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. Last week we took a family try to Antwerp, Belgium (1 hour and 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam). The displays are beautiful making it hard not to indulge. Published on November 23, 2020. Is it just the fancy of a few stubborn holdouts from the digital revolution? 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. There’s even a little beach here, fun to visit if the weather is warm. Yes, masses of tourists descend on this town every day to wander its streets and admire its incredibly well-preserved center. 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. Just some questions: 1. Things to Do in Bruges, Belgium with Kids – A City Frozen in Time. So our toddler could be entertained by the animals and the playground. I will be traveling with my 17 month old in Belgium (just the 2 of us) in early November. See Tripadvisor's 208,452 traveler reviews and photos of kid friendly Brussels attractions October 1, 2017 by Christine Leger . Events are held here throughout the year, but the “Flower Carpet” installation that happens every other summer is worth planning a visit around. 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. Brussels is a kid-friendly city that manages to be fun loving while maintaining an air of grace. Check out our itinerary for an action-packed four days in Belgium with kids. Brussels’ train connections to other locations within the country and beyond make it a convenient launch point for exploring the rest of Belgium. But experiencing Bruges is still so enjoyable that it shouldn’t be missed. © 2020 Lonely Planet. ... 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. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Grand-Place. 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. The difference between educational attractions and theme parks is increasingly blurred as the best install simulators and full-sense experiences. Where to Go in Belgium with Kids Brussels. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. A boat tour is the perfect reprieve and Bruges is even more spectacular by water. While there are countless chocolate shops in Bruges, this shop produces the confections in-house, and families love watching the demonstrations here. 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. The ride itself is only 30 minutes, so it is enjoyable even with younger children. 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. Hotels don’t usually charge for toddlers, while many will provide an extra bed for children for around €15 (variable). 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. We spent four days in Belgium and enjoyed spending time in Brussels, Bruges, Bastogne and Ghent. I have six kids, and my wife and I try to do special things with each of them individually. Consider it necessary preparation for the inevitable chocolate sampling to come! Get the latest news, offers, and deals from Belgium in your inbox. Most local children are taught to behave suitably in brasseries and restaurants. 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. 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. Travel with Children in Belgium. Answer 1 of 6: Hi! 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. Our Family Vacation Advisors can help you book best-in-class accommodations, recommend family-friendly activities and more. Just booked a trip to Belgium in September with DH and baby boy about to turn 2. You can hardly walk a mile without stumbling upon a castle, cathedral or battlefield. Get to know Belgium’s chocolate, waffles, mussels and beer (and don’t forget to dip your fries in mayo!). Ghent is more modern and less touristy than Bruges, but still beautiful. Editor’s Note: Photos by Nicole Wiltrout except where noted. Belgium is all about a harmonious fusion of old world charm and modern culture and trends. Belgian policeman tried over Kurdish toddler’s death. Be sure to introduce the comic book character Tintin to your children before a visit to Brussels. Most car-rental firms have such safety seats for hire if you book well ahead. Kids who hate to be cooped up indoors can experience the art of Ghent’s graffiti alley instead. For all-round information and advice, check out Lonely Planet’s Travel with Children. Just some questions: 1. We advise choosing one location as a home base; visit the rest as day trips by train. Share. Glamping in Belgium with a Toddler. There’s a saying among Ciao Bambino travel planners that certain locations are touristy for a … We plan to visit Brussels, Bruges and Ghent. It gets down to business yet is surprisingly hip. The defence requested for the pleadings to be postponed in Liège, while other … Europe - 1 week in Belgium with toddler - yippee! It is right in the center of the city and you can grab a walking map from the Visitor’s Center. Consider booking a tour of World War I and II battlefields. 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. Ghent should be on the top of your Belgium visit list! If your children are fascinated by transportation, a harbor cruise in Antwerp is a must. Train travel in Belgium is free for under-12s when accompanied by an adult if the journey starts after 9am. Even if it's too cold to swim, children can ride kwistax (pedal carts) along the promenade and visit crazy sandcastles. 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. Not exactly highbrow culture, but certain to give the whole family a chuckle. Sign up for our newsletter and you’ll be the first to know about special promotions, perks, tips and hot destinations. And most museums make a point of offering special activities aimed at a younger audience. Most visitors to Belgium only have a few days, so they pick three to four towns or cities to focus on. 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. A visit to the Castle of the Counts is a highlight here. Searching for postcard-worthy scenery? The compact medieval city of Ghent, with its cobbled streets and fairytale charm, is often overlooked by travelers who make a beeline for Bruges. 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. We had ample time to enjoy the city, but were […] The man has now been charged with involuntary manslaughter. 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. We booked a stay at La ferme d’a Yaaz near Arlon, Belgium. Thanks, Your email address will not be published. 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. The parents of Mawda Shawri, the toddler fatally shot in a police chase. Top 10 Things to do in Ghent, Belgium with kids. With more time, it’s easy to tack on a few days along the coast (yes, Belgium has beaches!) If yours aren't, you might consider erring towards self-catering accommodation rather than cause embarrassment. We made an Autumn weekend visit, driving down on Friday and heading home on Sunday. There’s a saying among Ciao Bambino travel planners that certain locations are touristy for a reason. Brussels also makes a great jumping off point for day trips likes Bruges, Bastogne and Ghent! 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. Today I'm sharing our Brussels, Belgium photos with you. 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. Teens will love these Instagram-worthy installations! Kurdish toddler killed during a high-speed car chase in Belgium: Policeman charged Published on : 2020/01/31 . or in the countryside. Disclosure: This post may contain an affiliate link & I may have been compensated for my time writing this article. With their unique stairstep rooftops, windmills aplenty and gorgeous countryside, Belgium’s beautiful landscapes are bound to impress families. 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. By InfoMigrants Published on : 2020/01/31 . Fortunately, Belgium is also very easy to visit with kids in tow. Click to send us a request >. Nappy-changing facilities are patchily available: try the female toilets at branches of hamburger chain Quick if you’re stuck. Answer 1 of 6: Hi! Stay up to date on the latest in travel finds and news for families. Great article. I'll be in Belgium from 13th (morning)-17th (evening) Aug and travelling with two more adults and a 20 month old toddler. Simply click the heart icon on anything you want to save. Europe with a Toddler, Part 2: Brussels, Belgium Here we are! 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. It is not as big or bustling as London or Paris, but that is part of its charm. 32 (0) 2 505 50 5032), located at rue de la Vierge Noire, B-1000 Brussels, Belgium. I would like to expose him to some beautiful nature and… Brussels works just that little bit harder to enchant you. The relatively flat topography cries out for leisurely bike ride exploration. 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. 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. 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. 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. We plan to visit Brussels, Bruges and Ghent. Looking for fascinating history? Its cities are small enough to feel manageable and are conveniently accessible from one another by train. The main appeal of Bruges is simply exploring its medieval roads and alleys, but as all parents know, kids can tire of this quickly. The bike rental companies can suggest beautiful routes with easy paths that are safe for families. Part 2 of our 5 part Europe travel series, chronicling our whirlwind of an awesome trip to Europe last month. Bruges very much fits that bill. 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). Europe - Trip report - travel to Belgium with a toddler - We returned Tuesday from a week in Belgium with our almost 2 year old son. This cosmopolitan city has plenty of choices to keep the whole family happy. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Top 10 things to do in Ghent with kids – Jenny Lynn from TraveLynn Family. Fun Things to Do in Brussels with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Antwerp’s zoo is a highlight for children, and it is conveniently located just a quick walk from the train station. I'll be in Belgium from 13th (morning)-17th (evening) Aug and travelling with two more adults and a 20 month old toddler. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. 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. Brussels’ train connections to other locations within the country and beyond make it a convenient launch point... Bruges. It was our favorite of the large Belgium towns and made us wonder why we didn’t get here sooner. Heading to Brussels with kids? All operators follow basically the same route; just pick the vendor with the shortest line. 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. 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. There’s also a kids’ sphere but this is only open for group overnight visits. -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:-This post has been removed at the author's request. It particularly appealed to us because it was on a farm. We can make it happen! Seeking out amazing food? Belgium, Brussels, Children's Books about Belgium Is the written word—written on paper, that is—becoming obsolete? 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. A policeman was charged with involuntary manslaughter in January this year -- … A Belgian policeman shot at a car transporting migrants during a chase in 2018, killing a two-year-old Kurdish girl. From the Grand Place, it’s an easy walk to Manneken-Pis, the humorous statue of a boy relieving himself. My Trip Planner allows you to bookmark articles, family-friendly hotel reviews, and family vacation packages. We are ready to help our clients work through questions and concerns. December 17, 2015 by Dana Zeliff 6 Comments. Required fields are marked *. 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. Don't leave without signing up for the Belgium with Kids newsletter! Plus, its status as the headquarters of the European Union gives it a distinct international flair. The Grand Place, one of Europe’s most iconic city squares, is the center of activity in Brussels. 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. 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. The first step in any trip planning process is deciding where to go and how long to stay. Magical townscapes inspire, while plenty of interactive museums have kid-friendly activities. 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. 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. 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. At the trial in Belgium's southern Mons, a policeman stands accused of involuntary manslaughter and two other men for being suspected migrant smugglers. And I have always wanted … Belgium is a small country, and as a result you can see a lot in a short time! 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. And don’t miss a visit to Dumon Chocolatier. Many of the rooms have views of the Grand Place or the rooftops of Brussels. 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. Adding to its sheer beauty, enchanting Bruges excites the less historically minded with museums of chips and chocolate. Belgium is the perfect microcosm of the appeal of European travel. 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 Belgian towns and cities are bike-friendly, but Antwerp is particularly so with its wide bike lanes. Browse all family-friendly accommodations and activities in Belgium on Ciao Bambino, A new family-friendly discovery in Europe: Brussels, Belgium. 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. 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. Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party. Breastfeeding in public is acceptable, though not commonly seen. 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. Antwerp (Belgium) with a toddler. We’ve highlighted some of our favorites below. Please fillout the form below to create your free My Trip Planner account. 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. A fair proportion of eateries across all categories have high chairs for youngsters, but it's worth calling ahead to check availability. Happy planning! Want to save all the great intel and tips you are finding on Ciao Bambino? Site registration is required to get started. Many museums are designed in large part with children in mind, and include interactive activities and workshops. All rights reserved. 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. Sit Anna Tunnel is my favorite. The entire square is covered in a quilt of 500,000 flower blossoms in beautiful shapes and patterns. 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. 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. 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. 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. Even non-child-specific museums tend to have a toddlers' zone equipped with relevant play activities. Your email address will not be published. Join our newsletter! Mawda Shawri was just two years old when she died in May 2018. This Belgium’s hidden gem has a tourist offer suitable for kids that is a party mix of learning, exploring, and having fun. When travelling by car, children under 1.35m must travel in a child’s safety seat. 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. If you missed it, see Europe with a Toddler, Part 1: Paris, France . Theoretically taxis should provide one if you book in advance. 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