Lesser Poland (Małopolska) is a historic voivodeship in southern Poland anchored by the royal city of Kraków, one of Europe's most beautiful medieval capitals. The region encompasses dramatic landscapes ranging from the Tatra Mountains and Pieniny range in the south to rolling Jurassic limestone uplands in the north, dotted with castles, salt mines, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With more UNESCO-listed sites than any other Polish region, world-class cuisine, and a vibrant cultural scene, Lesser Poland is Poland's premier travel destination.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour
The underground world of the Wieliczka Salt Mine captivates children of all ages with its otherworldly salt-carved sculptures, underground lake, and subterranean cathedral. One of the world's best family attractions.
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Wawel Dragon's Den
Descend into the legendary dragon's cave beneath Wawel Hill, then watch the fire-breathing dragon statue outside breathe fire every few minutes - a guaranteed child delight.
Duration: 30 minutes
Ojców National Park Cave Tour
Explore limestone caves (Łokietek's Cave) with guided tours, then walk the beautiful Prądnik valley past castle ruins and dramatic rock formations. A wonderful nature education experience.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Gubałówka Funicular and Summit Walk, Zakopane
A 4-minute funicular ride up Gubałówka hill with panoramic Tatra views, then a gentle summit walk with highland food stalls. Children love the funicular and the mountain views.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Chochołowska Valley Hike
A flat, easy walk through a beautiful Tatra valley to a traditional mountain hut. Suitable for older children and families with good walkers. In spring, the valley meadow is carpeted in crocuses.
Duration: 4-5 hours
Dunajec River Gorge Rafting
A gentle traditional raft ride through the spectacular Dunajec limestone gorge - no white water, just beautiful scenery. Great for families as the raft is stable and the pace is calm.
Duration: 2.5 hours on raft
Pierogi Making Cooking Class
Make pierogi from scratch with a Polish family host - children love the hands-on dough making and fillings. Eat the results together. Many Kraków operators offer family-friendly classes.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Kraków Dragon Hunt Walk
Self-guided walk following the dragon trail through Kraków's Old Town, discovering statues and street art related to the legendary Wawel Dragon. A fun way to see the city with children.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Rynek Underground Museum, Kraków
Walk over the original medieval market square 10m below the current surface through the Rynek Underground Museum. The holographic projections and interactive displays engage older children.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Nowy Sącz Ethnographic Park (Skansen)
An open-air village museum with 70+ historic wooden buildings brought to life with demonstrations of traditional crafts, millstones, and folk life in summer. Children enjoy the animals and hands-on activities.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hotel Aquarion Family & Friends
The best family hotel in Lesser Poland, in Zakopane, with an outstanding aquapark, indoor pool with slides, kids club, and family suites. Children will never want to leave.
Family features: Full aquapark with water slides, kids club, family suites, mountain location
Sheraton Grand Kraków
5-star hotel on the Vistula with indoor pool, family rooms with Wawel Castle views, and excellent concierge service to arrange family excursions.
Family features: Indoor pool, family rooms, Vistula riverside location, kids menu at restaurant
Novotel Kraków City West
Reliable family hotel chain hotel with indoor pool, family rooms, parking, and easy tram connection to Old Town. Children under 16 sleep free with parents.
Family features: Indoor pool, children 16 sleep free, parking, family rooms
Hotel Litwor, Zakopane
A comfortable family hotel on Zakopane's main street with spa facilities, family rooms, and excellent access to mountain activities and Krupówki market.
Family features: Family rooms, spa, restaurant with kids menu, ski storage
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Polish restaurants are genuinely welcoming to children - staff are usually accommodating
High chairs (krzesełko dla dziecka) available at most restaurants, though not always - ask in advance
Kids menus (menu dla dzieci) available at family restaurants typically offering pierogi, chicken cutlet, and simple pasta dishes at $5-8
Milk bars (bar mleczny) serve small portions of traditional food at very low prices - perfect for fussy eaters
Zakopane has many restaurants with outdoor seating and a relaxed mountain atmosphere perfect for families
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Book Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets online 2-4 weeks in advance - children's tickets available online
The Tatra National Park charges entry for all visitors including children over 7 ($1.50 child, $2.50 adult)
Bring reins or a child carrier for toddlers on the cobblestone Kraków streets
Strollers are not suitable for most Tatra mountain trails - use a child carrier for hiking with babies
Kraków's major hospitals (Szpital Dziecięcy at ul. Wielicka 265) have dedicated pediatric emergency departments
The Kraków Tourist Card (1-3 day) covers public transport for children under 4 for free and offers family discounts
Many mountain meadows in the Gorce and Pieniny have free entry and are perfect for picnics with children