Winter break is a time to relax and take a break from schoolwork. It’s worth spending these two weeks in a way that’s enjoyable for both children and parents, so you can make the most of your free time. Where should you go for your winter vacation? Which places in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship are worth checking out? Here are some suggestions!
Winter Getaways in Lesser Poland – What You Need to Know
Winter break began this year on January 15, but some students had to wait until February 12 for their turn. That’s when students in the provinces of Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Lubusz, Świętokrzyskie, Greater Poland, and Lesser Poland began their break from school.
Małopolska is a region that boasts numerous and diverse attractions for both children and adults. Both in the provincial capital and in many other smaller towns, there are dozens of museums, galleries, theaters, as well as vacation resorts and sports facilities. So not only students who prefer active recreation but also less avid sports and recreation enthusiasts will easily find something to their liking.
Winter Break in Kraków – Activities for Kids and Fun Things to Do
The capital of the Małopolska Province, Kraków, naturally offers plenty of options for spending your free time during winter break. One of the most popular cities in Poland, it is visited every year by thousands of tourists from both Poland and abroad. There are at least a dozen museums here, each featuring fascinating exhibitions and exhibits. The following may be of particular interest to children:
- The Natural History Museum of the Institute of Animal Systematics and Evolution of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Kraków,
- Polish Aviation Museum,
- Museum of Illusions,
- The Living Obwarzanek Museum,
- Interactive Museum of Electronics,
- The underground passages beneath Kraków's Main Square.
If you’re visiting Kraków with children, be sure to check out the Groteska Theater, which regularly stages plays specifically for young audiences. In February, the main attraction is The Ugly Duckling. The city also features a water park and a trampoline park.
Winter attractions in Lesser Poland aren’t limited to Kraków! Where else is worth visiting?
Of course, Lesser Poland is not just its capital, but also many other interesting cities and regions. It takes only a short drive from Kraków to reach the equally fascinating town of Wieliczka. Wieliczka, in turn, is famous above all for its must-see salt mine, which is one of the top tourist attractions in Poland. Wieliczka is also home to the fascinating Museum of the Kraków Salt Works, located right next to the mine. There, you can admire, among other things, the historic interior of the castle and a rich collection of salt shakers from around the world. Additionally, the museum organizes special activities and attractions for students during school breaks.
The next stop on the route from Kraków is Bochnia, located just a few dozen kilometers from the provincial capital, where you should visit the salt mine with its multimedia exhibits and multisensory tour.
The Małopolska Province is also home to dozens of ski trails, resorts, and modern thermal pools. Southern Poland also offers miles of mountain trails waiting to be explored by hiking enthusiasts. Among the most famous and popular destinations for skiers are:
- Kotelnica Białczańska Ski Resort,
- Siepraw Ski Resort,
- Sport Arena Myślenice Ski Resort,
- Wierchomla Ski Resort,
- Rytro-Ryterski Paradise,
- Little Quiet,
- Szczawnica-Palenica,
- Zakopane-Harenda Ski Resort.
Winter in the City for Kids: Winter Break in Rabka-Zdrój
Another great way to spend your winter break is to visit the well-known tourist and spa town of Rabka-Zdrój in Lesser Poland. It is home to one of the country’s oldest and most famous amusement parks, Rabkoland.
Rabka-Zdrój is also home to the Rabcio Puppet Theater, which will be staging performances such as Pinocchio and The Scheming Flea during winter break. Young fans of museums and history will also find something to enjoy in the town, particularly the Railway Rolling Stock Open-Air Museum in Chabówka, located on the site of a former locomotive depot, as well as the Museum of Highlanders and Bandits and the Władysław Orkan Museum.
Rabka and the surrounding area are the perfect destination for skiing enthusiasts and hikers. For students on winter break, there are slopes just a short distance from the town:
- At Żura's in Chabówka,
- Maciejowa Ski,
- Polczakówka Ski.
Just 15 to 30 kilometers from the city, there are also other attractive resorts for winter sports enthusiasts, including Kasinka Wielka, Koninki, and Długa Polana in Nowy Targ.
How can you keep your child safe during winter break?
During a winter vacation, it’s essential to ensure children’s safety—both on the slopes and when enjoying urban attractions. Make sure your child is wearing appropriate clothing, a helmet, shoes with good traction, and reflective gear if you’re out after dark. Before any activity, remind them of basic safety rules, and in the mountains, also check weather reports and trail conditions. Good preparation is the easiest way to ensure a successful and safe winter break.
School Breaks in Poland 2026 – Dates by Province
The dates for the 2026 winter break—as is the case every year—will vary by province. This allows students from different parts of the country to enjoy winter activities without large crowds. It’s a good idea to check the dates for your region in advance so you can plan your accommodations, transportation, and trips around Małopolska ahead of time. Planning early increases your chances of finding great deals and helps you plan a relaxing family vacation with peace of mind.
A world of possibilities in the mountains!
The entire Małopolska Province, and especially its southern part—including Rabka-Zdrój and Zakopane—is the perfect place for a winter break. Students taking a break from school—whether they prefer active recreation or more peaceful or intellectual relaxation—are sure to find something to suit their tastes. What’s more, the interesting attractions in Kraków, Rabka-Zdrój, and other regions of Małopolska will successfully meet the expectations not only of the youngest visitors but also of their parents.
Find out more about us and plan a visit to Rabkoland!
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.
