8x winter fun in Flanders for the whole family

Winter at the coastline 6 © Toerisme Kust
A girl in a blue jacket drinks hot chocolate by the coast with atmospheric lighting in the background.
Toerisme Kust
Flanders has something in store for everyone. Even in the colder yet cosy time of year, it's a wonderful destination for a family holiday. Immerse yourself in the world of Belgian chocolate, travel back in time at the Instutite of Natural Sciences and go on a treasure hunt among the remains of old hotel ruins in Mechelen. Experience this and much more with your whole family during an unforgettable winter getaway in Flanders.
The chcolate Trail (c) chocolatier Vandenbulcke - ABS Agency (13)
The chcolate Trail (c) chocolatier Vandenbulcke - ABS Agency (13)
chocolatier Vandenbulcke - ABS Agency

Dive into the world of Belgian chocolate

What is sweet, melts in your mouth and is loved by people of all ages? Belgian chocolate! This brown gold is part of our culinary heritage. The Chocolate Trail in Kortrijk is brand new and completely immerses you in a world of chocolate. This unique and child-friendly experience tour teaches you all about the history and making process of this delicacy. At the end, seize your chance to taste and enjoy.

Discover the world of James Ensor in Ostend

During the cold winter months, it's great to get a breath of fresh air on the Flemish coast. In addition, children can run around on the beach. Fancy a child-sized serving of art? Then why not visit the Ensor House in Ostend? An exciting trail packed with interactive installations, puzzle screens and fun quests leads the whole family through the life and work of James Ensor. That wonder, by the way, does not stay within the walls of this house. The family trail offers fun activities and amusing puzzles to do and solve throughout the city.

Het James Ensorhuis 1 © Toerisme Oostende vzw - James Ensorhuis - Nick Decombel Fotografie
A child visits the James Ensor House and spends a day following in the footsteps of James Ensor, a patron in Ostend.
Toerisme Oostende vzw - James Ensorhuis - Nick Decombel Fotografie
Museum voor Natuurwetenschappen © visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy_25291032358_o
Museum voor Natuurwetenschappen © visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy_25291032358_o
visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy

Travel back in time at the Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels

A quick trip back to prehistoric days? At the Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels, you can do that in no time. This spectacular place takes you on a journey, to see the wonders of our planet. The interactive exhibition about humans, animals and earth will astonish you. And where else could you come face to face with dozens of dinosaurs? In a giant hall, you learn how those dinosaurs lived, evolved and were discovered. In turn, the Flight exhibition shows how humans and animals take to the skies. You'll discover those wonders, interspersed with animated films, interactive exhibits and a kid's trail. This will keep the whole family busy for a while.

Oudenaarde for young sports fans and arty explorers

Do you have little sports fanatics running around at home? Then you might enjoy the Tour of Flanders Centre in Oudenaarde. This impressive cycling experience centre explores the rich history of the Tour of Flanders, as the absolute pinnacle of our national sport. In an approach for both younger and older visitors, you find out all about victories and losses, drama and euphoria, bad luck and invincibility. Is there time left for a quiet interlude afterwards? Just around the corner, at MOU, you get a state-of-the art glimpse of an ancient tradition. You will discover the ancient art of tapestry, a speciality of the region. Something for everyone.

Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen - car © milo profi fotografie
Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen - car © milo profi fotografie
© milo profi fotografie

Exploring the hotel ruins at Vrijbroekpark in Mechelen

Vrijbroekpark in Mechelen is a great setting for a winter hike with the whole family. Walking circuits in the park take you to an old hotel ruin. Which immerses you in a mysterious atmosphere full of impressive street art, fauna and flora. Little ones love the treasure hunt. Do you have some energy left after this? There is still lots of do in child-friendly Mechelen. The Toy Museum is a great classic and, as the hands-on centre for technology and science, Technopolis will take you from one surprise to another.

vrijbroekpark (c) provincie Antwerpen (9)
vrijbroekpark (c) provincie Antwerpen (9)
provincie Antwerpen

Red Star Line Antwerp: a Bon voyage for children

On the eve of the 20th century, two million people in Flanders packed their bags. The Red Star Line steamer took them from Antwerp to North America in search of a better life. The Red Star Line Museum tells their stories. The hands-on exhibition Bon voyage does this especially for children. What is a voyage? What feelings go with it? Who do you meet along the way? How different is that new place? In this exhibition full of fun tasks, you set off on a precious and unforgettable journey with pre-schoolers, as from 1 year old.

Red Star Line Museum © Victoriano Moreno_43992070315_o
Red Star Line Museum © Victoriano Moreno_43992070315_o
Victoriano Moreno

Delve into the history of coal mines at C-mine Genk

Limburg is inextricably linked to the mines. For decades, coal was extracted from the ground here. Those days are gone, but the heritage lives on. At the former C-mine site, you discover it firsthand. C-mine expedition takes you 6 metres underground. There, you discover 101 stories in surprising installations full of animation, holograms and Virtual Reality. Climbing the 60-metre-high pithead frame is literally and figuratively a highlight. That fascinating heritage can be perfectly combined with a delightful bike ride. Along the way, you will experience unique adventures such as Cycling through Water or Cycling through the Trees.

C-mine expeditie1_Limburg
C-mine expeditie1_Limburg

Treasure hunt with King Amaryllo in Meise Botanic Garden

A little nature always feels good. This is why the imposing Meise Botanical Garden is always worth a visit. This green haven near Brussels is home to 20,000 plant species from around the world. Children discover the many wonders on a scavenger hunt with King Amaryllo. Which leads children ages 4 to 12 through the kingdom of Botania. When winter arrives, he tells your little ones where all the plants have hidden. In fact, the Botanical Garden is particularly breathtaking at the turn of the year, when Floridylle Light Festival takes you on an enchanting journey from stardust to flower.

Plantentuin winterfloridylle-25 © Plantentuin Meise
Plantentuin winterfloridylle-25 © Plantentuin Meise
Plantentuin Meise

Winter fun in Flanders

Put on your warmest coat and be enchanted during twinkling winter walks. Through charming Flemish cities, full of lights and delightful nature areas. Enjoy cosy outings, surprising experiences and pure winter magic for the whole family. Flanders is also brimming with adventure in winter!

Brochure family-friendly Flanders and Brussels

With its versatility, Flanders is the ideal destination for a holiday with the whole family. Below you will find a selection of the activities to make your trip to Flanders an unforgettable family break.