High Tatras with kids: easy walks, cable cars and fun

Easy things to do with children

• Walk around the lake at Štrbské Pleso, a flat path.
• Cable car to Skalnaté pleso in Tatranská Lomnica for the playground and educational trail.
• Short forest walks from Starý Smokovec.
• An aquapark day: see aquaparks in Slovakia.

Where to base your family

Tatranská Lomnica has the cable car and is calm. Starý Smokovec is a historic resort with many hotels and short walks. Štrbské Pleso has the lake and a high-altitude feel. Poprad is cheaper and has an aquapark, with the railway to the resorts. See the High Tatras guide for more.

What to avoid with young children

Long, exposed routes such as Rysy are not suitable for children. High trails above the tree line are closed from 1 November to 15 June. Stay on easy marked paths and check the weather before you set out. For longer hikes see best hikes in the High Tatras.

Rainy days and winter

When it rains, aquaparks such as AquaCity Poprad are the easiest backup plan. In winter, ski schools in the resorts take beginners; see High Tatras in winter and skiing in Slovakia.

Packing and safety

• Layers, rain jackets and sun protection, even in summer.
• Sturdy shoes for gravel paths.
• Water and snacks. Huts and cafes exist at lakes but not on every path.
• Family travel insurance.

A simple three-day family plan

Day 1: arrive in Poprad, move to your resort by the Tatra Electric Railway or a transfer, and walk around the lake at Štrbské Pleso. Keep the day short after the journey.

Day 2: take the cable car to Skalnaté pleso from Tatranská Lomnica, use the playground and walk the educational trail. Have lunch at the restaurant there and return before the afternoon weather turns.

Day 3: spend a relaxed day at an aquapark such as AquaCity Poprad, or take another short walk from Starý Smokovec.

If you have older children who like adventure, the Start station on the Lomnický štít line is known for downhill scooters and similar activities. Check the current age and height rules before you go.

Prams, toddlers and teenagers

The lake path at Štrbské Pleso is flat, but forest paths are often rough, so a carrier suits toddlers better than a pram. Teenagers may enjoy the cable car to Lomnický štít, with views from the second highest peak of the High Tatras at 2,634 m. Tickets for the top section can be limited, so check availability and book ahead where possible.

The ride up to Lomnický štít takes around 8.5 minutes and climbs 855 m, which some young children find unsettling. Altitude and cold can also be a surprise, so bring warm clothing even in July.

Costs and budgeting

Slovakia is cheaper than many Alpine countries, but cable cars and aquaparks are not free. Check current prices on official sites before you go and look for family tickets. Rail fares on the Tatra Electric Railway are low. See Slovakia travel cost for typical costs.

Food, toilets and rest stops

Resorts have restaurants, bakeries and playgrounds, while paths between them have few services. Carry water and snacks, and use the facilities at lift stations and huts before you head out. At Skalnaté pleso there is a restaurant and a cafe, which makes it a comfortable stop with children. Plan lunch at a resort instead of on the trail if you have toddlers, and keep a change of clothes in the bag in case of rain. A relaxed pace matters more than distance in the mountains.