What can you do in the winter holidays? - 10 ideas | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Zakopane offers ski slopes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, plus Krupówki street
• Szczyrk features dedicated ski zones for young children and snowparks for older ones
• Białka Tatrzańska combines ski racing events with thermal baths for post-slope relaxation
• Wisła and Ustroń are ideal for families, with gentle slopes and cross-country skiing trails
• Gdynia's Aquarium and Experyment Science Centre make excellent winter destinations for children
• Travelling to mountain resorts by train avoids motorway traffic jams during peak holiday periods

The mountains in winter are a magical place that delights both adults and children. What to do during the holidays in the mountains? It all depends on where you go. Zakopane offers a wide range of ski slopes, from easy slopes for beginners to more challenging ones for advanced skiers. You don't have to be an expert - ski schools will help anyone take their first steps. After an intense day on the slopes, visit Krupówki, where hot chocolate and regional delicacies await. This season, Zakopane has prepared additional attractions such as torchlight descents in the evening, winter amusement parks and sleigh rides through snowy valleys.

Szczyrk is an excellent choice for families looking for modern infrastructure and varied trails. You'll find special zones for younger children to learn to ski, and snowparks for older children. Snowboard workshops and freeride lessons organised by local instructors are also popular. In Karpacz, outdoor activities are encouraged by picturesque trails and tobogganing hills for the youngest. A winter playground and snowtubing track, as well as the opportunity to visit the Wang church, which was brought here from distant Norway, can provide additional variety.

In addition to excellent skiing conditions, Bialka Tatrzanska also offers numerous winter sports competitions with attractions for children and adults. After an intensive day outdoors, you can relax in the thermal baths, where, in addition to attractions for children, there is also a relaxation area for adults. In the ski resorts in Wisła, there is no shortage of family igloo-building competitions or animations in the snow. The town is also an ideal starting point for skiing in Szczyrk or on the Pilsko Mountain. The region is also famous for its many cross-country trails. The mountains in winter are a true paradise for skiing enthusiasts, with something for everyone.

What's the best way to get to the mountains?

Travelling to the mountains by train is a convenient way to avoid traffic jams and relax during the journey. The views outside the window, of snow-covered valleys and mountain peaks, add a special charm to the trip. In addition, many ski resorts offer a shuttle service from the train stations, making travel arrangements easier.

The Baltic Sea in winter delights with its silence and tranquillity. Walking along the seashore to the sound of the waves is the perfect way to relax and chat together. However, the weather is not good and you don't know what to do during the winter holidays on the coast?

In Gdynia, visit the Aquarium, the Naval Museum or the Experyment Science Centre, which offer activities to develop children's curiosity. In Sopot, the atmospheric pier and winter teas served in cafes create the perfect atmosphere for a family holiday. Hel offers unique excursions to the sealarium, where you can see the feeding of seals and take part in ecological workshops. A walk along the frozen beaches of Hel is an unforgettable experience that shows how remarkably the seaside landscape changes in winter.

Kołobrzeg attracts visitors in winter with its extraordinary illumination, where colourful light installations light up the entire city. The city also hosts an annual walrus Olympics. In Ustka, in addition to walks on empty beaches, you can take part in winter photography workshops and learn to capture the beauty of the seascapes. The seaside resorts also organise games in rope parks adapted to winter conditions. If there is enough snow, children can also try their hand at the sport of cross-country skiing.

How to get to the seaside comfortably?

Our suggestion is to travel by train to Kołobrzeg, Ustka, Gdynia or Gdańsk. Comfortable conditions and picturesque landscapes make the journey itself a part of the adventure. It is also worth taking advantage of the railway's promotional offers, which often offer discounts for families during the holidays.

Nothing makes children happier than snow and the chance to play carefree outside. Wondering how to spend your winter holidays actively while you're in town? Ice-skating is a proposition that never gets boring. Warsaw's ice rink in the Old Town provides a unique atmosphere, while Wrocław's ice rink on the Pergola at Hala Stulecia impresses with its space and surroundings. Kraków offers an ice rink surrounded by the Błonia Park and Jordan Park, where picturesque scenery combines with a winter atmosphere. Łódź's "Bombonierka" is hosting a Carnival on Ice during the holidays, which will combine figure skating shows with workshops for children and revues on ice. In Białystok, families will be able to take part in competitions for the best snow sculptures or toboggan races for torzesnowtubing. Enthusiasts of this sport can also opt for holidays in Międzybrodzie Bielskie, where Góra Żar offers an attraction in the form of a year-round toboggan run with a view of the Silesian Beskid. Its extensive infrastructure, numerous hiking trails and proximity to many ski resorts make it an ideal destination for a family trip.

If the weather is not conducive to going outdoors, why not organise a holiday full of indoor activities. What can you do at home during the holidays? Board games are a great way for the whole family to spend time together! "Dixit" develops the imagination, "Catan" engages in strategic decisions, and "Dobble" or "Uno" will work well for quick family games for more people. It is also worth trying to create your own board game - all you need is a sheet of paper, markers and imagination.

Another way to spend family time is with a movie night. Choose your favourite fairy tales with a winter setting, such as 'Iceberg' or 'Ice Age', and make homemade popcorn and hot chocolate. It can be an interesting idea to organise a themed cinema - for example, an evening with Disney films or classic adventure productions. For older children, you can plan a film marathon with favourite series such as 'Harry Potter' or 'Star Wars'.

The holidays are the perfect time to develop children's interests.

• The Groteska Theatre in Cracow hosts theatre workshops where the youngest can learn about the behind-the-scenes work on stage and create their own show.

• The Copernicus Science Centre in Warsaw organises interactive science shows, during which children discover the secrets of chemistry and physics.

• In Wrocław, Hydropolis has prepared workshops on water and the environment, which teach ecology in an interesting way. An additional attraction is the "World of Water" exhibition, offering interactive experiences for the whole family.

• In Poznań, CK Zamek offers art workshops where children create winter decorations and carnival masks.

• In Lublin, young people can take part in theatre and dance classes that develop creativity and allow them to make new friends.

• In Łódź, programming workshops for children and young people are offered, which introduce young participants to the world of new technologies.

During this period, it is a good idea to regularly review specific holiday schedules for the youngest children so that you don't miss out on the various proposals in your area - from sports and dance activities, to art and theatre workshops, to science shows or technology activities. This way, children can spend time actively, discover new talents, meet their peers and learn practical skills in an interesting and inspiring way.

What can you do during the winter holidays? We have prepared a short overview of inspiring activities for you!

• Zakopane: Family skiing competition.

• Szczyrk: snowboard workshops for beginners.

• Cracow: Winter film screenings in Multikino.

• Warsaw: Interactive science shows at the Copernicus Science Centre.

• Poznań: Carnival arts workshops at CK Zamek, where children can create masks and decorations for winter balls.

• Wrocław: Special exhibition "Winter Water Stories" in Hydropolis, with additional art workshops for families.

• Hel: Meetings at the seal sanctuary with seal feeding and environmental workshops for children and young people.

• Ustka: Winter open-air photography workshop by the sea, open to both beginners and advanced photographers.

• Łódź: Ice rink and winter board games tournament in the city library.

• Gdańsk: Festival of Lights in the Old Town with maritime-themed illuminations.

• Białystok: Family ice sculpture workshops and a toboggan run.

It is not only the biggest cities that offer attractions for the holidays. In smaller towns and cities, you can also find unusual proposals:

• Kazimierz Dolny: A walk through the frosty Market Square surrounded by winter landscapes, combined with a visit to the Nadwiślańskie Museum.

• Żywiec: Winter folklore festival with handicraft workshops for families and a sleigh ride in the Beskids.

• Toruń: A visit to the Gingerbread Museum, where children can make their own gingerbread, the perfect souvenir treat.

• Kudowa-Zdrój: Winter walks in the Table Mountains and a visit to the Spa Park with warm cocoa in local cafes.

When planning your winter holidays, it's worth remembering a few simple rules that will make this time truly special. Booking accommodation and tickets in advance will avoid unnecessary stress, especially in popular winter resorts where places fill up quickly. Developing a budget with promotions, such as discounted train fares or family packages at tourist attractions, can also significantly reduce the cost of your trip. Also pay attention to the calendar of free events and remember that some establishments, including museums, can be visited for free on selected days. In addition, make your journey comfortable - by choosing the train, you not only avoid traffic jams, but also ensure that your children are comfortable during the ride and that the beautiful views outside the window become part of the adventure.

The winter holidays are a time full of opportunities and chances to spend unforgettable moments with your family. Whether you choose snow activities in the mountains, relaxing walks by the sea or creative workshops in the city, remember that the most important thing is to have fun together and discover new places. Let this winter holiday be full of fun, adventure and inspiration for the whole family!

Planning a Christmas holiday and have lots of questions? Check out the answers to the most frequently asked questions. You'll find tips on how to prepare an interesting and safe winter holidays, activity ideas and practical advice to help you organise leisure time for the whole family.

How do I plan an interesting and active winter holiday?

To make your winter holidays interesting and active, opt for variety: winter sports, excursions, workshops, games and activities. Match them to the interests of the participants and the weather conditions. And don't forget to allow plenty of time for relaxation and spontaneous adventures, so that the holidays are full of excitement, fun and unforgettable moments.

What activities and workshops are organised during the holidays in Polish cities?

During the holidays, a variety of activities and workshops for children and young people are organised in Polish cities, including sports, art, language or educational workshops. Examples include art workshops in Cracow, water rescue classes in Gdańsk or creative laboratories in Warsaw, which combine learning with fun.

What can you do during the winter holidays if you stay at home?

If you're spending your holidays at home, you can look after a variety of activities: board games, creative workshops, cooking, reading, films and video games. Don't forget to move - exercise, yoga or dancing at home will add energy. Also plan moments for relaxation and spontaneous play to keep your holidays interesting, fun and full of excitement.