Family Guide to Zakopane: Attractions and Hiking for Children in the Tatras

Zakopane is one of the most beautiful and popular places in Poland, offering something for everyone – including families with children. Mountain views, fresh air, plenty of outdoor attractions, as well as educational elements related to history, culture and nature make Zakopane a great place for a family trip. If you are planning a trip with children, this blog guide will help you plan an unforgettable adventure in the Tatras!

1. Zakopane – City of Adventure and Relaxation for Children

Zakopane, with its picturesque streets, traditional highlander architecture and access to the Tatra National Park, is a place that delights not only adults but also children. Whether your little ones love outdoor activities or prefer sightseeing, Zakopane has many attractions for them.

2. Highland Attractions That Children Will Love

and) Cable car to Gubałówka

A visit to Zakopane with children cannot be complete without a trip to Gubałówka. The funicular railway is a great attraction that provides children with not only the joy of the journey, but also wonderful views of the entire Zakopane and the Tatras. At the very top of Gubałówka, there are numerous attractions waiting for you - rope parks, a playground, the possibility of using the slide and viewing points. It is an ideal place for a family walk.

b) Tatra Museum and Exhibitions for Children

The Tatra Museum is a great opportunity to introduce children to the world of mountains, nature, the history of Zakopane and the traditions of the region. Interesting exhibits, interactive exhibitions and a rich ethnographic collection mean that children can learn something new, and the whole family spends time in an educational way.

c) Krupówki - The Heart of Zakopane

Krupówki is a place that delights not only tourists but also children. A walk along the famous street full of souvenir shops, ice cream parlors, carousels and amusement parks will make the youngest ones feel like they are in seventh heaven. It is worth stopping at the stalls with regional delicacies and trying oscypek, a traditional highland cheese.

d) Thermal Baths and Pools

If the weather is not good or you want to relax after a day of walking, Zakopane also offers great places to relax in the water. Termy Chochołowskie and Termy Bukovina are complexes with swimming pools, saunas and water slides, which are especially popular with children. It is also a great opportunity to relax in the hot springs and relax wonderfully after a day of excitement.

3. Outdoor Fun – Mountain Hiking and Activities

Zakopane is a true paradise for mountain hiking enthusiasts, but importantly – many trails and attractions are also available for families with children.

and) Hiking with children – Kościeliska Valley

One of the most beautiful and easy trails in Zakopane is the Kościeliska Valley. This is a trail that can be easily walked with small children, and along the way you will find wonderful views and numerous caves, bridges and charming places to rest. The valley is perfect for families who want to feel the magic of the Tatras without having to face difficult mountain trails.

b) Chochołowska Valley – Walk to the Shelter

The Chochołowska Valley is another suggestion for families. It is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tatras, which delights both in summer and winter. A walk to the PTTK Shelter in the Chochołowska Valley is a suggestion for a peaceful family trip. You can go there on foot or use the so-called horse-drawn carriages, which offer transport to the shelter.

c) Hiking with children – Morskie Oko

If you are ready for a longer walk, it is worth going to Morskie Oko. Although it is quite a long trail, the entire route is very picturesque and easy to cover, especially in early spring, summer and autumn. Children will be delighted not only with the views, but also the opportunity to see Tatra nature at your fingertips.

4. Zakopane in Winter – Activities in the Snow

Zakopane is one of the best places in Poland for winter fun. Families with children can enjoy a lot of attractions in the snow.

and) Sleds, Skis, Snowboards

Zakopane is a great place to teach children how to ski or snowboard. Many ski resorts offer ski schools that specialize in teaching children. What's more, there are numerous slopes with a gentle slope for the youngest. Children can also enjoy many attractions, such as sled slides or the sled track on Gubałówka.

b) Fun in the Snow

Zakopane is also a great place to have fun outdoors in the snow. Sledding, building snowmen, organizing snowball fights – winter magic in the Tatras is waiting for you!

c) Sleigh Rides and Snowmobiling

If you want to experience an unforgettable adventure, take your family on a sleigh ride. Charming sleighs pulled by horses, wonderful views and the impression of traveling through magical mountain forests are an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Another winter attraction is snowmobiles, which offer rides on the Tatra wilderness.

5. Zakopane with Children – Where to Stay?

There are many places in Zakopane that are ideal for families. You will find guesthouses, hotels and cottages that offer comfortable conditions for your stay and numerous facilities for children - such as playgrounds, swimming pools and even animations. Additionally, many facilities offer the option of meals, which definitely simplifies the organization of a family trip.