Gdańsk in winter? Why not! If you dream of a holiday that is different from the usual, full of fascinating discoveries, walks through historic streets, and family attractions, this seaside city will be an excellent choice. And even though snow by the Baltic has become rare lately, the winter atmosphere will not be lacking!
In the second half of February, just right for children from the Pomeranian, Silesian, Łódź, Lublin, and Subcarpathian voivodeships, the city has prepared plenty of propositions – from treasure hunts that will allow you to explore Gdańsk in an unusual way, to walks combining learning with activity, and exciting theatrical performances that will delight both the youngest and the older ones.
Or maybe you’d simply prefer to relax and enjoy the winter atmosphere by the sea? Grano Hotels offer special programs for children, so that every day of the holidays will be filled with joy and experiences.
So, what do you say? Shall we start?
Photo: Children's playroom at Grano Hotel Solmarina
Gdańsk, a city to discover step by step
Gdańsk is a city that hides countless stories – just take a stroll through its beautiful streets to step back in time and see it through the eyes of its former residents. Would you like to learn about the everyday life of an 18th-century burgher and follow in his footsteps? Or are you more fascinated by the mysteries of the justice system from centuries ago? Take unique walks during which you will discover the unknown face of the city – from majestic halls to the dark corners of the city prison.
Among the three walking proposals prepared by Gdańsk Museum as part of the Winter Action 2025 (“The Arsenal of Old Gdańsk”, “The Phenomenon of Gdańsk”, and “In the Footsteps of Gdańsk's Themis”), I will outline the second and third options, depending on the participants' age ;)
The Phenomenon of Gdańsk – a walk in the footsteps of Jan Uphagen
Have you ever wondered what a day in the life of a wealthy Gdańsk burgher in the 18th century looked like? What places did he visit, what did he do, and where did he spend his free time? If you want to see the city through the eyes of Jan Uphagen – an influential councilor, collector, and art lover – this walk is the perfect opportunity to travel back in time and discover Gdańsk from a completely new perspective.
You will start with the morning hustle in Uphagen's house, before heading out for a walk along Długa Street – the heart of 18th-century Gdańsk. You’ll visit the Main Town Hall, where the most important decisions affecting the residents' lives were made, learn about the councilor's work, and finally discover what the evening entertainments of Gdańsk’s elite looked like in the Artus Court.
If you want to experience an extraordinary journey through time, get swept away by history, and see how lively the streets of Gdańsk were three centuries ago – don’t miss out (link to details)!
Photo: Uphagen House in Gdańsk
In the Footsteps of Gdańsk's Themis – the dark side of past laws
Gdańsk – a city of merchants, sailors, and great history. But do you know that behind the façade of rich tenements and representative buildings, there are also stories of crimes, harsh sentences, and terrifying executions? If you wish to discover how the justice system operated in old Gdańsk, this walk will take you into a world where the law was ruthless and punishment often more horrifying than the crime itself.
During the journey, you will visit the former city prison and learn who and for what offenses ended up behind its walls. You will discover the work of the executioner and judge, uncovering methods that today may seem terrifying, but were once part of everyday life.
If your children are at least 10 years old and are not afraid of a history full of mysteries and harsh justice, check the tour details.
Gdańsk is a board, and you are the explorers!
You enter the game – and its board is the very heart of Gdańsk! Every turn, every square, and every tenement hides traces of its former residents and their extraordinary fates. Just pay close attention and listen to uncover many secrets.
The Adventures of Mr. van Worden – a treasure hunt full of puzzles
Gdańsk in the 17th century was alive – bustling marketplaces, sailing ships filled with valuable goods, and merchants from distant corners of the world. One of them was a Dutchman – van Worden, who came to the city not just for business… His visit concealed a secret. One day, in the courtyard of the Main Town Hall, he received an extraordinary manuscript – a document full of puzzles and instructions that could change the course of history.
Now it’s your turn to become truth seekers and embark on an exciting journey through the streets of old Gdańsk. Observe your surroundings closely, solve the tasks, and see if you can follow the trails of past intrigues! Note: The treasure hunt occurs without the involvement of Gdańsk Museum staff, and information on applications can be found on the action’s website.
Inspiring Gdańsk – holidays with art for the youngest
If you have actively spent time discovering puzzles, you will surely appreciate a moment of rest and immersion in completely different experiences. This time you can become spectators while the story unfolds before your eyes. During the winter holidays, Tri-City theaters have prepared interesting proposals for performances for the youngest and slightly older children.
Winter Tales. Family theater workshops
What images come to your mind when you think about winter? Snowy battles, the sound of crunching snow under your boots, or long evenings with a cup of hot cocoa? On February 23, 2025, the Wybrzeże Theatre invites small and large to a joint theatrical journey, during which you will create your own winter tales. You will be inspired by memories, fragments of poems by Polish poets, and the stories you carry in your hearts.
The workshop will be led by Anna Augustyniak – a theater educator who will introduce participants to the world of imagination and family creative play. It’s a unique opportunity to experience the magic of theater together with your children and create a winter story that you will remember for a long time! You can find details here.
“The Golden Key” – a fairy tale that comes to life on stage
Can words change reality? Can a story make the ordinary world take on the colors of an extraordinary adventure? Peter, the hero of the play “The Golden Key,” is an ordinary boy – he has a home, parents, a snow shovel, and neighbors who are not always nice. His life is orderly and predictable… until he starts listening to stories told by an eccentric Grandfather…
Director Maćko Prusak will take you on a journey full of imagination, humor, and emotions, proving that every word has the power to create new worlds. “The Golden Key” is a performance for small and large dreamers who believe in the power of stories and the magic of theater. You will find out more about the performance on the Wybrzeże Theatre website.
Photo: Winter holidays at the Wybrzeże Theatre in Gdańsk
Winter in ECS for families
The European Solidarity Centre is one of the most interesting museums in Poland, which will surely appeal to anyone who appreciates interactive exhibitions and an innovative approach to history. Adults can immerse themselves in an extraordinary exhibition, discovering key moments from the history of Solidarity, while children will have the opportunity to participate in creative workshops that will allow them to spend their time creatively.
Photo: The European Solidarity Centre ECS in Gdańsk
