Our journey begins in Saxony's capital Dresden, a city that August II the Strong wanted to make 'Florence on the Elbe'. The focal point here is the imposing Dresden Castle (Residenzschloss), located in the heart of the old town at Taschenberg 2. This site, which was the seat of Saxon rulers for centuries, now houses several fascinating museums. To get to the castle, it's best to get off at Dresden Hauptbahnhof station and walk about 15 minutes through the charming streets of the old town.

The castle is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets cost about 14 euros for adults, but children and teenagers under 16 get in for free. It is worth reserving at least 3-4 hours for a leisurely tour. Especially recommended are the Green Vault (Grünes Gewölbe), with its impressive collection of jewels, and the Old Masters Gallery.

For families with children, there are special tours and interactive exhibitions that present the history of Saxony in an accessible way. Remember that large backpacks and bags are not allowed in the castle - leave them in the checkroom.

Right next to the castle is another gem of Saxon architecture - the Zwinger. This Baroque palace complex, located on Sophienstraße, is a true symbol of Dresden. Renovations are currently underway here, but this doesn't interfere with sightseeing. Admission to the courtyards is free, so you can stroll freely and admire the richly decorated facades and fountains.

The Zwinger is open daily from 6:00 am until dusk. Inside the complex are museums, including the Old Masters Painting Gallery, which are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (closed on Mondays). An entrance ticket to all exhibitions costs about 14 euros for adults, children under 16 get in for free.

Younger tourists may find the concerts held in Zwinger particularly attractive - there are often outdoor classical music performances that can be heard without buying a ticket. This is a great opportunity to relax on a bench and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique place.

After the tour, take a stroll along the Elbe River or visit one of the many cafes in the area, where you can sample traditional Saxon baked goods. Keep in mind that the center of Dresden is relatively small and most of the attractions can be visited on foot, which is an added advantage for families with children.

When leaving Dresden, take time to visit some of the unique palaces around the city. The first stop on our tour is the Moritzburg Palace, a true gem of Baroque architecture, located just 15 kilometers from the center of Dresden. To reach the palace, it's best to take the local train to Moritzburg station, and from there walk about 2 kilometers or take the seasonal bus.

Moritzburg Palace, located at Schloßallee 1 in Moritzburg, is the former hunting lodge of Augustus II the Strong, surrounded by a picturesque lake. The palace is open to the public from March to October from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and in the winter season from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. An entrance ticket costs about 12 euros for adults, children under 16 get in for free.

It is worth reserving at least 2-3 hours to visit the palace and walk through the gardens. Children may find the fairy-tale decor particularly appealing, alluding to the legend of Cinderella - the famous ball is said to have taken place here. You can also see the palace's impressive porcelain collection and admire the beautiful ballrooms.

The next point on our itinerary is Pillnitz Castle, located southeast of Dresden at August-Böckstiegel-Straße 2. This is the summer residence of Saxon rulers, which impresses with its combination of Baroque architecture and Far Eastern-inspired elements. The palace can be reached by a cruise ship sailing on the Elbe River from the center of Dresden (about a 1.5-hour cruise) or by bus line 63 from the main station (about a 40-minute ride).

The Pillnitz palace complex is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to dusk, and the museum buildings from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (May to October). An entrance ticket to all attractions costs about 8 euros for adults, children under 16 get in for free. It's worth planning a full-day trip to fully enjoy the charms of the place.

A special attraction for families with children are the extensive palace gardens, including an exotic garden with palm trees and an orangery. During the summer season, concerts and fountain shows are organized here. Special tours with puzzles and tasks to solve have been prepared for the youngest.

The last stop on our tour is Albrechtsburg Castle in Meissen (Meißen), located at Domplatz 1. This is the oldest residential castle in Germany, towering over the picturesque town famous for its porcelain production. Meissen is most easily reached by train from Dresden (about a 40-minute drive), and then a short walk or city bus ride to the center.

The castle is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (March through October) and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (November through February). An entrance ticket costs about 10 euros for adults, children under 16 get in for free. It is worth reserving about 2-3 hours for the tour.

For families with children, there are interactive tours with tablets, which present the history of the castle and the region in an interesting way. The observation deck offers a beautiful panorama of the Elbe Valley, which is sure to delight both adults and children.

When planning a trip, it is worth remembering to wear comfortable shoes, especially when visiting castles located on hills. For the youngest tourists, it will be a good idea to take a small backpack with snacks and drinks, although there are cafes and restaurants in the vicinity of each of the described sites.

When planning a trip on the trail of Saxon castles and palaces with children, it is worth considering some practical aspects that will make the trip easier and enjoyable for the whole family.

First, consider purchasing the Sächsische Schlösserlandkarte - a special card that allows entry to many castles and palaces in Saxony at an attractive price. The card is valid for one year and can be especially cost-effective if you plan to visit several sites. Information about the card and where it can be purchased can be found on the official website of Staatliche Schlösser, Burgen und Gärten Sachsen.

For families with small children, it may be a good idea to spread the tour over several days. It is worth remembering that most of the described sites are vast complexes, the full tour of which may be tiring for the little ones. When planning the route, include time for rest and play in the palace parks.

As for transportation between destinations, consider purchasing the Sachsen-Ticket, which allows unlimited travel on regional trains and public transportation throughout Saxony for one day. The ticket is particularly beneficial for families, as one adult can take up to four children under the age of 15.

There are food outlets in each of the places described, but prices there can be quite high. It might be a good idea to bring your own provisions and have a picnic in the palace gardens - most of them provide green areas for visitors.

For schoolchildren, it's a good idea to prepare before the trip short, interesting information about each of the places you intend to visit. You can also offer children a 'detective game' - searching for specific architectural elements or details in the interior design, which will make the tour more interactive and engaging.

Let's also remember to dress appropriately - comfortable shoes are key, as most tours require a lot of walking. On summer days, don't forget headgear and sunscreen, especially if you plan to take longer walks through the palace gardens.

It is also worth noting the special events held at the various sites. There are often concerts, historical shows or workshops for children, which can be an additional attraction during our trip. Information about such events can usually be found on the official websites of castles and palaces.

Finally, remember to be flexible in your planning. Sightseeing with children sometimes requires modification of plans, so it's worth having a 'plan B' prepared in case any of the places turn out to be less interesting for the little ones or if the weather thwarts our plans.

A trip along the trail of Saxon castles and palaces is not only a history lesson, but also an opportunity for family adventures and creating shared memories. Each of the described places offers unique experiences that are sure to stay in the memory of both adults and children for a long time. Whether you decide to take a day trip to Dresden or a longer stay in Saxony, exploring these historical treasures will be a fascinating journey back in time that will allow you to better understand the shared heritage of Poland and Saxony.