Kids and Family in Brussels

Expats in Brussels will be in an international centre filled with people from all over the globe. This means that expat children and families living in the Belgian capital won’t have any problem finding playmates who speak their home language.

Parks, playgrounds and forests abound for strolling, cycling and picnicking. Most playgrounds are never too far from a café, and for a family on the move, waffles, ice cream, and French fry vans line the most populated streets.

All in all, the possibilities for education and outings available to families living in Brussels are endless, making the city exciting and child friendly.

Attractions for kids in Brussels

The many castles in and around Brussels are well worth a visit for families living in the city. The Royal Palace and the stroll leading up to it through the Parc de Bruxelles are enchanting. The palace is an official residence of the royal family and is only open to the public for a few days a year, usually in the summer.

Another royal residence, just outside the city, is the Château Royal de Laeken. Visitors aren’t allowed in the residence but are welcome to enjoy the royal greenhouses.

A brief drive south of Brussels brings families to La Hulpe. This town is famous for its castle. The grounds and surrounding forest are worth whiling away many a weekend afternoon. Stables, ponds, and pathways invite visitors to explore, play on the grass, or simply sit down with a picnic. If it starts raining, step inside La Fondation Folon, a gallery of one of Belgium’s most appreciated artists.

The Sonian Forest is the forest bordering Brussels. It offers another delightful location to walk, hike, bicycle, ride horses, picnic, relax in one of the cafés, or watch the kids climb on the playgrounds dispersed throughout the wooded area.

For more ideas for entertainment in and around the city, have a look at See and Do in Brussels and Lifestyle in Brussels.

Arts and entertainment in Brussels

Expat children and parents can explore the history of comic strips at Le Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée and gain an appreciation for the creator of Tintin at Le Musée Hergé, just a short drive south of the city.

Children will enjoy Le Musée du Jouet and Le Musée des Enfants. The former allows little patrons to discover and play with toys from the past, while the second offers hands-on creative activities based on a yearly theme. It also has an enclosed playground with structures to climb on and animals to pet.

Although the museums mentioned above are particularly aimed at children, the Fine Arts Museums also often offer activities for the whole family. In the Musical Instrument Museum, patrons can wear headphones to hear the sounds of numerous instruments showcased in the beautiful Art Nouveau building.

Child-friendly dining in Brussels

Brussels isn’t lacking in family-friendly restaurants, although the brasseries seem to be the best spots for families. They’re usually quite big, noisy, and always have fries on the menu, among other traditional Belgian fare such as mussels, steak, and sausage. If needed, most eateries will have a suggested children’s meal and high chairs. Being the international city it is, world cuisine is also easily found in Brussels.