Discover Flanders with your whole family

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IVV - Robert Boons-Jacky Geboers-Geertrui Van Hauwaert

With 67 kilometres of fine sand, sea and dunes, the Flemish coast is the ideal place for endless fun. But there's more. Children, youngsters, parents and the whole family can enjoy The Crystal Ship artistic arts trail, the permanent outdoor exhibition at the Beaufort Sculpture Park and the fascinating James Ensor House in Ostend. If you love good food, be sure to sample the flavours of the North Sea. In Oostduinkerke, you can still see riders in raincoats and bright yellow boots fishing for shrimp in the traditional way on their Brabantine draft horses. It's a very special sight that you've simply got to see! The coast tram, which runs on the longest tramline in the world, will take you from Knokke-Heist down to De Panne (and back again).

The area inland from the coast also has a lot in store this summer. Seek out shade and tranquillity amidst the green estate of the area's castles, embark on micro-adventures in Flanders' national and landscape parks or, if the weather is not as good, dive into a museum in one of our historic cities. Summer fun is assured for the whole family!

Set off on an adventure in and around Gaasbeek Castle

In the castles located in the green outskirts that surround Brussels, you'll find a treasure trove of stories about the ladies and gentlemen who lived there in times long ago. Amidst the rolling hills of the beautiful Pajottenland, for example, you can visit the romantic Gaasbeek Castle. Are you between the ages of 6 and 12? If so, follow the Arnoldus the Mouse activity trail and track him as he patters his way through the castle. It's free! With a little help, adventurers even younger than that can help Arnoldus the Mouse achieve his big dream – to become a knight! End your visit in the museum garden or by enjoying a snack and drink in the new brasserie ‘Graaf’, while the kids have fun in the park.

Set off on an adventure in and around Gaasbeek Castle

‘Playing’ at Museum M in Leuven

Leuven is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Consequently, the city is a draw for students and young people. But Leuven is also a perfect place to visit with children. Museum M in the heart of Leuven, for example, is housed in a building that combines historical elements with modern architecture. It is an open house for families that even the smallest members of the family will love to come back to. Until the end of August, in the ‘Make-it-together Space’ you're actually allowed to ‘play’ with old and contemporary works of art from the Collection of M. In this hands-on environment, you get to touch the works of art, create stories about art and ‘be’ an artist yourself. The magnificent bar in the reception area that's full of children's books is a great final touch!

Here's how to visit Leuven with kids

Bernadette Baele

On a family tour of KMSKA Antwerp

For a fun day at the museum with the whole family, a visit to the KMSKA in Antwerp is an ideal choice. Take a guided tour as a family and you can playfully get to know the KMSKA's permanent collection. Look at things differently, be creative and work as a team to complete the tasks! Or you can meet the Flemish fashion designer Christophe Coppens. He will take you through ten surprising installations and sculptures that he created and simply placed amongst the items in the museum's collection. He drew his inspiration from remarkable details in paintings. Can you find the matching detail in the painting?

Visit the KMSKA with your family

Water fun at the Blaarmeersen in Ghent

Do you enjoy swimming? Then, during or after your visit to Ghent's historic city centre, why not take a trip to the Blaarmeersen to cool down? At this sports and recreation park, you can dive into a large swimming pond, brave no fewer than eight slides and then dry off on the sandy beach. For preschoolers, there is a separate, shallow pond where they can splash safely. Feel like a bit more adventure? If so, maybe you'll feel like taking on Europe's largest indoor climbing park, which includes a bouldering zone, a climbing course and a spectacular height course. You can also go kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddle-boarding there. That's certainly a whole lot of water and adventure fun for the whole family! Tip: You and your party can stay at Hostel De Draecke on one of the most idyllic squares in the heart of Ghent.

A refreshing dip in the Blaarmeersen

Photo by Bas Bogaerts © Stad Gent – Dienst Toerisme

Fun and science at Hidrodoe Herentals

At the Hidrodoe interactive water activity centre in Herentals, you'll discover everything about water in a playful way. Curious children and adults can experiment with fountains, hydro power, whirlpools and even a hydrogen rocket. And the good news is: you get to touch anything you want and to try everything! It's an ideal outing for a rainy day or as a stopover while holidaying in the Kempen region of Antwerp province. Herentals is about 30 kilometres from Antwerp and is easily accessible by train.

Dive into the world of water at Hidrodoe

! Advance warning: you might get your hands wet.

Hidrodoe

Vlaamse jeugdherbergen

Stay the night in a hostel

Ever thought about staying in a hostel with your family? HI Flanders hostels are a pleasant place for families – they're situated in prime locations, have a relaxed atmosphere and offer comfortable rooms at affordable prices. In most hostels, you will find rooms for 4 to 6 people with private bathrooms. Children under 3 stay for free and children under 16 get up to 33% off. And breakfast for the whole family is included!

Find out more about the benefits for families

Summer fun in Flanders

Experience the most amazing micro-adventures in our Flemish nature areas. Stick your toes in the sand at the Flemish coast. Go for a hike through the Zwin Nature Park or discover the charms of Limburg. It's promising to be a brilliant summer in Flanders!

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.