Małopolska’s amusement parks are not only for children

For children

Actively in the summer

Attractions of Malopolska

A view of a group of people in a roller coaster carriage at the Energylandia amusement park.

Nowhere in Poland is there as expansive a complex of amusement parks for children as in the Małopolska region. They guarantee a journey to the land of fairy tales, a thrill on an amusement ride or a walk in Jurassic Park, as everyone is eager to return to their childhood years, especially in the company of their children, friends and family. Nothing brings us closer than shared positive emotions, a dose of adrenaline or a journey into the created worlds of exoticism and fairy tales. Come and have fun!

Energylandia – a high dose of adrenaline

Energylandia in Zator is undoubtedly number one among amusement parks in Poland. The park offers unforgettable experiences for both young and old at 123 attractions spread over 70 hectares of land. The park has different themed zones: the Fairytale Land, the Family Zone, the Extreme Zone, the Water Park, the Dragon's Lair and Aqualantis. Indeed, the safest thing for the youngest visitors will be a visit to the Fairytale Land – a land of fairy tales and fables, where every little one becomes a character from their favourite cartoon or meets a fairy tale character. Carousels, mini coasters, cars and aeroplanes create a safe and attractive space for the youngest children.

The Family Zone provides more adrenaline and fun space for families. Water rafting, a sightseeing train and a race on the Moya Formula Autodrom track are just some of the many options for spending time together. Those with stronger nerves can try out some surprising roller coasters. It is worth remembering that there is a height restriction on some attractions: a minimum of 140 cm.

The Extreme Zone is already a space for the exceptionally brave and those who are craving intense sensations. The fastest and biggest roller coasters provide fun at top speed, the giant Aztec Swing or the powerful 40-metre arm of the Space Booster reaching up to 140 km/h. The Hyperion, the highest and fastest in Europe in its category, and the Speed Water Coaster, the world record-holder among water roller coasters, come to the fore here.

On the other hand, the Dragon's Lair is a stylised zone transporting visitors to the world of The Lord of the Rings and The Witcher. The unique fantasy land is made of wood and stone, with details reminiscent of medieval architecture. The biggest attraction here is the Wooden Coaster Zadra, the highest in the world (63 metres). The coaster reaches speeds of 120 km/h, and the gradient of the first drop is 90 degrees. It is breathtaking! The youngest can take the scenic railway to the land of dragons or try the newest scenic attraction, the Wonder Wheel, with 30 gondolas.

The Water Park and Aqualantis are zones for beautiful holiday weather. Here you can swim or simply relax while enjoying the exotic surroundings. There are numerous exciting slides, and each zone takes you to a different tropical location.

Inwałd Park – a complex of parks

It is a complex of five theme parks, each taking visitors to a different land. In the Miniature Park, in beautiful surroundings, one can stroll among the most outstanding monuments and pearls of Polish, European and world architecture. The Eiffel Tower, St. Peter's Basilica of the Vatican and the Great Wall of China are just some of the most famous structures. Those who feel like a journey back in time to the Middle Ages are invited to visit the Inwałd Stronghold. The medieval castle and settlement reveal the secrets of the lives of the first rulers and settlers and present the different trades, crafts, and professions of the day.

Dinolandia, in turn, is a dinosaur park where you can learn many interesting facts about their life and see specially prepared specimens. Besides, it offers entertainment in beautiful surroundings in a rope park, a mini golf course, a climbing wall or a beach among the dinosaurs. Everyone can take a souvenir photo in a dinosaur's mouth or try their hand at the palaeontology stand.

The ticket price includes visiting the John Paul II Garden – the world's largest blloming image of the Polish Pope.

The last attraction in the complex is the Pony Mini Zoo, home to various animal species. It is a unique zoo on the map of Małopolska, as you can feed the animals with specially prepared food.

Zatorland – the Dinosaur Park and more

This is yet another attraction on the map of Malopolska transporting visitors back to prehistoric times. Zatorland is Europe's most prominent animated dinosaur park with more than 100 different dinosaurs that move and make sounds. The most extensive representation of the species, the Argentinosaurus, is the size of a several-storey building. A visit here is not only much fun but also an exciting lesson in the history of Earth. There is also a chance to participate in palaeontological workshops, and the educational trails provide unforgettable experiences. Zatorland also features the Lunapark with a wide range of 5D cinema, a 3D simulator and other attractions.

In turn, the Mythology Park invites visitors to the mysterious world of Greek gods, goddesses, and heroes, offering the opportunity to get to know the main characters of mythological beliefs and stories.

Another huge attraction is the Insect Park, which is home to 28 different human-sized insects.

Rabkoland

The family amusement park Rabkoland (a description of Rabkoland) in Rabka-Zdrój is an amusement park ideal for the youngest and oldest alike. The Luna Circus invites you to the world of illusion, where you can meet Mareczek the Clown and visit his magical house. On the other hand, the Highland Jungle offers a a chance to go searching for Uhu Uhu's treasures, a ride on a stone train, a rock-climbing machine, and a chance to feed animals. In Rabkoland, you can take a ride on a flying bus, a pony or a giant space-time bender – a visit to the Machinarium will inspire you to travel in ground vehicles and encourage you to rise up into the air. The youngest visitors can move to the fabulous Bumblebee Valley and the wooden Viking Village. The good news is that children up to a height of 90 cm have free admission to the amusement park.

Rope parks and other attractions

GOJUMP Kraków-Sikorki, the largest trampoline park in Małopolska, is a unique place on the map of Kraków. The facility hosts various sports activities for children and adults. Acro fun, acrobatics, gymnastics or free-running are included in the park's offerings. In addition, a sponge pool is available for visitors, and birthday parties and activities for schools can be held in the park.

The agility rope parks are very popular with children, both older and younger. One such park is even located in Kraków and provides top-level entertainment. Visitors can choose from five routes of varying lengths and difficulties, including a Tyrolean route, a high route and a medium route.

Other famous rope parks in a natural mountain landscape are located in Zakopane – the Gugu Rope Park with a view of Giewont and the Krynica Rope Park at the foot of Jaworzyna Krynicka in Krynica-Zdrój.

The parks offer a substitute for competitive sports with basic skills in the use of belaying equipment and a test of basic climbing and agility skills.

Relaxation zone – water parks and thermal baths

A relaxing visit to water parks is also a pleasant form of entertainment. The Water Park Kraków invites the residents of Kraków and the surrounding area to relax and learn, take fitness classes and enjoy therapeutic massages. However, the most famous in the region is the geothermal baths in Podhale. The Aqua Park Zakopane offers water attractions with the most beautiful view – from the outdoor pools, there is a lovely panorama of Giewont; it is delightful to bask in the geothermal water and enjoy a picture of the Tatra Mountains. Children will enjoy the slides and smaller pools. The Chochołowskie Thermal Baths, the most extensive thermal baths in Poland, additionally invite you to the Chochołowskie SPA – a wellness zone for relaxing and healing treatments.

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Kraków and its surroundings – enjoy the journey! Not only obwarzanek and Kraków-style maczanka

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Three rows of Kraków obwarzanek with poppy seeds and salt stacked one on top of the other.

As befits the capital of Małopolska, Kraków is the culinary centre of the region. The gastronomic offer here is exceptionally rich and varied. There is also no shortage of places to taste regional delicacies and buy local titbits.

Crunchy obwarzanek, Prądnik bread and kukiełka buns, aromatic dry Kraków sausage, Kraków maczanka, bagels from Kazimierz, Ojców trout and those more modern legends of taste, Blue Nysa Van Sausages at the Market Hall and the famous zapiekanka from the New Square. Here are the traditional flavours of Kraków. Sound tasty? It is just a foretaste of a culinary tour of Kraków. Are you up for a delicious adventure?

Bagels – from Kraków to New York

It is safe to say about Kraków that there is no other city in Poland with such a diverse culinary offer. However, it is easy to find genuinely local products in the maze of restaurants, bars and bistros offering dishes from almost all over the world. We suggest where to look for them.

Kraków cuisine, like the cuisine of other sub-regions of Małopolska, has been shaped under the influence of many cultures. Administrative turmoil over the centuries meant it could draw heavily on the culinary traditions of the Jewish, Ukrainian and Armenian populations, while strong Austro-Hungarian influences can also be seen. Unfortunately, the post-war period and the era of the Polish People's Republic standardised cuisine and popularised mass-produced food. Fortunately, many flavours are being revived and returning to favour today.

In Kraków's Kazimierz, Jewish cuisine reigned supreme. The bagel, today considered a landmark of New York, originated in Kazimierz. Eastern, Ukrainian and Armenian influences developed due to trade links between the eastern and western parts of Europe. However, Austro-Hungarian traditions were the strongest in Kraków cuisine. The famous cheesecake, Sacher cake, and pischinger are delicacies that came to Kraków directly from Viennese tables.

Obwarzanek from the Foundation Charter of Kraków

Undoubtedly, the obwarzanek is Kraków's most recognisable delicacy. It was baked as early as the Middle Ages, and the first written text to mention it dates from the 13th century. Today, obwarzanek is a leading Polish accent on the EU's list of regional products. Its name is linked to the dough being soaked in boiling water before baking.

Traditional Kraków bakery products include Prądnik bread and kukiełka lisiecka – a bun with a characteristic spindle shape. Other regional dishes you can taste in Kraków include Kraków maczanka (a pork dish served with caraway sauce and bread), Kraków tripe and sour rye soup.

In Kraków, one cannot deny oneself the unique Kraków style duck, served with groats and mushrooms. Today, it is the flagship dish of the best restaurants in Małopolska. In the past, the locals also enjoyed caraway soup, based on the prevalent spice that’s added to many dishes. When it comes to spices, every Kraków dish must include Wieliczka salt from the famous mine that has been in continuous operation for hundreds of years.

Zapiekanka from the New Square and Blue Nysa Van sausages

A tourist coming to Kraków must also try the typical local fast food – zapiekanka sold in the famous ‘okrąglak’ at the New Square and the Blue Nysa Van Sausages grilled on the spot over a live beechwood fire and sold from the evening until the morning in front of the Market Hall in Grzegórzki.

Legendary Kraków flavours can also be tasted at Jadłodajnia u Stasi, well-known to all Kraków inhabitants. No wonder, then, that it won last year's poll – Tourist Treasures of Małopolska.

From the Market Square to the Parsley Market

Probably everyone has heard of the famous feast at Wierzynek's, but did you know a food-related place in Kraków has been in continuous operation since the 15th century? It’s the Kleparz Market with many food stalls. You can find almost everything there; in many cases, you can buy directly from the producers.

Lavendzarnia Stoki 6 Maurer Press Ojców Trout

The same is true of the Parsley Market in Podgórze, where you can buy fresh regional delicacies directly from farmers and producers every Saturday. There is also plenty of organic produce from the Małopolska region and Europe at the Ekosphere Market Old Bakery in Płaszów. We guarantee that you will find plenty of inspiration for culinary eco souvenirs from Małopolska in each of these places.

If you have a little time and are strolling around the city centre, you can check out the Kraków Story in the Wyspiański Pavilion at Wszystkich Świętych Square. The unique venue, which hosts a variety of workshops, also offers delicious honey from the Morawski Apiary, lavender products from Lavendziarni Stoki 6, juices from the Maurer Press and many other Malopolska delicacies carefully selected by the curator of the culinary section, Agnieszka Sendor, co-founder of Ojców Trout.

Flavours of the Kraków surroundings

While speaking of the Ojców trout, it's time to look at the delicacies around Kraków. The culinary star of the Prądnik Valley and Ojców National Park (Poland's smallest national park) is the Ojców trout.

The tradition of brook trout farming in Ojców dates back to the 1930s. In 2014, the unused ponds were leased by Magda Węgiel and her daughter Agnieszka Sendor, who naturalised them. Thanks to their hard work and outstanding commitment, they have restored the splendour of brook trout farming and created an excellent place for rest, relaxation and culinary adventure. It is a perfect idea for a bicycle trip from the capital of Małopolska, for example, the aim of which, apart from the charming views of the outcroppings of Jurassic rock, is delicious smoked fish.

South of Kraków, exceptional smoked meats are also produced. Chief among these are regional products, in particular Lisiecka and Piaszczańska sausages. Smoked meats from Podstolice, the municipalities of Liszki and Czernichów, are also famous for their taste and quality throughout the area.

It’s definitely worth it to accompany your meal with glass of good wine. The Wolski Forest’s Srebrna Góra vineyard and the Wieliczka vineyard aren’t the only Jurassic vineyards where you can taste exquisite world-class wines. You can easily find them all on the Małopolska Wine Trail.

Whether planning a more extended stay in Kraków or are just going a day trip, enjoy all the flavours of Kraków and Małopolska!