7-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guide Route in Belgium
Belgium is a dream destination for families seeking history without the hassle. With short train rides between cities and flat, stroller-friendly streets, it offers a stress-free European escape. This itinerary combines the country's world-famous chocolate and waffles with interactive museums and fairytale settings that will captivate both children and adults alike.
We have focused on a relaxed pace, ensuring you have time for spontaneous park visits and chocolate breaks. From the comic book walls of Brussels to the winding canals of Bruges, every stop is chosen for its accessibility and charm, making it the perfect 'Classic Route' for your next family holiday.
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Brussels
Arrival at Brussels Airport
Touch down at Zaventem Airport and take the easy airport train directly to the city center. The trains are frequent and offer plenty of space for luggage and strollers.
The Grand Place
Visit what is often called the most beautiful square in the world. The ornate guild houses provide a stunning backdrop for photos, and the square is mostly car-free, allowing kids to roam safely.
Choco-Story Brussels
A must-visit for families, this interactive museum explains the history of chocolate and features live demonstrations where you can taste freshly made Belgian pralines.
Manneken Pis & Waffle Break
See the famous bronze statue and stop at one of the nearby stalls for a warm Liège waffle topped with strawberries and cream—a guaranteed hit for little travelers.
Day 2: Brussels - Landmarks & Science
The Atomium
Head to the outskirts of the city to this iconic 1958 World Expo landmark. The spheres are connected by escalators and elevators, offering a futuristic experience with panoramic views of the city.
Mini-Europe
Located right next to the Atomium, this park features 1:25 scale models of Europe's most famous landmarks. Kids love the interactive buttons that set trains, mills, and even Mt. Vesuvius in motion.
Train to Ghent
Board a comfortable SNCB train for a short 35-minute journey to Ghent. The trains are very reliable and offer plenty of window views of the Belgian countryside.
Graslei & Korenlei
Enjoy a relaxed evening stroll along Ghent's medieval harbor. The historic buildings reflected in the water create a magical atmosphere perfect for a quiet family dinner.
Day 3: Ghent - Medieval Magic
Gravensteen Castle
Explore this 10th-century 'Castle of the Counts.' The audio guide is famously humorous, and children will enjoy exploring the battlements and seeing real suits of armor.
St. Bavo's Cathedral
Home to the famous Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, this cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. The large interior is easy to navigate and cooler on warm days.
Belfry of Ghent
Climb (or take the lift) up the tallest belfry in Belgium for spectacular 360-degree views. The dragon mascot of the tower is a favorite among younger children.
Patershol District
Wander through this charming neighborhood filled with cobblestone streets and small restaurants. It's a quieter part of town, perfect for a relaxed family meal away from the main tourist hubs.
Day 4: Bruges - The Fairytale City
Arrival in Bruges
Take a 25-minute train from Ghent to Bruges. Upon arrival, leave your larger bags at your hotel and head straight for the historic center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Bruges Canal Tour
See the 'Venice of the North' from the water. Boat tours are approximately 30 minutes long—perfect for keeping kids engaged without getting restless.
The Markt
The main square of Bruges is home to the Belfry and colorful gable houses. It's a great spot for people-watching while the kids enjoy some famous Belgian fries from the local carts.
Historium Bruges
This museum uses virtual reality and immersive sets to transport you back to the Golden Age of Bruges. It’s an educational and exciting experience for school-aged children.
Day 5: Bruges - Parks & Pralines
Minnewater Park (Lake of Love)
A tranquil park featuring a beautiful lake and plenty of swans. It's an ideal spot for a morning picnic and for children to run around in a safe, green space.
Frietmuseum
Visit the world's only museum dedicated to potato fries. It’s quirky, fun, and ends with a tasting session in the medieval cellars.
Windmills of Bruges
Walk along the Kruisvest to see the four remaining old windmills. The green embankment is perfect for a stroller walk with a view of the city’s outer canal.
Chocolate Shopping at Dumon
End your day at this family-run chocolatier. The friendly staff often share stories about the chocolate-making process, making it a sweet final stop in Bruges.
Day 6: Antwerp - Diamonds & Design
Antwerp-Centraal Station
Arrive at one of the world's most beautiful railway stations. The grand architecture and multi-level tracks are a sight to behold as soon as you step off the train.
Antwerp Zoo
Located right next to the station, this is one of the oldest and most beautiful zoos in the world. It’s compact, stroller-friendly, and perfect for a family morning out.
Chocolate Nation
The largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world. This interactive experience takes you through the entire journey of the cocoa bean, featuring many tasting stations.
Meir Shopping District
Explore Antwerp's main shopping street. It is wide, pedestrianized, and features stunning 18th-century architecture alongside modern international brands.
Day 7: Antwerp - Maritime & Art
MAS Museum (Museum Aan de Stroom)
A striking red sandstone building in the harbor. You can take the escalators to the rooftop for free to see the best view of Antwerp and the Scheldt River.
Stadspark Antwerp
A beautiful triangle-shaped park with a large playground and a pond. It’s a great place to let the kids burn off energy before your departure.
Plantin-Moretus Museum
A UNESCO site that was once a printing house. The quiet courtyards and ancient printing presses are fascinating, even for children, and the building is exceptionally well-preserved.
Grote Markt Farewell Dinner
Conclude your trip with a traditional Belgian dinner at the Grote Markt, surrounded by the Brabo Fountain and the magnificent City Hall.
Best Time to Visit Belgium
The best time to visit Belgium for families is during the late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September). During these months, the weather is mild enough for long walks and outdoor exploration without the intense crowds of the peak summer months. If you enjoy festive atmospheres, December is also magical due to the famous 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 (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in almost all shops, restaurants, and museums. However, it is always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash for smaller waffle stalls or public restrooms. Tipping is not mandatory as service charges are included in the bill, but rounding up the total for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Getting Around Belgium
The Belgian rail network (SNCB) is the most efficient way to travel between cities. Most journeys between Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp take less than an hour. For families, the 'Standard Multi' ticket can offer great savings. Within the cities, public transport is excellent, but most historic centers are compact enough to explore on foot with a stroller. If you plan to visit many museums, consider the 'City Passes' available in Brussels and Antwerp.
