The 10+ BEST Things to Do in Gdansk with Kids + 2025 City Break Guide

Thinking of visiting Gdansk with the kids?

Poland is packed with family-friendly fun, and Gdańsk is no exception. Whether heading there for a sunny summer weekend or soaking up the magic of a Gdansk Christmas, this city has plenty to keep kids entertained year-round.

From top attractions to handy tips, here’s your guide to making the most of a family city break in Gdansk. Poland is a country that adores children, and this becomes clear when you visit. 

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

Is Gdansk worth visiting?

It is absolutely worth visiting and should be a destination high on your European bucket list. Not only does a Gdansk city trip introduce you to a coastal city with a fascinating history, but it also comes with pirate ships, interactive museums, and a traditional carousel and Ferris wheel in the city’s center.

Where to Stay in Gdansk with Children

Gdansk is a perfectly safe and fun city, and staying anywhere in the Gdansk city center (Old Town) will give you things to do for a couple of days if not more.

I highly recommend booking a room with views of the Motlawa River or the picturesque Old Town. The following suggestions are just a stone’s throw from the carousel, panorama wheel, and the Long Market.

Mid-Range: Hotel Artus

The boutique Hotel Artus is just 50m from the Long Market and the statue of Neptune and is as central as you can get in the old city. Buffet breakfast and shuttles from the airport are available. Click here to check rates>>>

Worth a Splurge: Hilton Gdansk

Of all the hotels in Gdansk city center, The Hilton is among the most notable. Located on the waterfront in the Old Town, there is an indoor swimming pool on the top floor with panoramic city views.

Facilities include a gym, sauna, and an international cuisine restaurant. Shuttles are available from the airport. Buffet and other breakfast options are available. Click here to check rates>>>

Best Things to do in Gdansk with Kids

It is easy to fill a few days with fun things to do in Gdansk without traveling far outside the city center. Since the city is compact and traffic in the Old Town is limited, it is easy and safe to walk around and visit sites on foot. If you stay in the city center, nothing will ever be too far away.

1. Play Department

The Faculty of Play is a 400-meter square playroom modeled after the shipping industry. It is located in the European Solidarity Centre. The educational facility teaches children about the stages of ship construction and cargo voyages.

It might be best to plan for this one, as a maximum of 35 people can enter the Play Department every full hour.

Tip: Outdoor shoes must be removed, so arrive prepared with indoor shoes or socks that have an anti-slip coating.

2. A Walk Through the Old Town

Gdansk is a city full of hidden details. The drain pipes in the old city are characters with silly faces, making them fun for families to spot. There are the lion statues that are well polished by pant seats and rows of beautiful old historic houses with Polish and Dutch-influenced architecture.

Families can walk along the waterfront and eat Polish or international cuisine. Bonus if it’s Christmas, as Gdansk is festive and lively during the holiday season. Walking through the Old Town will bring you to many of these other must-see locations on the list.

3. The Gdansk Carousel

The Italian-style Gdansk Carousel, painted in historic scenes from Gdansk, is open in the summer months.

It is eye-catching and exciting as you approach it along the Motlawa River. This is a fun time for parents and children alike, and delicious ice cream is never too far away.

4. Panoramic AmberSky Wheel

The Gdansk Panoramic Wheel (AmberSky) provides a great view of the city from 50 meters away and even has a VIP car if you want to spend a bit more. **Check local information for seasonal openings and hours.

5. Oliwa Zoo

Oliwa Zoo is a great way to spend a day in Gdansk. Here you will find big cats, exotic birds, reptiles, and monkeys. It is open year-round. Bonus: it is part of Oliwski Park, which in itself is something to explore and it is easily accessible by tram.

6. Hevelianum Science Center

Hevelianum is a brilliant science center close to the city center (roughly 1.5km). Children aged 3 and up will enjoy the mix of play, science, and history. There is a creative playground for kids up to the age of 9.

For kids and teens, there is a journey “Around the World” where they can interact with tech and learn about the magic of each unique continent.

7. Ride a Pirate Ship

When you walk along the Matlawa River, you will not be able to miss the 17th-century galleons that tour majestically in and out of the center like something from a “Pirates of the Caribbean” film.

The ships are beautifully designed and kids can enjoy playing pirates while families can enjoy a beverage. Rides can be booked on-site, and private bookings and parties are also available.

8. Parks and Playgrounds

In Poland, there is always somewhere to play. No matter the season or weather, there is always a place for little ones to let out their energy. For walking (or running), visit the beautiful Oliwski Park.

If your children like adventure, you can visit an outdoor rope course.

In bad weather, a large indoor playground at the Arena is adjacent to downtown.

Reagan’s Park, Kraina Zabawy, has a large and spacious outdoor playground and a skate park (and the best beach in Gdansk is nearby!).

9. Papugarnia

Papugarnia is the perfect place to add a splash of fun to your Gdansk trip. This indoor parrot house is home to all sorts of colorful characters, from cheeky macaws to playful cockatoos. You can feed them, let them perch on your shoulder, and even snap some great photos to remember the experience.

The parrots roam freely, creating an interactive, exciting, and entertaining experience. It’s a great spot to spend a couple of hours, especially if the weather isn’t playing along.

Located near the city center, fitting into your Gdansk plans is easy. Just don’t forget your camera—these parrots love to be in the spotlight!

10. Beaches

You can’t mention Gdansk beaches without mentioning the other two tri-city stops: Sopot and Gdynia. Each has its own flavor and something to offer.

Sopot is a resort town with a long beach that can be enjoyed in any season if you’re dressed for it. Gdynia has a trampoline park that will ensure the kids burn off some energy.

Take the SKM train from Gdansk Central Station and choose your destination for a very easy day trip.

Where to Eat in Gdansk with Kids

Here are a few top choices:

• Tawerna Dominikańska (Polish) – See reviews here
• Billy’s American Restaurant (American) – See reviews here

Tawerna Dominikańska (Polish)

Some of the best food in Gdansk can be found at Tawerna Dominikańska. This very affordable Polish restaurant is situated right on the river near the carousel. Children can look for the snake that lives under glass on the floor.

Billy’s American Restaurant (American)

Classic American dishes with Italian, Polish, German, and Mexican influences. Four locations around the tri-city area. Located on the Matlawa River.

More Information: billys.com

How to Spend 2 Days in Gdansk with Kids

You will not run short of things to do with kids in Gdansk. How you mix and match days and itineraries is entirely up to you. 

Day 1: 24 Hours in Gdansk

Why not get to know Gdansk with this private walking tour or this family-friendly Gdansk history tour?

Morning: Take a walk down the Long Market through the Old Town. Look at the old architecture, search for funny drainpipes, relax near the Neptune statue, see Gdansk city hall, visit shops, and eat ice cream.

Be sure to visit Amber Street (Ul. Mariacka) to explore the region’s rich history of amber treasures. (See if kids can find any million-year-old insects!).

As you stroll, you can visit Gdansk’s famous old crane. If your children are interested in trying their hand at (pretend) sailing, you can visit the National Maritime Museum. All are within the same square kilometer, so you will never get too tired from walking.

Afternoon: If you like churches, there is a famous Gdansk church with some historical wonders inside. Visit the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a gothic wonder that is free to enter, but you must pay to see all of the features. International and local cuisine can be found everywhere in the center, and be sure to try some of the local dishes.

If the kids didn’t get enough of their pirate play at the Maritime Museum, you could take a 90-minute tour of the city on a 17th-century galleon pirate ship! These beautiful replicas can be found sailing up and down the Matlawa River, and schedules are listed on site.

Later in the day, when the lights come on, visit the Italian-styled Gdansk carousel and the AmberSky Wheel for beautiful views of Gdansk at dusk.

Day 2: 48 Hours in Gdansk with Kids

Morning: Time to have some fun outside of the Old Town. You can easily take public transport, a car, or a taxi to get to your next destination. (Note: children under 150cm legally need car seats – usually at the driver’s discretion.)

Oliwa Park has enough to see for the whole day unless you prefer to get another site in. The park is a sprawling garden that will delight the young and not-as-young, and the zoo is also nearby. Try to catch an organ recital at the Oliwa Cathedral (noon most days, 15:00 on Sundays).

Afternoon: The park is an easy way to fill a day, but should you finish early, head 5km to the Kraina Zabawy in Reagan’s Park. There, you will find sprawling greenery, bike paths, a huge playground for children, and the best beach in the city. You can eat dinner here or head back to the center.

Alternatively, look at any of the following options and decide what’s best for you.

3 Days in Gdansk

Start your departure to arrive early at the Hevelianum Science Centre. (Check the site for hours; they can change seasonally.) You can take the local bus and walk part way, or you can walk the full distance from the old city if the kids can trek 1.8km from the city center.

If you want to fill their brains with more engaging activities, you can head across to the European Solidarity Centre or about 1km from the city center. After a full day of these brain-challenging activities, they will surely get a good sleep.

4 Days in Gdansk with Kids

How you spend the fourth day in Gdansk largely depends on your family’s interests. You can take a Gdansk city break and see Malbork Castle, 60km south of Gdansk. (It also has indoor activities in case of rain.)

Poland has many sites beyond the Gdansk Cathedral and the Oliwa Cathedral. If you are a history buff, there is a WWII Museum (though young children are not encouraged to visit the main exhibits, there is a place for them to learn as well), or revisit the carousel and panorama wheel.

If you are looking for something beyond those, one option is a visit to Papugarnia, a place where children can interact with exotic animals. (Again – be sure to read their regulations before you visit. No buttons allowed!)

There is a rope course for outdoor activity at Port Brzeźno Family Leisure Park. Indoors, there’s a giant indoor playroom at the arena.

It’s never a good idea to overbook activities in Gdansk because you are always guaranteed to find more than you expected.

Day Trips from Gdansk for Families

There are many options for day trips outside of Gdansk, and all are easily accessible by bus or tram. If you wish to stroll along a beautiful sand beach and walk with swans, you can see them in many places in the region.

Activities for kids are guaranteed no matter where you go. The rest of the tri-city area and the Hel peninsula are the best options for day trips from Gdansk.

Sopot

It’s hard not to be charmed by Sopot’s traditional beach houses and chic restaurants. In the town’s walking street center, there is always a rush of activity, and children are dazzled by toys, street performers, and ice cream everywhere.

Summers here are busy, and it’s not hard to see why. Sopot is worth a visit any time of year. Get there easily by SKM train.

Gdynia

Stay on the SKM train and move onto Gdynia; it’s just a hop over from Sopot on the way to Hel. Keep the kids close as you step off the train into the bustling Monte Cassino walking street.

Find more science fun for the kids at Pomorski Park Naukowo-Technologiczny and take a sea walk along the Orlowo Pier.

Hel

A full day of its own, the Hel Peninsula is a geographical wonder in the Baltic. You can visit the lighthouse, eat fish in one of the many seaside restaurants, and visit the seal sanctuary (lines can be long, so arrive early). Take the hiking path out around the peninsula to find the old military bunkers.

Bring a sweater and a coat, as the winds can be a little crisp off the Baltic.

When is the best time to visit Gdansk with Kids?

The best time to visit is the time that suits you best. Gdansk is wonderful at all times of the year. Since it’s a coastal city, rain or snow can be fairly unpredictable. Summer is frequently sunny and warm, and with beaches nearby it offers families a wider range of activities. However, July also has the highest rate of rainfall throughout the year.

Gdansk in August

August is the warmest month of the year, and many activities (including the beach) can be enjoyed outdoors.

Patios are bustling, and live music rings throughout the city. If it gets too hot or rainy, there are plenty of indoor activities as well. Gdansk activities can be found no matter the weather.

Gdansk in December

Christmas in Gdansk is special. Experiencing a Gdansk Christmas can give your family the Christmas market experience you’ve always wanted without succumbing to the crowds and prices in Germany. The lights are lovely, and spirits are high in a culture that loves to celebrate Christmas.

Gdansk in December is magical. Like Germany, Poland also loves Christmas and does it right with cozy Christmas markets. Gdansk is no different, and the Christmas market in Targ Weglowy is open from late November until January 1. There is fresh gingerbread for the kids and mulled wine for the parents. Enjoy the beautiful lights, food stalls, and Christmas trees near the Neptune statue. 

How to Get Around Gdansk with Kids

Transport around Gdansk is modern and easy, and all services are available in English. If you use your phone to plan your trip, routes, and connections will be fairly straightforward.

The easiest way to get around is on foot. However, if you need to travel to further points or need to take a rest from walking, take the easy and affordable local trams. Check the ZTM website for local times and routes.

If you prefer, Gdansk city tours are widely available online and once you are in the city.

Use the yellow and blue SKM trains to travel throughout the tri-city area.

About the author: This article was originally written by Sylvie Simpson and has been edited by Kirsten Maxwell.