The winter break begins: how to find affordable activities for your child and how to judge them

Who is on break now

The first round of the winter break runs from 19 January to 1 February 2026 and covers Mazowieckie, Pomorskie, Podlaskie, Świętokrzyskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie. The second round (2–15 February) covers Dolnośląskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Łódzkie, Małopolskie, Opolskie and Zachodniopomorskie, and the third (16 February – 1 March) Lubelskie, Lubuskie, Podkarpackie, Śląskie and Wielkopolskie.

If your break is later, now is a good time to check sign-ups: in many cities they open weeks in advance.

City holiday programmes: the Warsaw example

Large cities run activities in schools that work like day camps (półkolonie). In Warsaw this is 'Winter in the City' (Zima w Mieście), this year from 19 to 30 January. The rules of one Warsaw holiday centre show how it works in practice:

• sign-ups are online, for pupils of Warsaw schools and children living in Warsaw, for at least a week;
• the centre is open Monday to Friday, 7:30–16:30;
• children get two meals, one of them hot;
• fees at that centre: PLN 30 a day for care and PLN 20 for meals;
• children who receive free or subsidised school meals during the year pay nothing (with a certificate from the school or social welfare centre).

Where else to look

Beyond city programmes, check what cultural and sports institutions offer. Many publish their holiday programme only on their own websites and social media.

• cultural centres — workshops and film screenings, often free or for a token fee;
• public libraries — reading sessions, board games, workshops;
• museums — holiday workshops, sometimes with free entry on selected days;
• municipal sports centres — ice rinks, pools, general fitness classes;
• parishes, scouting and NGOs — day camps and trips.

How to judge an offer

Before signing your child up for paid activities or a trip, ask a few simple questions. A reliable organiser will answer them easily.

• Who runs the activities and how many carers are there per group?
• What does the day look like and what happens in bad weather?
• What is included in the price (meals, tickets, insurance)?
• What are the cancellation and refund rules?
• How does the organiser contact parents if there is a problem?

A break at home is fine too

Not every child needs an organised programme every day. A walk, sledging, a library visit, cooking together or a day without plans are rest too. Agree with your child on a few things to look forward to and leave room for boredom — it is often where the best ideas come from.

For snow and ice, remember the basics: sledge away from roads and trees, skate only on designated rinks, wear a helmet for skiing and skating.