What to Visit in Kraków with Children?
A weekend family getaway doesn’t have to involve a long journey – Kraków and its surroundings offer plenty of attractions perfect for a trip with children. Many points of interest are no more than an hour’s drive from the city centre, meaning you can plan an exciting day full of adventures without any major logistical hassle.
Below, you’ll find tried-and-true family-friendly places to visit, along with their approximate distances from Kraków and a brief description of what’s worth seeing or doing with children. From educational museums, through getting in touch with nature to places created with amusement in mind – a little bit of everything to suit everyone’s tastes.
Wieliczka Salt Mine (10–15 km from Kraków)
One of the most popular attractions in the Małopolska region – and rightly so! The Wieliczka Salt Mine, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, captivates both adults and children alike. Its underground chambers, impressive salt sculptures, and fairy-tale-like atmosphere create an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Transport from Kraków is quite straightforward – whether by car (a 15-20 minute drive), taxi, Koleje Małopolskie train, or MPK bus. Depending on your chosen method, the journey typically takes between 15 to 40 minutes.
Upon arrival, you’ll discover a specially designed tourist trail, ideal even for the youngest explorers. Additionally, the consistent underground temperature of 17-18°C makes this a perfect destination year-round, regardless of the season or weather conditions.
Ojców National Park (16–27 km from Kraków)
If you’re eager to stay in touch with nature and enjoy a bit of adventure, Ojców National Park is an excellent choice for a one-day trip with a child. Despite being one of the smallest national parks in Poland, it remains one of the most picturesque, offering a memorable outdoor experience. You can reach the park by a 30–45 minute car drive or a 40 to 50-minute bus trip via the LR0 bus line.
Plenty awaits you inside Ojców National Park: a stroll through Prądnik Valley, exploring one of the many caves such as Łokietek Cave, or visiting the castle at Pieskowa Skała – a photogenic fortress built on a limestone hill. The available trails are generally easy and accessible, making them suitable for younger children. It’s the perfect place to combine gentle physical activity with opportunities to discover both nature and history.
Energylandia Amusement Park
Energylandia Amusement Park (50–60 km from Kraków)
Energylandia is the biggest amusement park in Poland and a must-see attraction for families with children! Located in Zator, about 50–60 kilometers from Kraków, it’s most easily reached by a 45 to 75-minute car drive. You can also take a train from Kraków Main Station to the Zator Park Rozrywki station, which is right next to the park entrance. Alternatively, a bus ride is available, taking around an hour and 15 minutes.
Upon arrival, it’s easy to see why so many visitors return to Energylandia year after year. The park is designed to offer fun for everyone. The youngest guests can enjoy the Little Kids Zone, filled with colorful carousels, fairytale-themed decorations, and gentle coasters that delight little ones. Older children and families exploring together will find their place in the Family Zone, where the excitement is higher but still family-friendly, featuring water attractions, gentle roller coasters, and plenty of opportunities to ride together. For thrill-seekers craving adrenaline, the Extreme Zone delivers with massive roller coasters, loops, and high-speed accelerations sure to wow everyone.
Given the numerous attractions and the park’s large size, one day is often not enough to experience everything without feeling rushed. That’s why many families choose to stay for two days at Energylandia, allowing them to fully enjoy all the fun and excitement the park has to offer.
Niepołomice Forest and Castle in Niepołomice (20 km from Kraków)
If you’re looking for a getaway to lush surroundings with a touch of history, Niepołomice is an excellent option. Located about 20 km east of Krakow, it’s easily accessible by car in around 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can take bus line 304 from Galeria Krakowska shopping centre or other stops.
Once there, you can enjoy the peaceful Niepołomice Forest – perfect for walks, picnics, or bike rides with children. A visit to the renovated Royal Castle in Niepołomice, often called the ‘little Wawel,’ is highly recommended. This beautiful Renaissance building features a courtyard, gallery, museum, and a charming café. Combining nature and history, Niepołomice offers a relaxing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle – all within easy reach.
Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec (12 km from Kraków)
Situated on a limestone hill overlooking the Vistula River, the Benedictine Abbey in Tyniec is a place that captivates visitors with both its rich history and tranquil atmosphere. As Poland’s oldest monastery, dating back to the 11th century, it offers a unique glimpse into the past. You can reach Tyniec by car in about 25 minutes, cycle there along the scenic Vistula Cycling Route (WTR), or take a city bus, such as line 112.
Once you arrive, it’s worth exploring the historic church and the monastery museum. However, simply spending time in the surrounding nature – enjoying the serenity, breathtaking views, and the peaceful ambiance away from the city’s hustle – is equally rewarding.
Here’s a little secret: the monastery shop sells local products crafted by the monks, perfect for fans of natural flavors and traditional recipes. You can find herbal teas, honey, jams, natural cosmetics, and traditional liqueurs, making for authentic and memorable souvenirs.
Miniature Park in Inwałd (50 km from Kraków)
If you’re up for a slightly longer trip, the Miniature Park in Inwałd is an excellent destination – especially if you plan to visit nearby Energylandia. The main highlight of the park is its collection of miniature versions of some of the world’s most famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Brandenburg Gate, and sections of the Great Wall of China. It’s a fun and educational experience for visitors of all ages, offering a unique way to see global architecture in one place.
It’s a fantastic opportunity to ‘visit’ almost the entire world in a single trip, capturing photos in unique settings and discovering fascinating architectural curiosities along the way. The Miniature Park in Inwałd is about an hour’s drive from Kraków, making it an ideal choice for an afternoon outing or a refreshing break during a longer journey. It’s a fun way to combine travel, education, and photography all in one place.
Dobczyce Castle (30–35 km from Kraków)
Dobczyce is an excellent destination for a day trip from Kraków, accessible by car in approximately 40 minutes or by regional bus. The town offers a perfect mix of history and nature, with historical monuments and landmarks on one side, and lush, open landscapes on the other. This balanced combination makes Dobczyce an ideal choice for family outings, providing a variety of activities and sights that cater to all interests.
On a hill overlooking Lake Dobczyce stands the Royal Castle, offering stunning views of the water and the surrounding mountains in the background. Nearby, you can explore the Heritage Park of Wooden Folk Architecture, which takes visitors back in time to the atmosphere of a traditional village. A walk to the top of the dam on the Raba River is also highly recommended, where you can see historic defensive walls and climb the Old Town Hill for panoramic vistas. To conclude your visit, enjoy some ice cream or a leisurely lunch in the charming market square.
Jaworzno (50–60 km from Kraków)
If you’re looking to connect with nature and enjoy stunning views away from crowds, Jaworzno is an excellent choice for a day trip. It’s about a 45-minute to 1-hour journey from Kraków by car or train.
The main attractions are the water reservoirs, known for their striking azure color – particularly the Wydra Reservoir and the Koparki Reservoir. Located in Gródek Park, often called the ‘Polish Maldives,’ these spots are perfect for leisurely walks, picnics, and taking photos that look like scenes from a travel magazine. Since 2019, the park has also been designated as an arboretum, hosting a diverse range of plant species that add to its charm and create a picturesque landscape for visitors to enjoy.
Attractions in the Małopolska region
As you can see, the area around Kraków is filled with wonderful destinations perfect for family trips – whether for a day or a longer holiday. And keep in mind, this is just a small sample of what the entire Małopolska region has to offer! The region is a true treasure trove of attractions for children, including amusement parks, historic castles, old mines, scenic mountain valleys, and charming atmospheric towns.
>> If you are interested in further travels, read our guide: 20 Ideas for a Family Holiday: Where to Take Your Kids
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