A Family Guide to Ghent, Belgium 🇧🇪
Ghent, a charming, medieval city in Belgium, is the perfect destination for families who love history, culture, and adventure. With its picturesque canals, stunning architecture, and friendly locals, Ghent offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions that will keep both parents and children entertained. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best things to do in Ghent with your family.
🏰 Gravensteen Castle
Step back in time and explore Gravensteen Castle, a 12th-century fortress that once served as the residence of the Counts of Flanders. The castle features an impressive collection of medieval artifacts, including armor, weapons, and torture devices. Kids will enjoy the interactive displays and the opportunity to dress up as medieval knights and princesses. The castle also offers stunning panoramic views of Ghent from its rooftop.
🚣♂️ Boat Tours
A boat tour is a great way to explore Ghent’s beautiful canals and take in the city’s stunning architecture from a different perspective. Several companies offer family-friendly boat tours that provide interesting and informative commentary on the city’s history and landmarks. Some tours even include a visit to a traditional Belgian chocolate shop for a sweet treat.
🌳 Blaarmeersen Recreation Park
For a day of outdoor fun, head to Blaarmeersen Recreation Park. This expansive park offers a wide range of activities suitable for the whole family, including swimming, sailing, and fishing. Kids will love the large playground, while parents can relax at the park’s beautiful beach or enjoy a leisurely stroll around the scenic lake.
🐠 Ghent Aquarium
Discover the fascinating underwater world at the Ghent Aquarium. This small but well-maintained aquarium features a variety of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sharks, and turtles. The aquarium offers a fun and educational experience for children, with interactive displays and knowledgeable staff on hand to answer any questions.
🎨 STAM Ghent City Museum
Learn about the history and culture of Ghent at the STAM City Museum. This interactive museum offers a comprehensive overview of Ghent’s past, present, and future through engaging exhibits and multimedia displays. The museum also features a giant aerial map of the city, which kids will love exploring.
🍫 Chocolate Workshops
Belgium is famous for its delicious chocolate, so why not take part in a chocolate-making workshop while you’re in Ghent? Several local chocolatiers offer workshops where you and your family can learn the art of chocolate making and create your own delicious treats to take home.
🚶♂️ Guided Walking Tours
Explore the city’s rich history and beautiful architecture on a guided walking tour. Family-friendly walking tours are available, with knowledgeable guides who cater to the interests and questions of children. These tours often include stops at popular attractions, such as St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and the picturesque Patershol neighborhood.
Family-Friendly Restaurants in Ghent 🍽️
Ghent offers a variety of family-friendly dining options, with many restaurants featuring play areas and kid-friendly menus. Some popular choices include:
- Amadeus: A lively, all-you-can-eat rib restaurant with a fun atmosphere and affordable prices.
- De Superette: A trendy bakery and café with a delicious selection of pastries, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a small play area for kids.
- Julie’s House: A cozy tea room that offers a wide range of homemade cakes, quiches, and sandwiches, perfect for a leisurely lunch or afternoon tea.
- Frituur Jozef: A popular local spot for traditional Belgian frites and a variety of tasty toppings.
Practical Information for Families in Ghent 🧳
| Getting Around | Ghent is a compact city with a pedestrian-friendly city center. Most attractions are within walking distance or easily accessible by public transport, including trams and buses. A Ghent CityCard is a great investment, as it includes unlimited public transport, free admission to many attractions, and discounts at local shops and restaurants. |
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| Accommodation | There are numerous family-friendly hotels and vacation rentals available in Ghent, catering to a range of budgets and preferences. Consider staying in the city center for easy access to attractions and public transport. |
| Tiny Trek Rentals | Don’t forget that Tiny Trek Rentals can provide all the essential baby equipment you’ll need for your trip, including prams, strollers, car seats, high chairs, and playpens. Simply contact us before your trip, and we’ll ensure everything is ready for your family’s adventure in Ghent. |
With its rich history, beautiful architecture, and array of family-friendly activities, Ghent is a fantastic destination for a memorable family holiday. We hope this guide has provided you with some inspiration and useful information for planning your trip. Happy travels!