Family Adventures in Poland's National Parks: top 6 places for active recreation

Family Adventures in Poland's National Parks: top 6 places for active recreation

April 11, 2025

Poland is a country that boasts incredible natural diversity, and our National Parks are the best proof of that. For families seeking an active vacation surrounded by nature, they are the perfect places for unforgettable adventures. In this article, we will introduce you to the top 6 Polish National Parks, which offer not only breathtaking views, but also plenty of attractions for small and large explorers. From the majestic Tatra Mountains to the mysterious marshes of Slowinski National Park, each of these places has something unique that will make your family trip an unforgettable experience. Get ready to hike mountain trails, observe wildlife, enjoy educational trails and many other activities that will not only keep you entertained, but also help your children better understand and appreciate the natural world around us. Whether you are avid hikers or just beginning your adventure in hiking, in our list you will find suggestions tailored to different levels and ages of participants. We invite you to join us on a journey through some of the most beautiful corners of Poland, where family bonds will be strengthened amid the rustle of trees, the singing of birds and the babbling of mountain streams.

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Mountain expeditions for the whole family

Start our journey with two of the most famous mountain national parks in Poland - Tatra Mountains and Karkonosze. These two places offer unforgettable experiences for families who love mountain hiking and active recreation in nature.

The Tatra National Park, located in the southern part of Malopolska province, is a true paradise for mountain lovers. To reach the park, it is best to head to Zakopane, from where you can easily get to the main entry points to the trails. The park's management is located in Kuznice (Kuznice 1, 34-500 Zakopane), where you can get up-to-date information about the trails and mountain conditions.

For families with children, we recommend the route to Morskie Oko, which is relatively easy and offers amazing views. The route is accessible all year round, but it is best to visit between May and October. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and warm clothes, even in summer, as the weather in the mountains can be changeable. Tickets to the park can be purchased at points of sale at the entrances to the trails or online - prices for adults are about PLN 8 and for children PLN 4 (as of 2023).

For the youngest tourists, the park offers special educational trails, such as the 'Path over Reglami', where children can learn about mountain flora and fauna. In hostels, such as the one by the Morskie Oko Lake, you can rest and dine on traditional highland food.

The Karkonosze National Park, located in the Western Sudetes, is another place ideal for family outings. The park's headquarters are located in Jelenia Gora (196 Cieplicka Street, 58-570 Jelenia Gora). The park is easiest to reach by car or bus from Jelenia Gora.

One of the most popular and at the same time family-friendly routes is the trail to Sněžka - the highest peak in the Giant Mountains. For the less advanced, we recommend the route to the 'Samotnia' chalet above the Little Pond, which is easy and scenic. The park is accessible all year round, but the best hiking conditions are from late spring to early autumn.

The Karkonosze National Park has many attractions for children, such as the Karkonosze National Park Information Center in Karpacz, where you can learn interactively about the region's nature. Also worth a visit is the Natural History Museum in Jelenia Góra-Cieplice, which offers interesting exhibitions and workshops for children.

Remember to prepare properly for mountain hiking: comfortable trekking shoes, warm and waterproof clothes, a supply of water and snacks are essential. Always check the current weather and follow the recommendations of park staff.

Both the Tatra and Karkonosze National Parks offer unforgettable views, fresh mountain air and opportunities for active family time. These are the perfect places to instill a love of nature and an active lifestyle in your children.

Adventure in wild backwoods and picturesque valleys

Continuing our tour of Poland's National Parks, we move on to two unique places that offer unforgettable experiences for families seeking contact with wildlife and history - Bieszczady National Park and Ojcow National Park.

The Bieszczady National Park, located in southeastern Poland, is a place that impresses with its wilderness and scenic beauty. The park is headquartered in the town of Ustrzyki Górne (38-713 Ustrzyki Górne). The easiest way to get here is by car, but it is also possible to get there by bus from Ustrzyki Dolne or Sanok.

For families with children, we recommend the route to Połonina Wetlinska, which offers amazing views and is relatively easy. The educational path 'Dry Rivers - Smerek' is a great option for the youngest, where they can learn about Bieszczady nature. The park is accessible all year round, but the best time to go hiking is from May to October.

Remember to wear appropriate footwear and clothing - the weather in the Bieszczady can be capricious. It is worth taking binoculars with you, as there is a chance to observe wild animals, including bison. In the shelter on Połonina Wetlinskaya you can rest and taste traditional dishes.

Tickets to the park can be purchased at information desks or online. Prices for adults are about 8 PLN, and for children 4 PLN (as of 2023). It's worth checking current prices on the park's official website before visiting.

Ojcow National Park, the smallest of Poland's national parks, is located in Malopolska province, just 16 km from Krakow. The park's headquarters are located in Ojców (Ojców 9, 32-045 Sułoszowa). The park can be reached by car or bus from Krakow.

The park is famous for its picturesque Prądnik Valley, where there are numerous attractions ideal for families. The route from the Krakow Gate to Ojcow Castle is a pleasant walk, during which you can admire the characteristic limestone monadnocks. Children will find a visit to Lokietek's Cave particularly attractive - but remember to dress warmly, as the cave has a constant temperature of around 8°C.

The park offers many educational trails, such as 'Crown Mountain', where children can learn about the geology and history of the region. Also worth a visit is the Prof. Wladyslaw Szafer Natural History Museum, where there are interactive exhibitions introducing the park's nature.

Ojcow National Park is accessible all year round, but looks most beautiful from spring to autumn. Entrance tickets can be purchased at the park's information desks - prices are affordable, about PLN 5 for adults and PLN 2.5 for children (as of 2023).

When visiting both parks, remember safety and conservation rules. Don't go off the designated trails and don't leave trash behind. This is a great opportunity to teach children to respect nature.

Both the Bieszczady and Ojcow National Parks offer unique experiences that will allow your family to discover the beauty of Polish nature and history. These are places where you can not only spend time actively, but also learn something new about the world around you.

Exploring aquatic landscapes and coastal natural wonders

At the end of our journey through Poland's National Parks, we invite you to discover two unique places that offer unforgettable water experiences - Wigry National Park and Slowinski National Park.

Wigry National Park, located in northeastern Poland, is a true paradise for lake and forest lovers. The park is headquartered in the village of Krzywe (Krzywe 82, 16-402 Suwałki). The best way to get here is by car, but there is also the possibility to get there by bus from Suwalki.

The main attraction of the park is Lake Wigry, around which leads a scenic bicycle path - ideal for families with children. The route is about 27 km long and relatively easy. Along the way you can stop at numerous beaches and swimming areas. For the youngest, we recommend a visit to the Wigry Museum in Stary Folwark, where interactive exhibitions introduce life in the lake and surrounding forests.

The park also offers canoeing on the Czarna Hancza River - a great adventure for older children and parents. Remember to wear life jackets and follow water safety rules.

Wigry National Park is accessible all year round, but the best time for active recreation is from May to September. Admission tickets can be purchased at the park's information desks or online - prices for adults are about PLN 8 and for children PLN 4 (as of 2023).

The Slowinski National Park, located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, is famous for its moving dunes - a unique natural phenomenon on a European scale. The park is headquartered in Smołdzino (1A Bohaterów Warszawy Street, 76-214 Smołdzino). The park is easiest to reach by car, but during the summer season there are also buses from Leba and Ustka.

The park's main attraction is the moving dunes near Leba. The route to the dunes is easy and accessible to families with children - it's an unforgettable experience when you can feel like you're in the desert by the Polish sea. It's worth bringing a blanket and snacks for a picnic overlooking the sea.

For active families, we recommend a bicycle tour along the coast - you can rent bicycles near the park entrance. Another interesting attraction is the Natural History Museum in Smoldzino, where children can learn about the flora and fauna of the region.

The Slowinski National Park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is from May to September. Remember sunscreen and headgear, especially when hiking through the dunes. Park entrance tickets can be purchased at information desks - prices for adults are about PLN 10, and for children PLN 5 (as of 2023).

In both Wigry and Slowinski National Park, take advantage of the offer of guides who will introduce you and your children to the mysteries of local nature. This is an excellent opportunity to teach the youngest children respect for the environment and the principles of its protection.

Remember that conservation rules apply in both parks - don't go off designated trails, don't pick up plants or animals, and always take all trash with you.

Wigierski and Slowinski National Parks are places where your family can not only spend time actively, but also experience the extraordinary diversity of Polish nature - from tranquil lakes to moving dunes. These are ideal places for an unforgettable vacation that will remain in the memory of both children and adults for a long time.

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