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Discovering Antwerp with Your Family: A Guide to Family-Friendly Travel Tips and Attractions

Introduction to Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium’s second-largest city, is a hidden gem for family travellers seeking a European adventure. The city boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and a plethora of kid-friendly attractions. In this guide, we will explore some of the best activities, sights, and experiences that Antwerp has to offer for families, ensuring that you and your little ones have a memorable and enjoyable time in this beautiful city.

Top Family-Friendly Activities in Antwerp

Antwerp offers a diverse range of attractions and activities catering to children of all ages. Here are some of our top recommendations:

  1. ZOO Antwerpen: One of the oldest zoos in the world, ZOO Antwerpen is home to over 7,000 animals, including elephants, giraffes, and penguins. With its lush gardens and impressive architecture, the zoo is an excellent destination for a day of family fun.
  2. Antwerp Central Station: Often regarded as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, the Antwerp Central Station is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and unique atmosphere. Kids will love watching the trains come and go, while parents can take in the beautiful surroundings.
  3. Aquatopia: This indoor aquatic park features a variety of sea creatures, including sharks, seahorses, and jellyfish. With its immersive underwater tunnels and interactive exhibits, Aquatopia is an excellent destination for kids with an interest in marine life.
  4. Comic Station Antwerp: A unique, indoor theme park dedicated to comic book characters and stories, Comic Station Antwerp offers interactive attractions, slides, and play areas for children of all ages. It’s a great way to spend a rainy day in the city.
  5. Middelheim Museum: This open-air sculpture park is home to an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. With its spacious grounds and beautiful artwork, Middelheim Museum is an enjoyable destination for both kids and adults alike.

Family-Friendly Dining Options in Antwerp

When it comes to dining out with the family, Antwerp has plenty of options to suit everyone’s tastes. Some popular family-friendly restaurants include:

Restaurant Cuisine Location
Ellis Gourmet Burger Burgers De Keyserlei 21
Amadeus Ribs and Steak Suikerrui 1-2
Pasta Hippo Vino Italian Oude Koornmarkt 32
Greenway Vegetarian/Vegan Groenplaats 6
Happy Italy Italian/Pizza Groenplaats 35

🍽️ Most restaurants in Antwerp offer high chairs and a children’s menu for the little ones, ensuring a hassle-free dining experience for the entire family.

Family-Friendly Accommodation in Antwerp

When selecting a place to stay in Antwerp, it’s essential to consider the needs of your family. Some popular family-friendly accommodations in the city include:

  • Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel: Located just steps from Antwerp Central Station, this hotel offers spacious family rooms, an indoor pool, and a kids’ play area.
  • Ibis Antwerpen Centrum: A budget-friendly option in the heart of the city, Ibis Antwerpen Centrum offers family rooms and a convenient location near many of Antwerp’s top attractions.
  • Novotel Antwerpen: Situated in the Antwerp Harbour area, Novotel Antwerpen offers family rooms, an outdoor pool, and a children’s playground, making it ideal for families seeking a more relaxed stay.

Getting Around Antwerp with Kids

Antwerp is a compact and walkable city, which makes it relatively easy to explore with children. For those looking to cover more ground, the city’s public transportation system, including buses and trams, is efficient and affordable. Remember, if you’re travelling with a pram or stroller, Tiny Trek Rentals has got you covered, providing high-quality equipment to make your travels as smooth as possible.

Final Thoughts

Antwerp is a fantastic destination for families looking to explore a charming European city with plenty to offer for all ages. From its world-class zoo and fascinating museums to its delicious cuisine and family-friendly accommodations, Antwerp is sure to create lasting memories for you and your little ones. Happy travelling! 😊

Top 10 family-friendly activities to do in Antwerp, Belgium in 2023

🌍 Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Antwerp, Belgium 🇧🇪

Belgium may be known for its delightful chocolates and waffles, but it has so much more to offer, especially for families. One of the most family-friendly city in Belgium is Antwerp, filled with a variety of activities that can keep your entire family entertained. Here’s our top 10 list of family-friendly activities in Antwerp.

1. Antwerp Zoo 🦁

Established in 1843, the Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest in the world. It’s home to over 7,000 animals from 950 species. You and your little ones can marvel at elephants, penguins, lions, and more. Don’t forget to rent one of our prams for a more comfortable zoo journey. 🦜

2. Plantin-Moretus Museum 📚

Introduce your kids to the world of printing at the Plantin-Moretus Museum. The museum offers interactive and educational exhibitions and workshops, perfect for school-aged kids. ✔️

3. Aquatopia 🐠

Aquatopia is a fascinating aquarium with over 10,000 fish and reptiles. The underwater tunnels and touch pools are sure to keep your children entertained for hours. 🐢

4. Comics Station Antwerp 🧸

At the Comics Station Antwerp, your kids will be able to interact with their favourite comic book characters in real life. The indoor theme park is filled with over 60 attractions and activities. 🎢

5. Antwerp’s Central Station 🚂

Known as the ‘Railway Cathedral’, Antwerp’s Central Station is a beautiful architectural masterpiece. There’s also a big shopping centre nearby to keep the adults entertained. 🛍️

6. Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum 🗿

Visit the Middelheim Open Air Sculpture Museum for a breath of fresh air. The park is home to 215 sculptures by artists from around the world, spread over 30 hectares. It’s free to enter! 🌳

7. The Antwerp Diamond District 💎

Antwerp is known as the world’s diamond capital. Why not take a guided tour of the diamond district and learn about the fascinating history of diamond trade in Antwerp. 💍

8. MAS Museum 🏛️

With a stunning view of the city from the rooftop, the MAS Museum is a must-visit. The museum’s exhibitions tell the story of Antwerp in the world, and the world in Antwerp. 🌎

9. Antwerp’s Fashion District 👗

Home to the Royal Academy of Fine Arts, Antwerp is a fashion hotspot. The Fashion District is filled with designer boutiques and vintage shops. Get your little ones involved in a fun fashion hunt! 👠

10. Theatres and Cinemas 🎭

Antwerp has a vibrant theatre scene, with plays and performances for all ages. Check out the Fakkeltheater or Kinepolis Cinema for their latest shows. 🎥

Antwerp Family-Friendly Accommodation 🏨

Hotel Location Features
Radisson Blu Astrid Hotel Central Station Indoor pool, family rooms, close to zoo
Hilton Antwerp Old Town Groenplaats Family rooms, near shopping district
Hyatt Regency Antwerp MAS Museum Family rooms, close to museum

Remember, at Tiny Trek Rentals, we’re here to make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. From prams to high chairs, we’ve got you covered. Happy travels! 🌍

Top 10 family-friendly activities to do in Antwerp, Belgium in 2023

1. Visit Antwerp Zoo 🐘

Established in 1843, the Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It is a haven for over 7,000 animals, representing about 950 species from all corners of the globe. The zoo’s exhibits are designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats, providing an educational experience for children and parents alike. Don’t forget to rent a baby stroller from Tiny Trek Rentals to make your zoo adventure easier.

2. Explore the Plantin-Moretus Museum 📖

The Plantin-Moretus Museum is a must-visit for families. Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage site, but it’s also a fantastic educational experience, offering a glimpse into the world of printing and bookbinding in the 16th century. The museum also offers a family trail, perfect for keeping the little ones engaged.

3. Wander through the Antwerp City Park 🌳

For a relaxing day outdoors, consider visiting the Antwerp City Park. This beautiful park offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. The park also features a playground, making it a perfect spot for families.

4. Discover the Aquatopia 🐠

Immerse yourself in the underwater world at Aquatopia. With over 7,000 tropical fish and a variety of other marine life, Aquatopia is an amazing experience for children of all ages.

5. Dive into Belgian Comic Strip Center 🎨

Belgium is famous for its comic strips, and in Antwerp, you can explore this fascinating world at the Belgian Comic Strip Center. It’s a fun and educational experience that’s sure to delight the whole family.

6. Visit the Toy Museum 🧸

The Toy Museum is a paradise for kids and adults alike. With its vast collection of toys from different eras and countries, the museum offers a nostalgic journey through the history of play.

7. Explore the Middelheim Museum 🗿

For art-loving families, the Middelheim Museum is a must-visit. This open-air museum features more than 200 sculptures and is a perfect spot for a family picnic.

8. Enjoy a Chocolate Workshop at Chocalicious 🍫

Belgium is famous for its chocolates, and at Chocalicious, you can learn how to make them. This chocolate workshop is a delightful experience for the whole family.

9. Visit the Red Star Line Museum 🚢

The Red Star Line Museum offers a remarkable insight into the history of migration from Europe to North America. The museum features interactive exhibits and personal stories, making it an educational and engaging experience for children and adults.

10. Ride a Bike through the City 🚴‍♀️

Finally, one of the best ways to explore Antwerp is by bike. The city is very bike-friendly and offers numerous bike paths and rental services. Just make sure to rent a bike with a child seat for the little ones!

Useful Table: Opening Hours & Entry Fees

Attraction Opening hours Entry Fee
Antwerp Zoo 10:00 – 19:00 €26 for adults, €20 for children
Plantin-Moretus Museum 10:00 – 17:00 €8 for adults, free for children
Aquatopia 10:00 – 18:00 €16.90 for adults, €14.90 for children
Belgian Comic Strip Center 10:00 – 18:00 €10 for adults, €7 for children
Toy Museum 10:00 – 17:00 €7 for adults, €5 for children
Middelheim Museum 10:00 – 17:00 Free
Red Star Line Museum 10:00 – 17:00 €8 for adults, free for children

Remember, Antwerp is a beautiful city that offers a multitude of activities for families. Always remember to book your baby equipment through Tiny Trek Rentals to ensure an enjoyable and hassle-free journey!

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