Take the kids out for the day in Belgium. (J-L Flémal - BE - stock.adobe.com)
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Just PCSed to the Benelux? Here is a list of great places to take your kids when you all need a day out of the house
15 minutes from SHAPE
30 minutes from Chièvres
Repurposing the location of an old coal mine, this massive science museum is completely hands-on. There are zones for learning about all kinds of science including chemistry, robotics, nature, engineering and the human body.
Inside there is a cool three-floor ropes course to play on as well as a 4-D theater with new films produced in house. Single visit costs are a bit high; however, you can elect to upgrade to a season pass when you exit – worth it if you think you will come more than twice.
Sparkoh! is a massive hands-on science museum kids will love. (Suzi Media - stock.adobe.com)
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10 minutes from Chièvres
25 minutes from SHAPE
1 hour from Brussels
Consistently voted “Best Zoo in Europe,” Pairi Daiza presents its animal residence in elaborately themed regions, giving the place an immersive Disney feel. It is one of Europe’s largest zoos, with animals from roughly 800 different species.
Kids will love the walk-through animal enclosures and the huge playground. Uniquely, there are hotel rooms inside the zoo, adding to the resort vibe. This is not an inexpensive single day out; however, if you live nearby, consider purchasing a membership which makes frequent visits economical.
Spot the red panda at Pairi Daiza. (Dimitri - stock.adobe.com)
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10 minutes from NATO
20 minutes from USAG Benelux – Brussels
For train fans young and old, this place has it all. Climb inside old first-class carriages and locomotives, enjoy the many hands-on and interactive exhibits and even try a train-driving simulator. This museum is easy to reach via rail and is housed in the glamorous, historic Schaerbeek rail station, built in 1887.
There are often special exhibitions on display, special events and hands-on workshops for an extra fee. Many families also appreciate that there are scheduled low stimulus days with adapted programming for a calmer visit.
The train museum is perfect for exploring. (Sergey Novikov/serrnovik- stock.adobe.com)
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In Brunssum
20 minutes from Geilenkirchen
This large, public park is a fun place to visit in any season. It is free to enter and to enjoy the mountain biking and hiking trails, including boardwalks across the fens and connector trails to the extensive Brunssumerheide. Kids can play in the creek, enjoy the playgrounds and explore the mining heritage sites.
There are also fee-based attractions such as row boats, a barefoot park, treetop ropes course, petting zoo and mini train. Plus, there is an indoor Fun Factory offering paintball, demolition, axe throwing and more. Many parts of the park are also rentable for birthday parties.
Parts of the Schutterspark also connect to the Brunssumerheide. (Natallia - stock.adobe.com)
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