Our pilgrimage in the footsteps of John Paul II begins in Wadowice, the birthplace of Karol Wojtyla. Our first stop is the Museum of the Family Home of the Holy Father John Paul II in Wadowice, located at 7 Church Street, a place that will take you back in time to the childhood and youth of the future Pope. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (last entrance at 5:30 p.m.). Tickets, priced at 25 zl for adults and 15 zl for children and teenagers, can be purchased on site or online. It is worth reserving at least 1.5 hours for the tour.

Right next to the museum, at 3 John Paul II Square, is the statue of John Paul II. This 2.5-meter bronze statue depicts the smiling pope in pontifical garb. It's the perfect place for a family photo and a moment of reflection. The monument is open to the public 24 hours a day, free of charge.

From Wadowice we head to Krakow, a city that played a key role in the life of Karol Wojtyla. Here we'll visit the John Paul II 'Do not be afraid!" Center at 34 Totus Tuus St. It's a modern complex that, in addition to a shrine and museum, offers a space for relaxation and prayer. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free. There is ample parking on the grounds, and access by public transportation is also convenient - buses 143 and 163 stop right at the entrance.

Another landmark in Krakow is the famous 'papal window' at 3 Franciszkańska St. This is the place from which John Paul II spoke to the faithful during his visits to Poland. Although the window itself is not open to the public, you can see it from the outside and feel the atmosphere of these extraordinary meetings. This is the perfect place to tell children about the tradition of 'Franciszkańska 3' and the Pope's spontaneous conversations with young people.

Keep in mind that visiting these places can be intense, especially for the little ones. It's a good idea to plan breaks for rest and meals. There are many family-friendly cafes and restaurants in the Franciscan area, where you can recuperate before continuing your journey.

Our journey in the footsteps of John Paul II now takes us to Poland's capital, Warsaw. Here, in the Wilanów district, is the impressive Museum of John Paul II and Primate Wyszynski, located at 1 Prymas Augusta Hlonda St. This modern museum, open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., offers interactive exhibitions that are sure to interest both adults and children. Tickets cost PLN 25 for adults and PLN 15 for children (as of 2023), and it's worth reserving about 1.5-2 hours for the tour.

The museum is located in the ring of the dome of the Temple of Divine Providence, which is an unusual architectural experience in itself. There are special tours and interactive exhibit elements for families with children. Before visiting, check the museum's official website for current temporary exhibitions and educational events.

After visiting the museum, take a walk in the surrounding area. Nearby is the expansive Wilanow Park, where you can rest and relax after an intense tour.

From Warsaw, head north to Gdansk. Here, in the Zaspa district, you'll find the unique 'John Paul II' mural at 25 Andrzeja Frycza-Modrzewskiego St. This colorful and impressive mural was created in 2018 and depicts the Pope surrounded by symbolic elements. It's a great place for a short stop and a street art lesson for kids. The mural is open to the public and can be admired at any time of the day.

Not far from the mural, you should visit the John Paul II Park in Gdansk. It is a perfect place for rest and recreation for the whole family. The park offers walking paths, children's playgrounds and numerous benches for relaxation. It is open 24 hours a day and provides an excellent opportunity to spend time outdoors.

When visiting these places, remember to dress appropriately - especially when visiting the museum and sacred sites. Comfortable shoes are a must, as there is a lot of walking ahead of you. For children, it's a good idea to prepare small snacks and drinks to keep their energy and interest during the tour.

In Gdansk, in addition to the sites associated with John Paul II, you should also visit the Old Town and the famous World War II Museum, which is relatively close to the park. This is an excellent opportunity to combine religious education with historical and cultural education.

Our journey in the footsteps of John Paul II now takes us to smaller, but no less important cities on the map of papal pilgrimages. Our first stop is Torun, where the John Paul II Monument is located at 3 Old Torun Road. This monument, although not as well-known as other papal monuments in Poland, has its own unique character. It was founded by Jan Kobylanski, president of the Union of Polish Associations and Organizations in Latin America. The monument is open to the public 24 hours a day, with no charge for viewing.

It is worth planning a visit to Torun for the whole day, as the city offers many other attractions. After seeing the monument, you can head to the UNESCO-listed Old Town, where the Nicolaus Copernicus House is located. This is a great opportunity to combine a religious and scientific theme and tell children about the relationship between science and faith, which John Paul II often spoke about.

From Toruń we head northeast to Elk. Here, on Wojska Polskiego Street, there is another Monument to John Paul II. This is a special place, as the Pope visited Elk during his pilgrimage to Poland in 1999. The monument is located in the central point of the city, on a well-kept square with benches and an amphitheater stage. It is an ideal place to relax and reflect on the Pope's teachings.

The monument in Elk is part of a larger city complex, which was modernized after the visit of John Paul II. There are plenty of benches, a bike path and a fountain, making it a family-friendly place for families with children. In the evening, the park is beautifully illuminated, which creates a magical atmosphere.

While visiting these places, note the variety of forms of commemorating John Paul II - from traditional monuments to modern murals or parks. This is a good opportunity to talk with children about the different ways of expressing respect and remembrance for important figures.

When planning a visit to Elk, it's worth knowing that the city is located in the heart of Masuria, so you can combine sightseeing with relaxation at the nearby lakes. This is an excellent opportunity to show children how John Paul II valued contact with nature and active recreation.

At the end of our trip, it is worth remembering that John Paul II always emphasized the value of family and the importance of spending time together. This roadtrip is not only a lesson in history and religion, but above all an opportunity to strengthen family ties and create shared memories.

Remember that in each of these places it is worth stopping for a while, letting the children ask questions and reflect together on the message John Paul II left us. This is a journey that can become the beginning of deeper conversations about faith, history and the values that are the foundation of our culture.