a female native speaker of English to play with and talk to 4,5-years old girl. She is polish but she is a student of american preschool. If You have a children, age: 3-7 years old who can play with my doughter during the meeting we can come to Your house or You can take them to us. Lessons/ activities in english should be twice a week no longer than 1,5 hour anna 602 225 369

Reply Apr 11th, 2012
Paulina
United States

TUKAN is a safe, fun place featuring age-appropriate activities for parents and young children to play together. Every Thursday we have Fun and Play Classes for parents and toddlers. From sensory stimulation to problem-solving games and storytelling, our classes use play-based activities to stretch the body and mind. Come and visit us: www.tukancentrum.pl

Reply Mar 28th, 2012
Cracow for Kids
Poland

May I recommend here a new site about activities for children in Cracow? http://cracow-kids.blogspot.com

Reply Mar 2nd, 2012
Mika
United States

Very very very helpful and informative site. Thank you!

Reply Sep 22nd, 2011
Andrzej Michalik
Poland

A handful of bilingual children aged 5-8, including my son, meet at Mufinka Cafe in Wawrzyńca St. on Sundays at 11:00. We continue the tradition of 'Storytime', i.e. reading English books to children, with one of the parents doing the reading. Afterwards we often end up in a park. We would love to extend the group, so any English-speaking children would be very welcome. BYO book.

Reply Nov 6th, 2010
Kasia
United States

Hi, My name is Kasia. Just came to Krakow two months ago. I am looking for anyone that is interested in a playdate? My kids are 5 and 2. k_dunscombe@yahoo.com

Reply Oct 20th, 2010
Elizabeth
Poland

If you need a lovely baby sitter I'm happy to halp you. My name is Eilzabeth,I'm 30 years old Polish, living in Krakow. I'm master degree in Pedagogy.I speak English to a very good standard and I have children expirience(working in nurserys and schools in UK)Something about myself:) I'm very energetic, caring, reliable, patient and hard working, non smoker. I love all kind of sports.I'm also very creative - making pottry and sculpture. I played violin since I was nine years old. I'm happy to put you in touch with people for whom I used to work in Uk. Regards Elizabeth Please contact me on my e-mail:elakuzniar@wp.pl

Reply Jun 22nd, 2010
Monika
Poland

Hi I am looking for English speaking children to play with my daughter (6years old)we're going to relocate to Krakow soon. nikaika74@gmail.com

Reply May 10th, 2010
bianka
Canada

Staying in krakow until september. Looking for babysitter twice a week for six hours each time for a 7 month old. If interested and available please contact me via email to chat. biankamedeiros1@gmail.com

Reply Apr 19th, 2010
Heather
Australia

HI there, looking for an English speaking Babysitter? My name is Heather and I am from Australia. I am currently living in Krakow and looking for work around this area. I enjoy working with children and have done so for many years. I also have experience working with children with special needs. Hope to hear from you soon, Heather. golden_hetty@hotmail.com

Reply Jan 22nd, 2010
Espe
Poland

Mine is almost 2 years old and I also would like her to be in contact to other English children speakers. Shall we arrange for a mtg?

Reply Mar 2nd, 2009
Graeme
Poland

Does anybody know anything about play groups for English-speaking children in Kraków? I am desperate to find some English-speaking children for my 2 yr old daughter to play with here.

Reply Sep 10th, 2008
Kerri
Poland

Thanks for the info, I'm trying to find English events for my son now that we have emmigrated to Poland from Canada. Does anybody have any info about English primary schools in Krakow or Tarnow.

Reply May 9th, 2008
janice
Canada

my son is doing a school report on what polish kids like to do. this site was a great help

Reply Mar 15th, 2008
lynn george
United Kingdom

Very helpful site, Many thanks. Does anyone know what the rules are for children in restaurants and bars? are there certain places that they are definately not allowed? are we able to sit in or outside of a bar for a leisurely glass of wine without a meal if we have children with us? thanks for any advice

Reply Mar 5th, 2008
Anna
Ireland

It was great to come across this site as i am very interested in all things Polish as my partner is Polish, keep me updated please x Anna

Reply Feb 27th, 2008
Vandana
India

I was really happy to see so many activities for children listed. Elizabeth, did you find any English speaking day care / baby sitters? I am looking out for the same.

Reply Oct 3rd, 2007
Elizabeth
United Kingdom

Are there any babysitters who speak English available in Krakow? Or perhaps a daycare service for English children?

Reply Sep 5th, 2007
Julia
United Kingdom

The parks in Krakow are perfect for children - most have playgrounds, or sandboxes like in the Planty. When the weather is nice, you can spend all day strolling through the parks, and your children will get some fresh air and exercise and still have fun.

Reply Aug 21st, 2007
Martin
United Kingdom

This is REALLY useful - thanks!

Reply Aug 21st, 2007