Warsaw transforms in summer. The parks fill up, the Vistula riverbanks come alive, and the long evenings give children the kind of freedom that is hard to find the rest of the year. For families who have lived here for a while, summer is a chance to fall in love with the city again. For families arriving ahead of a September school start, it is the best possible introduction.
Whether you are settled in Warsaw or have just arrived, here is how to make the most of the season with children.
Warsaw is one of the greenest capitals in Europe, and summer is the best time to discover the city’s many parks. Lazienki Park (Royal Baths) is where most families start. It is a vast, leafy space with peacocks, open-air Chopin concerts on Sunday afternoons, and enough room for children of every age to enjoy a day out. Toddlers chase birds around the lake. Teenagers explore different paths for a stroll.
Pole Mokotowskie, or Mokotów Field, is where the city comes to cycle, inline skate, fly kites, and spend long weekend afternoons. Bike hire is available at the entrance, and the flat paths are ideal for younger children. Skaryszewski Park is quieter, with a lake, good playgrounds, and shaded benches that make it worth the extra journey.
Across the Vistula, the Praga district's parks are less visited and increasingly popular with local families looking for green space without the weekend crowds. The must-see spot for allthe families with little children is the Warsaw Zoo. If you have not explored the right bank yet, don't miss the chance to do so in summer.
The BulwaryWislane, Warsaw's renovated left bank embankment, is the heart of the city's summer. Pop-up cafes, food trucks, beach volleyball courts, and a long cycle path provide fun for the whole family. Warm evenings attract visitors of all ages, and the atmosphere offers a relaxing break from the bustle of Warsaw's city centre.
On the right bank, the beaches at Plaza Poniatowka and Plaza Saska are sandier and quieter, and much better suited to younger children who want to play in the sand and calm water. River cruises run regularly from the central embankment. They are a good option on very hot days when you want to be near the water while escaping the crowds.
Warsaw's wide range of museums is exceptional for a city of its size, and many are either free or deeply discounted for children. The Copernicus Science Centre on the riverbank is the obvious starting point. It’s more than just a regular museum. Here, children can discover concepts like gravity or aerodynamics through interactive displays and hands-on experience. Book tickets ahead of time in summer, because it fills up fast.
Another great adventure awaits at Wedel’s Chocolate Factory. Through an immersive experience, this place combines a step-by-step walk through the process of chocolate making, the history ofthe company and tastings of Wedel’s most famous confectionery. If you are lucky and book ahead of time, you may even participate in workshops and make your own chocolate bar or decorate Wedel’s famous cake – TorcikWedlowski! It’s a delicious experience for all chocolate lovers – big and small.
If you are looking to learn more about Warsaw, its history and culture, there are a few places you can go. The POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews tells a story of enormous importance.Through compelling exhibitions,you’ll learn about the history of the Jewish communityin Poland, their culture and struggle during one of the darkest periodsin Warsaw’shistory – World War II.The core exhibition is free on Thursdays.
For families with older children and teenagers, Warsaw Rising Museum offers insights into one of the most important events in Polish history. The main exhibition showcases the phases of the Uprising of 1944and the struggles of its participants. Especially noteworthy is a movie played on the big screen, which presents the state of Warsaw after the bombing, causing a visitor to stop in a moment of reverence for thecity that rose from the ashes. The National Museum is a quieter and lighteroption, with a diverse art collection that rewards an unhurried visit.
Warsaw is a good base for summer excursions, with many family-friendly options close to the city. Kampinos National Park, just thirty minutes from the centre, has forest trails, cycling routes, and sand dunes that come as a welcome surprise to families visiting for the first time.
Zelazowa Wola, the birthplace of Frederic Chopin, is a beautifully kept manor house with gardens where outdoor concerts are held throughout summer. Cracow is two and a half hours by train and needs no introduction. Castles, caves, old town, and more make it worth the journey for children of all ages.
If your family is arriving in Warsaw this summer ahead of a September school start, use the season to get familiar with your new surroundings. Children who have explored the city and found a favourite park, a go-to ice cream spot or nearby local landmarks settle into school faster because they already feel at home.
The British School Warsaw welcomes visits throughout the summer. Our admissions team is available to speak to families at any point before the new academic year begins.
