15-Day Epic Belgium Family Journey & Travel Guide
Belgium is a fairytale kingdom that feels tailor-made for families. With its short travel distances, world-renowned chocolate, and stunning medieval architecture, this 15-day epic journey focuses on the heart of Europe. We have curated a route that balances iconic landmarks with plenty of park time and chocolate tastings to keep the little ones engaged and the adults relaxed.
This itinerary utilizes Belgium's excellent rail network, ensuring comfortable intercity travel without the stress of long drives. Every stop is selected for its stroller accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere, ensuring your journey through Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and the Ardennes is nothing short of magical.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Brussels
Arrival at Brussels Airport (BRU)
Upon arrival, take the convenient airport train directly to Brussels Central Station. The trains are equipped with elevators and space for luggage and strollers.
Lunch at Grand Place
Marvel at the gold-leafed guildhalls of the Grand Place, one of the world's most beautiful squares. It is entirely pedestrianized and easy for kids to run around safely.
Manneken Pis & Waffle Break
Visit the famous bronze fountain and enjoy a traditional Belgian waffle from a nearby street vendor. Many shops offer various toppings like strawberries and cream.
Relaxed Dinner in Sainte-Catherine
Enjoy a seafood dinner or a classic moules-frites in this trendy yet family-friendly neighborhood known for its open spaces and fountains.
Day 2: Brussels - Comics & Chocolate
Belgian Comic Strip Center
Housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, this museum celebrates Tintin and the Smurfs. It is stroller-accessible and features colorful displays for kids.
Comic Book Route Walk
Follow the street art trail featuring famous comic characters painted on city walls. It’s a great way to explore the city while keeping children entertained.
Choco-Story Brussels
Learn about the history of cocoa and watch a master chocolatier create pralines—with plenty of samples to taste along the way.
Dinner at Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert
Dine in one of Europe’s oldest covered shopping arcades, offering protection from the weather and a refined atmosphere.
Day 3: Brussels - Wonders of the Atomium
The Atomium
Take the elevator to the top of this iconic structure for panoramic views of Brussels. The futuristic design is a hit with children of all ages.
Mini-Europe
Located right next to the Atomium, this park features 1:25 scale models of famous European landmarks, complete with moving trains and interactive buttons.
Laken Park
Let the kids burn off energy in the vast green spaces surrounding the Royal Palace of Laken before heading back to the city center.
Pizza Night
Enjoy a casual family dinner at one of the many artisanal pizzerias near Place de la Liberté.
Day 4: Brussels to Antwerp - The Diamond City
Train Journey to Antwerp
The train from Brussels to Antwerp takes only 45 minutes. Arrive at Antwerpen-Centraal, often cited as one of the world's most beautiful train stations.
Chocolate Nation
Located right across from the station, this is the world's largest Belgian chocolate museum, offering an immersive and interactive experience.
Meir Shopping District
Take a stroll down the Meir, Antwerp's main pedestrian shopping street, featuring grand architecture and plenty of snack stops.
Dinner at Het Eilandje
Enjoy a meal in the rejuvenated docklands district, offering modern restaurants with views of the MAS museum.
Day 5: Antwerp - Wildlife & History
Antwerp Zoo
One of the oldest and most beautiful zoos in the world, located right next to the train station. It’s compact, stroller-friendly, and perfect for half a day.
Museum aan de Stroom (MAS)
Head to the rooftop for free 360-degree views of the city and port. The building’s unique design is visually striking for kids.
Sint-Annatunnel
Walk or take the wooden escalators through this historic pedestrian tunnel under the Scheldt River for a great view of the skyline.
Belgian Fries Dinner
Visit a traditional "Frituur" for the ultimate Belgian comfort food: fries with various sauces and snacks.
Day 6: Antwerp - Diamonds & Fashion
DIVA Museum
Explore the world of diamonds, jewelry, and silver in an interactive museum that captures the glitz and glamour of Antwerp’s history.
Stadspark Antwerp
A central park with a large playground and a pond, providing a perfect mid-day break for younger travelers.
Plantin-Moretus Museum
A UNESCO site that is surprisingly kid-friendly with its old printing presses and beautiful courtyard gardens.
Dinner near Grote Markt
Enjoy dinner in the historic heart of the city, surrounded by the impressive City Hall and Brabo Fountain.
Day 7: Antwerp to Ghent - Medieval Magic
Train to Ghent
A short 50-minute train ride brings you to Ghent Sint-Pieters. Take the tram directly into the medieval heart of the city.
Graslei & Korenlei
Walk along the scenic riverbanks lined with historic guild houses. It's a great spot for family photos and a quick lunch.
Gravensteen Castle
Explore this 12th-century castle with its moats, battlements, and a funny audio guide narrated by a comedian (available in English).
Dinner at Patershol
Wander the narrow streets of the Patershol district, filled with cozy, family-run restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
Day 8: Ghent - Canals & Cathedrals
Canal Boat Tour
See Ghent from the water on a guided boat tour. It's a relaxing way for kids to see the sights without too much walking.
Saint Bavo's Cathedral
Home to the famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb altarpiece. The cathedral also offers an impressive AR (Augmented Reality) tour.
Belfry of Ghent
Climb (or take the elevator part-way) the Belfry for a stunning view of the city’s three towers.
Gentse Neuzen Tasting
Try the local "Cuberdon" candies, cone-shaped raspberry treats often sold from traditional carts in the street.
Day 9: Ghent to Bruges - The Venice of the North
Train to Bruges
A quick 25-minute train ride takes you to the fairytale city of Bruges. The station has lockers if your hotel room isn't ready.
Market Square (Markt)
Visit the heart of Bruges, famous for its colorful gabled houses and the towering Belfry. Horse-drawn carriage rides depart from here.
Historium Bruges
An immersive experience that takes you back to the Golden Age of Bruges. It’s highly visual and great for kids to learn history.
Dinner at a Pancake House
Bruges has several charming tea rooms and pancake houses that serve savory and sweet options for a family-friendly dinner.
Day 10: Bruges - Chocolate & Canals
Choco-Story Bruges
A separate experience from the one in Brussels, this museum offers chocolate-making workshops that can be pre-booked for the family.
Frietmuseum
The only museum in the world dedicated to potato fries! It’s located in one of Bruges' oldest buildings and includes a tasting cellar.
Canal Cruise
A classic Bruges experience. These small boats get you up close to the secret gardens and picturesque bridges.
Minnewater Park
Known as the "Lake of Love," this peaceful park is home to many swans and provides a great space for a quiet walk.
Day 11: Bruges - Windmills & Local Life
Kruisvest Windmills
Walk along the city's old ramparts to see the four remaining windmills. It’s a breezy, open area perfect for kids to run.
Picnic at the Ramparts
Grab local cheeses and bread from a bakery and enjoy an outdoor lunch by the windmills.
De Halve Maan Brewery
While a brewery, it’s a historic site with a family-friendly atmosphere. Adults can sample the Brugse Zot while kids enjoy the courtyard.
Farewell Bruges Dinner
Enjoy a final dinner in Bruges at one of the quieter restaurants away from the main square, like those near the Spinola Bridge.
Day 12: Bruges to Namur - Gateway to the Ardennes
Scenic Train Ride to Namur
Travel through the rolling hills of Wallonia (about 2.5 hours). Namur is the capital of the region and very welcoming for families.
Namur Citadel
Take the cable car up to the Citadel. There is a playground at the top and plenty of underground tunnels to explore on guided tours.
Stroll by the Meuse
Walk along the riverbanks where the Sambre meets the Meuse. The paths are flat and perfect for strollers.
Walloon Cuisine
Try some local specialties like "Avisance" (sausage in pastry) at a local brasserie.
Day 13: Dinant - Saxophones & Citadels
Day Trip to Dinant
A short 30-minute train ride from Namur leads to Dinant, one of the most photographed towns in Belgium, wedged between a cliff and the river.
Maison Leffe & Saxophone Bridge
Cross the bridge adorned with giant colorful saxophones (honoring inventor Adolphe Sax) and visit the former abbey nearby.
Dinant Citadel & Cable Car
Take the cable car up for breathtaking views. The museum at the top is interactive and includes a "tilted room" that kids love.
Couque de Dinant
Buy a famous Dinant biscuit—be careful, they are the hardest cookies in Europe and are meant to be sucked, not bitten!
Day 14: Namur back to Brussels
Return to Brussels
Take the train back to the capital (1 hour). Check back into your hotel and enjoy a final afternoon of souvenirs and Belgian treats.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
A massive park with a triumphal arch. It houses the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History, which has many planes and tanks.
Ixelles & Flagey
Explore this vibrant neighborhood. The ponds of Ixelles offer a beautiful, stroller-friendly walk before your final dinner.
Grand Farewell Dinner
Choose a classic Belgian brasserie for a celebratory final meal of carbonnade flamande (beef stew).
Day 15: Brussels - Final Souvenirs & Departure
Last Minute Chocolate Shopping
Visit the Neuhaus or Leonidas shops at the station or airport for high-quality gifts to take home.
Mont des Arts
Take one last look at the Brussels skyline from this beautiful garden viewpoint before heading to the airport.
Airport Transfer
Take the direct train back to Brussels Airport, arriving at least 2.5 hours before your flight.
Departure
End of your 15-day Belgian family adventure.
Best Time to Visit Belgium
The best time to visit Belgium for families is during the late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September). During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant for walking, and the crowds are smaller than in the peak summer months of July and August. December is also a magical time due to the world-class Christmas markets, though it can be quite cold and damp.
Currency & Money
Belgium uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted almost everywhere, from high-end restaurants to small cafes. However, it is always useful to carry a small amount of cash for public restrooms (which often cost €0.50) or for small purchases at local markets. Tipping is not mandatory as service is included, but rounding up the bill is a common way to show appreciation.
Getting Around Belgium
Belgium has one of the most dense and efficient rail networks in the world, operated by SNCB/NMBS. Trains are the best way to travel between cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, and Bruges, with most journeys taking under an hour. For families, the "Standard Multi" pass offers 10 discounted journeys. Within cities, extensive tram and bus networks are stroller-accessible and easy to navigate with apps like Google Maps or De Lijn.
