11-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Belgium
Belgium is a dream destination for families seeking a blend of history and whimsical fun. This route is designed with a relaxed pace, ensuring that even the littlest travelers can enjoy the cobblestone streets without burnout. With short travel times between major cities and world-renowned accessibility, you will explore the very best of Flemish and Walloon culture.
Our journey focuses on the 'Classic Route'—Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp—with a special detour into the scenic Meuse Valley. You will find that Belgium's high-speed rail network makes moving between cities effortless, while the abundance of parks and interactive museums keeps children engaged from morning until bedtime.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Brussels, Belgium - Welcome to the Heart of Europe
Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Brussels Airport (BRU) and take a smooth train ride to Brussels Central. Check into a family-friendly hotel near the Grand Place to keep commutes short.
Grand Place Exploration
Marvel at the gold-leafed Guildhouses in the Grand Place. It is flat and wide, making it perfect for strollers and energetic toddlers.
Manneken Pis & Waffle Stop
Visit the famous bronze statue and grab a classic Belgian waffle from a nearby street vendor. Let the kids choose their toppings!
Dinner at Chez Léon
Enjoy a relaxed meal at this legendary spot known for being exceptionally welcoming to families and serving the best mussels and fries.
Day 2: Brussels, Belgium - Comic Strips and Urban Parks
Belgian Comic Strip Center
Located in a stunning Art Nouveau building, this museum celebrates Tintin and the Smurfs with interactive displays that kids love.
Comic Art Walk
Follow the 'Comic Book Route' through the city streets to spot giant murals of famous cartoon characters painted on gable ends.
Parc de Bruxelles
Let the kids burn off some energy at the large playground located right in the middle of the city's royal park.
St. Catherine District Dinner
Dine in this trendy but casual neighborhood known for fresh seafood and family-friendly outdoor seating in the summer.
Day 3: Ghent, Belgium - Knights and Canals
Train to Ghent
A short 35-minute train ride brings you to the medieval heart of Ghent. Use the easy-to-navigate SNCB rail system.
Gravensteen Castle
Explore the 'Castle of the Counts.' The audio guide is hilarious and specifically designed to keep children (and adults) entertained.
Graslei and Korenlei Walk
Walk along the scenic harbor. The area is pedestrianized, offering plenty of space for children to walk safely beside the water.
Local Treats at Tierenteyn-Verlent
Try the local sweets (Cuberdons) from a street stall—they are purple, cone-shaped, and filled with raspberry syrup.
Day 4: Ghent, Belgium - Boat Rides and Bells
Ghent Canal Boat Tour
See the city from the water. These covered boats are stroller-friendly and offer a rest for tired legs while seeing the sights.
Belfry of Ghent
Take the elevator (rare for medieval towers!) to the top for a panoramic view of the city without the difficult climb.
Patershol Neighborhood
Wander the narrow lanes of this historic district. It's quiet, charming, and home to several hidden garden cafes.
Casual Dinner near Sint-Baafsplein
Enjoy a pizza or a local stew in one of the many cafes surrounding the central square where kids can run around.
Day 5: Bruges, Belgium - The Fairytale Village
Morning Train to Bruges
Just 25 minutes from Ghent, Bruges feels like a movie set. Drop your bags and head straight to the Markt square.
Choco-Story Museum
Learn the history of chocolate and watch a live demonstration. Samples are included, making this a family favorite.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
A classic Bruges experience that is exciting for children and allows you to see the city's highlights in comfort.
Minnewater Park (Lake of Love)
Visit the swans and enjoy the peaceful green space at the edge of the city. Perfect for a sunset stroll.
Day 6: Bruges, Belgium - Windmills and Fries
Frietmuseum (Fries Museum)
The world's only museum dedicated to potato fries. It is quirky, interactive, and ends with a tasting session in the medieval cellar.
St. Jan’s House Mill
Walk to the edge of the city to see real historic windmills. The surrounding grass is perfect for a family picnic.
Historium Bruges
A multi-sensory experience that takes you back to the Golden Age of Bruges. It uses virtual reality that older kids will find fascinating.
Waffle Workshop
Join a family-friendly class where you can learn to bake your own Brussels-style waffles together.
Day 7: Antwerp, Belgium - Diamonds and Dinosaurs
Arrival at Antwerp Central
Often called the most beautiful train station in the world, the station itself is a sight to behold with its grand architecture.
Antwerp Zoo
Located right next to the train station, this is one of the oldest and most beautiful zoos in the world, featuring easy-to-navigate paths.
Chocolate Nation
The world's largest Belgian chocolate museum. It is an immersive journey that is very visual and great for all ages.
Dinner at the Meir
The main shopping street offers plenty of casual dining options and fast-food favorites that are easy for kids.
Day 8: Mechelen, Belgium - Science and Play
Day Trip to Technopolis
Take a 15-minute train to Mechelen to visit this world-class science center where hands-on experiments are the main event.
Mechelen Toy Museum
Explore one of the largest toy collections in Europe. It is a nostalgic trip for parents and pure joy for the children.
Vrijbroekpark
A massive park in Mechelen featuring rose gardens, a large playground, and a traffic park for kids to ride bikes.
Return to Antwerp
Relax at a local brasserie near the Grote Markt for a traditional Flemish Carbonnade (beef stew).
Day 9: Dinant, Belgium - The Gateway to the Ardennes
Travel to Dinant
Rent a car or take a scenic train south into the Walloon region. The views of the Meuse river are breathtaking.
Citadel of Dinant
Take the cable car up to the Citadel. The ride is exciting for kids and the views of the valley are unparalleled.
Adolphe Sax Statue & Saxophone Bridge
Dinant is the birthplace of the saxophone. Kids will love finding all the colorful saxophone sculptures along the bridge.
Couque de Dinant Tasting
Try the local honey biscuit. Warning: they are very hard! Locals suck on them rather than biting—a fun challenge for the kids.
Day 10: Brussels, Belgium - Mini-Europe and the Atomium
Atomium Visit
Head to the Heysel plateau to see the iconic silver spheres. The elevator ride to the top is fast and thrilling.
Mini-Europe
Located right next to the Atomium, this park features 1:25 scale models of Europe’s most famous landmarks with interactive buttons.
Design Museum Brussels
A colorful museum nearby that showcases plastic design—surprisingly visual and engaging for children.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a final Belgian meal in the city center, celebrating a successful 11-day family adventure.
Day 11: Brussels, Belgium - Souvenirs and Departure
Last Minute Chocolate Shopping
Visit the boutiques of Pierre Marcolini or Neuhaus to bring back some world-class treats for friends at home.
Airport Transfer
Take the direct train or a pre-booked shuttle from your hotel to Brussels Airport (BRU).
Airport Relaxation
Enjoy the family lounges at Brussels Airport, which feature play areas to keep the kids busy before boarding.
Flight Departure
Safe travels home with a suitcase full of lace and chocolate!
Best Time to Visit Belgium
The best time to visit Belgium for families is during the late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant for walking, the parks are in full bloom, and the crowds are significantly smaller than in the peak of summer. If you enjoy festive magic, December is also wonderful for the Christmas markets, though you will need to pack plenty of warm layers for the little ones.
Currency & Money
Belgium uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are universally accepted in hotels, restaurants, and most shops. However, it is always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for smaller waffle stands or public restrooms (which often cost 50 cents). Tipping is not mandatory as a service charge is usually included in the bill, but rounding up the total for exceptional service is a common and appreciated gesture.
Getting Around Belgium
The Belgian rail system (SNCB) is the crown jewel of European transport for families. Trains are frequent, clean, and connect all major cities within 30 to 90 minutes. Children under 12 often travel for free when accompanied by an adult. Within cities like Brussels and Antwerp, the tram and metro systems are efficient, though for the historic centers of Bruges and Ghent, walking is the most practical and scenic way to explore.
