Sleigh ride with children in Zakopane: how to prepare your family for the trip

6 November 2026

A sleigh ride can be a great part of a family trip to the Tatras, as long as it suits your children's age, needs and stamina. Before you buy tickets, check how long the event lasts, the weather, how seats are allocated and how you will get back. A beautiful winter landscape is not enough if your youngest is tired or cold after a quarter of an hour.

Is a sleigh ride a good idea with a child?

It depends mainly on your child's age, how they cope with the cold and how long they can stay outdoors calmly. Some children will be delighted by the horses, the sleighs and the music. Others may need a shorter activity or a chance to rest.

The SANIE.pl programme lasts about three hours. It includes an hour-long ride in the Chochołowska Valley and two hours of feasting at the bonfire with highlander music and food. Consider whether your child will be comfortable for the whole programme, and if in doubt, ask the organiser about the rules for the youngest guests. For families with children we recommend the scenic ride, which starts at 3 pm.

How to prepare a child for an hour in a sleigh

Clothes should keep out the cold even when your child is sitting still. Warm waterproof boots, winter gloves, a hat that covers the ears and the right layers matter more than a smart outfit for photos. For small children, bring spare gloves and socks.

Explain beforehand what to expect: meeting the horses, the ride, the winter landscape and the feast by the bonfire. Around the horses, stay calm and follow the staff's instructions. Do not approach or feed the animals without the driver's permission.

Four-seat sleighs: how to book seats for a family

According to SANIE.pl, the traditional sleighs seat four. For a family of three, the organiser explains that you can buy one extra empty seat so that nobody is split up. Check this in the booking form before you pay.

There is no minimum age, and babies are welcome. If you need a particular way of transporting your child, do not assume the rules are the same as in a car or on public transport. Contact the organiser to ask about the safety requirements.

Will the bonfire feast suit children?

The programme includes regional food, music, singing and competitions. For a family it is a chance to combine a winter ride with a taste of Podhale traditions. Not every child will enjoy loud music or a long time outdoors, though.

Children need constant supervision around the bonfire. Keep them a safe distance from the flames, hot dishes and places where food is being prepared. If your child has particular dietary needs, ask for confirmation before you book. The standard menu alone does not guarantee a suitable meal.

How to plan the journey there and back with children

You can reach the Chochołowska Valley by car or book a transfer from the centre of Zakopane. Choose according to where you are staying, the time of the event and how your children cope with extra travel.

Do not head for the office at ul. Krupówki 34 in Zakopane, because the sleigh ride does not start there. Before you set off, check your booking confirmation for the current meeting point and time.

What to check before you pay

Look at the rules on children's tickets, places in the sleigh, any extra charge for the transfer and the plan if there is no snow. The organiser says that when there is too little snow, horse-drawn carriages are used instead of sleighs.

Remember too that tickets are non-refundable. The details depend on the current terms and conditions and the offer you choose, so read them before you pay rather than relying on a short description.

Family sleigh ride: the key points before you go

Choose a sleigh ride that suits your youngest guest, and check the total length of the event and the booking terms. Children up to age 2 ride free on a parent's lap. If you want your child to have their own seat, buy a reduced ticket, which applies up to age 18. For anything else about carrying small children, confirm with the organiser.

You will find answers to common questions in the FAQ, and you can check dates on the prices and tickets page.