Summer is just around the corner, meaning the time has come to start thinking about family-friendly holiday activities. Not sure how to keep those kids entertained? We came up with some family-friendly day trip inspiration near Brussels.
Go on a photo quest in a park or garden
Vlaams-Brabant has no lack of beautiful parks and gardens, full of history and natural beauty, which offer a never-ending amount of fun for adults and children alike. In order to make those places as unforgettable as possible – even for the youngest ones in the family – both VISIT Vlaams-Brabant and many of the individual locations have put together kid-friendly photo quests.
For example, VISIT Vlaams-Brabant has designed five itineraries in just as many different locations: Gaasbeek Castle, Beersel Castle, Park of Tervuren, recreation park Zoet Water, and Park Drie Fonteinen. Thanks to the dedicated hiking sheets designed specifically in such a way as to keep children entertained, you will be able to keep track of your journey, while a special photo quest will keep the youngest ones engaged. The sheets also include some noteworthy places of interest, such as an unmissable ice cream shop or a playground.
One of the photo quest options is the Brabant draught horse walk, where hikers get to explore the grounds surrounding Gaasbeek Castle. Winding paths, grand forests, and impressive castles might well lead you towards thee grandest inhabitants of the region: the Brabant draught horses. During the walk, children are invited to count the ducks and to spot the castle’s fences, among other things. At the castle, children who just can’t get enough can even get their hands on an activity booklet called Arnoldus the Mouse for some extra fun, which may or nor be followed by a stop at ice cream shop Krijmerie.
The Meise Botanic Garden, too, has a range of kid-friendly activities on offer, especially during the Summer months. One of the most accessible ones is the King Amaryllo treasure hunt, which is perfect for children aged 4 to 12. Through a special activity booklet, kids and their parents are taken on a tour through the park, which varies slightly depending on the season. During Summer, the emphasis lies on the tropical plants decorating the terraces and on the Culinary Garden, where everything grows in abundance. Adventurous souls can enjoy on a walk on the Amaze-Your-Feet Path.
When visiting a park, garden, or even a museum in Vlaams-Brabant, do not hesitate to ask for some kid-friendly activities. And to turn that visit into a true adventure, make sure to kickstart the experience with the right gear. A little backpack with a snack and even a pair of binoculars will make the youngest family members feel as if they were to set off on a once-in-a-lifetime quest.
Become the next cycling superstar
Belgium is well-known for its cycling heroes, including Remco Evenepoel, Thibau Nys, Jasper Stuyven, and Eddy Merckx. Vlaams-Brabant in particular is home to some of the most iconic Belgian cycling routes, taking tourists and sports enthusiasts on a picturesque tour through the countryside.
Those who want to follow in the tyre tracks of Eddy Merckx or Sven Nys, while enjoying some quality time with their family and training their kids to become the next cycling superstars, can do so thanks to a selection of seven family-friendly bike trails.
Ranging in length from 23 kilometers to 47 kilometers from start to finish, the trails are easier and safer versions of the world-famous cycling routes which you might recognise from the official races. On the one hand, they are easy enough to take turn them into a family-friendly day trips, on the other hand, even adults will be happy when it’s time for a pitstop at the local ice cream shop. A cycling session never tasted as good.
Take a walk on the wild side
Although Brussels might be just around the corner, Vlaams-Brabant has no lack of nature. With its formidable forests, wide fields, and winding waterways, it makes for the perfect place to go on a hike and reconnect with your wild side.
However, keeping kids entertained when walking for a couple of hours on end is no easy task. Luckily, VISIT Vlaams-Brabant has made a handy list of six kid-friendly walks, which all have something unforgettable – and adventurous – to offer.
During the 4.5-kilometer-long Zoet Waterwandeling, for example, kids will get the opportunity to drink from a natural source, to wander around the forest, and to leave all leftover energy at a gigantic playground. Those who want to make the fun last even longer can book a stay at one of the tipi tents at the nearby Duckwing, immersed in nature.
For those who prefer an activity booklet over a playground, the Witte door Zichem walk will make the ideal summery day trip. During the 3.3-kilometre walk, which starts at Zichem Station, the youngest ones will be asked to complete a number of challenges, while funny comics and interesting facts provide some extra entertainment on the way. And if you choose to book a stay at the local Link farm, they might even get to ride a tractor or hug some farm animals.
No matter the hiking route you end up choosing, family-friendly adventures are guaranteed.
