Bruges
Bruges
Bruges
Bruges
Bruges
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
Bruges
Bruges
Bruges
Bruges
Bruges
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
City Guide
Table of Contents
IN A NUTSHELL
Visit Bruges with Kids
Bruges is a very enchanting city for both young and old! It is also one of Europe’s best preserved cities. The city has a peaceful atmosphere where you can wander around and discover all kinds of beautiful places and sights. Bruges offers numerous museums and activities that can also be experienced as a family. All in all, Bruges with kids is simply perfect. You will fall in love with its amazing sights, the canals and beautiful architecture, and last but not least, the delicious chocolates. Explore this charming city and take up this journey you’ll surely won’t forget. Discover the best places to visit in Bruges with kids, the ultimate parks and playgrounds to visit, and all about travelling to Bruges with your family.
Bruges is a small city that you can easily explore on foot. ‘The golden triangle’ the heart of Bruges is where you can find most of the sights. However, in the less known parts of the city, you will find some well-known museums and city parks, which are also great to explore with children. Once in Bruges, make sure to get a picture perfect family photo at ‘Rozenhoedkaai’.
Check out the sections below to find out all about travelling to Bruges with kids.
The Best Time to Visit Bruges with Kids
The weather in Bruges is best between May and September. A visit outside summer season is a good idea if you want to avoid the big tourist crowds. If you’re visiting Bruges in the winter season from late November to early January, then you will experience the wonderful ‘Winter Glow’.
How to Get to Bruges with Kids
If you’re travelling directly from Belgium: There are 4 different services between Bruges and the important train junctions at Antwerp, Ghent, Hasselt, Leuven and Brussels. Discover more about the Belgian trains.
If you’re travelling to Bruges from an international country: The Brussels-South Station is the Belgian hub for international rail traffic. Various trains arrive in Brussel-Zuid , from Paris (Thalys/Izy and TGV), Lille (Eurostar , TGV and Thalys), London (Eurostar), Amsterdam (NS InterCity, Thalys and Eurostar) and Cologne (Thalys and ICE). Daily, you will find 3 trains arriving hourly from Brussels-South Station, which stop at Bruges on their way to Ostend, Knokke or Blankenberge. Travelling from Brussels-South to Bruges by train takes approximately 1 hour.
Getting to Bruges by an International Coach
Some coach companies that offer transport services to Bruges include: Flibco and FLiXBUS.
From the UK you can travel to Bruges by ferry or by the Eurotunnel. Once you get to Bruges, it is preferred to leave the you car, at the free car parks on the outskirts of the city centre.
Find all about getting to Bruges with your family.
Must Dos When in Bruges with Kids
You’ve only visited Bruges with kids if you get to see some of its classics:
- Rozenhoedkaai (Rosary Quay) – A great instagrammable spot. One day, rosaries were sold here; but today this place holds one of the loveliest views in Bruges.
- Begijnhof (Beguinage) – With beautiful gardens, and white coloured front houses. This place was once the home of the beguines,
- Burg (Burg Square) – For many years, this square has been the powerful soul of the city.
- Canals of Bruges – A great way to discover the city is by taking a stroll or a boat trip on the canals. Discover secret gardens, romantic bridges and medieval facades reflected in the water.
- Godshuizen (Almshouses) – These dwelling were built were built from the 14th century onwards. Most of these have been restored and today they offer a home to the elderly.
- Minnewater (Lake of Love) – A beautiful place for a stroll. People believed that water nymphs (“minnen” in Dutch) lived here, that’s why it got its name.
- Markt (Market Square) – Hop on a carriage ride and discover the heart of Bruges.
Check out more great highlights to see in Bruges.
LOCATION
Hotels in Bruges
Wandering where to stay in Bruges with kids? We’re listing the top kid-friendly hotels just for you.
Family-friendly Hotels in Bruges
Crowne Plaza **** – The Crowne Plaza is a luxurious hotel, located in the heart of Bruges. The hotel has an onsite indoor pool, that your family can enjoy. There is a café and restaurant on site too, and a buffet breakfast is served in the morning. Extra children’s bedding is also available. A discount is offered for children staying at the hotel. Discover more details about the Crowne Plaza hotel in Bruges.
Martin’s Brugge *** – Martin’s Brugge hotel is located in the Main Market behind the Belfort Tower. This hotel has a café and a nice garden. Their family room accommodates 2 adults and 2 children but extra children’s bedding is also available. The family room consists of double beds and bunk beds. These rooms are fully equipped with modern amenities such as Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Discover more details about the Martin’s Brugge hotel.
Radisson Blu Hotel **** – The Radisson Blu Hotel is located within the city centre and is just 100m away from the station. At the Radisson Blue Hotel you will find an à la carte restaurant and a lounge bar. Their family room accommodates 3 adults and a child (0-11 years). The room has 2 twin and 1 king bed. Extra children’s bedding including cots are also available. Their suite accommodates 3 adults and a child (0-11 years). Nearby attractions include the Beguinage, the canals and the Belfry towers. Discover more details about the Radisson Blue Hotel in Bruges.
Monsieur Maurice *** – Monsier Maurice is located in a quiet place in the old town, 250 m from the market square at the corner of the Leeuwebrug. This hotel offers several family rooms with a double bed and 2 single beds. Discover more details about Monsieur Maurice in Bruges.
Hotel Bla Bla **** – Hotel Bla Bla is located in the quiet historical centre of Bruges, between the main square and the Zand square, between Noordzandstraat and Zuidzandstraat. Their quad family room consists of one large double bed and two single beds, a private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet.
Check out other hotels in Bruges.
© Jan Darthet
PLAY
Activities for children ages 0-5
Tiring our babies and toddlers whilst they absorb all that is around them.
Take a Boat Tour – Take a boat trip on the Bruges canals. Enjoy your journey as you see swans floating alongside you. Visit some of the spots between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage. Boat trips run from early March to mid-November.
Folk Life Museum – These dwellings accommodate a classroom, a millinery, a pharmacy, a confectionery shop and a grocery shop. Every first and third Thursday of the month (except for public holidays), a demonstration is given by the ‘spekkenbakker’ (sweetmaker). Once there, you can relax in a museum inn, The Black Cat or in the garden, where you can try out traditional folk games on the terrace.
Fries Museum – Discover the history of the potato, Belgian fries and the various sauces and dressings that accompany this Belgian food. The museum is found in Saaihalle – one of Bruges’ most attractive buildings. Enjoy a portion of discounted French fries by showing your ticket.
Chocolate Museum – An interesting place to discover all about the history of cocoa and chocolate. There is also a chocolate hunt that children can participate in whilst discovering the museum. Fun fact at the chocolate museum – chocolates are made by hand and sampled there. If you want to add an extra special feature to your visit to Bruges, the chocolate museum offers workshops for kids but these need to be booked privately. Workshops can also be booked as a family group.
PLAY
Activities for older kids
Keeping the older kids happy, entertained, and reducing the amount of times they ask for a screen or complain about being bored.
Horse-drawn Carriage Tour – Discover Bruges with your kids in a different way. Let the horses take you round along the cobblestone roads, old bridges, the Bruges canals and the squares. The horse-drawn carriages depart from the Market Square and on Wednesday mornings from Burg Square.
Climb the Belfry Tower – This tower dates back to the 13th century and is 83m high. It is also protected as a world heritage site. As you walk along the tower, you can make a few stops. With the first few steps you will reach the treasury, then the stone floor room, and at 220 steps you will arrive at the Great Bell. All those who manage to climb the 366 steps will experience a magnificent view of the city and its surroundings.
Historium – This is an interactive museum about Bruges in the Middle ages. Get to know the story of Jan van Eyck’s apprentice in the Historium Story through a film. The Historium also has VR (Virtual Reality) that kids find really interesting and awesome. Through the VR, you can that a virtual flight past the 15th-century architecture, including the Water Halls, a large storage area that stood on the Market Square for five centuries. If you get to climb the Historium Tower, you will enjoy a unique 360° view of the modern city. Families are encourages to follow the Family trail. This is available in different languages. Kids get to enjoy various fun and interactive activities. These activities are marked with an owl sticker.
Concertgebouw Circuit – This is another great experience as you get to take a trail to the Concert Hall. Kids can collect stamps by completing tasks during a playful kid’s trail. The rooftop terrace holds a breathtaking panoramic view!
Sint-Janshuismolen (Sint-Janshuis Mill) – Visit this windmill, built in 1770. This windmill is open to visitors between April and September. Bonus: If you purchase the Musea Brugge Card you can visit this and all other open locations of Musea Brugge for 72 hours at a discounted rate.
Cozmix – Volkssterrenwacht (Public Observatory) – Through the telescope in the Cozmix observation tower you can look at the sun, moon and planets. Interactive videos take you on a journey across the universe.
De Garre – Discover one of the smallest streets in Bruges.
Take a Boat Tour – Take a boat trip on the Bruges canals. Enjoy your journey as you see swans floating alongside you. Visit some of the spots between Jan van Eyck Square and the Beguinage. Boat trips run from early March to mid-November.
Folk Life Museum – These dwellings accommodate a classroom, a millinery, a pharmacy, a confectionery shop and a grocery shop. Every first and third Thursday of the month (except for public holidays), a demonstration is given by the ‘spekkenbakker’ (sweetmaker). Once there, you can relax in a museum inn, The Black Cat or in the garden, where you can try out traditional folk games on the terrace.
Fries Museum – Discover the history of the potato, Belgian fries and the various sauces and dressings that accompany this Belgian food. The museum is found in Saaihalle – one of Bruges’ most attractive buildings. Enjoy a portion of discounted French fries by showing your ticket.
Chocolate Museum – An interesting place to discover all about the history of cocoa and chocolate. There is also a chocolate hunt that children can participate in whilst discovering the museum. Fun fact at the chocolate museum – chocolates are made by hand and sampled there.
PLAY
Parks & Playgrounds
Are your ready for some more fun when in Bruges with kids? These parks, playground, farms and water parks are great for some more family fun.
Playgrounds for kids in Bruges
Playground in ‘Koningin Astrid ‘Park – Located in the heart of the city, close to Burg square and the fish market, you will find this amazing park with various trees and other treasures. Kids love the pong with the fountain. There is also a large playground and various benches.
Playground in ‘Graaf Visaert’ Park – Lots of greenery and a play area that looks like it was built from tree trunks. Children of pre-school and school age have fun as they climb about and swing around.
Indoor Playground ‘ De Toverplaneet’ – Here the children can enjoy themselves for hours as the slide, hump, climb, and take part in various games. There are climbing towers, ball pools, tunnels and a bouncy castle with special light effects.
Other Fun Parks & Farms in Bruges
Boudewijn Seapark – A sea mammals family park where dolphins, sea lions and seals perform various tricks. Apart from this, there are 20 outdoor park attractions for families to enjoy. Bobo’s Indoor has 12 great indoor attractions, as well as Bobo’s Aqua Splash for some wonderful fun!
Children’s Farm – Discover the farm animals here and stop by the recreation area.
Zwembad ‘LAGO Brugge Olympia’ (Swimming pool) – Adventures await the kids at this water park. There is an indoor wave pool, a fun water course and a suana. For younger kids, there is a heated pool with water toys. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, an outdoor whirlpool, and other attractions.
FOOD
Family-friendly cafés & restaurants in Bruges
Here are our top favourite cafés and restaurants that you should try when in Bruges with kids.
Cambrinus – Located in the historic city of Bruges at Philipstockstraat 19. Serving Belgian food but they also have kids menus.
De Republiek – Located at St-Jacobsstraat 36. A great atmosphere with family-friendly staff. Good food and snacks.
Estaminet – Located at Park 5. This is a café that also serves lunch.
Odette Brugge – Located at Simon Stevinplein. The name stands for the grandma Odette and it serves classics from her kitchen like the meatballs in sauce. Authentic flavours and products are served at the table. There is also a kids’ menu with spaghetti bolognese, meat balls and fried chicken.
Mr. Spaghetti – Located at Mariastraat 38. Serving pasta meals. There is also a selection of pasta dishes for kids.
Bavet – Located at Simon Stevinplein. This place also serves pasta meals, some starters and desserts.
Carlito’s – Located at Hoogstraat 21. An Italian restaurant serving pizza. Fun fact about this place – it used to be the oldest cinema of Bruges.
Otomat – Located at Simon Stevinplein. Another pizza restaurant that has the concept of pizza sharing. You can opt for a pizza base with tomato sauce, sour cream or veggie spread.
Jilles Beers and Burgers – Located at Braambergstraat 10. Well-known for its burgers. A kids menu is available for those up to 8 years old. This menu includes two small hamburgers, fries and a homemade iced tea for kids. It is also possible to get nuggets or a veggie option instead of the burger. This menu also comes with a small surprise.
Chez Vincent – Located at Sint-Salvatorskerkhof 5. A restaurant that serves some great fries! It also serves traditional, and Belgian dishes.
TRANSPORTATION
How to Get Around Bruges with Kids
On Foot
The best way to explore this fairy-tale city is on foot.
If you’re looking to take a bus when in Bruges with kids, note that a bus travels between the Station and the City Centre and back every five minutes.
By Taxi
Official taxi stands can be found at the Bruges railway station and near the Spoorwegstraat, along Bargeweg , in Boeveriestraat, on the Market Square, in Vlamingstraat, in Kuipersstraat, in Zeebrugge at Rederskaai, at the Zeebrugge railway station and at Baron Maerelaan. Here’s a list of full authorised taxis in Bruges.
Car Rental
Opt for this if you want to discover the wider Flanders region.
TOYS
Toy Shops & Clothing Stores in Bruges
When visiting Bruges with kids, buying a little soft toy or something to take home is a must. We’re listing our favourite toy stores and clothing stores for kids.
Toy Shops in Bruges
- De Krokodil – At Sint-Jakobsstraat 47 street – This place sells original and ecological toys.
- Clavis Conceptwinkel – At Sint-Amandsstraat 5 street – This place sells books for children.
Clothing Stores in Bruges
- Lunabloom – Located at Eekhoutstraat 17b street. This place sells children’s clothing from 0-6 years, toys and stuffed animals, room decor and more.
- Filou and Friends – Located at Noordzandstraat 35 street. This shops sells clothes for babies and toddlers up to 18 months and for kids up to 10 years.
- Pim Pam Poen – Located at Vlamingstraat 16 street. A kids shoe store in Bruges.
Insider Tips
Museum Free Entrance
Children Under 18 Years
City museums (not private museums) are free for children under 18 (except the Belfry).
TRAVEL TO BRUGES
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Booking With Kids gives you family travel tips to inspiration on the best places to travel with kids, we’re here to help you make your next trip a positive one.
Booking With Kids gives you family travel tips to inspiration on the best places to travel with kids, we’re here to help you make your next trip a positive one.
