Although the city is small, there are lots of things to do in Krakow with kids, which will keep the whole family entertained. And luckily many of them are inside, so those cold temperatures will be a bit more manageable if you’re visiting in winter.

Some of our favourite things to do in Krakow are below, and most of them are within a few minutes walk of each other. So it’s a really great city to explore with young children who can’t to walk too far.

Krakow’s historic architecture is what attracts many visitors, but there are also plenty of green spaces to explore.

So if you’re wondering where the kids can let off some steam after visiting a museum, or you even fancy a day at the beach, then look down the list below.

Our favourite things to do in Krakow with kids are aimed at young families just like you. Let’s go!

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things to do in Krakow with kids

1. Wawel Royal Castle

Explore the state rooms, towers and gardens of Krakow’s impressive royal castle – an attraction the kids are sure to love. For centuries the residence of kings and the symbol of Polish statehood, the castle is now also one of the country’s most important art museums.

It plays host to numerous seasonal exhibitions as well as permanent masterpieces from Italian Renaissance paintings to Asian tapestry. The Wawel Royal Castle also hosts a lively program of events including classical music concerts, opera and dance.

Address: Wawel 5, 31-001 Kraków, Poland

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Wawel Castle is a great thing to do in Krakow for families
Source: GetYourGuide

2. Wieliczka Salt Mine

One of the largest underground mining sites in the world lies just outside Krakow, and is sure to fascinate the kids as they delve into this immersive museum. Explore the underground labyrinth of galleries, chambers and lakes as you descend down beneath the earth. This UNESCO listed site covers a vast area of 245km, and was the workplace of many generations of Polish families. Travel through their history as you learn all about the mines , the workers and the salt they produced.

If you don’t have a hire car, there are plenty of companies which offer transport and guided tours, or take the 304 bus and admire some city sights along the way . The journey takes around 50 minutes by bus. Why not book this skip the queue ticket, so the kids don’t get bored waiting?

Fun fact: The micro-climate of the salt mine has great health benefits for visitors, helping respiratory problems and allergies.

Address: Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland

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things to do in krakow with kids
Source: GetYourGuide

3. Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)

This medieval cloth hall is rated as one of the best things to do in Krakow, and we thinks it’s a fantastic place for kids as there’s so much to see. The history of the place is palpable – stood at the centre of the Main Square, it has been an icon of the city since the mid 13th century.

Originally a place to buy and sell textiles, it quickly became a powerhouse of East-West trade. In 2006 the building was updated to bring it into the 21st century, and now boasts lifts, air conditioning and several pretty terrace bars which overlook the Main Square.

On a rainy day it’s the perfect place to while away an hour or two, perusing the local crafts, food and textiles.

Address: Rynek Główny 1/3, 31-042 Kraków, Poland

Cloth-Hall Krakow - things to do with kids in Krakow
Source: Tomasz Mazon/Shutterstock

4. Rynek Underground Museum

This highly-rated modern museum and archaeological excavation site explores the whole of the city’s history, from its first settlers right up to the present day. The high-tech nature of the museum will be a hit with little ones, with loads of interactive displays to help engage them .

There’s also a great dedicated kids area with puppets and quizzes. This is a good place to visit on your first day in Krakow, as it gives a really informative yet fun start to your trip.

Address: Rynek Główny 1, 31-042 Kraków, Poland

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Rynek Underground Museum - things to do with kids in Krakow
Source: GetYourGuide

5. St Mary’s Basilica

This beautiful Roman Catholic church is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip. Dating back to the 13th century, its exterior is a fantastic example of Gothic architecture. But inside is even more impressive. The magnificent alter which took 12 years to make, the stained glass windows and the blue, starred ceiling will take your breath away.

The 80 metre high watchtower over the city plays a bugle call every hour – a tradition to warn inhabitants of impending invasions. Admission to the church is free for worshippers, or for a small entry fee for tourists outside of service times.

Adults and kids aged over 7 can also visit famous The Bugle Tower, which is open from March to December. Tickets for the tower tend to sell out quickly each day, so get there early as numbers are limited.

Address: Plac Mariacki 5, 31-042 Kraków, Poland

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St Mary's Basilica - things to do with kids in Krakow
Source: This is Christian Europe

6. Day at the Beach

If you’re looking for Things To See in Krakow with the kids, what could excite them more than a day at the beach? Krypisnów Lagoon is just 12km from Krakow and offers four soft sandy beaches, numerous watersports and loads of kids activities. At North Beach’s Cape Fun (‘Przylądek Zabawy’) the kids can enjoy bouncy castles, obstacle courses, water slides and more. Whilst they play you can sunbathe on the sand, or use the beach volleyball and tennis courts. Open during summer only, small entry fee required.

Alternatively, a little closer to the city is Plaza Bagry – a man made reservoir which has three beaches, a children’s playground, watersport equipment and several cafes. Plaza Bagry is just 5km from the city centre.

Visit Kryspinów Website / Visit Bagry Website

Krakow lagoon
Source: Facebook / Bagry Plaza

7. Walk The Planty

The Planty is a unique 3km circular park which surrounds Krakow, lying where the ancient city walls and moat used to be. It takes around an hour to walk around, and there are plenty of places to stop along the way such as fountains, children’s play areas and historic monuments.

A great way to see the city whilst also being amongst nature.

Address: 31-041 Kraków, Poland

Things to see in Krakow
Source: Pixabay

8. Wolski Forest

Just 7km from the Old Town is a beautiful and vast area of protected woodland which looks over the city. Walksi Forest is very popular with locals who head here for its hiking and horse riding trails , cycling paths and cross-country skiing route.

Local wildlife to keep a look out for include deer, badgers, hares, foxes. Within the huge forest you’ll also find Krakow Zoo listed below, a small castle and a monastery.

Address: Las Wolski, Kraków, Poland

things to see in krakow
Source: Pixabay

9. Boat Trip

See Krakow from a different perspective on this unique tour of the picturesque corners of the city. This relaxing one hour cruise will take you past important sights like Wawel Castle, Church on the Rock, Norbertine Monastery, and Schloss Wartenberg. The kids will love travelling in this style, spotting other boats, wildlife and castles.

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Krakow boat trip
Source: GetYourGuide

10. Krakow’s Famous ‘Mounds’

Krakow has four ancient mounds which overlook the city, each offering panoramic views and an intriguing history. These have got to be on your list for Things To See in Krakow Outdoors. Budding archaeologists and military history buffs will be amazed at these ancient structures, some of which we assume acted as defensive lookout points.

Some of the ancient mounds remain shrouded in mystery though, and each one has its own legend. The tales of dragons, princesses, kings and freedom fighters will enthrall the kids. The oldest mound is Krakus Mound, whilst the most famous is probably Kościuszko Mound, named after a famous Polish hero.

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Kościuszko Mound
Source: GetYourGuide

11. Evening Vistula River Cruise

If you are travelling with children who don’t need to go to bed early, here is a fantastic attraction to do after dinner in Krakow: a river cruise on Vistula river. There is no better way to admire Krakow when sunset is coming down to the city.

Usually you will depart from Aqua Fun harbour around 8pm so perfect if you just had an early dinner with the family. The cruise takes about 1 hour and you will be able to spot several landmarks such as Wawel Castle, the Monastery of the Norbertan Sisters and John Paul II family home. As you would expect, there are drinks and snacks available on board to make the journey even more fun.

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Source: GetYourGuide

12. Energylandia Amusement Park

Located in Zator which is 50km away from Kraków, Energylandia is the largest amusement park in Poland and features the 2nd fastest roller coaster in Europe. This park is not for the faint hearted with crazy rides to get on. However, there are plenty of activities suitable for young kids too such as the Fairytale Land.

Don’t forget your swimsuit as the venue also has a water park with tumbers, lazy rivers and different pools including kids pool.

You can easily spend the whole day at Energylandia when you consider the return journey from Krakow. Lots of transfers are available to book whether you go private or shared.

So if you plan enough days in Krakow and wish to spend some fun quality time with the family, don’t hesitate to plan a day at Energylandia.

Address: aleja 3 Maja 2, 32-640 Zator, Poland

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Source: GetYourGuide

13. Krakow Zoo

With over 1,500 animals the Krakow zoo is one of the oldest in Europe and was first open in 1929. Past visitors have praised the diversity of species available at the zoo and loved the penguins being fed several times per day.

Your kids will be able to spot giraffes, lions, hippos and so many more mammals. There is even a playground and different areas where you can relax. For little kids, I am sure they will enjoy the mini zoo with animal farms such as goats.

Typically, families spend between 2 and 3 hours at the zoo so ideal if you are looking for an attraction to do in Krakow before or after lunch.

Address: aleja Kasy Oszczędności Miasta Krakowa 14, 30-232 Kraków, Poland

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Source: GetYourGuide

14. Schindler’s Factory Tour

Not necessarily suitable for young children, the Schindler’s Factory is a great testimony of the horrors of World World II but also the positive outcome of Schindler’s Factory told in the famous Oscar winning Spielberg movie.

This museum is definitely worth to visit if you are interested in the history of Poland before the war and what happened during the Holocaust where the Germans occupied the city of Krakow.

I would advise to book a guided tour in English so you can visit the different rooms with some context and explanation. Expect to spend 90 minutes to 2 hours at the museum.

Address: Lipowa 4, 30-702 Kraków, Poland

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Source: GetYourGuide

15. Krakow Arcade Museum

Here is another great fun activity to do in Krakow with your kids if rain invites itself during your holiday. The Krakow Arcade Museum is a massive hangar with over 150 arcade games from the 80s and90s. You will be able to go back to the past and discover great pinballs machines, PacMan tables and fighting games such as Tekken or Street Fighter.

Your museum ticket entry gives you unlimited play on these machines so expect some tough competition between you and your kids. I wonder which retro arcade game would be your children’s favourite?

Address: Centralna 41a, 31-586 Kraków, Poland

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Source: GetYourGuide

16. Water Park Wodny

If you need a fun family attraction in Krakow during the summer, you can’t go wrong by spending a day at Aqua Park Wodny in Krakow. Built in 2000, Wodny is among the largest water parks in Poland and features a large indoor swimming pool and 2 other pools with lots of rides. For instance your family can enjoy external water slides, water basketball field, Jacuzzi and so much more.

For young children, they will certainly have lots of fun with their peers at the pirate island where they can find a paddling pool.

Last but not least, the venue makes sure you are comfortable with the water temperature as it usually reaches 30°C on average all day long.

Address: Dobrego Pasterza 126, 31-416 Kraków, Poland

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Source: Park Wodny Krakow

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CONCLUSION

I hope this guide on the best things to do in Krakow with kids have given you enough ideas on how to spend quality time with the family exploring the city. Krakow is among the upcoming city breaks in Europe with lots of history and fascinating culture.

Enjoy your family holiday in Krakow!

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