Things to do with a child in Brussels: Brunch at the Orangerie in Parc Egmont

February 10, 2013March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

Its Sunday. In San Francisco, where I am from, Sunday morning means one thing: Brunch! Whatever shenanigans you got up to Saturday night can always be soothed with an “all-you-can-eat” pancake, Eggs Benedict, bacon, and Bloody Mary extravaganza. When I moved to Brussels, I would mark each brunch-less Sunday with a strong cup of coffee and a small tear. That is until I discovered the deliciousness that is Brunch at Parc Egmont.

The Orangerie at Parc Egmont is ideally located between Sablon and Avenue Louise. One thing I love about Brussels is how you can go through a doorway or up a staircase and immediately be transported to a different world. This is how it feels when you enter the calm of Parc Egmont, completely surrounded by a tall brick wall and take in the charming restaurant, grand old trees and gently sloping lawn. The setting is worth the trip alone and the Parc makes for a perfect and safe run around zone for the little ones to play in.

Besides the bountiful spread of pastries and breads, salads, made-to-order omelets and fresh juices, there are a variety of adult breakfast beverages a la mimosas and long-lost Bloody Marys. You can sit inside the pretty dining room (they have high chairs, yeah!) or on nice days enjoy the patio and take in the sun.

Come spring you are sure to find us camped out, debating whether to squeeze in one more chocolate muffin. Bon Appetite!

Where: Parc d’Egmont, Brussels, 1000

When: Saturday and Sunday until 1:30

Seriously, they have made-to-order omelets!

Things to do with a Baby in Brussels: Rent a toy at the Ludotheque

January 30, 2013January 3, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

On rainy days like this, it is hard to get up the motivation to go outside. That turns one’s eye to available indoor options AKA toys and games. Well as much as I love new toys, and I DO love new toys, it gets to be a bit much when they are stacking up and Bababoo gives them no more than a fleeting glance. So what is a rain-avoiding momma to do? How about check out some new digs at the Ludothèque in Etterbeek.

The Ludotheque is a Toy Library where you can check out toys. I was turned on to this resource back in the early fall and since selecting the “Musical Escargot” have been going regularly back for more. For the highly reasonable price of 0.50 EUR per week, you too can take home a new and exciting toys for your little one. Hooray!

In addition to toys, there are lots of games and puzzles for the older set. You can try before you rent in the small but well organized play space. Selecting your new friend is fairly straight forward in the catalogs where you can see pictures of the toys, their name and the recommended age. You can also preview the catalog and toys here.

Some of the toys are a little old (I am looking at you Sony cassette player!) but they are also classics. So stay dry and let the good times roll!

Where: Avenue Auderghem 233 – 1040 as well as many other locations. Check out the nearest here.

When: Hours vary by location but here is Etterbeek

Monday: 16h – 18h and Ready playroom

Tuesday: 15h – 17h and Ready playroom

Wednesday: 14h – 16h30 and Ready playroom

Thursday: 15h – 17h and Ready playroom

Saturday: 11am – 12.30pm and Ready playroom

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Read a book at Le Wolf

January 18, 2013January 20, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

Have you been to Le Wolf yet? What are you waiting for? With Brussels firmly in the grip of an icy January, I love nothing more than to cozy up with my little one and a book. And some cake and coffee. And there should also be a tiny cinema there playing delightful short films. Sounds a little specific? Well luckily, there is a wonderful children’s book store that foots the bill.

Le Wolf is tucked away behind Grand Place at Rue de la Violette 18. When you come in, you are immediately struck by the whimsy of it all with floor to ceiling birch trees, rows of bright books, wonderful art and a little house/cinema all nicely laid out for your pleasure. They do of course have loads of wonderful books in French and Dutch (practice makes perfect :-)). The cinema also plays short films for 2 EUR a go.

If you fancy a cake or coffee there are always several yummy looking ones in the little cafe.

But I have saved the best for last! There is a reading room in the back where you can relax on beanbags or a couch (very convenient for nursing as well) and read until your heart’s content. I really love this place! Check it out when you need to get that ball of energy out of the house but don’t want to freeze your face off. Salut!

Tickets please – a most charming children’s cinema

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Sledding in Parc de Woluwe

January 16, 2013January 16, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

Holy hot (cool) tip! Snow in Brussels is typically a meager affair. A light sprinkling here and there, quickly dissolved by traffic or rain. Boo! So this week when big, fat snowflakes started to fall, I wasn’t holding my breathe for a continuation of the white winter I had been enjoying to date. However, Holy Crap! We have actual snow. So exciting, so lush, so slippery.

Today I was minding my own business, riding Tram 39/44 down Tervueren when I looked to the right to one of my favorite parks, Parc de Woluwe and what should I see but a winter wonderland complete with THE perfect hill for sledding. WHAT?! I had to jump off at the next stop (Jules Cesar) and snap some pictures.

Ah, if only bababoo was a little older we would have been all over that! Kids, adults, dogs: everyone seemed to be having the time of their life. So my advice: go forth and sled! Bring your cardboard/sled/garbage bag and sled down an awesome hill just past the Embassy row on Avenue Tervueren. Happy, happy sledding!!

Where: Parc de Woluwe: take Tram 39 or 44 from Montgomery. Or drive. Or walk

When: While the sun shines and the snow holds

Why: Sledding is awesome!

Seriously Bob, this water is REALLY hard

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Maison Ouverte

January 9, 2013January 9, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

The rain falls softly…I must be back in Brussels! It is great to be back and in the swing of things. Christmas promptly came down, food back in the refrigerator and Bababoo and I headed out for a little “us time”. For today, we made our second trip to a wonderful playroom called Maison Ouverte. Located in Woluwe Saint Lambert, Maison Ouverte is an open play space based on the idea that children need a place to socialize and have fun, while still having a parent or carer present in order to smooth the transition to a creche. With our creche debute coming up in April, I am ready to try anything!

Maison Ouverte is quickly becoming our “go to” place. Here are a couple reasons why:

–Really beautiful space with lots of new and varied toys: This is officially our testing ground before making a new toy purchase.

–Something for everyone: There is a lovely space for the 2 – 6 months set. It is set away a bit and filled with soft lovely toys. Zoe loves it too but if you worry about those older ruffians bulldozing your gentle baby, you are safe here. Also great secret spaces, big toys and a sink (trust me, its a super hit) for the mobile ones.

–Excellent staff: Somehow you can just tell that the ladies who work here really love what they are doing. And how could you not.

–Convenient by metro: Just a 3 minute walk from Gribaumont. Also tram connections.

–Strong coffee: Hey, I like coffee

Sheesh, it was just a matter of time before I made a bullet pointed list on this blog. Well, you can’t beat that! Seriously though, check it out and enjoy.

Where: 251 Ave Georges-Henri, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels 1200

When: Almost every day of the week! Monday to Friday 14:00-18:00. Excluding school holidays, Saturdays from 10:00 -13:00.

How much: Just 3 EUR.

The Favorites List: Pépin la Lune

December 19, 2012December 19, 2012 | lifeofbearanddragon

Ooh la la, what a lovely place to dream a little dream. I first stumbled onto this treasure after Sabloning (seriously, this should be a verb) and headed down for a little wander in the general direction of Gare Centrale. When to my delight, I saw the first hints of a whimsical shop just begging to be shopped.

Inside you will find a wide range from vintage children’s furniture, some toys, clothes, and art. I am seriously considering buying one of the heart breakingly lovely duvets of a circus with a bear riding a tricycle even though bababoo is sure to not need a bed that big for at least a couple more years.

Pépin la Lune has some of the sweetest things! A bold combination of new, vintage and just plain fun merchandise makes it always a pleasure to partake. You must be thinking, “Wow, I wonder how much free stuff Nicole gets here.” I swear it is nothing! I just hope you have the chance to check it out. If you are like me and still lacking some presents for the little person (yours or someone elses) then stop by. A little on the pricey side but just right when you are looking for that special something.

Thank you Pépin la Lune!

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Sing a song!

December 16, 2012September 23, 2013 | lifeofbearanddragon

Ah nursery rhymes, while so many things change, they always stay the same! Row, row, row your boat, The Hokey Pokey, Jumping Bean…these hits never go out of style. If you memory of exactly how these go is getting rusty then I have a prescription for you, Monday Singing at the Holy Trinity Church.

Definitely one of the high points of our week, the singing group is for little ones, six months to three years. There is of course singing with all the dance, jumping and movement that make this a hit for even little babies. Also time for unstructured play with loads of toys for all ages that live at the Church creche. A 2 EUR donation gets you snacks, tea and helps the group keep going.

Try this group once and you will be hooked. A nice community, fantastic group leader and thoroughly enjoyable afternoon past time.

Where: Holy Trinity Church, Rue Capitaine Crespel 29, 1050 Brussels (Louise metro)
When: Thursday, 10 – 12 pm
Who: Mommies, Daddies and little ones 6 months – three years

“We’re gonna shush, shush, shush. Don’t make any noise.”

Things to do with a baby in Brussels: Domaine Solvay at La Hulpe

November 9, 2012March 2, 2014 | lifeofbearanddragon

On this grey morning, we take a trip all the way back to September. Fresh air, almost too bright sun and a lovely walk in one of my favorite parks, Domaine Solvay at La Hulpe. Located about 25 minutes southeast from the center of Brussels, La Hulpe is one of those special places that are so close in proximity and yet so far away in feeling. A short drive or bus ride and suddenly you are walking along and breathing in old forest among rolling hills. You know the type of forest where you could imagine a knight riding by on a horse, or Robin Hood swinging down out of a tree. Just close your eyes for a moment. Wait, not yet! Close them and take a deep breath through your nose. Smell the crispness in the air, the richness of the soil and the sweetness of the grass. Now you are almost there.

We had the pleasure of a deep September afternoon adventure with some friends. Bababoo was packed in her Ergobaby carrier and I was ready, camera in hand. Cruising around the lakes and hills had me drooling. Can you say perfect outdoor photo shoot location?! After our strolling (and drooling) was complete, we hiked up to Chateau Solvay. Seriously, what does this family NOT own around here? Behind the chateau is a charming little restaurant with lots of outdoor seating, a nice menu of sandwiches, salads and warmer fare. Also an interesting beer list (if you are into that sort of thing). 🙂

We finished up by sitting on the lawn and taking in the other fall revelers and nearby pastures. There is plenty of room for the kids to roam and play. Bababoo stuck to crawling practice but hopefully the next time we go, when spring blooms, she will be up and running. Enjoy!

Life of Bear and Dragon

A beautiful adventure in Brussels

Things to do with a baby in Brussels