9-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Belgium
Belgium is a dream destination for families seeking a blend of history and whimsy without the exhaustion of long travel days. Distances between major cities are short, usually under an hour by train, making it easy to keep a relaxed pace that caters to little legs and stroller requirements.
This itinerary focuses on the 'Classic Route'—Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp—while prioritizing activities that engage children, such as interactive chocolate museums, expansive parks, and boat rides. With world-class public transport and a culture that welcomes children in almost every cafe, your 9-day Belgian escape will be as smooth as a fresh piece of Leonidas chocolate.
Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Brussels
Arrival at Brussels Airport
Upon landing, take the direct train from the airport to Brussels Central Station. It is the fastest way to reach the city center, taking only about 17 minutes.
Grand Place Walk
Marvel at the gold-trimmed guildhalls of the Grand Place. The square is pedestrian-only and stroller-friendly, though the cobblestones can be a bit bumpy.
Manneken Pis & Waffles
Visit the famous bronze statue of the peeing boy. Just around the corner, grab a classic Liege waffle from a street vendor for a kid-friendly snack.
Dinner at Chez Léon
Enjoy a traditional meal of mussels and fries at this historic, family-friendly restaurant that has specialized in Belgian classics since 1893.
Day 2: Brussels - Comics & Royal Parks
Belgian Comic Strip Center
Housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building, this museum celebrates Tintin and the Smurfs. The exhibits are colorful and engaging for children.
Comic Strip Route Walk
Spot giant murals of comic book characters painted on the sides of buildings throughout the city center. It's a fun scavenger hunt for the whole family.
Parc du Cinquantenaire
Head to this massive park to let the kids run free. The wide gravel paths are perfect for strollers, and the triumphal arch provides a stunning backdrop.
Ixelles District Dinner
Explore the Place du Châtelain area for a relaxed dinner at a local bistro where children are always welcome.
Day 3: Ghent - Medieval Magic
Train to Ghent
A short 35-minute train ride brings you to Ghent Sint-Pieters. From there, take tram 1 directly into the historic heart of the city.
Gravensteen Castle
This 12th-century 'Castle of the Counts' features a moat and battlements. The humorous audio guide (available for kids) makes history come alive.
Ghent Canal Boat Tour
Rest your legs and see the city from the water. Boat tours depart regularly from the Graslei and provide a unique view of the medieval guild houses.
St. Michael’s Bridge
Walk across the only spot in the city where you can see all three of Ghent's famous towers in a single row. It's a great spot for a family photo.
Day 4: Ghent - Parks & Local Life
The World of Kina
Visit this nature museum designed specifically for children and teenagers. The 'Garden' section includes hundreds of plant species and a rock garden.
Lunch at Holy Food Market
Located in a former chapel, this upscale food hall offers various international cuisines, making it easy to find something even for picky eaters.
Blaarmeersen Recreation Park
This massive green space features a swimming pond, large playgrounds, and walking paths. It's the perfect spot for a relaxed family afternoon.
Evening Walk by the Leie
The city's illumination plan makes Ghent magical at night. The paths along the river are flat and safe for an evening stroll.
Day 5: Bruges - The Fairytale City
Train to Bruges
Take the train from Ghent to Bruges (25 minutes). Bruges is very compact, and the walk from the station to the center is scenic and easy.
Market Square (Grote Markt)
The heart of Bruges is dominated by the Belfry. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride starting from here—a hit with children of all ages.
Minnewater Park (Lake of Love)
Walk through this peaceful park filled with swans. It's a quieter alternative to the busy squares and offers plenty of space for strollers.
Belgian Fries Experience
Visit The Frietmuseum or simply grab a 'cornet' of fries from the kiosks under the Belfry for a quick, classic dinner.
Day 6: Bruges - Chocolate & Canals
Choco-Story Museum
Learn about the history of cocoa and watch live chocolate-making demonstrations (with plenty of tastings) at this interactive museum.
Canal Boat Trip
If you didn't do a boat tour in Ghent, Bruges is the place to do it. The small boats navigate under low stone bridges and past secret gardens.
The Kruisvest Windmills
Take a walk along the city's old ramparts to see the four remaining windmills. The grassy banks are perfect for a family picnic.
Dinner at De Halve Maan
Visit the city’s last working brewery. While adults try the Brugse Zot, the brewery’s courtyard is a safe, enclosed space for kids to relax.
Day 7: Antwerp - Diamonds & Animals
Train to Antwerp
The train ride from Bruges to Antwerp takes about 90 minutes. Arriving at Antwerp Central is an event in itself—it's one of the world's most beautiful stations.
Antwerp Zoo
Located right next to the train station, this is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It’s beautifully landscaped and very stroller-accessible.
Grote Markt & Brabo Fountain
Visit the main square to see the statue of Brabo throwing the giant's hand. Kids love the legendary story behind the city's name.
MAS Museum Rooftop
Take the escalators up to the 10th floor of the Museum Aan de Stroom for a free, panoramic view of the city and the massive port.
Day 8: Antwerp - Port Life & Fashion
Chocolate Nation
The world's largest Belgian chocolate museum is located in Antwerp. It’s a high-tech, sensory experience that kids will find fascinating.
Red Star Line Museum
This museum tells the story of emigrants sailing to America. The stories are told through personal items and are very relatable for families.
Sint-Annatunnel Walk
Walk through the historic wood-paneled pedestrian tunnel under the Scheldt river. It's a unique architectural experience that leads to a great playground on the Left Bank.
Farewell Dinner in Het Zuid
Head to the trendy 'South' district for a variety of family-friendly dining options and wide, open squares.
Day 9: Return to Brussels & Departure
Train to Brussels
Take a 45-minute train back to Brussels. Check into a hotel near the airport or central station for your final afternoon.
The Atomium
Visit this iconic 1958 World's Fair landmark. The spheres offer incredible views, and the futuristic architecture is a hit with kids.
Mini-Europe
Located right next to the Atomium, see all the landmarks of Europe in 1:25 scale. It’s interactive, with buttons that trigger trains, volcanoes, and bells.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Head back to the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert for some last-minute Belgian chocolates and lace before your flight home.
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 periods, the weather is mild and pleasant for walking, and the crowds at major attractions like the Belfry of Bruges are manageable. Summer (July and August) offers the most sun but can be crowded and more expensive. December is also a magical time if you enjoy festive Christmas markets, though you'll need to pack extra layers for the cold and rain.
Currency & Money
Belgium uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard) are universally accepted in shops, hotels, and restaurants. However, it is useful to carry a small amount of cash for public toilets, small bakeries, or market stalls. Tipping is not mandatory as service is typically included in the bill, but rounding up to the nearest Euro or leaving a few Euros for exceptional service is always appreciated.
Getting Around Belgium
The Belgian rail network (NMBS/SNCB) is one of the densest and most efficient in Europe, making it the best way to travel between Brussels, Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp. Trains are frequent, clean, and usually have designated areas for strollers and bicycles. For city travel, Brussels has an extensive metro and tram system, while Antwerp and Ghent are best explored via their modern tram networks. Most city centers are pedestrian-friendly, though be prepared for historic cobblestone streets.
