Where to go for a day trip from Warsaw
Looking to escape the noise and chaos of the city? Here are a few ways to escape Warsaw on a day trip and see sides of the region many visitors miss.
- FLYPORT – an educational and entertainment center on flying, space, and aeronautics
- A corn maze in Czersk, 40 km from Warsaw (seasonal attraction)
- Medieval castle ruins in Czersk, 40 km from Warsaw
- “Summer Playground” – beach and water attractions 40 km northeast of Warsaw (seasonal attraction)
- “Sady Klemensa” – an amusement park an hour’s drive from Warsaw (seasonal attraction)
- Otrębusy village, 25 km from Warsaw – The Centre for Polish Folklore and Museum of Vintage Cars
- “Park of Poland – Suntago” – the largest indoor water park in Europe, 60 km from Warsaw
- Malbork Castle – one of the biggest castles in the world, 2 hours by direct train from Warsaw
- A maze and play area “Labirynt pod Warszawą”, 30 km from Warsaw (seasonal attraction)
- Educational Eco Farm: a 1-hour drive east of Warsaw (seasonal attraction)
- Kampinos Forest near Warsaw: 350 km of hiking trails
- Nature reserves on the Vistula River (Wyspy Świderskie and Wyspy Zawadowskie), south of Warsaw
- A walk over the swamps: Bagno Całowanie, 40 km from Warsaw
- Botanical Garden in Powsin, 17 km from Warsaw
- A walk in the forest, a wooden footbridge over the swamps, and a ferry across the Vistula River, 40 km from Warsaw
- A place to have a walk and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of city life – Konstancin town, 20 km from Warsaw
- Educational park in the Wkra river valley in Pomiechówek, 40 km from Warsaw
- Palace and Garden in Nieborów, Romantic Garden in Arkadia, Museum in Łowicz featuring the most famous Polish folk pattern, 80 km from Warsaw
- Open-air Museum of the Mazovian Countryside, 120 km from Warsaw
- The Park and Museum in the birthplace of Frederic Chopin in Żelazowa Wola, 55 km from Warsaw
- Zegrze Lake, 30 km from Warsaw
- One of the biggest botanical gardens in Poland – 100 km from Warsaw
- Retro train trip for tourists – narrow-gauge train (seasonal attraction)
- Magiczne Ogrody / Magic Garden – a fairytale theme park, 140 km from Warsaw (seasonal attraction)
- Underground caves and blue springs, 100 km from Warsaw
- Zalesie Górne village, outdoor & water attractions in a landscape park, 25 km from Warsaw (seasonal attraction)
- Sleigh rides in the vicinity of Warsaw (seasonal attraction)
- A beautiful heather area & photo spot – Heathland Mostówka/Wrzosowisko Mostówka, 50 km from Warsaw (seasonal attraction)
- Apple picking (seasonal attraction)
- Pumpkin farms in the Warsaw area (seasonal attraction)
Subscribe to the Kids in the City weekly Newsletter in English – each Thursday you will receive an email with the list of family-friendly events in Warsaw for the upcoming weekend & ideas for things to do in the Warsaw area:
FLYPORT – an educational and entertainment center on flying, space, and aeronautics
FLYPORT is a new attraction for children and adults, a 1-1.5 hour drive from Warsaw at the Warsaw-Radom airport. This is an interactive exhibition (available in English) with experiments, games, models, and simulators dedicated to airplanes, flying, and space. Four zones: flying – how it works, history, development; how airports and planes work; space expeditions; and a playground for children aged 4-10. The most popular attractions include the G-force simulator, flight simulator, elevator to orbit, remote control of rovers, and space vehicle docking.
- Location: Flyport, Lotnisko/Airport Warszawa – Radom, Sołtyka 1 Street, location on Google Maps.
- Family ticket 2+2: 120 PLN. Regular ticket 39 PLN, reduced ticket 30 PLN. With a Flyport ticket, airport parking costs PLN 10 (ask for the Flyport stamp on your ticket at the reception and show it at the parking information desk).
- The Exhibition is bilingual – Polish & English.
- School groups & birthday parties – English-speaking guides/entertainers available (contact rezerwacje@flyport.pl
, +48 532 300 687). - The average tour time is 2-3 hours.
- Flyport Bistro offers lunches, snacks, drinks, desserts.
Photo source: Flyport
A corn maze in Czersk, 40 km south of Warsaw
A new attraction near Warsaw, opened in 2022 – a corn maze, called in Polish Labirynt Królowej Bony (Queen Bona’s Labyrinth). It is located 40 km south of Warsaw in the town of Czersk, close to the Vistula River and medieval castle ruins (click here to read our tips on visiting medieval castle ruins in Czersk).
- The labyrinth is open (weather permitting) from mid-July to October.
- Location: Labirynt Królowej Bony, ul. Sadowa 1, 05-530 Czersk, location on Google map.
- You can pay by credit card.
- Opening hours: Friday 11 am – 8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 8 pm.
- Visitors are given a map of the corn maze and their task is to get the stamps, spread out in different parts of the maze. If you manage to collect all the stamps, there is a reward for the kids in the form of a medal or a corn snack.
- Every year the layout of the corn maze is changed, so you can test a new layout of paths.
- In the maze, there are characters from Queen Bona’s family and monsters are lurking. In the middle of the labyrinth, you can look into the “well of knowledge” made up of a huge number of books.
- Other attractions, apart from the corn maze, include swings, a mini climbing wall, a huge archery board (with the royal family that needs to be defended from monsters), a trampoline, a large sandbox, a beach volleyball court, and a place for a bonfire.
- On-site you can buy hot and cold drinks, snacks for children, ice cream.
- If the weather is bad, there is always information on the Facebook profile in the morning that the labyrinth is closed.
- Facebook. Instagram.
Photo source: Labirynt Królowej Bony
Medieval castle ruins in Czersk, 40 km from Warsaw
Do not expect to visit the castle chambers and museum exhibits in Czersk. What you will find there are 3 towers you can climb and castle walls. However, it’s worth visiting – thanks to the combination of atmosphere of a medieval castle and breathtaking views of the green surroundings.
- The castle is located in the village of Czersk, 40 km south of Warsaw.
- The most convenient way to get there is by car. Castle in Czersk on Google map and 360° view photos.
- Tickets: Monday 1 PLN, Tuesday-Friday: regular ticket 15 PLN, reduced ticket 10 PLN. Weekends October-April: regular ticket 15 PLN, reduced ticket 10 PLN. Weekends May-September: regular ticket 17 PLN, reduced ticket 12 PLN. Children up to 4 free entrance. Ticket prices may change during the events.
- Opening hours: January – February 10 am – 3 pm (closed on Mondays). March 10 am – 5 pm. April 10 am -6 pm. May – August 10 am – 8 pm. September 10 am – 6 pm. October 10 am – 5 pm. November – December 10 am – 3 pm (closed on Mondays).
- The Castles is closed on the following days: January 1, January 6, Easter Sunday, November 1, December 24-26, December 31.
- Every weekend from the beginning of May to the end of September, special events take place at the Castle – archaeological picnics (they present everyday life in various historical periods – presentation of old crafts, martial arts, cuisine).
“Summer Playground” – beach and water attractions 40 km northeast of Warsaw
The main attraction is Water Obstacle Course – “Hydro Warrior” – blobs, obstacles, water springboards, and slides totaling over 250 meters. 2 routes are available. The use of the Water Obstacle Course is allowed only to persons over 6 years of age, taller than 110 cm, and able to swim. Entry of a child under 13 is possible only with written consent and accompanied by an adult. One adult can accompany a maximum of two children.
Other attractions include a children’s area (a playground on the beach and a covered, shallow swimming pool), wakeboard, flyboard, skimboard, SUPs, aquazorbing, ping-pong tables and a beach volleyball court.
- Location: Summer Playground, Góralska 14, 07-230 Słopsk. Location on Google Maps.
- Opening hours, every day of summer holidays until August 31: Monday-Friday: 10 am – 6 pm, weekends: 10 am – 8 pm.
- Online tickets. Children up to 3 years old have free entrance. With online tickets you skip the line – you scan the ticket and enter. Please note that to enter a Water Obstacle Course (Hydro Warrior) you need to buy a separate ticket.
- Website in Polish. Facebook. Instagram.
Photo source: Summer Playground
“Sady Klemensa” – an amusement park an hour’s drive from Warsaw
- Sady Klemensa (in English: Klemens’ Orchards) is a family amusement park located an hour’s drive from Warsaw (80 km to the southwest). It works seasonally – from spring to the end of September. The mission of the park is to show visiting children and their parents the importance of nature. There you can listen to the sounds of nature, smell pine, birch, acacia, breathe fresh air. In summer you can try cherries straight from the tree or pick raspberries or strawberries. There are also various attractions – mainly for younger children, for older children there is for example a rope park.
- Location: Sady Klemensa, Podskarbice Szlacheckie 1, location on Google map.
- Opening hours: the park is open from spring (usually at the end of April). During the summer holidays in July and August, the park is open daily. In September, it’s open only during the weekends, 10 am – 6 pm.
- In case of bad weather, the park is closed – you can find information on their Facebook.
- Tickets: children up to 2 years old 1 PLN, regular ticket 39 PLN, reduced ticket 35 PLN, family ticket 2+1 105 PLN, family ticket 2+2 140 PLN (each additional person 35 PLN), online tickets.
- You can pay by credit card.
- The park area is prepared so that prams and wheelchairs can move around it.
- Website, Instagram, Facebook.
Photo source: Sady Klemensa
Otrębusy village, 25 km from Warsaw – The Centre for Polish Folklore and Museum of Vintage Cars
The Centre for Polish Folklore
- Location: Centrum Folkloru Polskiego “Karolin” (Centre for Polish Folklore), Świerkowa 2 Street, 05-805 Otrębusy (a village about 25 km from the center of Warsaw, location on Google map).
- Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 10 am – 6 pm, Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm.
- Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office at the Centre for Polish Folklore. Regular ticket 20 PLN, reduced ticket 15 PLN, family ticket 12 PLN per person, children up to 3 free entrance.
- The Centre for Polish Folklore is located in the restored palace – a historic home to Mazowsze – the oldest and biggest Polish folk dancing and singing group. The Exhibition takes visitors on a trip across Poland, with traditional costumes, instruments and dances on display. It provides a colourful and musical introduction to Polish history and culture, as well as the work of Mazowsze National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble.
- English-language tours of the Centre for Polish Folklore in spring 2022: March 6, April 3, May 1, June 12. 3 pm (60 minutes), 20 PLN per person (the tour guide service is included in the ticket price), reservations: +48 22 208 87 00, +48 605 501 770, kontakt@karolinmazowsze.pl. Facebook event in English.
- Visiting the exhibition can be combined with a concert and a folk dancing show. A Mazowsze Ensemble concert – the performance hall is located opposite Karolin Palace. This is dependent on the performance calendar of the Mazowsze Ensemble which can be accessed on the website.
- English-speakers can sightsee at the Centre during dedicated tours in English or at their own pace if they wish; the exhibition captions are in Polish and English and there will be an English-language audioguide available soon.
- English language workshops for groups can be arranged on request.
- Website in English, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube.
Photo source: Centrum Folkloru Polskiego “Karolin”
The Museum of Vintage Cars
- Location: Muzeum Motoryzacji i Techniki, Warszawska 21 Street, 05-805 Otrębusy (a village about 25 km from the center of Warsaw, location on Google map).
- Opening hours: Monday – Friday 8.30 am – 4.30 pm, Saturday – Sunday 9 am – 5 pm.
- Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office. Regular ticket 25 PLN, reduced ticket 20 PLN, family ticket 80 PLN, children up to 5 free entrance.
- Private museum with a collection of 300 vintage vehicles – cars, motorbikes, military vehicles.
- Website in Polish, Facebook.
Photo source: Muzeum Motoryzacji i Techniki
“Park of Poland – Suntago” – the largest indoor water park in Europe, 60 km out of Warsaw
- Location: Park of Poland – Suntago, Nowy Świat 1 Street, 96-300 Wręcza (location on Google map). 60 km southwest of Warsaw.
- The largest indoor water park in Europe, including 18 pools with a total surface of 3500 square meters (a tropical pool, a thermal pool, a giant wave pool).
- Attractions for kids include 30 slides with a total length of 3,5 km, a paddling pool, a heated water playground, the adventure river, playgrounds.
- Online tickets. Website in English. Facebook page.
- Our post featuring indoor and outdoor water parks in Poland.
Photo source: Park of Poland
The Malbork Castle – one of the biggest castles in the world, 2 hours by direct train from Warsaw
The Castle is located in the town of Malbork – in northern Poland, in the Pomeranian Province, picturesquely situated on the Nogat river. Malbork’s location on Google map.
Malbork Castle is one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe, called by many the biggest castle in the world. Built in several stages, starting in the 13th century, thoroughly restored after the Second World War, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress picturesquely situated on the river consists of three castles. Very interesting tour for all kinds of tourists, not only history fans, for both adults and kids.
Our tips about visiting the Castle in Malbork, including how to get there by train, car, plain, tips on visiting the Castle, other attractions in Malbork:
A maze and play area “Labirynt pod Warszawą”, 30 km from Warsaw
“Labirynt pod Warszawą” is a maze and play area located in the town of Milanówek, 30 km from Warsaw. The Labyrinth is a small family amusement park, with a cozy atmosphere, especially during summer holidays.
To go through the maze, you can choose one of several routes that are either bilingual in Polish and in English or universal in terms of language. The routes vary in difficulty according to age. They take from 40 minutes to 1,5 hours to complete.
The easiest route is for children aged 3,5 or 4 and the kids have to find elements that our crazy summer has lost in the maze. Other routes for kids include the animal alphabet or a little drawing challenge.
Adults can have some fun, too. For those who already got to know Poland a bit, there is a geography challenge, or one can assume the role of a detective in a murder mystery case. There is also a quiz in Polish literacy if anyone dares to take it up, but this one is strictly in Polish.
On the premises, you will find a bonfire spot, a basketball ring to throw some hoops, badminton set for a family competition, a mini football-golf area, a slack-line, a small circular maze with big plastic blocks, a beach-like area with umbrellas and wooden tables, a mud kitchen where kids make all kinds of mixtures with nature’s elements (be ready to have a change of clothes at hand – kids tend to get messy and rarely want to leave early). A 3-4-hour stay is what you should expect.
You can get some coffee, tea, hot chocolate from the coffee machine, some Mini-Melts ice cream or cold drinks and snacks in the vending machine. You can also rent a small BBQ equipped with the necessities with a BYO food option. You can also order a pizza or other food to your liking from the local restaurants nearby. The owners have a list of recommendations of places to visit locally or restaurants to try if you’d like to explore the Tri-Garden area of the towns of Milanówek, Podkowa Leśna, and Brwinów. You can make it a full-day trip!
The place is open for individual trips, family trips, schools. With advanced booking for groups, they can prepare a bonfire with food. You can have there birthday during opening hours or an after-hours party.
- Location: Labirynt pod Warszawą, Konopnickiej 2 Street, 05-822 Milanówek (location on Google map). 30 km from Warsaw.
- Open in spring-summer-fall seasons – opening hours depend on seasons (May-August 2023: Tuesday-Sunday 11 am – 7 pm, September – October 2023: Saturday-Sunday 11 am – 7 pm). For more information contact Labirynt at labiryntpodwarszawa@gmail.com or on their website, Facebook or Instagram.
- During your stay, you can use the play area free of charge, or you can enter the maze with 35 PLN tickets. Kids 100 cm in height and below get a free pass.
- The staff speaks English.
Photo source: Labirynt pod Warszawą
Educational Eco Farm: a 1-hour drive east of Warsaw
Educational Eco Farm is located a 1-hour drive east of Warsaw. It includes an orchard, an apiary, a field of vegetables and fruits. The owners of the farm speak Polish and English and invite everyone interested in nature and ecology, particularly families with children, to visit the farm.
Attractions include:
- Visiting the garden and orchard where children can learn about how „food grows”. There are over 60 species of vegetables and fruit on the farm – you can pick them and try them.
- Animals – rabbits and chickens. You can visit the henhouse, stroke and feed the hens, collect the eggs.
- Visit in the greenhouse.
- Bee workshop – visitors learn about the tools of the beekeeper, beehouse design, and rules that run their life. Kids make a bee frame or a beeswax candle from scratch.
- Tractor ride.
- Traditional Polish lunch made of local products.
About the Educational Eco Farm:
- Location: Ekologiczna Farma Edukacyjna, Lipiny, 05-317 (location on Google map).
- 77 kilometers east of Warsaw (approximately a 1-hour drive).
- In order to come to the farm, it is necessary to contact (in Polish or English) the owners in advance by message on Facebook or by phone (+48 531 99 00 22).
- They speak English.
- The farm invites individual guests (one family) or groups of families who know each other.
- The farm offers accommodation.
- Info in English, Website in Polish. Facebook, Instagram.
Photo source: Ekologiczna Farma Edukacyjna
Kampinos Forest near Warsaw: 350 km of hiking trails
The Kampinos Forest (Puszcza Kampinoska) is located right next to the northwestern border of Warsaw. Most of its area is protected within the Kampinoski National Park (Kampinoski Park Narodowy). This is very unique on a global scale – the national park borders on the capital of the state!
Visitors can enjoy here 350 km of hiking trails, a 200 km long bicycle trail, horse trails, 10 educational paths, 19 parking lots, and 12 rest areas located on the edge of the park.
How to get to the Kampinos Forest?
- Location on Google map.
- BY CAR. A drive to the Kampinos Forest from the center of Warsaw takes about 30-60 minutes. And from such districts as Bielany or Żoliborz, a drive takes about 10 minutes.
- BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT. You can go to the Kampinos Forest from Warsaw by public bus (110, 150, 210, 250, 714, 719, 800, 850). Most buses to the Kampinos Forest run from the vicinity of the Metro Młociny stop but also from the Metro Marymont or Metro Księcia Janusza stops. Please visit the website of Warsaw Public Transport for timetables, connections, tickets, fees.
Read more in our post on the website, including detailed description of selected hiking trails (e.g. starting point, where to leave a car) and our tips: National parks in Poland: Kampinos Forest near Warsaw.
Nature reserves on the Vistula River (Wyspy Świderskie and Wyspy Zawadowskie), south of Warsaw
These are nature reserves located south of Warsaw (from the Wilanów district to the town of Konstancin on one side of the Vistula and from the Wawer district to the towns of Józefów and Otwock on the other side of the Vistula). They include islands, shoals, sandbanks, and the waters of the Vistula River. It is a nesting and feeding place for rare bird species and a refuge for water-related animals.
Usually, a very large area to walk and play with kids – depends on the water level. When the water level in the Vistula is low, the beach grows large. In the afternoons and evenings, the inhabitants of Warsaw visit this area because of the beautiful sunsets. Photographers are drawn to the vast panorama of Warsaw’s skyscrapers.
- “Wyspy Świderskie” nature reserve’s location on Google map.
- “Wyspy Zawadowskie” nature reserve’s location on Google map.
- Here you will find info on how to get to “Wyspy Zawadowskie” by public transport.
- Here you will find info on how to get to “Wyspy Świderskie” by public transport.
- Left/western bank of the Vistula: Plaża (beach) Ciszyca; Obórki village.
- Right/eastern bank of the Vistula: Beach at the mouth of the Świder River to the Vistula River; Rezerwat przyrody Wyspy Zawadowskie.
A walk over the swamps: Bagno Całowanie, 40 km from Warsaw
It is not often that you can “visit” swamps… And in addition, walk them dry foot! 40 km from Warsaw you can admire nature and wild swamps on wooden platforms. The place is called “Bagno Całowanie”, it’s a charming destination out of the city for a walk and a close encounter with nature.
“Bagno Całowanie” is one of the largest peat bogs in the Warsaw area, located in the Mazovia Landscape Park (Mazowiecki Park Krajobrazowy), about 40 km south-east of Warsaw, in the Vistula valley. The name comes from the nearby village – Całowanie.
There is a 500-meter educational trail (wooden walking platforms dedicated to tourists), including an 8-meter observation tower for birdwatchers. You can also walk on your own outside the marked path.
This place has been known for years to nature researchers as a refuge for endangered animal species and a habitat for valuable flora (it’s a special protection area). In addition to natural values, the area also has archaeological significance. On one of the dunes, numerous traces of the ice age reindeer hunters were found. These are the oldest traces of settlement in the Mazovia region, dating back to 13 thousand years ago.
- The most convenient way to get there is by car.
- Bagno Całowanie on Google map and 360° view photos.
Botanical Garden in Powsin, 17 km from Warsaw
- The Garden is located in the village of Powsin, 17 km south of Warsaw.
- The most convenient way to get there is by car, by bike or by bus. The Garden on Google map.
- Our feature story about the Botanical Garden in Powsin and tips on visiting the Garden.
A walk in the forest, a wooden footbridge over the swamps, and a ferry across the Vistula River, 40 km from Warsaw
Walk in the woods and crossing over the swamps dry feet – educational nature trail (Goździkowe Bagno) in the Masovian Landscape Park, 40 km from Warsaw.
Do you want to go for a walk in the forest, are you looking for peace, quiet, and contact with nature? One of the attractions of the Masovian Landscape Park (Mazowiecki Park Krajobrazowy) is Goździkowe Bagno – an educational trail, a wooden footbridge on which you can walk over the swamps.
- The Goździkowe Bagno is located 40 km south-east of Warsaw. The most convenient way to get there is by car (the location on Google map and photos). You can also get there by train (to Celestynów train stop).
- And a bonus for those who live on the left side of the Vistula and will have to cross the river -you can take a ferry near Konstancin. The ferry crossing is open from April to November. Prom Gassy-Karczew connects the municipality of Konstancin-Jeziorna and the municipality of Karczew (the route on Google map). The ferry runs from April until November 25. On weekdays the ferry operates from 6 am to 8 pm, on Saturdays – from 8 am to 8 pm, on Sundays and holidays – 9 am – 8 pm. The cost is 3 PLN per person (children up to 7 free). Additionally, bicycle – 2 PLN, motorcycle – 5 PLN, car – 9 PLN. Cash only. Website in Polish. Facebook page. The ferry has been operating since April 29, 2021. Website in Polish. Facebook page.
A place to have a walk and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of city life – Konstancin town, 20 km from Warsaw
Konstancin-Jeziorna (Konstancin for short) is a town located 20 km south of the center of Warsaw, on the Jeziorka river. It is the only health resort / a spa town in the immediate vicinity of Warsaw – Konstancin has a distinctive microclimate associated with the surrounding pine forests and natural deposits of healing waters.
The central place of Konstancin is the Park Zdrojowy, nicely renovated and revitalized in 2012. The park is friendly to children in prams, there are two playgrounds (for younger and older children). You will find there lots of alleys, paths, benches, a wooden footbridge with viewpoints leading through the pool. The park is worth visiting also outside the weekend, during the week it is extremely calm and pleasant there.
The graduation tower (Tężnia Solankowa, also known asa thorn house) is a unique place located in the park. It is an open-air ‘inhalatorium’ – a huge natural inhaler. It’s a wooden structure, covered with blackthorn branches that were originally used in the production of salt. Over time, however, it was noticed that the air around them had healing properties. The air around the Graduation Tower creates a specific microclimate similar to the climate that we can enjoy at the seaside.
You can walk around it and inhale or sit on a bench outside or inside the graduation tower. Inside, in the courtyard of the graduation tower, there is a so-called ‘mushroom/grzybek‘ that throws out microscopic droplets that are supposed to soothe our body. To enter the tower area you need to buy a ticket (a regular ticket 12 PLN, a reduced ticket 7 PLN, a family ticket 2+2 30 PLN, children up to 3 free entrance). More in Polish about the tower, including when it is worth using and who should avoid it. Opening hours in 2021: May, June, July 10 am – 8 pm; August, September 10 am – 7 pm; October 10 am – 5 pm; November 10 am – 4 pm; December 10 am – 3 pm.
- You can get there by car (Konstancin-Jeziorna’s location on Google map), by bus (from the Metro Kabaty bus terminus in Warsaw, you can reach Konstancin by bus line 710, 724, 742), by bike (with your own bikes or Veturilo bikes from Metro Kabaty station; on Veturilo stations map you can locate the stations in Konstancin).
- The Park Zdrojowy‘s location on Google map.
- The Graduation Tower’s location on Google map.
Photo source: www.uzdrowisko-konstancin.pl
Educational park in the Wkra river valley in Pomiechówek, 40 km from Warsaw
Almost 10 hectares of land with educational routes for walks designed to protect the richness of fauna and flora. Attractions include 1 km nature trail, picnic area, small beach, the observation deck, rope park, playground, butterfly meadow with 50:1 scale models of Polish butterfly species, a treetop route dedicated to birds (the whole route is almost 250 m long; the bridges are hung between ten nests, the first of which is 2.5 m high and the last one is over 5 m high).
- The treetop walk, lookout tower, rope park, playground are open in spring, summer, autumn. Otherwise, you can come to have a walk.
- The most convenient way to get there is by car. Paid parking lots at Nasielska Street and Szkolna Street.
- The Park on Google map.
- The park is an open and free area, however, you have to pay, for example, for a parking lot, a rope park, entrance to the observation tower, and a walk in the treetops.
- During the winter season, only the park area is open to the public, so you can walk in the park.
- Website in Polish, Facebook page.
Photo source: Dolina Wkry w Pomiechówku
Palace and Garden in Nieborów, Romantic Garden in Arkadia, Museum in Łowicz featuring the most famous Polish folk pattern, 80 km from Warsaw
The baroque palace and 2 historic parks (managed by the National Museum in Warsaw) are located an hour’s drive west of Warsaw, on the way to Łódź – nice chillout spot for a weekend outing and a picnic, a combination of history and nature.
The park in Arkadia village
An English-style romantic garden (established in 1778) in the village of Arkadia is one of the few sentimental and romantic gardens in Europe that survived in a slightly changed form. You will find there numerous references to the art and architecture of antiquity and the Middle Ages, as well as folk culture. So do not be surprised by the Temple of Diana, Roman aqueduct and circus, Gothic house, or some ‘artificial’ ruin.
The park and the palace in Nieborów village
The palace in Nieborów is one of the few buildings in Poland that has preserved intact collections of art and interior design dating back to the 18th century. The palace is surrounded by a French-style garden.
The Nieborów palace and park have been a popular filming location for many Polish films and series for years.
The village of Nieborów is located on the edge of the Bolimów Landscape Park (Bolimowski Park Krajobrazowy) with walking and cycling trails, so take your bikes!
Łowicz town – famous of traditional Polish floral and striped folk pattern
And if you still have some time and energy, you can visit the ethnographic museum in the city of Łowicz – the historic capital of the region. The museum exhibits, among others, traditional costumes, embroidery designs, Łowicz colorful folk paper cuttings (wycinanki łowickie).
In the garden next to the museum building, there is a mini-skansen – an outdoor museum with wooden houses.
- The most convenient way to get there is by car (Park in Nieborów’s location on Google map and Park in Arkadia’s location on Google map). Please note that the park in the village of Arkadia and the park and the palace in the village of Nieborów are 5 kilometers away from each other.
- Nieborów Palace opening hours. March 2 – April 11, 2021: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 3.30 pm (free entrance on Tuesday). April 12 – September 30, 2021: Monday – Sunday 10 am – 5.30 pm (free entrance on Monday). October 1 – November 30, 2021: Monday – Sunday 10 am – 3.30 pm (free entrance on Monday).
- Tickets: Nieborów Park & Arkadia Park 28 PLN, Palace in Nieborów 20 PLN. Children up to 7 free entrance; reduced tickets for students aged 7-26: 1 PLN.
- Nieborów & Arkadia: website in English, Facebook page. Online tickets.
- Łowicz’s location on Google map.
- Tickets: Łowicz Museum 15 PLN regular ticket, 10 PLN reduced ticket, outdoor museum 9 PLN regular ticket, 7 PLN reduced ticket. The fee for a guide in English – 150 PLN. Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm.
- The Museum in Łowicz: website in Polish, Facebook page.
Photo source: Muzeum w Nieborowie i Arkadii, Muzeum w Łowiczu
Open-air Museum of the Mazovian Countryside, 120 km from Warsaw
A visit to the Museum is a unique journey into the past – we are moving to the Polish countryside from the turn of the 19th century and the 20th century. The open-air ethnographic Museum includes village houses, two manors, an inn, an 18th-century church, a craft workshop, a carriage house and a gallery of folk sculpture.
- The most convenient way to get there is by car.
- Museum in Sierpc Google map and 360° view photos.
- A modern hotel (Hotel Skansen) has been built next to the Museum, nicely blended into the atmosphere of the place (it’s a good option to have a lunch/break at the hotel restaurant).
- The Museum grounds are extensive – it is worth putting on comfortable shoes.
- Online tickets (regular ticket 18 PLN, reduced ticket 14 PLN, children up to 7 free entrance).
- Website in Polish, info in English, Facebook page.
Photo source: Muzeum Wsi Mazowieckiej w Sierpcu, Kids in the City
The Park and Museum in the birthplace of Frederic Chopin in Żelazowa Wola, 50 km from Warsaw
Whether you love classical music and Frederic Chopin compositions or not, the Żelazowa Wola village is the must on your “to visit list” in Poland (it’s just 50 km from Warsaw). And it is because of the most beautiful park that surrounds the birthplace and the Museum of Frederic Chopin. In Poland, there are for sure bigger parks, but the one in Żelazowa Wola seems just perfect. The park was developed in 1932-1939 and renovated for the 2010 Chopin Year Celebrations (200th birth anniversary). It has new paths, benches, bridges (the Utrata river flows through the park), ponds, pergolas – everything very elegant and modern, but modern in a good way – that brings comfort and is visually unobtrusive. Also, this is not a regular park – everywhere you can hear Chopin’s music, played quietly from BOSE speakers hidden all over the park in bushes, grass or ivy.
- The most convenient way to get there is by car. Żelazowa Wola on Google map.
- The Museum’s website in English.
- Our tips in English on visiting Żelazowa Wola.
- Read our featured story: Birthplace of Frederic Chopin: the perfect destination for a weekend trip.
Zalesie Górne village, outdoor & water attractions in a landscape park, 25 km from Warsaw
Zalesie Górne is a village located in Piaseczno County, in the Chojnów Landscape Park by the ponds, 25 km from Warsaw.
Attractions – located close to each other – include wake park, rope park, outdoor swimming pool, pedal boat rental, Dzielnica Filmowa amusement park – it is a combination of an outdoor film & cartoon museum, playground, forest, and picnic area (a collection includes several dozen of the most famous movie and cartoon cars and motorcycles; replicas of robots from popular film productions; monster trucks, giant mushrooms, dinosaurs).
- The most convenient way to get there is by car or by train (Zalesie Górne stop).
- Many people visit Zalesie by bike (Google map – by bike to Zalesie).
- Dzielnica Filmowa amusement park: website in Polish, Facebook page, location on Google map. Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm (in the spring/summer season, in 2024, open from April 27).
- Water park Zalesie: website in Polish. Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm (every day). The water park is open from June until the end of August. Outdoor pools consist of a swimming pool 145 cm deep, a 45 cm deep water play area with a playground consisting of 3 large slides for adults and children over 140 cm. In this zone, there is also an octopus slide for smaller children. Little children can play in a spray area with spray fountains.
- Wake park Zalesie: Facebook page, location on Google map. Online booking.
Photo source: Planeta Zalesie / Dzielnica Filmowa
Zegrze Lake, 30 km from Warsaw
Zegrze Reservoir/Zegrze Lake (called in Polish Jezioro Zegrzyńskie or Zalew Zegrzyński), a man-made lake developed in 1963, located 30 km north of Warsaw, is a very popular place among Warsaw residents for summer getaways. The most convenient way to get there is by car (Zegrze on Google map).
- “Dzika Plaża” in Nieporęt (location on Google map), opened from June 20.
- Beach in Serock / Plaża Miejska w Serocku (location on Google map), opened from June 27.
- Beach in Wieliszew (location on Google map), opened from June 27.
- As usual, to avoid the crowds go to the beach early in the morning;)
“Albatros” boat leaves from the pier in Serock (location on Google map) for 45-minute recreational cruises on Zegrze Lake. 3 times a day on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays (11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm). Tickets can only be bought from the boat’s captain before the trip (cash only). More in Polish.
Trips take place on Saturdays and Sundays from May 1 to September 25, and additionally on May 2 and June 17. The 98-seater “Zefir” boat departs at 9 am from the marina at the Żerański Channel/Żerań (near the Cementownia 02 stop, location on Google map), at 12.30 pm arrives in Serock to set off for Warsaw at 2.30 pm. The cruise ends around 6 pm. More in English (including a map, timetable). Online tickets.
One of the biggest botanical gardens in Poland – 100 km from Warsaw
Looking for the best photo spots in Poland? You will find them in one of the biggest botanical gardens in Poland – the Arboretum Forest Educational Center in Rogów near Łódź (100 km from Warsaw) which has been reopened on May 15.
The Arboretum Forest Educational Center in Rogów – established in 1923 – is one of the biggest (over 50 hectares) botanical gardens in Poland, run by the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. The Arboretum in Rogów has also one of the most valuable plant collections in Europe. It’s “a forest park”, located in the thinned-out area of the forest. You can admire there the collections of trees and shrubs of Central and Eastern Europe, protected, endangered, and rare plants, as well as “experimental” parts of the forest with foreign species and the Alpine Garden – the aplinarium.
Spring in the Arboretum is ruled by the colors of blooming flowers. Green dominates here in summer. Autumn welcomes with the beauty of the fall colors. The most popular time to visit the Arboretum is the blooming of azaleas and rhododendrons (May and June) and maple leaves in fall foliage colors (October). It is worth visiting the Arboretum on a weekday or Saturday, on Sunday it is usually the most crowded. As usual, the best option is to visit early in the morning.
Click here to read our post on visiting the Botanical Garden & Arboretum in Rogów.
Retro train trip for tourists – narrow-gauge train
The trips are organized by the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum in the town of Sochaczew (60 km from Warsaw). Tours are organized from the end of April to October (the last trip – October 21, 2023).
The train is driven by a pre-war steam locomotive or a diesel locomotive. The train route is 18 km long and ends in a village which is the “gate” to the Kampinos National Park. The next attractions include a guided tour of the Kampinos Forest and a picnic with a fireplace. Then the train returns to the Museum in Sochaczew.
Starting point/location: Muzeum Kolei Wąskotorowej, Licealna 18 Street, 96-500 Sochaczew, the Museum’s location on Google Maps.
The train is adapted to the transport of prams. The train is not adapted to the transport of mobility-impaired persons (in a wheelchair).
Agenda: 9.20 am – guided tour in the train museum, 10.30 am – train travel to the Kampinos Forest, 11.45 am – a guided walk in the Kampinos Forest, 12.25 – train travel to the next stop, 12.34 pm – a picnic and bonfire (you can bring your food for a picnic and campfire or buy it on-site at a catering point – cash only), 2.14 pm – 3.20 pm – trip back to Sochaczew.
You can buy tickets only online. Regular ticket – 43 PLN, reduced ticket for children – 34 PLN, ticket without seat reservation for children up to 4 – 10 PLN.
More in Polish about the retro train trips on the Museum’s website.
Photo source: Stacja Muzeum Sochaczew
Magiczne Ogrody / Magic Garden – a fairytale theme park, 140 km from Warsaw
Magiczne Ogrody/Magic Garden is a theme park located south-east of Warsaw, near the charming and popular with tourists town of Kazimierz Dolny.
The park covers several hectares with designed greenery, flowers, trees, streams, waterfalls, and of course attractions for children – fairytale zones with mysterious inhabitants.
Attractions in the park are intended for children of all age groups. There are only two age-restricted zones: the newest attraction, a treetop route, available for children 4+ with a parent, or 8+; and the mysterious Mroczysko zone – available only to children 6+.
- The most convenient way to get there is by car (Magiczne Ogrody’s location on Google map). Please note that it’s located 140 km/about a 2-hour drive from Warsaw, to spend there a few hours you need to leave early in the morning.
- Online tickets: children up to 100 cm high 5 PLN, regular ticket 69 PLN, reduced ticket (children up to 14, seniors 60+) 59 PLN, a family ticket for 3 people 171 PLN, a family ticket for 4 people 229 PLN.
- Website in Polish, Facebook page.
Photo source: Magiczne Ogrody
Underground caves and blue springs, 100 km from Warsaw
Both tourist attractions – the caves in the former mine and the reserve with unusual springs and 75 species of birds – are only 7 km away.
Underground tourist route “Groty Nagórzyckie“
- The caves are a remnant of an underground quartz mine from the 18th century. The 30-minute tourist route includes corridors, alleys, and rooms.
- The caves are located 100 km south-west of Warsaw, in the area of Tomaszów Mazowiecki town. The most convenient way to get there is by car (the location on Google map). You can also get there by train (to Tomaszów Mazowiecki) and from Tomaszów by a public bus no. 2 or by bicycle path.
- A walk along the underground route is only possible with a guide. The group may have a maximum of 25 people. Visiting every half an hour, you can buy tickets online for the hour of your choice (regular ticket 9 PLN, reduced ticket 7 PLN).
- Opening hours: April 1 – October 15: 10 am – 6 pm; October 16 – March 31: Tuesday to Friday 8 am – 4 pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10 am – 4 pm; on Mondays the route is closed.
- Website in Polish. Facebook page.
The Blue Springs nature reserve “Niebieskie Źródła“
- A beautiful swamp landscape, with many birds, wild nature, and alleys, located in the Pilica river valley. The main attractions of this place are the blue springs and 75 species of birds. Pure water from limestone springs breaks the sand from the bottom, which when seen through the water surface has a unique blue-green color which depends on the weather conditions. In addition, you can observe pulsating mini geysers made of sand thrown by the spring water.
- The springs are located 100 km south-west of Warsaw, in the area of Tomaszów Mazowiecki town, 7 km from the caves (Groty Nagórzyckie). The most convenient way to get there is by car (the location on Google map).
- Website in Polish.
Photo source: www.groty.mck-tm.pl, www.skansenpilicy.pl
Photo sources: Wild Warsaw, Zamek Czersk, Rogów Arboretum, Stacja Muzeum, Kids in the City
A beautiful heather area & photo spot – Heathland Mostówka/Wrzosowisko Mostówka, 50 km from Warsaw
Heathers in Poland begin to bloom at the turn of August and September. It is worth hurrying – we have time more or less until mid-September.
Where to see heather in bloom around Warsaw? One of the popular outdoor photoshoot locations – Wrzosowisko Mostówka (heather in Polish – wrzos, the Polish name of September (wrzesień) comes from the heathers).
Wrzosowisko Mostówka is open to everyone heather field, located 50 km from Warsaw, 40 minutes drive north-east of Warsaw, in the direction of Wyszków / Białystok.
- The most convenient way to get there is by car (Wrzosowisko Mostówka’s location on Google map). You can leave your car along Kolejowa Street and walk for a few minutes along the train tracks to the north, towards the village of Lucynów.
- If you are going with small children, it is better to take a baby carrier than a stroller – there are a lot of sandy trails.
Sleigh rides in the vicinity of Warsaw
Horse-drawn sleigh rides are a unique winter attraction in Poland. In Polish, a sleigh ride is kulig. Usually, they are associated with the mountains but in the vicinity of Warsaw, we can also go for a sleigh ride! It is great fun and an opportunity to spend time in nature – with family or friends. Of course, a tiny little detail – snow is needed. Although in most cases when the weather changes and the snow melts, there is an option to ride a wheeled carriage.
Below we present several options for organizing a sleigh ride in the vicinity of Warsaw – you can contact all the organizers in English.
Sleigh rides in the Kampinos National Park
The Kampinos Forest (Puszcza Kampinoska) is located right next to the northwestern border of Warsaw. Most of its area is protected within the Kampinoski National Park (Kampinoski Park Narodowy). This is very unique on a global scale – the national park borders on the capital of the state! Horse-drawn sleigh rides in Kampinos are organized by a family company: website, Facebook. From spring to autumn, they invite you to rides in horse-drawn carriages and wagons, while in winter they will provide you with an unforgettable experience on a sleigh ride with torches and a fire at the end. This company has been organizing sleigh and carriage rides in the Kampinos National Park for 14 years. They use recreational clearings and horse trails following the park regulations and have all the necessary permits. How does it work? Reservations can be made by phone (+48 509 981 487), e-mail (kamil@bryczki-kampinos.pl), Facebook, in Polish or English. You arrange for a day and an hour at different places in the eastern part of the park. The ride takes approximately 45 minutes and ends with a fire in a clearing. The cost of such a service with meals (sausage, bread, coffee, tea or a vegetarian menu) is PLN 80 gross per person. The minimum number of people is 5. Our tips in English on hiking in the Kampinos Forest.
Photo source: www.bryczki-kampinos.pl
Sleigh rides 50 km east of Warsaw
Sleigh rides are organized in winter by a company that runs agritourism – Mazowieckie Sioło Julianówka (you can plan, apart from sleigh rides, for example a weekend stay and book accommodation), 50 km east of Warsaw, 6 km from the town of Mińsk Mazowiecki (location on Google map, website, Facebook). How does it work? You should contact them to register for a sleigh ride, and when it snows, they will contact you to confirm the date of the sleigh ride. Reservations can be made by phone (+48 600465232), e-mail (biuro@julianowka.com.pl), Facebook, in Polish or English. The attractions include a horse-drawn sleigh ride with attached sledges, sledding downhill (on sledges and hay bags – you can rent equipment ), a fire, food, drinks.
Photo source: Mazowieckie Sioło Julianówka
Sleigh rides 40 km from Warsaw on the edge of the Kampinos Forest
Sleigh rides are organized in winter by a stable – Stajnia Dorado (location on Google map, website in English, Facebook). How does it work? Sleigh rides take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 am and 2 pm, during the week the dates are agreed upon individually. Reservations can be made by e-mail: stajniadorado@poczta.onet.pl. The sleigh ride (the sleigh can hold a maximum of 7 people) or the carriage takes approximately 1.5 hours. With more people, 2 rounds are made – one group stays in the orchard by the fire, the other group goes on a sleigh ride.
Photo source: Stajnia Dorado
Sleigh rides 25 km west of Warsaw, near the town of Pruszków
Sleigh rides are organized in winter by a horse riding school – Patataj (location on Google map, website in Polish, Facebook). How does it work? When the weather conditions are favorable and it is snowing, sleigh rides are organized in a nearby meadow and forest. There are 3 sleds available. Each pair of sleighs can accommodate a maximum of 5 people, which gives a maximum of 15 people for one ride. In the case of larger groups, you can have additional rides (then the sleigh ride takes place in turns). A single sleigh ride takes 1 hour and costs 600 PLN. Torches (necessary after dark) cost PLN 20 per piece. One sledge requires 2 torches (1 torch burns for approx. 30 minutes). After the sleigh ride, you can use the restaurant, you can also order a bonfire with sausages and a hot meal. You need to book a date in advance: patataj@patataj.com, +48 518 444 204.
Apple picking in the Warsaw area
“Jedziemy na Jabłka” (We’re going for apple picking) is an orchard located 80 km south of Warsaw. Its owners speak English.
- Start of a new season: mid-September (the exact date will be announced in the first half of September).
- Location: Rogolin 15, 26-807 Rogolin (about 80 km south of Warsaw, location on Google map).
- Every autumn weekend until the last apple (usually from mid-September until the end of October).
- Booking is not required (you need to contact them in advance only if you want to come on a weekday).
- Website in English. Facebook page. Instagram.
You will find some other options for fruit and vegetable picking (including apples) in the Mazowieckie region on this website (myzbieramy.pl). Please note that you need to contact a selected orchard/garden/farm to book a slot in most cases.
Pumpkin farms in the Warsaw area
The pumpkin farms are usually open from September until the end of October.
Pumpkin farm ‘Dyniolandia’ in northwestern Warsaw
- Location: Dyniolandia – Farma Wuja Toma, Kazimierza Wóycickiego 41 Street, location on Google map.
- Open from April until the end of November.
- Monday – Friday 1 pm – 7 pm, Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 7 pm.
- Monday – Friday 1 pm – 4 pm: PLN 29 / person; 4 pm – 7 pm: PLN 39 / person. Saturday – Sunday 10 am – 7 pm: PLN 39 / person. Free admission for children up to 1 year old. You can pay by card. Online tickets.
- Pumpkin farm, fun park, mini zoo, sensory education path, and other attractions.
- Website, Facebook, Instagram.
Pumpkin farm in Powsin, south of Warsaw
- The most convenient way to get there is by car (the farm’s location on Google Maps). By bus: bus line 710 from Metro Kabaty or 139 from Metro Wilanowska. Address: Drewny 17 Street.
- Open every day: 9 am – 6 pm.
- No need to make reservations (only groups need to book slots: +48692992589, biuro@farmadyn.pl).
- Admission: 35 PLN. Free admission for children up to 1 year old. You can pay by card.
- Additional attractions include a mini and petting zoo – alpacas, geese, ducks, turkeys, chickens, rabbits, goats (you can bring carrots and green leaves to feed rabbits and goats); photo on the tractor; straw maze; swings.
- Website, Facebook. Instagram.
Pumpkin farm ‘Dynioland’ in Wieliszew, north of Warsaw
- The most convenient way to get there is by car (the farm’s location on Google Maps). Address: Willowa 68A Street, Wieliszew.
- Open to groups during the weekdays, and individual visitors only on weekends (please check current opening hours on their Facebook).
- Admission cost from September 9: children 25 PLN, adults 35 PLN. Free admission for children up to 1 year old. Cash only.
- Additional attractions include a mini zoo – chickens, ducks, geese, pentarks, rabbits, lamb; straw maze; mini-zoo; visiting the garden (herb and vegetable corner) and the field; a place for a barbecue/fireplace.
- You can buy pumpkin soup, cakes, juices, lemonades.
- Website, Facebook, Instagram.
Pumpkin festival in Wilanów/Zawady
- In 2023, open from October 1 until October 31, at a cafe in Wilanów.
- Location: Syta 139 “Ogród małych przyjemności”, Syta 139 Street (Wilanów/Zawady). The most convenient way to get there is by car (the location on Google Maps).
- Monday-Friday 2 pm – 8 pm. Saturday-Sunday 10 am – 9 pm.
- Attractions include pumpkin workshops, a pumpkin menu daily (e.g. pumpkin soup, pumpkin cake, coffee, etc.), pumpkin decorations for photo sessions.
- Admission: 15 PLN (to be used at the counter for a drink or something to eat). Free admission for children up to 3 years old. You can pay by card.
- Facebook page. Facebook event in Polish. Instagram.