The Flemish Region is the Dutch-speaking northern part of Belgium, home to Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Leuven, Mechelen, Hasselt, Ypres and the North Sea coast.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Zoo Antwerpen
Animals, aquarium and historic buildings next to the central station.
Ghent canal boat ride
Short canal cruise from Graslei and Korenlei.
Bruges to Damme bike ride
Flat 6 km cycle along a poplar-lined canal; rent bikes in central Bruges.
Technopolis, Mechelen
Science centre with experiments and an outdoor area.
Gravensteen, Ghent
Moated castle with armour and rooftop views.
Choco-Story Bruges
Chocolate history with a live demonstration.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel Antwerp
Family rooms beside the station and zoo.
Marriott Ghent Hotel
Riverside family rooms in the historic centre.
Novotel Brugge Centrum
Family rooms near the canals.
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Frituren (fry shops) are the cheapest family meal at about EUR 4-9 (approx USD 5-10) per person.
Ask for a kindermenu; most brasseries serve one.
Many restaurants close between lunch and dinner, so eat lunch by 14:00.
Book popular Bruges and Ghent restaurants on weekends.
Tap water is safe; ask for a carafe of water (een karaf water).
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Children under 12 travel free on Belgian trains with a paying adult; confirm current rules in the SNCB app.
Base in Antwerp or Ghent and use trains for day trips of 20-45 minutes.
Cobbled streets suit carriers better than strollers.
Carry coins for public toilets at about EUR 0.50-1 (approx USD 0.60-1.15).
Emergency number 112; pharmacies display a green cross.