Belgium doesn’t always have a glowing reputation when it comes to child-friendliness. Just last week, we wrote about how Belgium’s trend for adult-only restaurants has caused a stir in France, with our Gallic neighbours proposing a ban on such establishments.
According to The Times of London, however, Brussels makes an excellent choice for people looking to take a city break in Europe with kids.
The newspaper included Brussels in a list of the best European city breaks to take with children. The capital was listed alongside the likes of Lisbon, Prague, Helsinki, Gothenburg and Copenhagen.
After noting the city’s abundant choice of chocolate shops (there are reportedly around 500 chocolatiers in Brussels), The Times said: “There are plenty of family-friendly attractions that don’t involve the mass consumption of cocoa, including the Museum of Natural Sciences, Musical Instruments Museum and the Autoworld car museum.”
It also highlighted the city’s Comic Book Route, “which features street art of Belgian characters Tintin and the Smurfs, among other creations.”
Child-friendly activities in Brussels
To this list, The Times could have added the large number of beautifully designed, child-friendly parks and gardens throughout the Brussels city region.
The historic Josaphat Park in Schaerbeek is a wonderful place to take children of any age. There, you’ll find duckponds, play areas and kiosks selling ice-cream and waffles.
In the south of the city, you can enjoy a family boat ride in the Bois de la Cambre, while the Van Buuren Museum in Uccle has a secret labyrinth in its gardens where children can while away the hours.
On a rainy day, families might consider visiting the aquarium in Koelkelberg, or the mind-bending Museum of Illusions near the Grand Place. Budding bookworms will love the centrally-located children’s bookstore Le Wolf with its magical forest décor.
If you decide to use public transport, children under six travel free on the STIB transport network, while children under 12 can travel for half price.
All a reminder that Brussels can be a great place for visitors, young and old.
