Zakopane with Kids - Family Travel Guide
Ideas for younger and older children, indoors and out, for rainy days and snowy ones - plus strollers, large families and where to eat.
Published
Zakopane is an easy place to travel with children. Many of the best walks start at the edge of town on wide, gentle paths, winter turns every slope into a sledging hill, and the warm pools are there when it rains. This guide gives ideas by age and weather. For current attractions and opening details, use the family filter in Things to Do.
For younger children (up to about 6)
- Short valley walks: several valleys at the edge of town have wide, fairly flat paths with streams and meadows. Pick a short one with a clear turning point, such as a waterfall or a mountain hut.
- A ride up the hill: the short funicular from the centre to Gubałówka hill gives big views without a long walk, and the top has space to run around.
- Warm pools: thermal pool complexes usually have shallow areas and play pools for small children.
- The town itself: horses and carriages, street musicians and the market are entertainment in themselves.
For older children and teenagers
- A mountain lake: some lake walks are long (a few hours there and back) but on easy paths, a real achievement for a school-age child.
- A high cable car: the ride to the high peaks is exciting, but the top is cold and windy even in summer, and queues can be long in season.
- Adventure activities: rope parks, summer toboggan runs, bikes and rafting on the river are available in the area in the warm season.
- Skiing and snowboarding lessons in winter, with classes for children at many ski schools.
Outdoors in winter
- Sledging - many slopes around town are used for it; bring or rent a sledge.
- Ski lessons on gentle beginner slopes.
- Snowy valley walks with a warm drink in a mountain hut at the end.
- A traditional horse-drawn sleigh ride, with a bonfire in some places.
Ideas for rainy days
- Thermal pools and water parks, many with indoor areas.
- Museums in town about the mountains and highlander life.
- Indoor play areas and a cinema.
- A slow lunch in a traditional wooden restaurant.
Strollers and carriers
The main street and the centre are fine with a stroller, although some side streets are steep. Wide valley paths are partly manageable with a sturdy stroller, but many mountain trails are rocky, with steps and roots. For anything beyond the flat start of a valley, a child carrier works much better. In winter, a sledge with a backrest is the best "stroller".
Eating out with children
Many restaurants are used to families and have high chairs and simple dishes such as soup, potato pancakes or pasta. In busy season, reserve a table for a large family in advance, especially for dinner. If you eat halal, check each restaurant's information - see Halal Food in Zakopane.
Large families and groups
- A whole chalet or a large apartment is often more comfortable than several hotel rooms. Check the number of real beds, not just "sleeps".
- Ask about cots, high chairs and a washing machine.
- If you arrive by minivan, confirm the parking space and that the access road is manageable in winter.
- For the trip from the airport, a private transfer with a large vehicle saves a lot of effort.
Find family accommodation · Airport transfers
Safety tips
- Children get cold faster than adults. In the mountains, take an extra warm layer, a hat and gloves - even in summer.
- The sun is stronger at altitude. Sunscreen and sunglasses help in summer and on snow.
- Plan short walks with a goal, and turn back early rather than late.
- Save the numbers: general emergency 112, mountain rescue 985 or +48 601 100 300.