18-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guide to Belgium: An Epic Journey
Belgium is a dream destination for families seeking a blend of medieval charm, world-class chocolate, and highly accessible infrastructure. This 18-day epic journey is crafted to ensure you see the highlights of the country—Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent, Bruges, and Mechelen—without the rush, allowing plenty of time for park play and waffle breaks.
Traveling with children in Belgium is remarkably easy thanks to the efficient rail network and the abundance of stroller-friendly historic centers. This guide focuses on activities that engage young minds while allowing parents to soak in the rich culture and history of Northern Europe at a relaxed, comfortable pace.
Day 1: Brussels, Belgium - Arrival & Historic Heart
Arrival at Brussels Airport
Touch down at Zaventem and take the easy train link to the city center. Most stations have elevators, making it simple to navigate with a stroller and luggage.
Grand Place Exploration
Marvel at the gold-gilded guildhalls of the world's most beautiful square. The cobblestones are relatively flat here, but a sturdy stroller helps.
Choco-Story Brussels
Visit this interactive chocolate museum where kids can watch live demonstrations and, most importantly, enjoy plenty of delicious samples.
Dinner at Chez Léon
Enjoy a traditional Belgian meal at this family-friendly institution known for its 'moules-frites' and welcoming atmosphere for children.
Day 2: Brussels, Belgium - Comic Strips & Parks
Belgian Comic Strip Center
Located in a stunning Art Nouveau building, this museum celebrates Tintin and the Smurfs, keeping kids entertained with colorful displays.
Waffle Tasting at Maison Dandoy
Grab a Liege waffle topped with pearl sugar—a perfect midday treat that is easy to eat on the go while wandering the streets.
Parc de Bruxelles
Let the kids run free in this large urban park located between the Royal Palace and the Parliament. It features wide paths and a great playground.
St. Hubert Royal Galleries
Window shop in these beautiful covered galleries, perfect for a rainy afternoon and completely stroller-accessible.
Day 3: Brussels, Belgium - Icons & Miniatures
The Atomium
Take the elevator to the top of this iconic silver structure for panoramic views. The spheres contain kid-friendly exhibits about the 1958 World Expo.
Mini-Europe
Located right next to the Atomium, this park features 1:25 scale models of Europe’s most famous landmarks with interactive buttons that kids love.
Design Museum Brussels
A short walk from Mini-Europe, this museum features a playful collection of plastic design objects that are visually stimulating for all ages.
Relaxed Dinner in Laeken
Enjoy a quiet evening meal in the residential Laeken district before heading back to the city center.
Day 4: Antwerp, Belgium - Train Journey & City Arrival
Train to Antwerp
Board a comfortable SNCB train from Brussels Central. The journey takes only 45 minutes, offering scenic views of the Belgian countryside.
Antwerp-Centraal Station
Take a moment to admire what is often called the most beautiful train station in the world. It is fully accessible with spacious elevators.
Meir Shopping District
Walk or stroll down the main pedestrian shopping street toward your hotel, stopping for a snack at a local bakery.
Check-in & Settle
Get settled into your family-friendly accommodation and locate the nearest park for a late afternoon play session.
Day 5: Antwerp, Belgium - Animals & Hidden Gardens
Antwerp Zoo
One of the oldest and most beautiful zoos in the world, located right next to the train station. It is exceptionally stroller-friendly and manageable in size.
Picnic at Stadspark
Pick up some local cheese and bread and head to the city's central park, which features a large pond and an excellent playground.
Plantin-Moretus Museum
A UNESCO site that is surprisingly engaging for older kids, featuring 16th-century printing presses in a beautiful mansion with a courtyard.
Dinner at Grote Markt
Eat dinner surrounded by Antwerp's impressive Renaissance architecture. Many restaurants offer outdoor seating, perfect for families.
Day 6: Antwerp, Belgium - History & Chocolate Nation
Chocolate Nation
Visit the world's largest Belgian chocolate museum. The multi-sensory experience is designed to keep children captivated from start to finish.
Red Star Line Museum
Learn about the millions of emigrants who sailed from Antwerp to America. The museum uses personal stories and interactive displays suitable for families.
MAS Museum Rooftop
Take the series of escalators to the roof of the Museum Aan de Stroom (MAS) for a 360-degree view of the harbor and city.
St. Anna's Tunnel
Take the historic wooden escalators down into the tunnel under the Scheldt river—a fun, free adventure that kids love.
Day 7: Ghent, Belgium - Castle Quests
Train to Ghent
A short 50-minute train ride brings you to Ghent. Use the tram from the station to reach the historic center easily with your stroller.
Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)
Explore this authentic medieval castle. The audio guide narrated by a Flemish comedian is hilarious for adults and engaging for older kids.
Patershol District Walk
Wander through these narrow, car-free streets filled with charming houses and small restaurants.
Graslei Evening Stroll
The lights of Ghent at night are magical. Enjoy a relaxed walk along the water as the city glows.
Day 8: Ghent, Belgium - Canals & Outdoor Play
Ghent Canal Boat Tour
See the city from a different perspective. These 40-minute boat trips are relaxing for parents and fun for kids to spot local wildlife.
Lunch at Holy Food Market
Located in a converted chapel, this food hall offers plenty of options to satisfy picky eaters in a unique setting.
Blaarmeersen Sports and Recreation Park
Take a short bus ride to this massive park featuring a swimming lake, sandy beach, and huge playgrounds. Perfect for a "down day."
Casual Dinner near Korenmarkt
Enjoy some famous Belgian fries from a local 'frietkot' for a fun and easy family dinner.
Day 9: Ghent, Belgium - Dragons & Altarpieces
The Belfry of Ghent
Climb (or take the elevator partway) up the tower to see the dragon that guards the city. The bell collection is fascinating for kids.
St. Bavo's Cathedral
See the famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. They offer a VR experience that makes the history of the painting come alive for families.
Werregarenstraat (Graffiti Street)
A colorful, car-free alleyway where street art is legal. It’s a great spot for fun family photos and let kids see artists at work.
Shopping for Cuberdons
Try the local 'nose' candies from a traditional street cart in the Groentenmarkt—a Ghent specialty.
Day 10: Bruges, Belgium - Fairy-Tale Beginnings
Train to Bruges
The journey from Ghent is only 25 minutes. Bruges station is modern and offers lockers for luggage if your room isn't ready.
The Markt & Belfry
Start in the heart of Bruges. The horse-drawn carriages starting here are a hit with children and a great way to see the city without walking.
Historium Bruges
An immersive experience that takes you back to the Golden Age of Bruges. It uses films and sets to tell a story that children find easy to follow.
Dinner at a Pannenkoeken House
Treat the family to Belgian pancakes (sweet or savory) at one of the cozy cafes near the Markt.
Day 11: Bruges, Belgium - Canals & Swans
Bruges Boat Tour
No trip to Bruges is complete without a canal cruise. It’s the best way to see the hidden gardens and medieval bridges while sitting down.
Minnewater Park (Lake of Love)
A peaceful park with plenty of space for strollers. Watch the famous white swans of Bruges and enjoy the scenic views.
Begijnhof
Walk through this quiet, whitewashed convent area. It’s a serene place where kids need to be quiet, making it a good spot for a stroller nap.
Waffle on a Stick
Find a local vendor selling waffles on a stick dipped in chocolate—the ultimate mess-free snack for kids on the go.
Day 12: Bruges, Belgium - Fries & Folklore
Frietmuseum
The world's only museum dedicated to potato fries. It’s quirky, informative, and ends with a tasting session in the medieval cellars.
Choco-Story Bruges
Similar to its Brussels counterpart but housed in a beautiful historic building. It’s a great indoor activity if the weather is chilly.
Windmill Walk
Take a walk along the city's old ramparts to see the four remaining windmills. There is plenty of grass for kids to run around.
Dinner at a Local Bistro
Try 'Vlaamse Stoofvlees' (Flemish beef stew) while the kids enjoy a smaller portion or the ever-present frietjes.
Day 13: Knokke-Heist, Belgium - A Day at the Beach
Train to Knokke
A quick 20-minute train ride takes you to the Belgian coast. The station is a short walk from the sandy beaches.
Beach Time & Promenade
Rent a 'cuistax' (a pedal-powered family cart) and cycle along the car-free sea promenade—a quintessential Belgian seaside activity.
Zwin Nature Park
A short taxi or bike ride away, this park is great for bird watching and has interactive trails designed specifically for children.
Return to Bruges
Head back to the city for a quiet final evening in the Venice of the North.
Day 14: Mechelen, Belgium - The Ultimate Kid City
Train to Mechelen
Mechelen is located halfway between Antwerp and Brussels and is widely considered Belgium's most family-friendly city.
Planckendael Zoo
This massive park is more than just a zoo; it’s divided into continents and features incredible play areas and hanging bridges for kids.
River Walk
Take the 'Dijlepad'—a floating walkway on the river that lets you see the city from the water level. It's stroller-accessible and very peaceful.
Dinner at Vismarkt
The old fish market area is now a trendy, car-free zone with many terraces and kid-friendly dining options.
Day 15: Mechelen, Belgium - Science & Toys
Technopolis
An amazing hands-on science center where kids can pull themselves up in a pulley, ride a bike on a high wire, or land a plane.
Toy Museum (Speelgoedmuseum)
One of the largest toy museums in Europe. It features everything from ancient dolls to modern LEGO, with plenty of play zones.
St. Rumbold's Tower
If the kids have energy, climb the tower. There are 'skywalk' platforms every few levels where you can rest and see the bells.
Local Pastry Stop
Try a 'Mechelse Maantje'—a delicious local chocolate or biscuit shaped like a moon.
Day 16: Leuven, Belgium - Library Magic & Parks
Day Trip to Leuven
Only 20 minutes by train. Leuven is a vibrant university town with a stunning town hall and great car-free zones.
University Library & Tower
The library is beautiful, and the tower climb provides a great view. The square in front (Ladeuzeplein) is huge and perfect for kids to run.
Groot Begijnhof
A stunning, quiet neighborhood of brick houses and cobbled streets. It feels like stepping back in time and is very peaceful for a walk.
Park Abbey
Located on the edge of the city, this beautifully preserved abbey has ponds, cows, and plenty of space for a family stroll.
Day 17: Brussels, Belgium - Dinosaurs & Departure Prep
Return to Brussels
Check back into a hotel near the center for your final night. Drop your bags and head to the Leopold Quarter.
Museum of Natural Sciences
Home to the famous Iguanodons of Bernissart. The dinosaur gallery is world-class and a massive hit with children of all ages.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Marvel at the massive triumphal arch and enjoy the wide promenades. There’s a great playground located near the Autoworld museum.
Farewell Belgian Dinner
Choose a cozy spot in the Sainte-Catherine area, known for great seafood and a relaxed, local vibe.
Day 18: Brussels, Belgium - Final Waffles & Departure
Last Minute Souvenirs
Head to Rue Neuve or the boutiques near Grand Place to stock up on Belgian chocolate boxes and Tintin memorabilia.
Final Belgian Waffle
Enjoy one last waffle at a street-side stand—a sweet ending to your 18-day Belgian adventure.
Train to Brussels Airport
Take the 15-minute direct train from Brussels Central to the airport. Ensure you leave plenty of time for VAT refunds and security.
Departure
Safe travels home with a suitcase full of chocolate and a heart full of family memories!
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, and the major attractions are less crowded than in July and August. If you enjoy festive atmospheres, December is also magical with Christmas markets in every city, though you will need to pack warm layers for the children.
Currency & Money
Belgium uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are universally accepted in shops, hotels, and restaurants. However, it is always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for smaller bakeries or public restrooms, which often charge a small fee (usually €0.50). Tipping is not mandatory as service is included in the bill, but rounding up to the nearest Euro for good service is appreciated.
Getting Around Belgium
The best way to travel between cities in Belgium is by train. The SNCB (National Railway) is efficient, frequent, and very affordable. Children under 12 often travel for free when accompanied by an adult. Within cities, most historic centers are compact and walkable. For longer distances in Brussels or Antwerp, the metro and tram systems are excellent and offer elevators for stroller access.
