Poland family vacations

Poland is one of the largest countries in Europe and is often considered as the most traditional. As a deeply religious country with a long and rich history, a vacation to Poland is sure to be steeped in culture, art, architecture and history. The country is even pedaled as the Italy of Eastern Europe due to its artistic and aesthetic merits. Dotted with castles that look as though they’ve been lifted straight from a fairytale, it’s no wonder then that it’s also a great destination for a family trip with so much for kids of all ages to see and do.

Best things to see and do in Poland with kids

What to see as a family

Any family visit to Poland has to start with a visit to its major cities. Begin in Krakow, where the main attractions include its medieval central square and the many palaces, churches and museums that can be visited throughout the city. Take a trip to the old Jewish quarter, Kazimierz, a trendy area filled with restaurants serving delicious food with options for traditional meals and flavors, cozy cafes, quirky shops and picturesque streets. Next move on to Warsaw for a city with so much to visit. Wander around royal palaces, large parks, museums and galleries and enjoy city life at its finest. Warsaw is also home to lots of cool bars and restaurants which are definitely worth exploring during the early evenings before you head back to your family friendly hotel to get some rest before the next adventure. Poland’s castles are another main attraction and families should not miss exploring a few of the finest. Wawel Castle is perhaps the most well known and families of all ages will love exploring the castle and its surroundings. Malbork Castle is another fantastic location and you can even pack a picnic and enjoy a spectacular view of the castle as you enjoy your food.

What to do as a family

Poland is also a popular destination for more active families who won’t be disappointed by the huge range of activities on offer. Go climbing, hiking, cycling, kayaking and much more in places such as Morskie Oko, a stunning lake surrounded by countryside. Bialowieza Forest is also a beautiful area to explore on foot or by bike, with a huge expanse of trees and greenery to admire as you follow the selection of trails suitable for all ages, fitness levels and abilities. Poland also has a great range of tour for families of all ages which can easily be adapted to suit your timings and preferences. Take a tour of the unusual Wieliczka Salt Mine, where you can see the mine itself, as well as underground tunnels, lakes and even chapels and chambers. This site boasts themed tours for all ages so you’re bound to enjoy this Polish day trip. For a dose of recent history, a tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is an important and unmissable part of your time here which will give you insight into the past of this country as well as the turbulent recent history of parts of Europe. Whilst this may seem a shocking place to visit with children, tours can be adapted and it can be vital for children to have an understanding of hugely important events in humankind’s recent history. Take a guided tour of this devastating location and learn some valuable insights together as a family.

Best time to visit Poland as a family

Like most of Europe, Poland is a versatile and year-round destination. For outdoorsy families, why not visit during the warm summer or spring months? You’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors at its finest in the perfect temperatures of a polish summer. The cities are stunning both during winter and summer months, winter months offering tourist sites that are less crowded. If you choose to visit during Christmas time you’ll be able to enjoy the best of the hearty local food as well as traditional Christmas markets and ice skating. During the summer, European school holidays mean that you and your family are likely to encounter slightly raised prices as well as reduced availability of family friendly accommodations. Family tours to Poland would do best to avoid peak holiday season in order to make the most of their time here. However, no matter when you decide to visit, you’ll have an unforgettable time on your private tour of Poland with your kids.

Family vacation tips for traveling to Poland

With a little research and knowledge you can ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your family trip to Poland, here a few tips and tricks to ensure that everything runs smoothly on your vacation.

• As with any popular tourist destination, you and your family may encounter pickpockets when visiting some of the more crowded sites, particularly in cities and during the evening. These are easy to tackle by simply making sure that any valuables are kept safe and sound back at your hotel and that you don’t carry large amounts of cash.
• Try to learn a few key phrases in the local language. This will be helpful in any situation and even if you never need it to communicate, it can be fun and educational for children to learn about the local language and culture. If nothing else, everyone likes to be greeted and thanked in their native language.
• Try as much local food as possible. You never know what you may find and you can have a pizza anytime. However, if the local isn’t your preference, there are so many options that will please even fussy children.
• Getting private local guides during your time can be worth the extra cost. As one of Europe’s less touristy destinations, there’s a lot to be said for having a local to show you around, as well as to help you communicate in more rural areas where not everyone will speak English.