Our journey begins in an unusual place - Crooked Forest near Gryfino (West Pomeranian Voivodeship). It's a place that looks like it's taken out of a fairy tale alive. Imagine a forest where all the pine trees are bent at an unnatural 90-degree angle just above the ground! Crooked Forest is located at Przemysłowa Street 25 in Nowe Czarnowo. The easiest way to get here is by car, but you can also take a bus from Gryfino.

Admission to the forest is free, and the tour takes about 30-40 minutes. It is best to visit this place in spring or autumn, when the trees look the most beautiful. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as the area can be a bit waterlogged. There is a special field game for children, which will help them discover the secrets of this unusual place.

Theories about the origin of the Crooked Forest are many. Some say it is the result of intentional human activity, others see the cause in magnetic anomalies. Whatever the real reason, the place is an ideal starting point for discussions with children about nature, ecology and human impact on the environment.

From Crooked Forest we move to the underground world of the Nagórzycki Grottoes in Tomaszów Mazowiecki (Lodz province). These fascinating caves are former quartz sand mines, which today are a remarkable tourist attraction. The grottoes are located at 2/6 Pod Grotami St. Access is by car (there is parking on site) or by public transportation from the center of Tomaszow.

The tour is conducted only with a guide, in groups entering every 30 minutes. The route is 160 meters long and is located 5-6 meters underground. The tour time is about 25-30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on site or online - a normal ticket costs PLN 25, and a discounted ticket costs PLN 20 (as of 2023).

The temperature inside is a constant 10°C or so, so it is advisable to bring warmer clothes. The route is lighted and safe, but some sections can be narrow or low, adding an element of adventure to the trip. There are special educational workshops about the geology and history of the region for children over 7 years old.

Both Crooked Forest and Nagórzyckie Grottoes are places that spark imagination and curiosity about the world. They are ideal points on the map for families who want to combine science with adventure and explore the lesser-known face of Poland.

The next stop on our route is JuraPark Krasiejów in Opolskie Voivodeship. This is a place that will take us millions of years back to the era of dinosaurs! The park is located at 1 Maja 10 Street in Krasiejów. You can get here by car (large parking lot on site) or by train to Ozimek station, and from there by bus.

JuraPark is not only an amusement park, but above all an educational center. On 40 hectares you will find more than 200 dinosaur models in 1:1 scale. The biggest attraction is an educational path with moving and sound models of prehistoric reptiles. The park offers many interactive exhibitions, including the Tunnel of Time - a multimedia representation of the history of the universe.

Admission tickets cost about $59 for adults and $49 for children (2023 prices), but it's worth checking the park's website for current promotions. The park is open year-round, but opening hours vary by season. During the summer season, the park is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

There is a playground and rope park for the youngest children. Older children and adults can take part in paleontology workshops or visit the Prehistoric Oceanarium. There are restaurants and cafes in the park, as well as a souvenir store.

From the era of dinosaurs we move to the world of water - our next destination is Hydropolis in Wroclaw. This is a unique water knowledge center that combines education with modern technology and great fun. Hydropolis is located at 17 Na Grobli Street in Wroclaw. It can be reached by public transportation (buses 145, 146, 119) or by car (free parking available).

Hydropolis has 8 thematic zones, where in an interactive way we learn about the properties of water, its importance for life on Earth and its influence on the development of civilization. Visitors can, among other things, control a dam, cause a tsunami or see what the planet looks like from space.

Ticket prices are about $27 for a regular ticket and $18 for a discounted ticket (as of 2023). The facility is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (until 7:00 pm on weekends). It is worth reserving about 2-3 hours for the tour.

There are special educational paths and quizzes for children, suitable for different age groups. There is a cafe on site and a store with interesting water-related gadgets. Hydropolis is fully adapted for people with disabilities.

Both JuraPark Krasiejów and Hydropolis are places where science meets entertainment. They are ideal destinations for families who want to spend time in an interesting way, while expanding their knowledge of the world.

At the end of our journey through Poland's non-obvious attractions, we visit a true wonder of nature - the Colorful Lakes in Rudawy Janowickie (Lower Silesia Province). This is a complex of four water reservoirs, each with a different, unusual color. The lakes are located near the village of Wieściszowice. The easiest way to get here is by car, but you can also take a bus from Jelenia Gora to Wieściszowice, and from there walk about 2 km.

Admission to the Colorful Lakes is free, only parking is paid (about 20 PLN per day, as of 2023). The route around the lakes is about 3.5 km long and is marked. It is worth reserving about 1.5-2 hours to walk the entire route.

Each of the lakes has a different color: purple, blue, green and yellow. These colors are the result of the presence of various minerals in the water - a result of past mining activities in the area. This is a great opportunity to tell children about geology and chemistry in practice!

The route around the lakes is fairly easy, but can be steep or slippery in places. It is advisable to bring comfortable trekking shoes and a supply of water. The best time to visit is in spring or autumn, when the colors are most intense. In summer, the water may be cloudy or the lakes may partially dry out.

There are vantage points near the lakes that offer a beautiful panorama of the Giant Mountains. This is an ideal place for a picnic and family relaxation in nature. Remember, however, that bathing in the lakes is prohibited due to the presence of harmful substances in the water.

To sum up our tour of Poland's unobvious attractions, it is worth noting how diverse and fascinating places our country hides. From the magical Crooked Forest, the mysterious Nagórzyckie Grottoes, the educational JuraPark Krasiejów, the modern Hydropolis, to the natural wonders of the Colorful Lakes - each of these places offers unique experiences and learning opportunities.

These attractions show that Poland is not only famous monuments and popular resorts, but also a country full of surprises and fascinating places waiting to be discovered. They are ideal for both families with children and adults looking for new and inspiring experiences.

When planning a trip to these places, keep in mind a few important points:

1. check current opening hours and ticket prices on the attractions' official websites.

2. Adjust the tour plan to the age and ability of children.

3. Bring appropriate clothing and footwear, especially for outdoor attractions.

4. Be prepared for interactive learning - many of these places offer workshops and educational activities.

5. Remember your camera - these places will provide plenty of opportunities to take memorable photos!

We hope that this journey through Poland's unobvious attractions has inspired you to discover new and fascinating places in our country. Remember that the best adventures often wait where we least expect them. Let's wish you many wonderful discoveries and unforgettable experiences during your travels in Poland!