Discover Flanders with your whole family
You will experience magic, fun and entertainment with the whole family in Flanders, particularly during the winter months. Looking for creative indoor activities? Fascinating museums? Or just need a breath of fresh air and the relaxation that comes with the natural world? Before, during and after the Christmas holidays, Flanders will treat you to unique leisure activities that will keep you warm. Even on the coldest days.
Everyone plays at the Toy Museum Mechelen
At the new Toy Museum in Mechelen, you can learn all about... playing! From the Middle Ages to Today. Each toy tells a unique story. Collect skills with your avatar during your museum visit and let augmented and virtual reality take your gaming fun to the next level. A trip to the Toy Museum is a must for young and - well - not so young. After all, we all loved to play, didn't we? The Toy Museum is easily accessible by train and fully accessible to visitors with disabilities. If you wish, you can use a sensory backpack and can access to the low-stimulus room.
Your next challenge: climb St Rumbold's Tower
How long does it take you to climb the 538 steps of St Rumbold's Tower? Along the way you will learn more about the history of this impressive building while the children go on a "quest" on the various floors. Once you have reached the tower's 97-meter Skywalk, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of Mechelen and its surroundings. The two virtual reality viewers will tell you more about the Burgundian palaces, city oases and monuments you can see in the distance. At the very bottom of the Tower's Ash Cellar, an AR application means you can experience a spectacle from 1516 as if it were taking place now. The tower itself is not wheelchair accessible, but you can visit it virtually via virtualtour/mechelen360. At Visit Mechelen, you can use VR goggles to make a virtual visit to the Tower.
Mechelen Murals, a cool street art walk
It began many years ago with an interpretation of Alice in Wonderland on a 12-meter-high wall and recycling art in the shadow of Our Lady over the Dijle Church. Former city artist Gijs Vanhee wanted to give the street back to the people with the art project Mechelen Muurt (Mechelen Murals). Together with a number of artists from home and abroad, he has now also visited the surrounding villages of Mechelen with his paintbrush and spray can. You'll discover all these colours and stories on a cool street art walk. The walk is free. You just need to download it on your Smartphone.
Mechelen, surprising for all ages
Mechelen, a surprising Flemish art city between Brussels and Antwerp. Crammed with heritage and loads of attractions for the young (at heart). It is also easily accessible by public transport.
Ensor's wildest dreams at KMSKA
Until 18 January, you can visit one of the biggest exhibitions at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) that will close the Ensor Year 2024: "Ensor's wildest dreams". In 2024, it was 75 years since we said goodbye to this avant-garde artist. You are probably most familiar with his work from the masks and colours. But did you know that the KMSKA has the largest Ensor collection in the world? During your visit, you can also get involved in various hands-on activities. Create your own shadow play, draw your portrait with typical elements from Ensor's works, or project accessories from Ensor's paintings in fluorescent colours. Tip for young visitors: listen to the audio guide on your smartphone.
Is there "Anyone home "in the MAS?
What does "home" mean to you? And to your brother? Sister? Mum? Grandad? "Home" means something different to everyone. And that's what you'll discover when you visit the family exhibition "Anyone home?" at the Museum aan de Stroom in Antwerp (MAS). In an imaginative setting, completely tailored for children, museum exhibits bring this theme to life and dozens of Antwerp residents tell you their stories. At the activity stations you can play a board game, listen to a lullaby or do something that is almost certainly not allowed at home: draw on the wall! Tip: Bring a scavenger hunt book so that, at the end of your visit, you will know everything about the guests the character Rachel invited to her home. This video (YouTube) gives you an idea of what to expect.
Closer to Memling Experience at Museum Saint John's Hospital
The St. John's Hospital Museum in Bruges was recently given a makeover. It is one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe that now pays tribute to art with masterpieces by Flemish primitive Hans Memling, among others. The museum offers a children's audio guide (+6 years old) and puts little ones to work as doctors in the children's hospital. Tip: From 11 December, the Closer to Memling Experience will take you on a time travel adventure to another universe (in the Museum's attic). The playful interactive and audiovisual experience brings children (aged 7 and over) and adults alike closer to Memling's magnificent works.
Wintering at Meise Botanical Garden
Are you visiting the Meise Botanical Garden for the first time? Then the seasonal walks are the ideal opportunity to start getting to know this botanical garden set in Brussels' green surroundings. Sheltering from the rain? In the Plant Palace, you can journey through the desert, savannah and tropical rainforest. Or take a look at the WOODlab, an ode to living nature's most common product: wood. End your visit with a magnificent view of the keep of Bouchout Castle. From 19 December to 5 January, the Botanical Garden transforms into a magical fairytale forest full of additional winter fun. The WinterFloridylle light festival is highly recommended, but book your time slot early.
A breath of fresh air
Admittedly, the weather here can be a bit changeable. But after your indoor activities, be sure to seek out a bit of fresh air. Clear away the cobwebs by the sea with the whole family, go on a mini-expedition in our nature parks, or take a bike ride among the Mijnterrils in Hoge Kempen National Park in Limburg.
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.