If the most significant challenge you face this summer is keeping the kids busy, then take your pick from these tried and tested options…
If the most significant challenge you face this summer is keeping the kids busy, then take your pick from these tried and tested options…
Nowy Świat 1 (Wrecza)
For the ultimate out-of-towner then head to Suntago – a slice of family paradise where summer never ends. Opened in 2020 as Europe’s largest water park, this 67,000 sq/m tropical haven features 18 pools and 32 slides with names like Neon Torpedo, Mad Crocodile and Green Mamba. Split into different zones themed around such things as Ancient Egypt and Valhalla, such is the attention to detail that palms have been imported from Florida and Malaysia. Touting also a sauna complex, restaurants and accommodation options in Suntago Village, all this awaits just 45-mins from downtown Warsaw.
Found in Park Szczęśliwicki, Warsaw’s highest hill (152-metres) has a couple of options for families: donutting in a rubber ring on a slope cooled down with ‘water mist’, and a two-seater Alpine coaster capable of reaching speeds of up to 36-kilometres per hour. For more details on both, plus other activities on and around the hill, see: fb.com/gorkaszczesliwicka
Norblin Factory
(Żelazna 51/53)
One of Norblin’s biggest triumphs has been the way in which it has connected to all ages – at the lower end of the scale, credit for that goes to Smart Kids Planet, a 1,600 sq/m project with nine zones that aim to promote logical thinking, healthy eating, motor functions, perception and creative thinking. For more, see: smartkidsplanet.pl
National Stadium
(Poniatowskiego 1)
There’s a few tracks to choose from in Warsaw, but our pick of the bunch can be found snaking around the car park sitting below the National Stadium. For kids, junior karts are available as are summer go-kart courses. Birthday parties and other such events can also be arranged for those that call in advance. For info: kartingowynarodowy.pl
Otwock
Options abound for kayaking, but for something that feels a little more pastoral than the Wisła try the quaint River Świder that runs past Otwock. Lined with woodland, meadows and sandy landing spots, the route is the most picturesque of all your local choices.
For kayak rental (as well as BBQ options!), try: przystan-emow.pl
Staffa 21
As ludicrous as it might sound, you can now skate at the height of summer on a small, synthetic outdoor rink funded by the city’s participatory budget. Found on the premises of Primary School No. 187, it’s open to the public between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. (Mon-Fri) and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. Rent skates on-site.
Wybrzeże Helskie 1/5
Warsaw’s most popular line park has three routes to choose from, the most difficult of which is 400 meters in length and comes peppered with 28 obstacles – you’ll be clambering around at heights that peak at 12-metres above the ground. Also boasting a zip line, one of the biggest selling points is the view across the river that settles on the Old Town.
