Warsaw with Kids: 15 Fun Activities from Toddlers to Older Kids
Last Updated on Aug 23, 2024
Even though the capital city of Poland is full of history and interesting museums, it doesn’t mean that it is boring for kids. Don’t go crossing it off your Poland itinerary just yet because there are plenty of things to do in Warsaw with kids!
Having spent my childhood in Poland and then giving birth to one of my own here, I can tell you that kids can spend countless hours spotting gnomes in the streets and exploring the captivating family-friendly activities here.
Warsaw is easy to travel to with kids, so don’t worry. Public transportation works just fine, so do taxis, and there are plenty of facilities for babies, toddlers, and older kids.
Things to Do in Warsaw with Kids
1. Relax in Lazienki Park
If you’re looking for the perfect family-friendly introduction to Warsaw, Lazienki Park is it. The park not only has beautiful gardens and plenty of lawns for picnicking, but you’ll also find animals like ducks, peacocks, squirrels, and pigeons throughout making it one of the best places to visit in Poland.
For the little ones, there’s a new playground with different sections for specific age ranges. The playground even includes a water area that lets the kids do their own science experiments!
In the summer there are free summer piano recitals of Chopin’s work where you can take a picnic and relax on the grass while listening. While in winter, illuminations of historic figures in period dress are projected many meters high.
For kids who are a little older and interested in learning more about Warsaw, there’s also a handful of museums in the park to explore.
Recommended Tours:
Lazienki Park and Museum of King Jan III Palace at Wilanow
Royal Castle and Lazienki Park
2. Explore the Old Town (incl. Royal Castle & Multimedia Fountain)
Warsaw’s old town is a beautiful area of the city full of colorful historic buildings, tourist attractions, and over 600 hidden dwarves to find.
Yep! Originally created in protest of the communist movement, these tiny statues have become a symbol of the city and are hidden both in plain sight as well as in some of the most obscure spots in the Old Town. See how many you can spot!
On Friday and Saturday nights, you can also watch the sound and light display at the multimedia fountain. During the summer, music, lights, and fountains dance in unison to put on a show that is a must-see in Warsaw.
Lastly, don’t miss a visit to the Royal Castle. This interesting museum is one of the best things to do in Warsaw, full of exhibitions about the city, priceless art, and beautiful gardens to explore
Recommended Tours:
Segway Tour Warsaw: Full Tour – 3-Hours of Magic
3-Hour Panoramic City Bus Tour with Pickup
3. Enjoy the Vistula River Beaches in Warsaw with Kids
After you’ve done your fair share of walking around the city, it’s time for a break. So head to one of the sandy beaches that line the Vistula River for a fun afternoon with the whole family.
The most popular spot to visit is the Smith Patton Boulevard which has a handful of mini beaches along the river. Towards the middle section of the boulevard, you’ll find some small commercial beaches where you can rent sun loungers and have access to showers, open-air exhibitions, and trampolines.
Nearby there are also lots of restaurants and a few museums, so you could easily make a full day out here. Swimming in the river is okay but make sure to check the strength of the flow before letting your kids in as this can change depending on the water levels.
If you prefer a beach that is a bit bigger, try Poniatówka beach near the national stadium. This sandy beach has a wooden deck and grass, barbeques, a playground, and a 20 km walking path along the river.
Rusałka beach is another good choice with a view of the old town, sand, beach volleyballs, BBQs, rope park, and a water playground. And if you can’t make up your mind, why not take a river cruise and choose one you like from the water?
4. Learn at the Copernicus Science Center
Kids of all ages love the Copernicus Science Center as it is full of interactive exhibitions that let kids do their own experiments while learning about the world.
Alongside their hands-on museum, they offer workshops, a robotic theatre, and even a huge planetarium that shows films and concerts throughout the year.
There’s always something going on here so make sure to check out the events page on their website before planning your visit!
Note: This place does sell out, especially during the summer months. Book it at least two days in advance to make sure you can get it.
5. Visit Warsaw Zoo
What kind of family-friendly list would this be without mentioning the Warsaw Zoo? The zoo in Warsaw is a huge 40-hectare property that’s home to over 12,000 animals including polar bears and sloths!
While you can of course see all the typical animals you would expect to see in a zoo here, Warsaw Zoo also has a focus on rehabilitation and conservation so you have the chance to see many endangered animals here too.
6. Endulge at E. Wedel Chocolatier
E. Wedel is one of the most recognized chocolate companies in Poland and even if you haven’t heard the name before, their delicious sweets speak for themselves!
While they still use large-scale machines for the majority of their processes, many of their products are still partially created by hand to ensure the best quality, and the range of sweets available is unbeatable.
You may have a hard time dragging your kids out of this chocolate wonderland but visiting the Chocolatier will be a memorable experience for everyone. Pick a packaged chocolate or something from their cafe, take a seat, and enjoy the beautifully decorated building while your taste buds enjoy an iconic treat.
7. Experience the Warsaw Uprising Museum
For a little more learning, the Warsaw Uprising Museum tells the story of this iconic period in the city’s history.
There are plenty of interactive elements throughout the museum which ensures that children can also retain a lot of the information given and the historical items on display are quite impressive.
An audio guide is also available to accompany the exhibitions on display and I recommend taking up the chance to have a little more explanation about what you see.
Recommended Tours:
Warsaw Uprising Museum Audio Guided Tour
Warsaw Uprising Museum and POLIN Museum Tour
8. Take a Trip to Kampinoski National Park
For something completely different, head out of the city and take a trip to Kampinoski National Park.
This unique national park protects the natural sand dunes and wetlands of this region of Poland and is also home to the Ignacy Mościcki Bison Breeding Centre. Make a stop at the viewing center here to have a chance to spot some bison!
With plenty of easy hiking trails, playgrounds, and clearings with benches for a fun picnic, you can easily spend a whole day exploring the area here away from the hustle of the city. If visiting after rain, it’s also a great place to try mushroom picking.
9. Have Fun on the Cities Playgrounds
For kids who need to burn off a little extra energy, Warsaw has some great adventure parks that your little ones will love!
Below I have listed a few of our favourites for you:
- Warsaw Family Zone – Located near the multimedia fountain, this fun playground has lots of ropes to climb and a water park.
- Olkówek – Jurassic Park – This dinosaur-themed playground has lots to do for kids of all ages and is fully sanded.
- Ujazdowski Park – A modern playground with plenty of different features such as rope nets and bridges with a rubber floor. This is my kids’ favorite playground!
- Prosze Slonia – An incredible big playground in a quiet neighborhood. It has things to do for all ages.
10. Have an Interactive Dinner
Have you heard of Le Petit Chef? It’s when the whole table comes alive through animated immersive projections. The animations blend with the dishes served as the little figurine cooks your steak or pasta.
They have branches all over the world, but the bonus of the Warsaw location at the Hilton Hotel is that it’s the cheapest in Europe. Ultimately, you’re getting the same experience for less.
11. Have an Adult Meal While the Kids Are Entertained
Warsaw has quite a few restaurants that offer kids play areas perfectly hidden. It’s so easy to eat out with kids in Poland, so we could all enjoy normal food and eat in peace while the kids are playing in ball pits, climb slides and have some games.
For those wondering, these restaurants don’t seem to miss out by providing fun stuff for families. Quite the opposite, most of these spots are usually fully booked and about 75% by adults without kids.
Our favorite restaurants with play areas in Warsaw are:
- Otto Pompieri
- Der Elefant
- Videlec
- Cafe Przygoda (more of a cafe)
12. Get High at Rope Park Bielany
For an outdoor adventure for the whole family, the Bielany Rope Park offers high rope courses for many different skill levels.
There are 5 routes of varying difficulties with an option starting for kids that are just 2 years old but you must be at least 120cm tall to participate.
The courses include obstacles as easy as a ball pit suspended 1.5 meters above the ground, all the way up to exhilarating Tarzan swings and zip lines!
13. Jump at Hangar 646
If you find yourself on a gloomy day in the city, head to Hangar 646 for some super bouncy fun!
This indoor trampoline park incorporates so much more than just bouncing. With obstacle courses, competitions, slides, and swings, there is plenty to keep the whole family occupied all day long.
Another option is Fun Park Digiloo with trampolines, which is usually better for smaller kids.
14. Try Indoor Skydiving
Indoor skydiving is a lot of fun regardless of where you try it, but Flyspot in Warsaw is a great choice for the whole family as kids are not only allowed but are encouraged to try flying here.
After putting on your protective equipment, you will be taken to a giant tube where one by one you will fly thanks to the pressure from a giant fan.
Don’t worry if you’ve never tried it before, you will be accompanied by a trained guide who will make sure you are safe at all times.
15. Visit the Polish Army Museum
If your kids are fascinated with weapons, the Polish Army Museum will not disappoint!
Here you will find huge tanks, airplanes, helicopters, guns, knives, and countless other artifacts on display.
Of course, there is also plenty of information about the history of the Polish Army but not much is written in English so the star of the show is certainly the countless full-scale vehicles to see!
16. See the Winter Lights at Wilanow Castle
Every winter, the gardens surrounding Wilanow Castle turn into a magical winter wonderland with a huge light display called the Royal Garden of Light.
There are countless sculptures created from colorful lights for you all the explore from October to February each year and the tradition is a favourite amongst locals and expats alike.
Some of the light sculptures even have musical shows that are times to interact with the lights as well as a 3D light projection on the Palace itself.
Recommended Tours:
Skip-the-Line Wilanow Palace & Gardens Private Tour
Wilanow Palace Small Group Tour
17. Try Skiing at Szczesliwicka Gorka + Ice Skating at PGE Stadium
Another fun winter experience in Warsaw with kids is to go skiing on Szczesliwicka Hill. Located in the west of the city, this is the highest hill in the city and has a chairlift that transports you to the top.
While its 50m length might not excite experienced skiers, it’s a great place to try skiing for the first time or simply have some fun snow play with your family.
Alternatively, you can head to the PGE Stadium to try ice skating! The two rinks make up the largest indoor skating complex in Poland, but make sure to check the schedule online as certain sessions are suitable for kids.
19. Spend a Day at the Largest Waterpark in Europe
Just 45 minutes from Warsaw, there’s a tropical 32°C and a year-round waterpark called Suntago. You should plan a whole day for Suntago because there are simply too many slides, spas, thermal pools and other attractions to enjoy it fully in just a few hours.
