Family Attractions in Eastern Belgium
The eastern region of Belgium, north of the Ardennes and east of Antwerp and Brussels, is far less touristy and less known to many travelers, most likely because it is not on the shortest direct route between Paris and Amsterdam. However, it definitely has plenty to see and do, ranging from gardens, parks, and amusement attractions to race tracks, charming towns, cities, rich culture, and museums.
Hasselt
The capital of the Limburg province is located about 70 km east of Brussels and about 40 km west of the eastern border with the Netherlands (Limburg province). It is a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly city whose center is a pleasure to explore on foot.
The Japanese Garden
Considered the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Covering an area of 25,000 square meters, the garden was established in 1992 in cooperation with the Japanese city of Itami, Hasselt's sister city. The grounds are modeled after 17th-century Japanese tea gardens. Features include a traditional zone, a park with 250 cherry trees, and an authentic tea house where visitors can observe Japanese tea ceremonies. It is a tranquil, enchanting haven filled with water elements, waterfalls, and koi fish.
Address: Gouverneur Verwilghensingel (grand ring), Hasselt
Bokrijk Park
A lovely park abundant with manicured gardens, lush greenery, and a large open-air museum featuring over one hundred historic Flemish buildings and farmhouses that recreate what the entire area looked like around 1850. In the East and West Flanders section, you will find demonstrations of heritage crafts such as shoemaking, basket weaving, woodworking, and wool spinning. In the Kempen section, you can participate in a quest game where you collect 24 cards awarded for completing various interactive tasks. It is delightful to enjoy a traditional Flemish meal at one of the park's historic farmhouses. The grounds also offer numerous walking trails and what is regarded as the largest outdoor playground in Belgium, including a covered area designed specifically for younger children (ages 3–10) with ball pits and climbing setups. Adjacent to it is a water play area with roughly 40 fountains and water sprays. In the summer, you can join numerous active games and challenges held on-site, such as paintball and group raft building. Bicycle rentals are available to ride along scenic paved trails through the pastoral forest landscape.
Address: Bokrijklaan 1, 3600 Genk (The park is located in the town of Genk, 12 km east of Hasselt).
Plopsa Indoor Hasselt
An indoor theme park tailored especially for young children, offering 20 rides and attractions including flying chairs, a pirate ship, a family roller coaster, the mushroom house, ball pits, a climbing wall, and more.
Address: Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 70, B-3500, Hasselt.
Fashion Museum
This museum showcases signature Western European attire over the past two centuries. Visitors can discover the evolution of fashion and observe how styles changed across eras. It is particularly popular with mothers and daughters.
Address: Gasthuisstraat 11, B-3500 Hasselt.
Europlanetarium
The most advanced planetarium in Belgium, featuring captivating audiovisual and laser shows (in Dutch). Located in the city of Genk.
Address: Domein Kattevennen, Planetariumweg 19, B-3600 Genk.
Railbikes
Special railbikes (resembling an open rail trolley) built for 4 passengers that travel along retired railway tracks on an 8-kilometer round-trip route (4 km each way). The two front riders pedal while the rear passengers relax and take in the serene landscapes of Limburg. Upon arriving at the end point by the Albert Canal, riders can enjoy a short break before pedaling back along the same route to the starting point. The entire activity lasts about an hour and a half, including the 30-minute rest stop.
Address: Munsterbilzenstraat 56/58, 3740 Bilzen
Liège
Belgium's third-largest city, Liège marks the crossroads between Northern and Southern European cultures, blending history with modernity. It is lovely to discover on foot through its historic old town, centered around a lively pedestrian zone lined with shops. Active travelers who love a climb can take on the 406 steps of the Montagne de Bueren staircase for a sweeping panorama across the city. Liège is located roughly 45 km (a 30-minute drive) south of Hasselt and 95 km (a one-hour drive) southeast of Brussels via the E-40 highway. The border with the Netherlands (Limburg region) is just 20 km northeast of Liège.
Aquarium-Museum of the University of Liège (Aquarium de l'Université de Liège)
The aquarium houses more than 2,500 marine and aquatic creatures across 46 tanks of various sizes, representing diverse natural habitats (freshwater, seawater, etc.). Exhibits include sharks, large marine species, giant sea turtles, frogs, anacondas, and water birds. One of the highlights is walking through the massive 19-meter-long skeleton of a whale.
Address: Institut de zoologie (Bât. I-1), 22, quai Van Beneden, B-4020 Liège.
Blegny Coal Mine (Blegny-Mine)
Known as "The Black Rock," this mine was operational until 1980. Today it hosts guided tours recounting the arduous life of miners and demonstrating how underground coal mining was carried out. The tour also showcases the sorting and washing machinery. Temperatures inside the mine remain cool at around 15°C, so warm layers are recommended.
Tours are conducted in French and Dutch; English-language tours should be booked in advance.
The tour is suitable for all ages, though visitors wishing to descend with a baby stroller should arrange this ahead of time.
Right next door is the Pit-Mary Museum, detailing eight centuries of coal mining history. Housed inside one of the oldest preserved pit shafts in Belgium, it includes a 20-minute documentary film. Train enthusiasts can also hop aboard a scenic heritage train ride lasting approximately two hours.
Address: Rue Lambert Marlet 23, 4670 Blegny (About 15 km northeast of Liège, en route to Maastricht in the Netherlands).
Val Saint Lambert Crystal Factory & Museum (Musée du Cristal Val Saint Lambert)
A world-renowned crystal manufacturer celebrated for its exceptional quality, brilliance, and optical purity. Founded in 1826 within the premises of an abandoned abbey by Bishop Lambert (after whom the manufactory was named), the site offers guided factory tours featuring live glassblowing demonstrations and crystal finishing processes. It also houses an extensive showroom of exquisite glassware available for purchase, as well as a museum exhibiting antique crystal masterpieces gathered from around the world.
Address: Rue du Val 245, B-4100 Seraing (Val Saint Lambert, approximately 8 km southwest of Liège).
Spa-Francorchamps Circuit
One of the world's most legendary racing circuits, widely acclaimed as one of the most scenic tracks anywhere. It hosts premier auto and motorcycle events including Formula 1 and Grand Prix races. In addition to signature international events, the track hosts numerous practice days and exhibition races.
An on-site karting circuit allows visitors to rent go-karts for roughly 10-minute driving sessions.
It is recommended to check the event calendar ahead of your visit; select practice sessions and events are open to spectators free of charge.
Address: Route du Circuit 51, B-4970 Stavelot (Francorchamps, roughly 50 km southeast of Liège, right next to the spa town of Spa).
Racetrack Museum at Abbaye de Stavelot
Set inside a former historic abbey complex that houses three distinct museums: a local history museum, an art museum, and the Circuit Museum of Spa-Francorchamps. The racing museum showcases iconic competition and trophy-winning race cars, paired with video footage from historic races, set within the vaulted abbey cellars.
Address: Cour de l'Abbaye 1 (BP 52), B-4970 Stavelot (approx. 60 km southeast of Liège).
Plopsa Coo Theme Park
A charming theme park for families with children, featuring an array of rides and outdoor adventure activities: an alpine coaster, bumper boats, go-karts, mountain biking, kayaking, a chairlift, Monkey Island, and a petting zoo. The park also features a café with an outdoor terrace overlooking the adjacent Coo Waterfalls. Located roughly 50 km southeast of Liège.
Address: Grand Coo 4, 4970 Stavelot, Belgium.
Recommended Accommodations:
For families, an excellent accommodation choice is the holiday park Center Parcs De Vossemeren, which serves as a great strategic base for touring the region. For further details on the chain, see the article: Center Parcs holiday park chain.