Things to See and Experience for Children and Youth
This page showcases family-friendly attractions and activities in the Gdańsk area that'll keep both kids and adults entertained.
We'll introduce you to Hevelianum Science Centre, packed with hands-on exhibits about science, energy, and history. There's also the historic steamship Sołdek, now part of the Maritime Museum, and Gdańsk Zoo, home to over a thousand animals with plenty of kid-friendly activities. Don't miss Nadmorski Park's awesome playground and climbing area at Brzeźno beach, or the Gdynia Aquarium, where you can explore marine life from different ocean regions.
Looking for more ideas to keep the little ones happy? Check out GetYourGuide's family-friendly activities. They've got everything from scenic cruises along the Motława River to adventure-filled walking tours designed especially for kids through Gdańsk's Old Town, plus trips to the harbor where children can marvel at ships and learn about maritime history in a fun, engaging way.
Centrum Hewelianum - Science Center
Just outside Gdańsk's city center, perched on the historic Góra Gradowa hill, you'll find the Hevelianum science center [on map] (Gradowa 6), a place that gets visitors of all ages excited about learning. Named after Johannes Hevelius, the famous 17th-century astronomer from Gdańsk, this center brilliantly combines science, history, and nature in ways that both educate and entertain.
At Hevelianum, you can dive into hands-on exhibits covering everything from energy and motion to optics and space exploration. The permanent exhibitions include an energy lab and the "With Energy!" display, which showcases renewable energy sources. These exhibits bring Newton's laws to life, demonstrate how much energy human activities require, and explain power generation. You can explore different forms of energy and their applications, play with light rays, learn about airplane aerodynamics, or discover how we monitor pollution from space.
Among the rotating exhibitions, "Around the World" takes you on a journey through the unique features of all seven continents. The "Puzzle" exhibition makes math come alive through challenges that show how mathematics pops up in everyday life. "Time Machine - Man and Bullet" dives deep into the area's military past, while "Playing with History" lets you immerse yourself in wartime stories. There's also "Hevelianum Without Barriers," an exhibition designed to be fully accessible to all visitors.
The center sits within a 19th-century military fortress complex, complete with bunkers, tunnels, and defensive walls. From the top of Góra Gradowa hill, you'll be treated to stunning panoramic views over Gdańsk. The outdoor trails winding around the area are perfect for a breath of fresh air while exploring the local nature.
While Hevelianum is especially great for families with kids, adults will find plenty to enjoy too. It's a hit with Polish school groups, so expect some lively energy! The center is open Tuesday through Sunday, and tickets are reasonably priced. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here to properly explore all the exhibitions.
The Sołdek Ship
Sitting pretty on the banks of Gdańsk's Motława River [on map], the Sołdek ship [on map] (Ołowianka 9-13) is one of the crown jewels of the city's Maritime Museum [on map] and makes for a fantastic family day out. This steamship rolled off the Gdańsk shipyard in 1948 as Poland's first coal-powered vessel built after the war. For three decades, she worked as a cargo ship, calling at over 60 different ports and clocking up more than 1,300 voyages.
The Sołdek is moored at Ołowianka Island. You can hop over to the island on a cute little ferry [on map] that crosses the Motława River. Ferry schedules can change with the seasons, so it's worth checking the current times before you go. Alternatively, you can walk to Ołowianka Island by crossing the river via the Kładka zwodzona na Ołowiankę footbridge [on map].
Set aside at least a couple of hours to explore the Sołdek properly. As you wander through different parts of the ship, from the cargo hold to the deck, mess hall, cabins, and galley, you'll get a real feel for what life was like for sailors aboard this steamer. From the deck, you'll also be treated to lovely views of the Motława River, which comes alive with all sorts of boats during summer.
The Sołdek hosts various exhibitions throughout the year, so it's worth checking what's on before your visit. There's also a permanent exhibition space showcasing ships built at the Gdańsk shipyard between 1947 and 1984. These displays dive deeper into the ship's history and offer fascinating insights into Poland's maritime heritage.
Opening hours for the Sołdek vary by season. Be sure to double-check current opening times and any special closures before heading over. Last time I checked, tickets were 20 złoty for adults and 12 złoty for kids. You can also get combo tickets that include other Maritime Museum attractions, like the neighboring Stary Żuraw crane building [on map] (Szeroka 67/68), plus family tickets are available too.
The Zoo
Gdańsk Zoo (Gdański Ogród Zoologiczny) [on map] (Karwieńska 3) is one of Poland's biggest and most diverse attractions, and it's perfect for the whole family. Located in the Oliwa district near a beautiful park, you can easily reach it by train from Gdańsk's main station in about 15 minutes. From Oliwa and Osowa stations, buses run directly to the zoo entrance year-round.
You can also join an organized zoo tour. Check out GetYourGuide for more details and to book your spot. Tours typically include round-trip transportation from Gdańsk to the zoo plus admission tickets that let you skip the queues.
The zoo is home to over a thousand animals representing around 190 different species. You'll see giraffes, elephants, monkeys, and crocodiles living in spacious, well-maintained enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats. This approach not only keeps the animals happier but also makes your visit more engaging. During summer, hop on the vintage train that chugs around the zoo's main attractions. Little ones will love the petting zoo where they can feed friendly animals.
Looking for some adventure? The "Monkey's Canyon" rope course lets both kids and adults see the zoo from a whole new perspective. "ZOOlandia" adventure park is specially designed for families with children. Set in a lovely forest setting, you can test your skills on 15 different obstacles and zip down a thrilling 26-meter zipline.
Gdańsk Zoo takes animal welfare and biodiversity seriously. They've earned recognition for their successful breeding programs for endangered species like Sumatran tigers and Persian leopards. The zoo actively participates in over 30 European conservation programs for threatened species.
You'll find clean restrooms, nice restaurants, cafés, and fun extras throughout the grounds. While most places accept cards, some areas might require cash, so bring some along just in case. Be prepared for lots of walking, the zoo covers a large, hilly area. Comfortable walking shoes and a zoo map are your best friends here. If you're visiting in summer, don't forget a hat and sunscreen.
The zoo welcomes visitors year-round, though opening hours change with the seasons. Admission prices might be a bit higher than you'd expect for Poland, but they're still reasonable, especially for families. Save time by buying tickets online in advance to skip the entrance lines.
Nadmorski Park Playground and Port Brezezno - Park Linowy
Looking for a fun day out with the kids in Gdańsk? Head to Nadmorski Park (literally "Seaside Park") [on map] in the Przymorze district, it's packed with activities for children and teens.
The heart of the park is the Kraina Zabawy playground [on map], which offers tons of space for kids to run wild. The park is beautifully maintained and features everything from swings and slides to zip lines and a pirate ship. While younger kids can happily spend hours here, older children might start itching for something more adventurous.
Right next to the playground, you'll find a skate park designed specifically for skateboarding, rollerblading, and BMX biking. With ramps and areas suited to different skill levels, it's perfect whether you're just starting out or already shredding like a pro.
Another gem in the park is the Port Brzeźno rope course [on map], featuring five different routes tailored to various ages and climbing abilities.
Fancy a swim? You're in luck! The seaside section of Nadmorski Park boasts sandy beaches, including Brzeźno Beach [on map] and its neighbor, Przymorze Beach [on map]. There's also a beachfront promenade with walking and cycling paths. Don't miss the Brzeźno pier [on map] stretching out into the sea, it's a great spot to catch some sea breeze between playground sessions.
The park is also known as President Ronald Reagan Park, named after a monument featuring the former U.S. president walking alongside Pope John Paul II. This memorial symbolizes their influence on Poland's liberation. During Reagan's presidency, the United States actively supported Polish opposition movements that played a crucial role in the struggle against communist rule.
Getting there is easy with public transport, buses will get you closest to the park. The "Biały Dwór" bus stop is right next to the park entrance. For families, grabbing a taxi or Uber might be the most convenient option to zip straight there.
Indoor Play Park - Loopy's World
If you're in Gdańsk with kids, check out Loopy's World [on map] (aleja Grunwaldzka 229), it's a fantastic indoor playground for the whole family. Perfect for rainy days or when you need a break from sightseeing, this place will keep kids under 12 entertained for hours.
At Loopy's World, kids can zoom down slides, bounce on trampolines, tackle adventure courses, dive into ball pits, and race around in electric cars, basically everything you'd expect from a great indoor play center. The whole place is designed with safety and fun in mind, featuring soft surfaces and easy-to-navigate spaces. The star attraction is a massive multi-level adventure maze that'll challenge kids of all ages. And don't worry about the little ones, there's a separate, calmer area just for toddlers.
While the kids burn off energy, parents can relax at the café areas right next to the play zones, where you'll find drinks and snacks. Just a heads up, weekends and school holidays can get pretty packed, so if you prefer a quieter experience, try visiting on weekday mornings right after opening.
Ticket prices vary depending on how long you want to stay, and they offer family tickets or multi-hour packages too. Remember to bring socks, shoes aren't allowed on the play equipment.
Gdynia Aquarium
Located in Gdynia's harbor district, the Gdynia Aquarium [on map] (al. Jana Pawła II 1, Gdynia) is a hit with families, especially those with kids. You'll find the aquarium about a 2-kilometer walk from Gdynia's main train station, near the Marina yacht harbor and the same pier where boats depart for other coastal destinations. The area is packed with other maritime attractions too, including the museum ship Dar Pomorza, a historic three-masted sailing vessel. This beauty was the first Polish ship to sail around the world and navigate around Cape Horn.
While the aquarium complex isn't huge, it packs a punch with its diverse collection of marine life from across the globe. What's cool is that they've got interactive exhibits where you can do more than just look, you can actually get hands-on and experiment. One of the standout features is the "Cold Seas" exhibition, showcasing life from the chilly waters of the Atlantic, Danish Straits, and Baltic Sea across 12 tanks holding a whopping 450,000 liters of water. You'll spot jellyfish floating by, various crustaceans scuttling about, schools of fish swimming in formation, and species that love to play hide-and-seek in the sand.
The "Amazonia" section transports you straight to a tropical rainforest vibe, complete with snakes to admire (safely behind glass, of course). Meanwhile, the "Coral Reef" exhibit features the aquarium's largest tank, a 3,000-liter showpiece teeming with corals, tropical fish, and other sea creatures from warm-water ecosystems.
Want to beat the crowds? Visit on weekdays or outside the summer season. Pro tip: buy your tickets online in advance to skip the ticket counter lines. Plan on spending 1-2 hours here to properly explore all the exhibits without rushing. The ticket prices are pretty reasonable compared to other European aquariums. Since opening hours and admission fees change with the seasons, it's best to check the Gdynia Aquarium website directly for current info.