The past few months have been a challenging ordeal for many families around the world. The need to reorganize daily routines and, in many cases, balance remote work with the difficulties of caring for children at the same time has been the reality of recent months.
All these inconveniences, combined with mandatory social distancing, only added to the frustration of both exhausted parents and their children, who, unable to interact with their peers, had no outlet for their boundless energy.
The sudden disruption of their normal way of life, the lack of extracurricular activities to nurture the children’s interests, the closure of recreational facilities, and even playgrounds led to several months of round-the-clock coexistence between exhausted parents and children.
Where should I take my child for the weekend?
The gradual easing of restrictions, while maintaining necessary safety protocols, offers an opportunity to escape from the demands of everyday life and enjoy the benefits of the entertainment available.
Favorable weather, the ability to travel, and the reopening of entertainment venues make it possible to relax away from home.
A weekend with a small child – limited range of excursions
Planning a family trip with a small child is no easy task. Starting with the logistics—packing all the necessary gear requires a solid plan.
You should always bring a stroller, diapers, toys, and other essentials for the trip and your stay. You should also consider your child’s individual preferences—do they enjoy traveling? How do they handle long trips? Do they fall asleep easily in unfamiliar places?
When you first start taking weekend trips together, it’s a good idea to choose destinations closer to home so your child can gradually get used to the new routine over the weekend. This is an excellent way to help them adjust.
A weekend with the kids—what are some fun activities?
Siblings with a few years' age difference have different needs when it comes to spending their free time and prefer different activities. When planning even a weekend trip with children of different ages, it's a good idea to tailor the itinerary to meet their emotional and social needs.
While a toddler will have a great time in the sandbox and on the mini-slides, an older brother or sister will prefer a completely different kind of entertainment. It would be a good idea to check out what nearby amusement parks have to offer. Maybe it’s worth considering a trip to another town? Such an outing will provide a breath of fresh air for every member of the family, offer new experiences, and strengthen family bonds.
See also: Where to spend the weekend with your child? 4 tried-and-true ideas
Check out the educational activities for kids in your area!
The summer break does indeed mean no school obligations, a break from early mornings and homework. However, it’s worth using the weekend to help your child develop their passions and talents. Many organizations offer programs tailored to each child’s individual interests for weekend trips.
The starting point should be exploring the immediate surroundings. Often, right where you live, you can find a wide range of activities that will keep even the youngest explorers entertained. Technical summer classes at a university tailored to young children, drawing lessons, or learning a foreign language through play?
Weekend cultural centers and private initiatives can effectively help children not only discover a new passion but also develop social skills. Interacting with adult instructors and participants who are a few years younger or older forces children to step outside their comfort zone. This, in turn, will certainly pay off in their adult lives.
A Weekend with the Kids - The Zoo Is Always Kid-Friendly
Another great place to visit with the kids for the weekend is the zoo. I think everyone has fond memories of visiting the zoo.
The wide variety of animal species—from the smaller ones that inspire wonder to the predators that command respect, and sometimes even fear —this explosive mix of emotions makes a weekend trip to the zoo a real treat both for the youngest children, who get to meet animals they’ve only known from fairy tales or books so far, and for older, school-age children.
Greater experience also lends such an expedition an educational aspect and fosters respect for established procedures—one must resist the overwhelming urge to pet the animals and refrain from feeding them.
Modern museums for kids to visit on the weekend
Museums designed with young explorers in mind are also an interesting option. Creating exhibits that will capture the attention of the youngest visitors is quite a challenge.
It turns out, however, that organizing an interesting and inspiring field trip to such a facility is entirely possible! Conducting experiments in a school setting is often neglected—a lack of proper facilities and time, which is barely enough to cover the core curriculum—all of this means that it is only in such places and during the weekend that children and teenagers have the chance to see firsthand the reactions they know only from books.
A weekend with the kids in the mountains and at an amusement park
A weekend getaway for families with kids? Or perhaps a longer vacation away from crowded resorts? For many families, spending free time together in a new setting is an opportunity to recharge their batteries and have amazing adventures.
Days filled with exciting activities that effectively help children burn off their excess energy over the weekend will give parents a much-needed break from constantly entertaining their kids and coming up with ways for them to spend their free time.
Visiting popular coastal cities comes with certain risks. The local climate isn’t exactly tourist-friendly; the summer months are often rainy, and planning a vacation in the hope of avoiding a cooler, cloudier spell can be a source of anxiety.
An affordable weekend with the kids—is that still possible?
The “horror receipts” that have recently gone viral—showing that a standard seaside lunch of fish and chips can cost as much as several hundred zlotys—could effectively deter people from taking a trip to the Polish coast.
The same goes for choosing the most popular cities in southern Poland. Crowded streets, higher-than-usual prices, pushy sales tactics at market stalls, and a lack of adequate infrastructure for families with children—all of this makes it worth considering other weekend destinations.
Rabka-Zdrój—the perfect weekend getaway with kids!
Southern Poland hides a gem that is often overlooked on the way to the popular resort of Zakopane—Rabka. The end of June marks the official start of summer vacation. Many Polish families have begun thinking about how to make the most of this time and create plenty of new memories. A visit to Rabkoland is the perfect way for the whole family to have fun.
Starting June 27, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, we welcome our eagerly awaited guests, who are eager for new and wonderful experiences! We guarantee a cure for summer boredom and a wide range of entertainment options, so that everyone—from the youngest to the slightly older—will find something to enjoy. A visit to Rabkoland is more than just an amusement park and its typical attractions. We are the oldest amusement park in Małopolska—serving hundreds of guests has taught us how to make the most of this place’s potential.
Rabkoland's Weekend Special
Our amusement park offers plenty of attractions for children of all ages. To help you plan your visit, we’ve categorized the available attractions by age group for your convenience:
- ages 0 to 3,
- 4–7 years old,
- Ages 8–12.
A wide variety of surprises awaits our visitors right from the moment they enter. It’s also worth noting that your admission ticket grants you access to countless attractions throughout the park. Best of all, children under 90 cm tall get in completely free!
You won’t find any coin-operated swings here—only button-operated ones. Clear, transparent rules and a commitment to providing our guests with unforgettable experiences are our top priority.
A Weekend with Your Child at Rabkoland
Our amusement park offers the typical attractions found in amusement parks, such as carousels, pontoons, bumper cars, and roller coasters. Modern playgrounds and other attractions that effectively support children’s psychomotor development also add value. The vast array of possibilities ensures an exciting day at Rabkoland.
After hours of fun, we invite you to our restaurants, where we serve delicious meals. A visit to our amusement park won’t break the bank. A full-day admission ticket for a family of four (2 adults and 2 children) costs between 98 and 196 PLN, depending on the children’s age and height. A visit to the Open-Air Museum or the Museum of Highlanders and Bandits costs less than 50 PLN, while a performance at the Rabcio Theater costs 80 PLN for a family of four.
We also haven’t forgotten about the requirements for complying with mandatory health and safety protocols. The safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. Our employees ensure that disinfection is carried out on an ongoing basis. Handrails and handles are disinfected after every ride. We have set up approximately 40 hand sanitizer stations throughout the park.
We also encourage you to purchase tickets online, which will allow you to enter Rabkoland through the main gate without having to wait in line. We offer secure cashless payments at our gift shops and food and beverage outlets.
Where to go for a weekend with a child? – Lesser Poland
Małopolska is the perfect region for a family weekend getaway. It offers everything from mountain hikes and charming towns to attractions designed especially for children. Depending on the season, it’s a good idea to choose your destination based on the weather and your children’s ages.
Where should I go for a weekend with my child this spring?
- The Garden of Experiences in Kraków – an interactive outdoor space filled with scientific experiments.
- The Spa Park in Rabka-Zdrój – beautiful paths, playgrounds, and a mineral water pump room.
- The Open-Air Museum in Wygiełzów – a living lesson in history and folk culture set amid wooden architecture.
Where should I go for a weekend with my child this summer?
- Rabkoland in Rabka-Zdrój – an amusement park with attractions for children of all ages.
- Energylandia in Zator – Poland’s largest amusement park, packed with roller coasters and themed areas.
- Dobczyce Reservoir – a beach, swimming area, and opportunities for outdoor activities by the water.
Where should I go for a weekend with my child this fall?
- The Wieliczka or Bochnia Salt Mine – an extraordinary underground adventure with educational value.
- Autumn Trails in the Gorce Mountains – shorter routes with beautiful views and colorful forests.
- The Toy Museum in Rabka-Zdrój – a place where children can see toys from years past as well as modern exhibits.
Where should I go for a weekend with my child in the winter?
- The ski resorts in Białka Tatrzańska and Kluszkowce – perfect for beginner skiers.
- Bania or Chochołowskie Thermal Baths – relaxation and water fun in warm thermal pools.
- A sleigh ride near Zakopane or Rabka – a winter activity featuring sleighs, torches, and a bonfire.
An Affordable Weekend with the Kids – 10 Attractions in and Around Kraków
A weekend with your child doesn’t have to be expensive. In Kraków and the surrounding area, you’ll find plenty of attractions that are free or very inexpensive, yet still guarantee a great time and a meaningful way to spend your time.
- A walk through the Old Town and Wawel – discover the history of Kraków at no extra cost.
- Dragon's Den – a must-see for kids fascinated by legends about the Wawel Dragon.
- Jagiellonian University Botanical Garden – full of colorful plants and educational trails.
- Krakow Zoo – affordable family tickets and many exotic animal species.
- Jordan Park in Kraków – playgrounds, walking paths, and sports fields.
- Kościuszko Mound – a great viewpoint and a place for a family stroll.
- The Main Market Square Underground – a multimedia museum that captivates both children and adults.
- Niepołomice Castle – a historic attraction located a short distance from Kraków.
- The Bochnia Salt Mine – a more affordable alternative to Wieliczka, with attractions for children.
- The Spa Park in Rabka-Zdrój – combined with a visit to Rabkoland, it’s a surefire way to have a great time.
Summary
There is no need to wear masks while enjoying the attractions or walking along the paths in our park. Please remember to maintain a safe distance from other visitors.
There is no requirement to cover your mouth and nose while using the available facilities. The only exceptions are two attractions located indoors: the Museum of the Order of the Smile and Mareczek the Clown’s House. These are the only venues where you must cover your face.
Rabka is also home to the Spa Park—the pride of the town, which attracts tourists with its beautiful views and a drinking hall for therapeutic waters. In addition to its health benefits, the park also surprises visitors with its playgrounds, opportunities to play mini-golf with the kids, and rides on ATVs or scooters. The rope park also has its own group of enthusiasts. The picturesque landscape and the wealth of attractions offered by Rabkoland guarantee a successful vacation regardless of the weather.
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.
