Flanders from a child's perspective

A museum? Boring? Not so at the GUM in Ghent. In this crazy science museum, children and teenagers marvel at a spectacular collection derived from various branches of science: from biology to archaeology, from psychology to medicine. Younger children will definitely be thrilled by one of the game quests. About a kilometre away, in the city museum STAM, young and old can explore the history of Ghent at their own pace.

This beautiful historic city houses even more museums with an eye for children. Be sure to visit the House of Alijn, in the beating heart of the historic centre. This museum focuses on daily life, on people’s extraordinary everyday existence. Both the permanent collection and the changing exhibitions will appeal to young and old. Ideal for a trip with the whole family. After that, just a five-minute walk away, you will be at the gates of the Castle of the Counts. In this imposing 12th-century castle, you can picture yourself as a real knight. All the more fun if you take the comedy tour, which explains the history of the castle with a wink and a good laugh.

Discovery and experience are key in Meise Botanical Garden, some ten kilometres from Brussels. Together with the children, you can choose one of the walks through the park or visit the Castle of Bouchout. Teenagers will enjoy the extra challenge of the GPS quest. And King Amaryllo loves having the 4 to 12-year-olds on reconnaissance. In the summer months we have the Amaze-your-feet-Path, an adventurous barefoot experience. The Orangery restaurant, with adjacent playground and a sandpit on the terrace, is also ideal for children.

The great James Ensor was one of the most important innovators of modern art. The James Ensor House in his hometown of Ostend shows how this artistic genius lived and worked. An absolute must for culture lovers and their children. The recently renovated museum teaches them about the wonderful world of James Ensor in a fun and interactive way. Manservant Gust leads the way, while whispering many secrets in their ears. The family trail serves up some amazing tasks and crazy puzzles, and there’s a handsome reward at the information desk for anyone who unmasks the fake Ensor. Afterwards, the whole family will be ready to explore the great master’s city of Ostend during an interactive, digital walk.

After your visit, there is still plenty to do in Ostend. The beach is nearby and throughout the city there are many spectacular, lasting impressions of the street art festivalThe Crystal Ship. Or do the cool challenges of Ostend’s very own TikTokTour. Will you be able to complete all ten?

Flanders is the Mecca ofcycling. If you want to immerse yourself in cycling, the KOERS museum in Roeselare is certainly worth a visit. The family package for 6 to 12-year-olds (families included) provides instant enjoyment for kiddies and older children through play and discovery. Just like the real cyclists, you get a road book. Along the way, you search out talking objects, test what cycling was like in the 19th century and come up with your own cyclist nickname. A bike ride through the museum completes the story: the little ones can race through the exhibition on one of the KOERS balance bikes.

Mechelen guarantees an unforgettable visit for both young and old. An art city full of heritage and numerous assets for the young (at heart). Take St Rumbold’s Cathedral. This iconic structure with a tower of over 97 metres high can also be discovered on a child’s level. With a fun quest spread over the different floors, you stumble from one surprise to another.

Has the children’s hunger for exploration not yet been satisfied? Then you should definitely visit Technopolis in Mechelen. This interactive hands-on centre is packed with technological and scientific experiments. Or if you prefer something a little more light-hearted, at the Toy Museum you will find an overview of the most fun items in the world: toys. Or immerse yourself in the wonders of nature in Planckendael, a beautiful landscaped zoo.