Kids in Brussels
Expat families moving to Brussels may be familiar with the city's business benefits, but what's in it for the kids? A lot, to say the least! Relocating to a metropolis that acts as the centre of Europe, NATO and the EU means kids in Brussels will not have any problem finding playmates; even those that speak their same language.
Parks, playgrounds and forests abound for strolling, biking, picnicking, swinging, sliding and just being together. Most playgrounds are never too far from a café when coffee/snack time arises; and for the family on the move, waffles, ice cream and French fry vans line the most populated streets.
Shopping is a necessity but also a past time for some people in Brussels, and having kids is just one more excuse to hit the aisles hard. For children, there are high-end shops like Catamini and smaller, privately-owned, boutiques for designer little angels. For more reasonably priced playwear, H&M, C&A, and Zara are good places to know.
All in all, the possibilities of education and outings available to a family living in or near Brussels is endless; making the city endearing and child-friendly.
As mentioned, Brussels is a nucleus of international activity, and as a result, expat families will find themselves with a healthy choice of international school options. Some basic information to know is that children start school at age 2 1/2, although it is not required until age 6. Before this age, most neighbourhoods, or communes (French) / gemeentehuis (Dutch), offer daycare solutions. Schools are closed Wednesday afternoons.
The quality of education, be it private or public, is very high. Parents are expected to be active participants in students work; always checking that homework is neat and correctly done.
Brussels also offers many extra-curricular activities and day-camps during Wednesday afternoons, weekends and school holidays. Notices are usually posted around schools and businesses. Lists are also available from the city hall, the Commune (French) or the Gemeentehuis (Dutch).
On a beautiful Belgian day, most people head north to the beach. The coastal towns have a variety of shops and restaurants, not to mention, long stretches of sand. Better yet, the car is hardly necessary. Trains run regularly from Brussels to the centrally-located train stations of Knokke, Oostende and Zeebruge.
Close to Zeebruge, families can enjoy a boat ride along the canals of Bruges, a gorgeous Flemish town.
Whether your children are going through the all-things-princess stage or not, the many castles in and around Brussels are worth a visit. The Palais Royal and the stroll leading up to it through the Parc de Bruxelles is enchanting. The palace is an official residence of the royal family, and is only open to the public for a few days a year, generally in the summer.
Another royal residence, just outside the city, is the Château Royal de Laeken. Visitors may not go into the residence but are welcome to enjoy the royal greenhouses...and they are magnificent! Victor Horta's teacher, Balat, was the 19th century architect of this national treasure of plants and flowers.
A brief drive south of Brussels brings families to La Hulpe. This town is famous for its castle, as well. Again, no visitors are permitted inside. However, the grounds and the surrounding forest are worth meandering away many a weekend afternoon. Stables, ponds and nature walks invite visitors to stroll, bike, play on the grass (rare in Europe) or simply sit down with a picnic. If it does start raining, step inside La Fondation Folon, a gallery of one of Belgium's most appreciated artists, Jean-Michel Folon.
At L'Homme Bleu, just across the courtyard, families can enjoy the lovely terrace and the gorgeous scenery over fruit juice from the orchards, a cup of coffee and a pastry, or a light meal.
La Forêt de Soignes is the forest bordering Brussels. It also offers a delightful occasion to walk, hike, bicycle, ride horses, picnic, relax in one of the cafe or climb on the playgrounds dispersed throughout the wooded area.
Brussels is a mecca of museums, plenty of which are attractive to adults and kiddies alike. Expat children and parents will discover the history and actualities of comic strips at Le Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée, and gain an appreciation for the creator of Tintin at Le Musée Hergé - located a short drive south of the city.
Although the above-mentioned museums are particularly child-minded, never underestimate the Le Musée des Beaux Arts or Le Musée des Instruments de Musique, both located at Place Royale. Le Musée des Beaux Arts offers activities for children where they are are on a sort of treasure hunt of art, its history and genres. In Le Musée des Instruments de Musique, patrons wear headphones to hear the sounds of numerous instruments showcased in this beautiful Art Nouveau building.
Both the Musée des Beaux Arts or the Musée des Instruments de Musique have their own cafe definitely worth a visit for a coffee or light meal. Besides a lovely menu, the café on the roof of Le Musée des Instruments de Musique gives a magnificent view of the city.
After a long day of work or sightseeing, anyone is bound to get hungry. Luckily, Brussels is not lacking in restaurants and they are all smoke-free. The brasseries seems to be the most ideal place for families. They are usually quite big, noisy already, and always have fries on the menu amongst other good, traditional Belgian fare like moules, steak, sausage, etc. Most eateries will have a children's suggestion and highchairs, if needed.
Being the international city it is, world cuisine is easily found in Brussels - from Cuban to Japanese and everything in between.
Parks, playgrounds and forests abound for strolling, biking, picnicking, swinging, sliding and just being together. Most playgrounds are never too far from a café when coffee/snack time arises; and for the family on the move, waffles, ice cream and French fry vans line the most populated streets.Shopping is a necessity but also a past time for some people in Brussels, and having kids is just one more excuse to hit the aisles hard. For children, there are high-end shops like Catamini and smaller, privately-owned, boutiques for designer little angels. For more reasonably priced playwear, H&M, C&A, and Zara are good places to know.
All in all, the possibilities of education and outings available to a family living in or near Brussels is endless; making the city endearing and child-friendly.
Education and Schools
As mentioned, Brussels is a nucleus of international activity, and as a result, expat families will find themselves with a healthy choice of international school options. Some basic information to know is that children start school at age 2 1/2, although it is not required until age 6. Before this age, most neighbourhoods, or communes (French) / gemeentehuis (Dutch), offer daycare solutions. Schools are closed Wednesday afternoons.
The quality of education, be it private or public, is very high. Parents are expected to be active participants in students work; always checking that homework is neat and correctly done.
Brussels also offers many extra-curricular activities and day-camps during Wednesday afternoons, weekends and school holidays. Notices are usually posted around schools and businesses. Lists are also available from the city hall, the Commune (French) or the Gemeentehuis (Dutch).
Out and About with Kids in Brussels
On a beautiful Belgian day, most people head north to the beach. The coastal towns have a variety of shops and restaurants, not to mention, long stretches of sand. Better yet, the car is hardly necessary. Trains run regularly from Brussels to the centrally-located train stations of Knokke, Oostende and Zeebruge.
Close to Zeebruge, families can enjoy a boat ride along the canals of Bruges, a gorgeous Flemish town.
Whether your children are going through the all-things-princess stage or not, the many castles in and around Brussels are worth a visit. The Palais Royal and the stroll leading up to it through the Parc de Bruxelles is enchanting. The palace is an official residence of the royal family, and is only open to the public for a few days a year, generally in the summer.
Another royal residence, just outside the city, is the Château Royal de Laeken. Visitors may not go into the residence but are welcome to enjoy the royal greenhouses...and they are magnificent! Victor Horta's teacher, Balat, was the 19th century architect of this national treasure of plants and flowers.A brief drive south of Brussels brings families to La Hulpe. This town is famous for its castle, as well. Again, no visitors are permitted inside. However, the grounds and the surrounding forest are worth meandering away many a weekend afternoon. Stables, ponds and nature walks invite visitors to stroll, bike, play on the grass (rare in Europe) or simply sit down with a picnic. If it does start raining, step inside La Fondation Folon, a gallery of one of Belgium's most appreciated artists, Jean-Michel Folon.
At L'Homme Bleu, just across the courtyard, families can enjoy the lovely terrace and the gorgeous scenery over fruit juice from the orchards, a cup of coffee and a pastry, or a light meal.
La Forêt de Soignes is the forest bordering Brussels. It also offers a delightful occasion to walk, hike, bicycle, ride horses, picnic, relax in one of the cafe or climb on the playgrounds dispersed throughout the wooded area.
Arts and Entertainment
Brussels is a mecca of museums, plenty of which are attractive to adults and kiddies alike. Expat children and parents will discover the history and actualities of comic strips at Le Centre Belge de la Bande Dessinée, and gain an appreciation for the creator of Tintin at Le Musée Hergé - located a short drive south of the city.
If the children really want to move around and play, two particular museums for just that are Le Musée du Jouet and Le Musée des Enfants. In the first toy museum, patrons discover and play with toys from yesteryear. The children continue playing at the second museum which offers hands-on creative activities based on a yearly theme. The children's museum also has an enclosed playground with structures to climb on and animals to pet.
Although the above-mentioned museums are particularly child-minded, never underestimate the Le Musée des Beaux Arts or Le Musée des Instruments de Musique, both located at Place Royale. Le Musée des Beaux Arts offers activities for children where they are are on a sort of treasure hunt of art, its history and genres. In Le Musée des Instruments de Musique, patrons wear headphones to hear the sounds of numerous instruments showcased in this beautiful Art Nouveau building.
Both the Musée des Beaux Arts or the Musée des Instruments de Musique have their own cafe definitely worth a visit for a coffee or light meal. Besides a lovely menu, the café on the roof of Le Musée des Instruments de Musique gives a magnificent view of the city.
Dining out with kids
After a long day of work or sightseeing, anyone is bound to get hungry. Luckily, Brussels is not lacking in restaurants and they are all smoke-free. The brasseries seems to be the most ideal place for families. They are usually quite big, noisy already, and always have fries on the menu amongst other good, traditional Belgian fare like moules, steak, sausage, etc. Most eateries will have a children's suggestion and highchairs, if needed.
Being the international city it is, world cuisine is easily found in Brussels - from Cuban to Japanese and everything in between.
