Poland may not be the first country that comes to mind when you are planning a family vacation to Europe. After all, Poland’s heart-wrenching historical sites don’t exactly scream “fun for kids”. But there are a lot of unique things to do in Poland with kids that go far beyond the typical amusement park vacations.
From exploring underground passageways to a scavenger hunt for tiny gnomes, here are our favorite uniquely Polish things to do when visiting this fascinating country.
11 Things to Do in Poland with Kids (That aren’t theme parks)
If you are planning a typical family vacation to Poland, sure, there are massive amusement parks like Energylandia and science museums with laser mazes and live butterflies you can visit. However, if you want something truly different, these 11 things to do in Poland for kids will make for a memorable adventure.
Find Dwarves in Wrocław
One of the most delightful things to do in Poland for families is to hunt for dwarves or gnomes in the city of Wrocław.
Scattered all over the city, you’ll discover hundreds of small statues of what some call dwarves and others call gnomes. These adorable dwarves have become a symbol of the city. It started as a whimsical tribute to the anti-communist Orange Alternative movement but has become somewhat of a treasure hunt for tourists now. Similar to finding quirky statues in Bratislava, Slovakia, visitors to Wrocław are often eager to search for the 400+ small bronze statues which adorn windowsills, street corners, and can even be found inside public buildings.
Each statue has its own name and backstory. Kids will absolutely love finding them as you roam the streets of Wrocław. You can even pick up or download a dwarf map to track all the quirky dwarves that you find!
Explore Underground World in Wieliczka
Sometimes the best adventures can’t be seen from above ground. Take your kids back in time 700 years and down approximately 800 stairs into one of the oldest salt mines in the world.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just outside of Krakow. Exploring the underground world requires a guided tour that takes you through a labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and even a chapel carved entirely out of salt – complete with sculptures and chandeliers made of rock salt.
There is even an underground lake and a Salt Mine Health Resort where you can actually spend the night underground!
During the tour of the mine, your guide will share historical stories, legends, and point out different aspects of the mine – making for both an educational and entertaining experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
Learn about the Wawel Dragon
Atop Krakow’s highest hill, one of Poland’s most famous and kid-friendly tales will add a touch of mythical allure to your visit.
A visit to Wawel Castle should be a part of any Krakow itinerary – but it is the legend of the Wawel Dragon that will make this famous European castle particularly interesting for kids.
According to the story, a fearsome dragon once lived in a cave beneath Wawel Hill, terrorizing the townspeople and eating up all their livestock. Many brave knights tried to defeat the beast. Some versions of the legend say a young cobbler tricked the dragon by feeding it a decoy animal stuffed with sulfur while other versions credit a young prince.
Today, kids can visit the Dragon’s Den beneath Wawel Castle and even watch a fire-breathing dragon statue outside puff real flames every few minutes.
Explore Storybook Old Towns
There are few places in the world that have more charm than Poland’s storybook Old Towns.
These colorful historic areas look like scenes straight out of a fairytale, with cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and market squares that are always teeming with activity.
Polish cities like Kraków, Warsaw, and Poznan have some of the most beautifully preserved (or reconstructed) Old Towns.
You and your kids can wander the streets or even take a horse-drawn carriage ride between the colorful buildings. Kraków’s Market Square is Europe’s largest medieval town square. It is home to the beautiful cloth hall where you can find exquisite Polish souvenirs and St. Mary’s Basilica, one of the most famous churches in Europe.
These walkable districts are perfect for an evening stroll. You’ll find plenty of ice cream shops, street performers, and towers you can climb for enchanting views of the rooftops.
Go on an Outdoor Adventure in Zakopane
If your family enjoys bonding in nature, the Tatras Mountain Range is Poland’s outdoor playground. In warmer months, families can ride the funicular up Gubałówka Hill, take a gentle hike through the Kościeliska Valley and explore wooden chapels.
In winter, the town of Zakopane transforms into a snowy wonderland with beginner-friendly ski slopes, and thermal pools. An easy day trip from Krakow or a longer, relaxed family holiday destination, Zakopane is sure to be one of your kids’ favorite places in Poland.
Take a Cooking Class
Polish food can be intimidating for kids who are unfamiliar with the culture. Taking a cooking class in Poland is one of the best ways to get kids to actually try new foods!
One of the most family-friendly cooking classes focuses on making pierogi, Poland’s beloved dumplings. Your kids will help roll dough, fill the dumplings, and shape their creations using different techniques before getting to taste the final result.
It’s messy in the best way and gives children a connection to Polish culture and the food. Plus, once you learn how to make a new dish, you can try recreating it at home and bring back the feeling of travel over and over again.
Watch Street Performers and Entertainment in the Squares
Public squares in Poland’s major cities are often filled with lively street performers.
These spontaneous performances make cities like Warsaw and Krakow worth visiting. You’ll find musicians, break dancers, bubble artists, and living statues working for tips on summer evenings. We often recommend spending time in the Old Town squares in the evenings specifically because of these fun street performances.
So, be sure to build that time into your Warsaw itinerary or your itinerary for whatever Polish city you decide to visit. These performances will entertain kids and adults alike, making you want to dance, sing along, laugh, or watch in awe.
Visit an Outdoor Market
The public squares are also known for hosting exciting outdoor markets. Wander through rows of stalls and browse for crafts, handmade toys, local treats and food.
Kids will be fascinated by the colorful displays of local cheeses, folk costumes, and unique souvenirs and budget-friendly keepsakes.
These markets often have free entertainment, as well, including folk dancers or music that adds a fun energy to the already lively atmosphere.
Cruise through Gdansk on a Pirate Ship or Historic Polish Boat
Gdańsk is a colorful waterfront city located along the Baltic coast in northern Poland.
One of the best things to do in Gdańsk, Poland with kids is to take a boat cruise through the waterways. But you don’t want to cruise in just any boat – instead climb aboard a traditional wooden galleon or even a replica pirate ship.
You can see the city the way the ancient merchants and traders did and learn about the city’s maritime history as you sail along the Motława River. Many cruises include commentary that is both educational and fun for families
Relax on the Beach in Sopot
Sopot is another coastal town in Poland located about 30 minutes away from Gdansk.
The beach area in Sopot is a perfect family destination along the Baltic Sea. Its long, sandy shoreline is great for a picnic, or a day spent by the sea. Kids can build sandcastles or wade in the shallow waters. But fair warning, even on a warm summer day, the water is cold!
The famous Sopot Pier is another great place to visit. It is the longest wooden pier in Europe. You can grab an ice cream and enjoy a leisurely stroll along the pier to watch the seabirds over the water.
Watch a Polish Folk Show
If you’re looking for a cultural experience that goes beyond the food, plan to attend a Polish folk performance.
During the show, you’ll be introduced to popular folk dances in Poland, traditional music, and costumes. Kids (or adults) can even participate and learn the dances along with the professional dancers.
Too shy to participate? No pressure. Simply enjoy a buffet dinner while you watch the dancers twirl and stomp in sync with the music. If you’re lucky enough to visit Poland during a festival – you may get to watch one of these performances for free in the public squares and streets. Either way it is a great way to entertain kids while also introducing them to Poland’s beautiful culture.
5 Things to Know Before your Trip to Poland with Kids
If you’re visiting Poland with kids, the country is very family-friendly, but there are a few things to know that will make your trip more enjoyable.
It has a heavy history
It is hard to visit Poland without spending at least a little time learning about its agonizing history.
From the horrors of World War II to the struggles under communist rule, Poland’s history may be too heavy for young kids. It’s best to prepare your kids before your visit – explain as appropriately as possible about the Holocaust. Consider reading a book, like the Hidden Girl, with them to help them understand the atrocities that occurred in this country during the Nazi occupation.
Many historical sites, such as Auschwitz or the Warsaw Uprising Museum, provide educational but often sobering experiences that may be overwhelming for younger visitors. However, these sites are important for understanding the identity of Poland. It is why I consider Poland to be one of the most educational destinations you can visit.
It is easy to get around
Getting around Poland with kids is relatively easy, thanks to the country’s public transportation network, which includes trains, buses, trams, and metro lines.
Train cars are spacious and make longer journeys between cities or even neighboring countries comfortable for families who are visiting Poland as part of a Central Europe itinerary.
In addition, many cities also have taxis, ride-sharing services like Uber, and electric scooters which are great for short trips when you want to avoid public transit.
Additionally, even in pedestrian areas with cobblestone streets, there are often stroller-friendly paths and sidewalks.
You’ll find plenty of food is easy for picky eaters
Polish cuisine has a lot of foods that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. Many of the dishes are simple, like sausage or pierogi dumplings filled with cheese and potatoes.
But don’t fret if you have a child that refuses to eat anything but chicken nuggets or french fries. While we don’t necessarily recommend them, there are chain restaurants like McDonalds in most of the larger Polish cities.
Take advantage of free entertainment in the main plazas
Poland is one of the more affordable international destinations – particularly in Europe. If you are on a tight budget, definitely plan to take advantage of free entertainment, which you typically find in the main plazas in Old Town districts. These often come in the form of street performers entertaining crowds for tips.
Additionally, while many attractions and even some of the churches require an admission fee, a day at the beach or even a hike in the mountains doesn’t have to cost a thing.
Culture Shock is Minimal
Naturally, there are some destinations that feel very different from what you may be used to at home in countries like the United States or Canada. However, Poland isn’t one of them. If you worry about culture shock when traveling abroad, Poland is a good country to visit that won’t feel too dissimilar to your home country, if you’re from a western country.
Most younger Polish people and people working in the tourism and hospitality industries speak English. And while many Poles are Roman Catholic, the country is not all that conservative. Those with different religious or ideological views are still welcome and shouldn’t feel disrespected or threatened.
Do you have a question or comment about visiting Poland with kids? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
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