And most museums make a point of offering special activities aimed at a younger audience. Brussels also makes a great jumping off point for day trips likes Bruges, Bastogne and Ghent! or in the countryside. We plan to visit Brussels, Bruges and Ghent. Click to send us a request >. Brussels’ train connections to other locations within the country and beyond make it a convenient launch point for exploring the rest of Belgium. Don't leave without signing up for the Belgium with Kids newsletter! I have six kids, and my wife and I try to do special things with each of them individually. There’s a saying among Ciao Bambino travel planners that certain locations are touristy for a reason. A fair proportion of eateries across all categories have high chairs for youngsters, but it's worth calling ahead to check availability. For all-round information and advice, check out Lonely Planet’s Travel with Children. Brussels’ train connections to other locations within the country and beyond make it a convenient launch point... Bruges. By InfoMigrants Published on : 2020/01/31 . Adding to its sheer beauty, enchanting Bruges excites the less historically minded with museums of chips and chocolate. Belgium is all about a harmonious fusion of old world charm and modern culture and trends. Even if it's too cold to swim, children can ride kwistax (pedal carts) along the promenade and visit crazy sandcastles. We plan to visit Brussels, Bruges and Ghent. Get the latest news, offers, and deals from Belgium in your inbox. Brussels is a kid-friendly city that manages to be fun loving while maintaining an air of grace. And the compact size means families can cover a lot of ground around the country in just a few days, without changing accommodations every night. Brussels works just that little bit harder to enchant you. See Tripadvisor's 208,452 traveler reviews and photos of kid friendly Brussels attractions Editor’s Note: Photos by Nicole Wiltrout except where noted. The array of summer sports activities goes well beyond the archetypal kayaking weekend, offering something for kids of all ages, with Durbuy and Coo especially well set up. The entire square is covered in a quilt of 500,000 flower blossoms in beautiful shapes and patterns. Plus, its status as the headquarters of the European Union gives it a distinct international flair. Join our newsletter! Want to save all the great intel and tips you are finding on Ciao Bambino? Browse all family-friendly accommodations and activities in Belgium on Ciao Bambino, A new family-friendly discovery in Europe: Brussels, Belgium. Share. 32 (0) 2 505 50 5032), located at rue de la Vierge Noire, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium. Consider it necessary preparation for the inevitable chocolate sampling to come! Given its small size compared to other Belgian cities, Bruges is also a great spot to rent bikes and head out of town for fresh countryside air. Europe - Trip report - travel to Belgium with a toddler - We returned Tuesday from a week in Belgium with our almost 2 year old son. Events are held here throughout the year, but the “Flower Carpet” installation that happens every other summer is worth planning a visit around. Train travel in Belgium is free for under-12s when accompanied by an adult if the journey starts after 9am. October 1, 2017 by Christine Leger . The author may post again if desired.Posts on the Tripadvisor forums may be edited for a short period of time. My old photos are a memory trip. Just some questions: 1. We spent just one of our 4 days in Belgium in Brussels, but I'd recommend spending 2 days there if you can manage it. Most Belgian towns and cities are bike-friendly, but Antwerp is particularly so with its wide bike lanes. Teens will love these Instagram-worthy installations! We advise choosing one location as a home base; visit the rest as day trips by train. A great idea for bigger families is to rent a gîte (holiday home) for a week to use as a base for visiting one region. This is a challenging time for our clients given the uncertainty around the spread of coronavirus, particularly for those with near-term travel plans in impacted areas. Most visitors to Belgium only have a few days, so they pick three to four towns or cities to focus on. If your children are fascinated by transportation, a harbor cruise in Antwerp is a must. Baby cots are available on request in many B&Bs, hotels and even some hostels, but it’s worth reserving ahead as most places stock only one or two. There’s a saying among Ciao Bambino travel planners that certain locations are touristy for a … The first step in any trip planning process is deciding where to go and how long to stay. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Grand-Place. Hotels don’t usually charge for toddlers, while many will provide an extra bed for children for around €15 (variable). Required fields are marked *. The 12 th century Castle of Counts is the most popular attraction: you can enjoy an armors exhibit as well as the medieval torture museum that includes an 18-foot dungeon and a boasting collection of medieval instruments. Your email address will not be published. Top 10 Things to do in Ghent, Belgium with kids. When travelling by car, children under 1.35m must travel in a child’s safety seat. A boat tour is the perfect reprieve and Bruges is even more spectacular by water. Top 10 things to do in Ghent with kids – Jenny Lynn from TraveLynn Family. Seeking out amazing food? All operators follow basically the same route; just pick the vendor with the shortest line. Part 2 of our 5 part Europe travel series, chronicling our whirlwind of an awesome trip to Europe last month. -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:-This post has been removed at the author's request. Many museums are designed in large part with children in mind, and include interactive activities and workshops. But experiencing Bruges is still so enjoyable that it shouldn’t be missed. It's well worth looking at the websites of the various museums or sights before going as some activities might operate only on certain days of the week. With their unique stairstep rooftops, windmills aplenty and gorgeous countryside, Belgium’s beautiful landscapes are bound to impress families. Stay up to date on the latest in travel finds and news for families. Different from Bruges’ and Ghent’s smaller canal boat rides, Antwerp cruises pass by large industrial ships and enormous cranes loading and unloading from the busy docks. Emerging from the tunnel, families will find a fun, whimsical playground, and it reflects Antwerp as a port city with its nautical theme and play structures. Belgium is a great destination for kids, full of attractions and activities, and has all the amenities and services that will allow little'uns to have a great holiday. The view from the rooftop is spectacular, and it’s fun to scout out your route for the rest of the day from this vantage point. They’ll love finding the Tintin references around the city, including fun murals, and a stop at the Herges Museum will cap off their comic history lesson. Site registration is required to get started. Magical townscapes inspire, while plenty of interactive museums have kid-friendly activities. So our toddler could be entertained by the animals and the playground. I would like to expose him to some beautiful nature and… Belgian policeman tried over Kurdish toddler’s death. More than two years after a 2-year-old Kurdish girl was fatally shot by a police officer chasing suspected migrant smugglers in Belgium, a trial for the highly publicized case began Monday. Antwerp (Belgium) with a toddler. We made an Autumn weekend visit, driving down on Friday and heading home on Sunday. And I have always wanted … Most local children are taught to behave suitably in brasseries and restaurants. Today I'm sharing our Brussels, Belgium photos with you. This cosmopolitan city has plenty of choices to keep the whole family happy. Those over 12 often pay full (or almost full) adult rates in Wallonia, but in much of Flanders there are special rates for those under 26, which is often as little as €1. If comics aren’t of interest, opt for the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate, which gives kids a good base of knowledge about Belgium’s unique chocolate history. Sit Anna Tunnel is my favorite. It is not as big or bustling as London or Paris, but that is part of its charm. Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article. It particularly appealed to us because it was on a farm. A policeman who shot dead a two-year-old toddler who was travelling in a van of suspected migrant smugglers has gone on trial in Belgium. Belgium can also easily be incorporated into a grander European experience, with direct train routes from London, Paris, Amsterdam and other cities that take less than 2 hours. It is right in the center of the city and you can grab a walking map from the Visitor’s Center. Theoretically taxis should provide one if you book in advance. All rights reserved. Joe had to attend a Tropical Medicine Conference there and me and Ramona decided to join the fun and take advantage of it to discover a new city. Very helpfully, several of Belgium's best theme parks have been installed near enough to other major sites so that one parent might slope off to enjoy a different kind of attraction while the rest of the family is busily soaking up the fun rides. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Belgium’s family-friendly cities and sites truly delight its visitors, and it is well worth carving out a few days or even an entire week when in Europe in order to experience this fairytale location. Mawda Shawri was just two years old when she died in May 2018. A Belgian policeman shot at a car transporting migrants during a chase in 2018, killing a two-year-old Kurdish girl. Please fillout the form below to create your free My Trip Planner account. Thanks, Your email address will not be published. The relatively flat topography cries out for leisurely bike ride exploration. Published on November 23, 2020. 12 Best Christmas Markets in Europe with Kids, Best Places to Visit in Europe: 7 Family-Friendly Hidden Gems, One for the Family Vacation Bucket List: A Catered Barge Cruise in Europe. Belgium, Brussels, Children's Books about Belgium Is the written word—written on paper, that is—becoming obsolete? It’s a medieval castle and feels less fussy than some of its European counterparts, so it’s quite easy to do with children of all ages. Some visitors to Belgium decide between Bruges or Ghent for a day trip, but given enough time, visiting both is well worth it, as they have distinctively different vibes. We spent four days in Belgium and enjoyed spending time in Brussels, Bruges, Bastogne and Ghent. Just some questions: 1. December 17, 2015 by Dana Zeliff 6 Comments. There’s also a kids’ sphere but this is only open for group overnight visits. The Grand Place, one of Europe’s most iconic city squares, is the center of activity in Brussels. Bruges very much fits that bill. A toddler’s clothes were hung before the court in the Belgian city of Mons on Monday in protest against what activists say is a “dehumanising” anti-immigration policy that cost a two-year-old her life. The difference between educational attractions and theme parks is increasingly blurred as the best install simulators and full-sense experiences. The city is very much a grown-ups' town, but the zoo will keep little ones engrossed, city museums cater well for tweens, and teens adore the shopping. Searching for postcard-worthy scenery? From spooky rambles through candlelit castles to high-tech space simulators to splashing about on beaches and rivers, Belgium has plenty to thrill and inspire beyond the sheer magic of historic chocolate-box cityscapes. My family loved using Bruges as a Belgium home base, because by dinner time each evening, the day trippers had fled and the streets were so quiet it seemed we had this magical place all to ourselves. After gazing at the unforgettable Atomium, particularly child-friendly attractions include Train World, puppet shows at Toone, dino-discovery at Musée des Sciences Naturelles, miniature architecture at Mini Europe and cartoon characters at Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée. We are ready to help our clients work through questions and concerns. All restaurants are free of smoking, and many, especially brasseries, have a small selection of simpler dishes (burger, pasta, meatballs, chicken-in-apple) or smaller portions for children, typically priced under €10. It gets down to business yet is surprisingly hip. From vintage castles, mansions, museums, and churches to modern architecture, shopping arcades and amusements; this European gem is the home of many spectacular places for all types of vacationers. The hotel has an on-site restaurant, Ristorante Bocconi that serves a gourmet buffet style breakfast, with a nice selection of healthy options and Belgium sweets. Antwerp’s zoo is a highlight for children, and it is conveniently located just a quick walk from the train station. Answer 1 of 6: Hi! Travel with Children in Belgium. There’s even a little beach here, fun to visit if the weather is warm. I'll be in Belgium from 13th (morning)-17th (evening) Aug and travelling with two more adults and a 20 month old toddler. Fun Things to Do in Brussels with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Ghent should be on the top of your Belgium visit list! If yours aren't, you might consider erring towards self-catering accommodation rather than cause embarrassment. The parents of Mawda Shawri, the toddler fatally shot in a police chase. The bike rental companies can suggest beautiful routes with easy paths that are safe for families. Kids who hate to be cooped up indoors can experience the art of Ghent’s graffiti alley instead. We booked a stay at La ferme d’a Yaaz near Arlon, Belgium. If you missed it, see Europe with a Toddler, Part 1: Paris, France . Sign up for our newsletter and you’ll be the first to know about special promotions, perks, tips and hot destinations. From the Grand Place, it’s an easy walk to Manneken-Pis, the humorous statue of a boy relieving himself. Naturally a lot will be in local languages, but many are tactile and intuitive, so an adventurous child is likely to enjoy them, and most tour leaders speak excellent English. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Get to know Belgium’s chocolate, waffles, mussels and beer (and don’t forget to dip your fries in mayo!). The trial of a Belgian police officer over the 2018 death of a Kurdish toddler began on Monday, kicking off two days of international scrutiny of Belgium’s response to a surge of immigration. Heading to Brussels with kids? We can make it happen! Many of the rooms have views of the Grand Place or the rooftops of Brussels. At the trial in Belgium's southern Mons, a policeman stands accused of involuntary manslaughter and two other men for being suspected migrant smugglers. Ghent is more modern and less touristy than Bruges, but still beautiful. Great article. It was our favorite of the large Belgium towns and made us wonder why we didn’t get here sooner. There are several parks and playgrounds tucked away a few blocks from the main tourist routes, so have a couple of these on your radar when you need a play break. Our Family Vacation Advisors can help you book best-in-class accommodations, recommend family-friendly activities and more. A visit to the Castle of the Counts is a highlight here. Nappy-changing facilities are patchily available: try the female toilets at branches of hamburger chain Quick if you’re stuck. Little Clogs Holidays features a portfolio of exceptional child friendly holidays with a selection of the best holiday parks, farms and hotels in the Netherlands and Belgium. But on a beautiful day, head to the left bank of the city via the historic and fascinating Sint Anna Tunnel, which runs under the River Scheide. Belgium is the perfect microcosm of the appeal of European travel. Europe - 1 week in Belgium with toddler - yippee! Rooms are large and sleep a family of five with no problem; there’s also a corner of the lobby with some toys and playthings for when your room starts to seem claustrophobic. Last week we took a family try to Antwerp, Belgium (1 hour and 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam). You can hardly walk a mile without stumbling upon a castle, cathedral or battlefield. Not exactly highbrow culture, but certain to give the whole family a chuckle. The children’s workshops at the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent are some of the best in Europe (as is the art collection overall at this museum). Kurdish toddler killed during a high-speed car chase in Belgium: Policeman charged Published on : 2020/01/31 . Very helpfully, several of Belgium's best theme parks have been installed near enough to other major sites so that one parent might slope off to enjoy a different kind of attraction while the rest of the family is busily soaking up the fun rides. Just booked a trip to Belgium in September with DH and baby boy about to turn 2. Consider booking a tour of World War I and II battlefields. © 2020 Lonely Planet. Answer 1 of 6: Hi! Europe with a Toddler, Part 2: Brussels, Belgium Here we are! I will be traveling with my 17 month old in Belgium (just the 2 of us) in early November. With more time, it’s easy to tack on a few days along the coast (yes, Belgium has beaches!) Fortunately, Belgium is also very easy to visit with kids in tow. Most car-rental firms have such safety seats for hire if you book well ahead. We’ve highlighted some of our favorites below. ... a van full of migrants and killed a two-year-old girl expressed his regrets Monday at the start of a trial that has put Belgium’s immigration policy in the dock. My Trip Planner allows you to bookmark articles, family-friendly hotel reviews, and family vacation packages. Is it just the fancy of a few stubborn holdouts from the digital revolution? Be sure to introduce the comic book character Tintin to your children before a visit to Brussels. Glamping in Belgium with a Toddler. Even non-child-specific museums tend to have a toddlers' zone equipped with relevant play activities. The Kurdish toddler was in a van transporting her parents and other migrants towards the Belgian coast, in the hope they could make it to the UK. Happy planning! Its cities are small enough to feel manageable and are conveniently accessible from one another by train. Converted to a museum, the Atomium is now home to various permanent and temporary exhibitions – better with older kids than a trip to Brussels with a toddler, although even little ones will enjoy the sight of the iconic silver balls. Yes, masses of tourists descend on this town every day to wander its streets and admire its incredibly well-preserved center. I want emails from Lonely Planet with travel and product information, promotions, advertisements, third-party offers, and surveys. While there are countless chocolate shops in Bruges, this shop produces the confections in-house, and families love watching the demonstrations here. The displays are beautiful making it hard not to indulge. The man has now been charged with involuntary manslaughter. Breastfeeding in public is acceptable, though not commonly seen. And don’t miss a visit to Dumon Chocolatier. The criminal court of Liège decided to postpone the continuation of the trial of the six men prosecuted after the deaths of toddler Mawda during a police chase to 20 January. Check out our itinerary for an action-packed four days in Belgium with kids. I'll be in Belgium from 13th (morning)-17th (evening) Aug and travelling with two more adults and a 20 month old toddler. Where to Go in Belgium with Kids Brussels. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. We’re working with our suppliers on being flexible with their booking conditions, and enabling families to postpone travel to a later date without a penalty, when possible. Looking for fascinating history? Consider renting bikes here and zipping around, as there is a lot to do and see, especially if you only have a day to spend here. Things to Do in Bruges, Belgium with Kids – A City Frozen in Time. Likewise, given the unpredictability around destinations that may be impacted in the future, we’re helping clients planning new trips and understand ways that they can protect themselves until the situation improves. Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. The ride itself is only 30 minutes, so it is enjoyable even with younger children. The defence requested for the pleadings to be postponed in Liège, while other … The compact medieval city of Ghent, with its cobbled streets and fairytale charm, is often overlooked by travelers who make a beeline for Bruges. We had ample time to enjoy the city, but were […] This Belgium’s hidden gem has a tourist offer suitable for kids that is a party mix of learning, exploring, and having fun. Belgium is a small country, and as a result you can see a lot in a short time! For most attractions, there are discounted children's tickets for those under 12 years old (sometimes but more rarely under 18), with those under six usually free, though occasionally eligibility is judged by height. Simply click the heart icon on anything you want to save. The main appeal of Bruges is simply exploring its medieval roads and alleys, but as all parents know, kids can tire of this quickly. A policeman was charged with involuntary manslaughter in January this year -- …