Things to do with a family in Brussels: Blue bells are ringing!

April 13, 2014April 13, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Everything's coming up bluebells (thank you iPhone) — Everything’s coming up bluebells (thank you iPhone)

We got a car. Woot! That means even more fun things to do with little ones and families in and around Brussels. After four years of carlessness, we have a full roster of unseen awesome things and today we checked one off the list, taking in the bluebells at Hallerbos. After doing some reading, I was not holding my breathe on catching them this late in April. With the early spring, I assumed we missed them. I was very happily wrong!

Located about 15 minutes outside of Brussels, Hallerbos is a beautiful forest tucked between small, typical Belgian villages. When you are there, it is impossible to guess you are just minutes from a thriving metropolis. Lots of parking along a country road and several route options depending on the length of your little person’s legs also would be suitable for prams. We had such a fabulous time looking at the blue bells that carpet the forest floor. You can’t help feeling that there is some magic in the air. We played with sticks, looked at bugs and generally took in the outdoorsy-ness of it all. It made me realize that no matter how much time we spend in parks, it is no replacement for the real thing and I have sworn to get my citified kids out in the wilderness much more.

I would say the flowers have no more than a week left in them so get thee to Hallerbos and enjoy the magic show.

Things to do with a toddler in Brussels: Steer the ship at Parc Liedekerke in Sint-Joost-ten-Node

March 30, 2014March 30, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Its beautiful out. Like really beautiful. That means we are out and about and when you have two legs and two years under your belt that means park time! Today we take another one of Brussels fantastic playgrounds. Revealed by the wonderful Lucky Clov during a long ago photo session, Parc Liedekerke is a paradise for the 2+ set. Fully enclosed by tall walls, this parc contains LOTS of great slides, climbing equipment with a flair for the imagination (think pirate ships and castles). It even has one of the very few BATHROOMS in a public park in all of Brussels. Something for the mommas and pappas!

I could not find a good address but it is right next to the main church on Rue Saint Josse. A quick google map search will reveal the way!

We don’t often head in the direction of Sint-Joost-ten-Node but this is worth the detour. Can be quite busy on the weekends but quiet on weekdays. Check out this gem and enjoy!

First look: Gabriela and Michael

June 29, 2013March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Is scheduling an outdoor session, even in the depths of a wet Brussels summer, possible? Yes! With a sliding schedule for the last two weekends, its hard to tell but now I submit proof. It was a beautiful sunny day when I met Gabriela and Michael out in Parc Woluwe and the result was some beautiful images.

Lucky to find a gorgeous hillside covered in buttercups, we ran around, looked at bugs and generally had a great time. I even had the chance to practice my Swedish with the tri-lingual Michael (these Brussels kids amaze me!). Please enjoy.

Next weekend looks to have some pleasant weather. Drop me a note if you are interested in scheduling an outdoor session to capture this rare but stunning event. 🙂

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Visit a farm!

April 28, 2013July 8, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

Howdy-ho folks! Spring is here to stay. We are so excited to get our sunshine on! Bababoo has had a busy week, taking first steps, babbling up a storm. One of her favorite things in the world is to read books. One of the big discoveries I have had as a new mom is that it is nearly impossible to find kid’s books that don’t feature animals in one way or another (why would you want to?!). So bababoo is quite well versed in chickens, cows, monkeys, elephants, lions, horses and sheep.

Well I realized the other day they though she knows them well in the pages of her favorite books, besides the occasional dog, cat or police horse, she had not seen many animals in person. Well the sun was shining and birds singing so we decided to pack it up and head out to one of Brussels many animal farms, La Ferme Nos Pilifs.

About a 20 minute drive from Chez Bear & Dragon, La Ferme is a true slice of heaven. In additional to lots of happy, well-cared for animals, they also have a lovely little cafe, organic food market and flower and plant nursery. Another really cool aspect is that it is largely run by people with physical or developmental handicaps, providing them with meaningful work and training.

We started with a quick bite in the cafe and soon took a walk to see the animals. We saw some of the greatest hits for sure. Zoe squealed, smiled, touched and altogether charmed a succession of donkeys, horses, cows, rabbits, geese, chickens, goats, sheep and baby lambs. Also two giant pigs that turned out to be favorites. I can only image that this was her first Disneyland-type experience of watching animals she was familiar with come to life before her very eyes. It was truly magical.

What a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. Apparently I had so much fun, I barely took any pictures. 🙂 I know we will be back many times! So check out the Ferme and soak in the sun and giggles.

Where: Trassersweg 347 – 1120 Bruxelles

When: Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 18pm and Sunday from 10am to 18pm

How much: Free!

Here are some other farms to consider. Did not check them out (yet) but they are on the list.

La Ferme de Parc Maximilian: http://www.lafermeduparcmaximilien.be/

La Ferme du Planois: http://www.lafermeduplanois.be/

Ferme d’Uccle: http://www.tournesol-zonnebloem.be/fr/

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: The Toy Museum (Le Musée du Jouet)

April 14, 2013April 14, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

Hello people! News has it that today should be 20 degrees. 20 degrees! Its cloudy now but just you wait. I can already feel the warmth coming!

It was on a not so warm Sunday about a month ago that the Bear and I flat out ran out of Sunday Funday ideas. it was just then that I remembered a recommendation from long ago. Check out the Toy Museum. We’re in!

I love museums, the Bear is not so much a fan (protests were quieted after a pre-museum beer) and Zoe’s one adventure to the Barberini Museum came when she was way too young to decide. Anyhow, off we went and I must say, it was an interesting time. Le Musée du Jouet is a massive four story home turned into a toy wonderland. Very impressive displays of antique and handmade toys. The best part was that it was quite interactive with lots of games for the little ones. Also THE most impressive set of play kitchens manned by a number of over-zealous 6 year olds on a birthday party.

It is a tad on the expensive side (5.50 EUR) per adult, under 4’s for free but still cool to check out. Did I mention they are open 366 days a year. Impressive!

Most recommended for the over two set. Happy playing!

Where: Verenigingstraat 24, 1000 Brussel, Belgium

When: 366 days a year (WOW) from 10 to 12 am and from 2 to 6 pm.

PS Alot of people have been asking how the photography business is going. Great! I am having a blast and meeting all sorts of lovely little ones and families. If you want to learn more about Bear & Dragon Photography, check out our website here. http://bearanddragonphotography.com/

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Cook & Book

April 1, 2013April 1, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

Well its cold outside…still. Plans for a park picnic no longer make sense so what to do for a fun day out? Today we turn to Cook & Book. After getting recommendations from several people to check out this booky paradise, we finally made it down. Why did I wait!?

Cook and Book is a massive book store with several “kitchens” turning out excellent cuisine ranging from salads and soup, pastas, asian and classic Belgian. Everything we tried was delicious and fairly baby friendly. Booster and baby seats kept bababoo comfortable.

After lunch we ventured into the book sections. I must admit I have a severe weakness for beautiful books. Bababoo seems to be following suit. So we hit up the kids section. The layout was friendly for adult and baby perusal. After careful consideration, we went home three books richer.

Though we did not make it there, I understand the youth section (non-English) is gorgeous with toys, books and play space. Cook & Book hosts many storytelling events that sounds really lovely, especially for the slightly older set.

Enjoy!

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Playdate at Baboes

March 17, 2013July 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Given my love of well stocked playrooms, it is somewhat of a mystery why I just now made it down to Baboes. Organized by the Flemish community but open to all, Baboes is another great place to get out of the house and enjoy some good company with the little one. Targeted towards kids 0 – 4, there are several play spaces. Some for the really small set, and several for the older. My personal favorite is the ball pit, yes, a ball pit! With a slide! Just looking at that sea of little green balls transports me back in time to my own childhood. Wonderful.

Opening hours are geared towards the morning. Oh yeah, THAT’S why we haven’t been much, but one day a week they are open in the afternoon.

There are two locations, one in St Catherine and one near Gare Midi (Nieuwland). The Nieuwland location is newer and really lovely inside but I must confess, rather scary to walk to. I don’t think I will head back that way. The St Catherine location is convenient by metro and to some of my favorite restaurants. Thank you very much.

Please enjoy this lovely space!

How much: Free

When: Open Tuesday mornings (8.45am to 1pm), Wednesday afternoons (12.30pm to 4.30pm), Thursday afternoons (1pm to 5pm) and Saturday mornings (9.30am to 12.30pm).

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: The best hot chocoloate

March 12, 2013March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Holy snowy day Batman. Brussels is kicking up some serious March bluster with driving wind and several inches of fresh snow. Wowee! We are holed up at home, soaking up the heat and watching the swirling drifts.

What, you may ask, could possibility drive us from our warm, safe and cozy home on a day like this? Only one thing: hot chocolate. And if we are going to get all bundled up and go, it must be for the very best hot chocolate in all of Brussels. I am talking about Fredric Blondeel. Located just step from the St Catherine metro stop (probably 30 steps), this little chocolate chop takes the cake In a town bursting with chocolate savants. Self-professed “master in cocoa”, Fredric has truly made an art out of your liquid happiness. Think options like Madagascar chocolate with a hint of vanilla and saffron threads. Oh my god, its good.

You can bring the little one and cozy up on the pillowed bench. Little tables and cushions make a lovely setting for this petite masterpiece.

So if you get outside today, drop in, warm up and die happy.

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Baby Yoga!

February 19, 2013February 4, 2015 | lifeofbearanddragon

With this post we travel back in time to before Bababoo was a champion speed crawler. To a gentler time when she was happy to gently roll around in front of the mirror and to be lifted, crunched with and generally used as exercise equipment. I am talking about Baby Yoga!

Back in September, I was turned on to several baby yoga options by the knower of all things wonderful, Katy Kefferpütz. She suggested two to try although in the end just one fit with our schedule (both are below). So I dug out the old yoga mat and away we went!

Housed in the Udi Malka dance studio, Sivananda Yoga is led by the ever smiling (even when several babies are screaming) Laia. The yoga room has one all mirror wall which is very fun and provides roughly an hour of entertainment for the babies, which is perfect since that is the length of the class. With your little one positioned next to you, you will stretch, go through classic but gentle yoga poses and if you are comfortable, you can incorporate your baby as well. If you are a yoga veteran then you will find the experience very gentle indeed, it is designed to help get the body moving again after birth, not necessarily to give you a super work out.

If your baby catches the zen mood then it makes for a delightful hour. Move, chat with other mommies, smile at babies and enjoy Laia’s patient instruction.

Open for little tiny babies up to crawlers. Once you baby clocks in at under 20 seconds to cross the room, your out. 🙂

Om shanti om.

Laia Puig Escandell – Sivananda yoga
Udi Malka dance studio, Rue des Francs 51
Tuesday 1015 – 1130
laiulipe@hotmail.com

Kristen Macpherson – Kundalini yoga (with songs etc. for babies too)
At Kristen’s apartment, Rue Major Pétillon (Pétillon metro)
Monday 1400 – 1515
Wednesday 0930 – 1045
yogakristen@me.com
http://web.me.com/yogakristen/Site/Welcome.html

Update: The Yoga Loft is a cozy space with pre and post natal yoga classes. They even have a babysitter on hand. Seriously.

http://www.yogainbrussels.com/

Life of Bear and Dragon

A beautiful adventure in Brussels

Things to do with a baby in Brussels