Małopolska, like no other region in Poland, boasts a vast number of historical sites and stunning landscapes, thanks to its rich topographical diversity and turbulent past. Discover the most interesting ideas for a quick weekend getaway to Małopolska. Choose from a variety of itineraries starting in each of Małopolska’s major tourist centers. These routes are ideal for day trips by car, though many can also be explored on foot or by bike. Some attractions are best enjoyed on horseback, by boat, or by kayak. Find out what to pack for a weekend trip, how much a weekend trip to the mountains costs, and what the most interesting places are for a weekend trip in Małopolska.
Where can I go for a weekend getaway in Lesser Poland with my child?
A weekend trip with a child can sometimes be a challenge. The route needs to be interesting, not too demanding, and full of attractions. What are some cool places for a weekend getaway in Lesser Poland? Kraków is undoubtedly the most popular city among international tourists—over 14 million people visit it every year. It is a jewel of Polish architecture and the cradle of national identity. Kraków is, above all, a great weekend getaway for those who love sightseeing. In just one weekend, you can visit Wawel, the Cloth Hall, the Main Market Square (be sure to listen to the bugle call played from the tower of St. Mary’s Basilica), the Dragon’s Den at Wawel, and wander through Kraków’s Kazimierz district.
In the village of Wieliczka, located about 12 km south of Kraków, there is a 13th-century salt mine. In addition to the underground Museum of the Krakow Salt Works, the main attraction of the salt mine is the underground tour route, which leads through a network of tunnels, vast chambers, and even chapels carved out of salt (e.g., the remarkable St. Kinga Chapel with salt reliefs and altars). There are many exhibits here related to the history and technology of salt mining. It is a great choice for a family weekend getaway.
Rabkoland is a must-see destination for a weekend trip with kids. This oldest amusement park in Małopolska offers a wide variety of attractions. It is most popular with families with children aged 2 to 12. It is located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, in Rabka-Zdrój, one kilometer from the Zakopianka highway, on the main route connecting Kraków and Zakopane. Your child is sure to remember a family weekend trip to Rabkoland for a long time to come.
A weekend trip to the mountains in Lesser Poland
There are many noteworthy hiking trails throughout Małopolska, making this region the perfect destination for a weekend trip to the mountains. Interestingly, in addition to mountain trails and bike paths, various themed trails have been created here to promote the region’s cultural, spiritual, and material heritage. It’s worth exploring the Małopolska UNESCO Trail, the Małopolska Wine Trail, the Zakopane Style Trail, or Orla Perć—the most difficult trail in Poland! A weekend trip to the mountains offers numerous attractions. You can admire beautiful views and improve your fitness. When planning a weekend trip with children, you can also awaken their passion for traveling and appreciating the beauty of Polish nature.
A weekend getaway for two in Lesser Poland
Małopolska is one of the most popular destinations for a weekend getaway for two. Małopolska is a favorite among both Poles and international visitors. When you visit Kraków’s bustling Main Square and the charming Jewish quarter (Kazimierz), it’s hard not to fall in love. However, Kraków isn’t the only place with many wonderful spots to visit on a date. The Tatra Mountains are also a great idea for a weekend getaway for two. The beautiful landscapes will enchant you, and a night in a mountain hut by the fireplace is an incredibly romantic experience. For couples who love charming places, we also recommend Sucha Beskidzka. It is a town famous for its beautiful Renaissance castle, proudly known as the “Little Wawel” due to the charm of its arcaded cloisters in the courtyard. In the center of Sucha, there is an 18th-century wooden inn called Rzym, which currently serves as a restaurant. It will be a great stop during a long weekend getaway with your loved one.
Cool places for a weekend getaway in Lesser Poland
Planning a short weekend getaway? Małopolska will delight you with its many interesting destinations for a family weekend trip. The Oscypek Trail runs through Podhale. Along the trail, you can visit shepherd’s huts where local specialties are prepared, such as oscypek, spicy bryndza, and other sheep’s milk delicacies. In the vicinity of Zakopane, it’s worth taking a walk through the magnificent Tatra valleys—Kościeliska and Chochołowska. Both feature shepherd’s huts where oscypek is made, and along the way you can admire the beauty of the limestone Western Tatras. Oscypek is also produced in the Gorce Mountains. This mountain range, home to the Gorce National Park, is much less popular among tourists, who prefer to visit the more frequented trails in the Tatra Mountains. A shepherd’s hut producing oscypek can be found in the picturesque, expansive Hala Długa at the foot of Turbacz. You can reach it from Kowaniec (near Nowy Targ) or from the village of Opuszna, which is accessible via a less-traveled trail. Along the way, it’s worth seeing the small wooden church from the second half of the 15th century and the historic Tetmajer Manor.
What to pack for a weekend trip to Małopolska
A two-day weekend getaway doesn’t require a lot of planning or money. A trip to another city, the mountains, or a sightseeing excursion lets us break out of our routine, relax, and unwind. Even as we prepare for a short getaway, we face the difficult task of what to pack for a weekend trip. First and foremost, you need to adapt to the weather and the places you plan to visit. In the summer, shorts and breezy dresses should be the mainstay, but in the winter, it’s worth bringing thick sweaters and an extra pair of winter boots. The destination of your weekend trip is also important. What should you bring to the mountains? First and foremost, a down jacket in winter and comfortable hiking boots. Don’t forget crampons and thermal underwear either. It’s also a good idea to pack band-aids for scrapes and cuts.
How much does a weekend trip to Małopolska cost?
In the summer, it’s much easier to find lodging in the highlands than on the Polish coast. So if you’re looking for a plan for a cheap last-minute weekend getaway, check out what Małopolska has to offer. A weekend trip to Kraków or the mountains with kids costs about 300 PLN per person and includes lodging, basic meals, and transportation to various tourist attractions. Don’t forget about additional attractions, though. To make your weekend getaway interesting, it’s worth exploring museums, visiting national parks (tickets are usually required), and the kids will love a trip to an amusement park. Admission to Rabkoland is inexpensive and will give your child a lot of fun!
Where to go for a weekend in Poland with kids in 2023? A roundup of attractions for kids and more!
Where should you go for a weekend with the kids? There are so many options! Each of the sixteen provinces in our country offers its own list of interesting places and unique attractions. There’s something for everyone—young and old alike, whether you love sightseeing or getting out into nature. Below, we present some of the most interesting tourist destinations for each province.
A Weekend with Your Child - Silesia
When visiting Silesia, be sure to check out Geosfera in Jaworzno and the Silesian Botanical Garden in Mikołów. The underground rafting tour in the Queen Louise Adit is also a unique attraction for both children and parents.
A Weekend with Your Child - Mazovia (Warsaw and Surrounding Areas)
This region is, of course, home to our country’s capital, which offers a wide variety of attractions for visitors of all ages: numerous museums, a Lego figurine exhibition, and the Copernicus Science Center. About 60 km from the capital, in the village of Chociszewo, lies the Park of Dwarf Tales, Figurines, and Exhibitions.
A Weekend with Your Child - Greater Poland (Poznań and the Surrounding Area)
Wielkopolska is, of course, home to the provincial capital, Poznań, and its many attractions, such as the Croissant Museum and Malta Island. It is also home to the Laboratory of Imagination in Poznań and Dzieje Park, located on the outskirts of Murowana Goślina.
A Weekend with Your Child - Pomerania
A trip to Pomerania is, of course, first and foremost an opportunity to visit the Polish Baltic coast. It’s also worth checking out the many aquariums, the water tram in Hel, and the amusement park in Władysławowo.
A Weekend with Your Child - Lower Silesia (Wrocław and the Surrounding Area)
One unique place definitely worth seeing is the gold mine in Złoty Stok. If you’re traveling with young children, you should definitely visit the zoo and the trampoline park in Wrocław.
A Weekend with Your Child - Lublin Province (Lublin and the surrounding area)
In addition to Lublin, with its stunning historical sites and culture, the Lublin Province is also home to the Roztocze National Park and the charming town of Kazimierz Dolny, both well worth a visit. The water park in Chełm and the narrow-gauge railway along the Vistula River are sure to be fun attractions for children.
A Weekend with Your Child - Świętokrzyskie
When planning a trip to the Świętokrzyskie region, be sure to include the impressive Krzyżtopór Castle and the medieval settlement in Huta Szklana. If you’re traveling with young children, you’ll also want to visit the Museum of Toys and Play in Kielce.
A Weekend with Your Child - Kujawsko-Pomorskie
First and foremost, be sure to visit the Archaeological Museum in Biskupin, which is sure to appeal to both older and younger members of the group. You should also visit Toruń and its Museum of Toys and Fairy Tales.
A Weekend with Your Child - Lubuskie
There’s a whole range of interesting attractions for people of all ages. It’s worth visiting one of its capitals, Zielona Góra, which is home to a botanical garden, a mini-zoo, and the Ethnographic Museum, among other attractions.
A Weekend with Your Child - Łódź Province
Your itinerary should definitely include its capital, Łódź, as well as the charming town of Piotrków Trybunalski, with its mysterious underground passages open to visitors.
A Weekend with Your Child - Opole Province
Parents of young children will find plenty of interesting attractions here. These include Jurapark and the Park of Science and Human Evolution in Krasiejów, as well as the Miniature Park in Olszowa.
A Weekend with Your Child - Podkarpackie
Here, it’s worth visiting the Bieszczady National Park and Solina, the country’s largest artificial lake, as well as the historic city of Przemyśl, surrounded by rings of forts that make up the second-largest fortification complex in Europe.
A Weekend with Your Child - Podlaskie
If you’re planning a weekend getaway to Podlasie, be sure to visit the stunning Białowieża Forest, as well as Baba Yaga’s Cottage and the European Bison Demonstration Reserve, both located on the forest’s edge.
A Weekend with Your Child - Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship
This region of our country is primarily home to the stunning Masuria region, one of Poland’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s also worth visiting Żuławy and taking a boat through the locks on the Elbląg Canal.
A Weekend with Your Child - West Pomeranian Voivodeship
This region also offers the chance to visit the Polish coast, as well as the narrow-gauge railway in Koszalin, the Amber Museum in Jarosławiec, and the island of Uznam.
A Weekend with Your Child - Lesser Poland
It’s worth visiting one of Poland’s most beautiful cities, Kraków, as well as the salt mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia. In addition, the Rabkoland amusement park in Rabka-Zdrój is sure to be an interesting attraction for children. The Lesser Poland Voivodeship is a region of our country rich in a wide variety of tourist attractions, for both children and adults. When visiting Małopolska, it’s worth exploring all of its larger and smaller charming cities and towns, as well as the beautiful national and landscape parks and the Polish mountains.
10 Ideas for a Winter Weekend in Lesser Poland with Kids
1. Kraków – a stroll through the Old Town and child-friendly museums
Winter in Kraków is the perfect destination for a family weekend. Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall, the Dragon’s Den, the Market Square Underground, the Living Obwarzanek Museum, and the Museum of Illusions—these are just some of the attractions you can easily fit into a 1–2 day trip with children.
2. The Wieliczka Salt Mine – an underground adventure for the whole family
The underground corridors, chambers, salt sculptures, and chapels are a huge hit with children, too. Special family tours and multimedia exhibits help children learn about the mine’s history in a fun, “adventurous” way.
3. The Bochnia Salt Mine – a multimedia tour for children
Bochnia is a great alternative or complement to a visit to Wieliczka. The multimedia tour, the underground train ride, and stories about the miners’ work give children the impression that they are taking part in a real underground expedition.
4. Rabkoland in Rabka-Zdrój – a family amusement park for children
On warmer winter weekends, it’s worth planning a visit to Rabkoland. The amusement park in Rabka-Zdrój offers attractions for children as young as 2, themed zones, carousels, rides, and facilities designed for families with young children.
5. Rabka-Zdrój – graduation tower, Spa Park, and walking trails
Rabka-Zdrój isn’t just an amusement park—it also offers a spa atmosphere, a brine graduation tower, a playground in the Spa Park, a statue of Santa Claus, and gentle hiking trails leading to Krzywoń and Maciejowa. It’s a great starting point for winter walks with children.
6. Podhale Thermal Baths – thermal pools for families with children
Bukowina Tatrzańska, Białka Tatrzańska, and Chochołów all offer thermal pool complexes with wading pools, water slides, and play areas for children. It’s a great way to warm up after a winter walk or a day of skiing.
7. Family Skiing in Lesser Poland – Child-Friendly Slopes
Resorts such as Kotelnica Białczańska, Kasina Ski, Siepraw Ski, and Maciejowa Ski in the Rabka area offer gentle slopes, ski schools, and equipment rentals. These are ideal places for children to safely begin their skiing adventure.
8. Gorczański National Park – winter walks along gentle trails
The Gorce Mountains and the area around Turbacz are ideal for families who enjoy leisurely hikes. With gentle trails, clearings offering views of the Tatra Mountains, and the chance to observe winter wildlife, this is a great destination for a day trip with children.
9. The Oscypek and Mountain Huts Trail in Podhale
You can combine a winter weekend with a visit to mountain huts and a tasting of local cheeses. Children will see how oscypek and other highland delicacies are made, while parents can enjoy short walks through the valleys and to the lookout points.
10. Winter markets and events in Lesser Poland
During the winter season, be sure to check out the Christmas markets, public ice rinks, holiday lights, and family events held in Kraków and other major cities in the region. It’s an easy way to combine a short getaway with the unique atmosphere of winter attractions.
The Bochnia Salt Mine
Tourist guides to Lesser Poland very often mention the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Of course, it is definitely worth visiting, but an equally interesting, often underrated destination is the Salt Mine in Bochnia. This oldest salt mine in Poland is over 800 years old, and visitors can explore it thanks to a special Tourist Route featuring an Underground Multimedia Exhibition. There, you can find a wealth of information about the history of this extraordinary place, presented in a particularly engaging way, even for the youngest visitors.
Rabbi's land
All parents planning a weekend getaway to Małopolska should definitely include one of Poland’s most popular amusement parks—Rabkoland—in their itinerary. This unique amusement park, with a long history and an impressive array of attractions, is located in Rabka-Zdrój, a spa town situated in the Rabka Valley, at the confluence of the Poniczanka, Słonka, and Skomielnianka streams. Rabkoland Amusement Park is a unique place full of extraordinary attractions for both older children and the youngest visitors. Some attractions—under parental supervision—can even be enjoyed by amusement park enthusiasts as young as two years old!
Poznaj nas bliżej i zaplanuj wizytę w Rabkolandzie!
Kayaking instructor, enthusiast of mountains, dance, arthouse cinema, and broadly understood Polish, Czech, Italian, and Spanish culture. She loves traveling, sleeping under the open sky, and observing nature. Passionate about poetry and symphonic music. A specialist in building strong customer relationships. Negotiating cooperation terms and presenting offers are the ABC of her daily work.
