Things to do with a toddler in Brussels

Things to do with a toddler or kid in Brussels: Check out the Natural History Museum

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Teeth
Teeth

Let’s face it, the gorgeous weather couldn’t last forever! This week is forecasted to be rainy, grey and dreary. That rules out parks so we turned our gaze inside to see what kinds of adventures we could find.

I have walked by the Brussels Natural History Museum aka The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences many a time on the way to Place Boniface. While the big dinosaur mural was appealing, I was not sure if bababoo was quite ready to enjoy it. Now that she is a couple of months past two and a firm animal lover, the time seemed right to check it out. Also somehow the word dinosaur made it into her vocabulary recently. Helloo Peppa Pig…anyhow!

Very accessible by bus, driving (there are two parking lots) or walking of course, the museum is immediately welcoming. Truly it is gorgeous, bright, well laid out and clearly the product of a lot of imaginative science-minded people. Pressed for time, we went straight for the baby animals exhibition. Who can resist baby animals? Once you get past the fact that they are stuffed, you can really appreciate the care that went into the displays and interactive sections. There are videos, games, and activities. You can try to crawl through a maze with a turtle shell balancing little eggs, build a nest out of Styrofoam noodles and try to locate you spirit animal mother by following her scent. So cool! We could have spent much longer but lunch and nap time beckoned.

Walking out we past the halls for dinosaurs (one of the best collections in Europe), mammals, biodiversity and more. I want to go back!   Definitely a recommend for the 2ish+ set.

Where: Rue Vautier 29 – 1000 Brussels

When:

Tuesday – Friday 9.30 – 17.00
Saturday and Sunday 10.00 – 18.00
School holidays (Tuesday – Sunday)
10.00 – 18.00
Closed on Mondays, 1 Jan, 1 May and 25 Dec

How much: The cost for adults is 7.50 EUR and for kids under five it is free.

Interact
Interact
A maze
A maze
Wings
Wings

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

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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 kid or toddler in Brussels: Slide, climb and swing at Parc Georges Henri

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Octoslide
Octoslide

Happy Saturday! Now three months after the arrival of babatwo, things have finally settled into a routine. That means more exploring new, cool things to do with babies, toddlers and kids around Brussels!

Its no secret that there are a wealth of fantastic parks in Brussels but Parc Georges Henri‘s slides put all others to shame. I must admit, I had been through Parc Georges Henri before having kids and just made note of the nice walking paths and proximity to Capoue. Last fall, I met a friend there and was truly amazed at the great adventure set up they have.  Tons of climbing options, swings, tunnels and three octopus leg slides. I had the pleasure of going for a ride on this last visit and it was a blast until I landed with an ungraceful thud at the bottom. Old people don’t bounce :-).

The play area is more geared to the 3+ group with 5 – 7 as its sweet spot. There is a small toddler area but when checking out the main play areas with bababoo, she seemed bit overwhelmed, not to mention in danger of getting smushed by her marauding elders.

Besides the play area, there are nice fields for running and playing as well as an outdoor gym area in case you want to get in on the action. Don’t forget to treat the little ones to some yummy ice cream on the way out, if you dare.

Where: Square Meudon, 1200 Brussels (WOLUWE-SAINT-LAMBERT) near Metro Gribaumont. The play area is in the back of the park.

Georges Henri-2
From a high place
Georges Henri-3
Bridges
Georges Henri-4
A lone toddler-friendly snail
Georges Henri-5
Chocolate glace. We dared. 🙂

 

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

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Let me in!

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/

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Clutch
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Bunny heaven