A vacation with children in the mountains requires parents to plan activities that will keep the little ones from getting bored. Most of the time, the mountains themselves are fun enough. So where should you go? There are plenty of options to choose from.
The Gorce Mountains are a popular destination for tourists from all over Poland. There are plenty of interesting places for children to explore in the area, and for adults, it’s the perfect mountain range for easy hikes.
Is the Gorce region safe for children?
If you’re planning a trip to the mountains with a child, in addition to the trail’s appeal, you should also consider safety. Of course, safety is important for us as well, but for the sake of the little ones, it’s sometimes worth choosing an easier trail. This way, you can show your children the joy of hiking and encourage them to go on more trips.
A mountain range like the Gorce has something for kids to enjoy in every corner.
But what about safety on the trail? As long as you follow standard safety guidelines during a mountain hike, nothing out of the ordinary should happen.
The peaks in the Gorce Mountains aren’t as high as those in the Tatra Mountains, for example. By staying on the trails and avoiding reckless behavior, we can safely explore the Gorce Mountains with young children. So before heading into the mountains with kids, it’s a good idea to visit the GOPR or PTTK websites and familiarize them with the basic safety rules.
How do you plan a trip to the mountains with kids? What attractions for kids in the mountains should you add to your list of places to visit?
The mountains are one of the most interesting options for a family vacation in Poland. Both the hike to the summit and the many tourist attractions for children make for an unforgettable vacation.
However, for that to happen, you need to organize your trip well. Planning your transportation is a given. Once you arrive at your destination, it’s a good idea to have your accommodations already booked in advance.
The Gorce Mountains offer a variety of accommodations, including mountain huts, guesthouses, and hotels. If you choose a mountain hut, the most scenic trails will be right at your fingertips. You can also expect views of specific peaks, such as Turbacz.
Another important point is planning your route. In the Gorce Mountains, there are many trails suitable for children that little ones can hike without much trouble. However, in addition to conquering peaks, it’s worth offering them other attractions—a visit to the Rabkoland amusement park is always a good idea.
Why is it worth visiting the Gorce Mountains with children?
The Gorce Mountains are one of the safest and least crowded mountain ranges in Poland—perfect for families with children. With no difficult climbs, gentle slopes, and beautiful views, little ones won’t be put off by the mountains right from the start. It’s also an excellent place to instill in children a love of nature and outdoor activities.
When is the best time to visit the Gorce Mountains with your family?
The best time for a family trip to the Gorce Mountains is late spring, summer, and early fall. During these seasons, the weather is ideal for hiking, and the trails are dry and easily accessible. Early fall delights with its vibrant colors, while summer offers numerous clearings perfect for picnics. You can also explore the Gorce Mountains in winter, though then it’s best to focus on snow-based activities.
Easy hiking trails perfect for children
Among the trails suitable for children, we recommend, among others, the route from Nowy Targ through Bukowina Waksmundzka to Turbacz—a wide and picturesque path. The route from Knurowska Pass to Lubań is also easy and short, with the option to climb the observation tower. For younger children, a walk through the Łopuszna Valley or to Bacówka na Maciejowej is a great option.
Observation towers that young travelers will love
Kids love climbing observation towers—it’s not just fun, but also a reward for completing the hike. In the Gorce Mountains, it’s worth visiting the tower on Lubań, which offers views of the Tatra, Gorce, and Pieniny Mountains. Another interesting attraction is the tower on Gorc (1,228 m above sea level), accessible via a pleasant and gentle trail. The towers often feature descriptions of the panoramic views, which provide a great opportunity for family-oriented nature and geography education.
Gorcska National Park – What Not to Miss?
The Gorce National Park is the heart of the region and a must-see destination. Be sure to explore its educational nature trails, such as the “Turbacz Stream Valley” trail, as well as the Education Center in Poręba Wielka. Here, children can learn about local animal species, learn mountain safety rules, and explore interactive exhibits.
Animals and Nature – How Can We Encourage Children to Go Hiking?
While hiking in the Gorce Mountains, you may come across roe deer, red deer, and even bear tracks. It’s a great idea to play “little tracker”—kids can look for tracks, observe insects and plants, or collect leaves for a scrapbook. It’s worth bringing binoculars and a simple nature guide to spark their curiosity.
Family-friendly mountain huts in the Gorce Mountains
At the PTTK mountain hut on Turbacz, you can enjoy a hot meal, use the restroom, and relax in a friendly atmosphere. The Bacówka hut on Maciejowa and the mountain hut on Stare Wierchy are equally comfortable for families. Many of them offer children’s meals, play areas, and the option of staying in family rooms.
What should you pack for a trip to the mountains with a child?
Your child’s backpack should include: a comfortable change of clothes, a rain jacket, healthy snacks, water, a baseball cap, and sunscreen. You’ll also want to pack wet wipes, band-aids, and… a good attitude! For little ones, it’s also a good idea to bring binoculars or a magnifying glass so they can get a closer look at nature.
Educational attractions in the region – open-air museums, nature trails
While in the Gorce region, be sure to visit the Railway Rolling Stock Open-Air Museum in Chabówka or the Folk Village Museum in Zubrzyca Górna. The Gorce National Park Education Center and the nature trail in Koninki are also excellent educational destinations. These are perfect spots to take a break from the mountain trails and learn something new.
The Gorce Mountains for Kids in Winter – Sledding, Cross-Country Skiing, and Other Ideas
In winter, the Gorce Mountains transform into a fairy-tale land—perfect for sledding, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. In Łopuszna, Obidowa, and Koninki, you’ll find cross-country trails and gentle slopes for beginners. A winter visit to Rabkoland during special events (such as Winter Wonderland) is also a great option for young fun-seekers.
Hiking trails in the Gorce Mountains for young children
If you’re heading to the Gorce Mountains, the trail you choose with children should be enjoyable and not too difficult. Your itinerary should include peaks like Turbacz and Lubań, which offer stunning views and plenty of attractions along the way.
When exploring the Gorce Mountains with children, it’s a good idea to include some interesting stops along the way. On the way to Turbacz, let’s stop at the Czoło Turbacza clearing to see some historical sites. A little further on is the Rusnakowa clearing, though it takes a few extra minutes to reach.
The section leading to Lubań also offers a glimpse into history—in the Wierch Lubania clearing, you’ll find ruins dating back to World War II.
The highest peaks in the Gorce Mountains
When visiting the Gorce Mountains with a small child, there’s no need to skip the high peaks—even those are safe for little ones.
It’s worth spending your first day in the mountains on Turbacz (1,310 m above sea level), which is part of the Crown of Polish Mountains. The second-highest peak is Jaworzyna Kamienicka (1,288 m above sea level), followed by Kiczora (1,282 m above sea level). Lubań Peak is only 9th on the list.
Attractions for children in the Gorce region
In mountain ranges like the Gorce, there’s more to do with kids than just hiking to a new peak. If you want to give them hours of fun, Rabkoland Amusement Park is waiting for you.
Our outdoor activities for kids and adults provide plenty of exercise and help little ones grow and develop. Activities, scavenger hunts, and performances are just a few of the things we have in store for you!
Find out more about us and plan a visit to Rabkoland!
A passionate guitar player, traveler, and fan of non-fiction literature. A good book from Wydawnictwo Czarne is just as important to him as planning his next trip. In his free time, he enjoys cycling and Italian cuisine.
Professionally, he is a copywriter who loves the Polish language and believes in the power of words. At work, he is responsible for creating content, communication, and media relations.
