10 Things to Do in Krakow With Kids

You’ll find Krakow perfect for families with its dragon-filled Wawel Castle, underground Wieliczka Salt Mine adventure, and Europe’s largest medieval square where kids can chase pigeons. Don’t miss the hands-on Cogiteon Science Center, invigorating Kraków Water Park, or day trips to massive Energylandia amusement park. Take scenic Vistula River cruises and explore sensory experiences at Womai Centre—just remember to book popular attractions in advance and bring comfortable walking shoes. Discover how to maximize your family’s medieval adventure below.

Explore Wawel Royal Castle and Meet the Fire-Breathing Dragon

When you’re looking for a castle experience that combines real history with mythical adventure, Wawel Royal Castle delivers both in spades. Your kids will be captivated by the magnificent three-story Renaissance courtyard with its elegant arcaded galleries—it’s like stepping into a fairy tale.

Start with the dragon legend tour. The famous Wawel Dragon supposedly terrorized this hilltop before Prince Krakus defeated it and founded Kraków. Kids love spotting the limestone caves where the beast allegedly lived.

Inside, the State Rooms showcase royal life spanning six centuries. The treasury and armory fascinate children with real medieval weapons and crown jewels. Don’t miss the “Lost Wawel” archaeological exhibition—it’s surprisingly engaging for young minds. The castle’s foundations reveal fascinating layers of history, including remnants of Romanesque rotundas that once served as royal chapels and mausoleums.

Pro tip: Visit early morning to avoid crowds, and bring comfortable shoes for climbing the defensive towers.

Discover the Underground Wonders of Wieliczka Salt Mine

After exploring Kraków’s above-ground treasures, you’ll want to venture beneath the earth’s surface for an equally magical experience. Wieliczka Salt Mine offers families an unforgettable journey through centuries of mining history, descending 800 stairs to reach 135 meters underground.

Your kids will be amazed by the underground playground featuring Kryształek, a talking salt lamp that shares mining stories. They’ll love operating crank-powered exhibits and old-style telephones that demonstrate how miners communicated. The stunning St. Kinga’s Chapel, carved entirely from rock salt, creates jaw-dropping photo opportunities.

The 2-3 hour guided tour covers about 2-3 kilometers through salt-carved chambers and corridors. Don’t worry about the descent—you’ll return via elevator. Pack light jackets since underground temperatures stay around 17°C year-round. The bacteriologically pure air contains high levels of beneficial minerals that support respiratory health, making this an adventure that’s actually good for your family’s wellbeing.

Splash and Play at Kraków Water Park

Looking for a place where your kids can burn energy while you catch your breath? Kraków Water Park at ul. Dobrego Pasterza 126 delivers exactly that. This massive 2,000-square-meter indoor facility keeps families entertained regardless of weather.

Your little ones will gravitate toward the colorful paddling pool featuring Pirate Island, complete with animal water fountains and a pirate ship sporting water cannons. Three small slides and the Magic Mushroom provide safe thrills for younger children.

Older kids can tackle four indoor swimming slides or test their skills on climbing walls. The outdoor NITRO slide lives up to its “extremely fast” reputation—supervise closely here. Active families can also enjoy aquatic sports like basketball, volleyball, and water polo in designated areas.

Smart features include ozonized water instead of harsh chlorine and disabled-friendly access. Tickets range from PLN 22-76, with unlimited time options available.

Experience Thrills at Energylandia Amusement Park

Though it’s an hour’s drive from Kraków, Energylandia in Zator delivers Poland’s ultimate amusement park experience across 70 hectares of record-breaking rides and family attractions. You’ll find seven themed zones catering to every age group, from toddler-friendly Fairytale Land to the adrenaline-pumping Extreme Zone.

Start younger kids in Sweet Valley with gentle rides like Crazy Bus and Happy Loops, then graduate to Family Zone attractions like Wonder Wheel that accommodate mixed-height groups. Teenagers will gravitate toward Hyperion, Europe’s tallest hyper coaster reaching 142 km/h, and Zadra, the world’s tallest hybrid coaster.

Don’t miss the outdoor water park during summer months. The park also features Poland’s largest outdoor aquapark with extensive water slides and relaxation areas. The height-based ticketing offers discounted admission for children under 140cm, making this day trip surprisingly affordable for families.

Stroll Through Main Market Square and Old Town

When you step into Main Market Square with children, you’re entering Europe’s largest medieval market square—a pedestrian-only wonderland where kids can safely chase pigeons and watch mesmerized as street performers create soap bubble shows and pose as living statues.

The central Sukiennice building doubles as Europe’s oldest shopping center, while cobblestone streets invite exploration.

Keep children close—crowds can be overwhelming during peak hours. Nearby museums offer perfect breaks: Krzysztofory Palace features interactive Krakow history stations and dress-up games, while the compact Natural History Museum serves as a mini-zoo alternative. For families traveling with very young children, the Green House of the Promyk Foundation provides a free admission space with toys and comfortable seating for mothers with infants and toddlers up to 3 years old.

For hands-on fun, visit the Illusion Museum Krakil where everything’s touchable, or the Living Obwarzanek Museum where kids bake traditional Krakow pretzels—creating edible souvenirs.

Journey Underground at Rynek Archaeological Museum

Beneath the bustling cobblestones of Main Market Square lies a hidden world that’ll transport your family back 1,000 years—the Rynek Archaeological Museum spans nearly 43,000 square feet of authentic medieval foundations.

It is complete with interactive touchscreens that keep restless hands busy while you explore 11th-century burial sites and merchant workshops.

Book tickets in advance since this popular attraction fills quickly. The 1.5-hour guided tours work perfectly for kids, featuring holograms, mechanical theaters showing Krakow legends, and a dedicated play space for toddlers.

You’ll descend four meters underground through the Cloth Hall entrance near St. Mary’s Church. Note that strollers aren’t accessible here, so carry younger children.

The multimedia displays brilliantly recreate medieval daily life, making history tangible for curious minds. These preserved structures showcase Krakow’s importance as a major European trading hub during the medieval period.

Get Hands-On at Cogiteon Science Center

While underground adventures spark curiosity about the past, your kids can explore the future at Cogiteon Science Center, where over 100 interactive stations turn learning into play. The “Human and His Dreams” exhibition covers everything from body systems to universe mechanics through hands-on experiments perfect for family teams.

Budget 2-3 hours to explore properly, though younger children will love the dedicated Children’s Academy with its sensory playroom for ages 3-6. Book workshops ahead—they’re popular and spots fill quickly during summer.

The rooftop garden offers Krakow’s first public green roof for picnic breaks between science shows. The center also features facilities for disabled visitors to ensure everyone can enjoy the interactive experiences.

Located at Steca 1, you’ll find parking on-site and public transport nearby. Adult tickets cost PLN 40, children’s PLN 35. Arrive before 2 PM on weekdays for last entry.

Explore Your Senses at Womai Centre

After your kids have experimented with science at Cogiteon, they’ll discover an entirely different kind of learning at Womai Centre, where two contrasting worlds await exploration.

“Into the Light” captivates children with hands-on experiments featuring light, sound, and color illusions. Your kids will create hypsometric maps with color-changing sand and explore how sound transforms into shapes. The 90-minute guided tour keeps everyone engaged while teaching physics principles.

“Into the Darkness” offers a profound experience where blind guides lead your family through complete darkness, developing empathy and understanding. Children must be at least 9 years old for this emotionally powerful 60-minute journey. The center operates Monday to Friday from 8:30am-4:30pm and weekends from 10am-8pm.

Located just five minutes from Dworzec Główny, you’ll need 2-3 hours total. Book both exhibitions in advance, as this popular attraction fills quickly with families and school groups.

Take a Scenic Vistula River Cruise

From indoor exploration to outdoor adventure, you’ll find the perfect balance with a scenic Vistula River cruise that gives your family’s legs a well-deserved break. These 30-60 minute cruises are perfect for children of all ages, offering stunning views of Wawel Castle’s limestone fortifications and Krakow’s Old Town skyline from the water.

I’d recommend booking the standard 30-minute option around 45 PLN per adult – it’s just right for keeping kids engaged without testing their patience. The boats feature modern safety equipment and lifejackets, while larger vessels accommodate strollers easily. For families interested in exploring beyond the river cruise, consider taking the scenic 3.5-hour train ride back to Warsaw, which offers beautiful views of fields and towns along the way.

Book online during high season, and don’t forget hats and sunscreen for afternoon departures. Your children will love spotting ducks and swans while you enjoy educational commentary about the city’s landmarks.

Enjoy Nature at Park Jordana and Kraków Zoo

When you’re ready to trade cobblestone streets for green spaces, Park Jordana delivers everything families need for an active outdoor day. This 21-hectare historic park offers multiple age-appropriate playgrounds, a free splash-pad for hot summer days, and safe cycling paths perfect for kids on scooters.

You’ll find tame squirrels that make excellent photo subjects and an artificial pond where ducks gather—ideal for nature observation with toddlers.

The park’s educational value runs deep, featuring busts of famous Poles that turn casual walks into history lessons. Don’t miss the Wojtek the Soldier Bear statue, which sparks fascinating WWII conversations with older children.

Winter brings sledding hills and seasonal ice-skating, while summer offers open grassy areas for picnics and informal games near convenient snack kiosks. Active families will appreciate the park’s sports facilities, including volleyball, basketball, and football pitches alongside fitness equipment like climbing walls.

The Sum Up

You’ll find Kraków offers endless adventures for your family. I’ve watched my own kids’ faces light up at the dragon legend and get mesmerized by the salt mine’s chambers. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes—you’ll cover lots of ground. Pack snacks and water, especially for longer attractions like Energylandia. Keep little ones close in crowded areas like Main Market Square. With proper planning, you’ll create memories that’ll last your family a lifetime.