Activities to do
with your kids
Between work, school, and getting the household running, it's easy to lose track of what's actually around you - especially when you don't yet know the area the way locals do. The good news is that West Flanders has plenty on offer for families, from the coast to city parks to year-round events.
This page points you to the main places and resources for finding things to do with your kids.
Overview
West Flanders combines a coastline, historic cities, and open countryside, which gives families a wide range of activities regardless of the weather or your child's age. Most cities also publish a regular events calendar, so it's worth checking what's on before planning your weekend.
Outdoor and nature
- The Belgian coast, including Oostende and De Haan, offers beaches, boardwalks, and family-friendly seaside towns year-round.
- Plopsaland De Panne, a large family theme park on the coast, is one of the most popular day-trip destinations for families with young children.
- Cities such as Bruges, Kortrijk, and Roeselare all have parks and playgrounds suited to different age groups.
- Nature reserves and cycling routes across the province make for an easy weekend outing, and most are well signposted for families with young children.
Museums and indoor activities
- Bruges and Kortrijk both have museums with family-friendly exhibitions, and many offer reduced or free entry for children.
- Public libraries (bibliotheek) across the region often run children's activities, storytelling sessions, and have English-language books available.
- Indoor play centres are a good option on rainy days, and are available in most larger towns.
Events happening near you
The UiT in Vlaanderen agenda is the main regional events calendar, listing markets, festivals, and family activities happening across Flanders, including West Flanders. Your municipality's own website or Huis van het Kind also often lists local, smaller-scale events specifically for families.
Sports and clubs
Most municipalities have sports clubs (sportclub) for children, covering anything from football and swimming to gymnastics and martial arts. Clubs are usually organised by season, so it's worth checking enrolment periods in advance, especially at the start of the school year.
Good to know: many family activities and museums offer discounted or free entry for children under a certain age, and some cities offer a family pass covering multiple attractions - check your city's tourism or Huis van het Kind website before paying full price.
