Family-Friendly Adventures in !

Stella Artois Brewery

Why Visit?

Experience the enchanting world of Stella Artois with a family-friendly visit to its renowned brewery in Leuven, Belgium. Known for its rich brewing traditions dating back to 1366, the Stella Artois Brewery offers an educational yet exciting adventure that caters to all ages.

Getting There

Leuven is easily accessible by train from major cities like Brussels (just a 20-minute ride). Upon arriving in Leuven, the brewery is a short bus ride away from the city center. You can take the bus line 4 or 630, which drops you right at the doorstep of the brewery.

Tour Details

Begin your visit by booking the "Family Fun Tour," specially curated to engage both adults and children. The tour starts with a fascinating video presentation that introduces the history of Stella Aris and the brewing process. As you walk through the brewery, marvel at the large copper brewing kettles and the modern bottling lines where magic happens!

Activities

- Interactive Games: Post-tour, children can engage in scent and flavor discovery games, designed to educate them on the ingredients used in brewing.

- Photo Opportunities: Don’t miss snapping pictures with the iconic Stella Artois cart and life-sized beer bottle costumes.

- Tasting Session: For the adults, the tour concludes with a professional beer tasting session of Stella Artois. Meanwhile, children are treated to a soft drink and a gift pack that includes a non-alcoholic version of the brew.

Dining

Enjoy a family meal at the brewery’s on-site café, offering a menu that caters to various dietary needs with options that appeal to younger visitors.

Interesting Facts

- Stella Artois was originally crafted as a Christmas beer, which is why "Stella" means "star" in Latin.

- The brewery uses water from an underground river that runs directly beneath it, adding a unique touch to its flavor profile.

Conclude your visit at the Stella Arforis gift shop, where you can purchase exclusive brewery merchandise as a memorable souvenir from your family day out.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Magritte Museum (Musée Magritte)

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting artistic adventure at the Magritte Museum in Brussels, a perfect day out for families who love creativity and wonder. Located at Rue de la Régence 3, in the heart of the city, the museum houses the world"s largest collection of works by Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte.

Getting There

Easily accessible, the museum is a short walk from Brussels Central Station, or you can take the tram (92 or 93) to the Royale stop, which is right near the museum. If you’re driving, parking is available at the nearby Albertine car park.

Starting Your Tour

Begin your visit early by arriving at opening time at 10 AM to enjoy the artworks in a quieter setting. Start on the ground floor and work your way up. Each floor is themed, showcasing the evolution of Magritte’s work from his early experiments to his iconic surrealist pieces.

Highlight Attractions

- The Empire of Lights: One of Magritte’s most famous works that plays with daylight and nighttime in a single image. It"s a great conversation starter with kids about perspective and illusion.

- The Listening Room: This gigantic green apple in a room can be a fun way for children to explore size and scale.

Interactive Fun

Engage with the interactive tablets provided by the museum to learn fascinating facts about Magritte"s techniques and the hidden symbols in his artworks. Kids will love using the zoom feature to discover minute details.

Break Time

Around noon, head to the museum café which offers light snacks and a lovely view of the museum garden - a perfect spot to relax and discuss your favorite paintings.

Souvenir Shopping

Conclude your visit at the museum shop, where you can pick up postcards, books, and even replica hats like the one Magritte often wore, to remember your surreal journey.

Plan Ahead

Pre-purchase tickets online for convenience and to avoid queues. Family tickets are available at a discounted rate, and audio guides are offered in various languages to enhance your exploratory experience.

Enjoy your magical day stepping into the world of imagination and surrealism at the Magritte Museum!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Brussels Gueuze Museum (Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Brussels Gueuze Museum (Musée Bruxellois de la Gueuze)

Morning

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at one of Brussels’ charming cafes near your accommodation. Then, head to the Brussels Gueuze Museum, located in the heart of the city at Rue Gheude 56, 1070 Anderlecht. The easiest way to reach there is by taking the metro to Clemenceau Station, from which the museum is just a 10-minute walk. Alternatively, hop on bus 46 that directly stops near the museum.

At Brussels Gueuze Museum

Arrive at the museum around 10 AM to make the most of your visit. The museum is housed in Cantillon Brewery, a family-owned establishment since 1900, which still brews beer in the traditional spontaneous fermentation method unique to the region. Your family will be fascinated by the brewing process that uses wild yeasts from the Senne Valley — it’s like a live science lesson! During the guided tour, which lasts about an hour, you’ll explore the brewing halls, the barrel rooms, and the attic where the beer matures in oak barrels.

Lunch

After the tour, enjoy a refreshing taste of gueuze beer (non-alcoholic options available for children). For lunch, grab a bite at a nearby local eatery — Belgian cuisine is known for its hearty flavors!

Afternoon

Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Duden Park, a perfect spot for kids to play and adults to relax. Enjoy the greenery and maybe even a picnic if the weather permits.

Evening

Conclude your day with a visit to the iconic Manneken Pis, just a short ride away. It’s a quirky yet beloved symbol of Brussels folklore, sure to amuse the whole family. Don’t forget to try some Belgian waffles from a local vendor as you enjoy the city’s vibrant evening atmosphere.

This one-day itinerary includes learning, fun, and relaxation, ensuring a memorable family trip to Brussels!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Grand-Place (Grote Markt)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary at Grand-Place, Brussels

Morning Arrival:

Start your adventure at Grand-Place, Brussels" central square, easily accessible by metro (stations De Brouckère or Gare Centrale) or tram (Bourse stop). This stunning UNESCO World Heritage site is best explored in the morning light to avoid the crowds. Have breakfast at one of the charming cafes around the square while admiting the opulent guildhalls and the striking Town Hall with its iconic 96-meter high tower.

Tour of the Town Hall:

At 10:00 AM, join a guided tour of the Town Hall (available only on specific days - check ahead). This offers an inside look at the intricate Gothic architecture and the rich history of Brussels" municipal affairs. The kids will love hearing about the legends, including the one about Saint Michael slaying a demon!

Chocolate Workshop:

Around midday, venture just off the Grand-Place to one of the numerous chocolate shops for a hands-on chocolate workshop. Not only will you learn about Belgian chocolate-making traditions, but you’ll also get to craft your own sweets. It’s both delicious and educational for kids and adults alike!

Lunch and Explore:

For lunch, enjoy Belgian specialties like moules-frites or a hearty waffle at one of the nearby restaurants. Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll around the area exploring quaint shops and enjoying street performances often found in the vicinity.

Museum of the City of Brussels:

In the afternoon, visit the Museum of the City of Brussels located in the Maison du Roi/Broodhuis on the Grand-Place. This museum is perfect for families, offering engaging exhibits on the history and folklore of Brussels, including the famous Manneken Pis statue and its wardrobe of costumes.

Evening Wind Down:

Conclude your day back in the Grand-Place. As the sun sets, the square lights up, providing a magical atmosphere. Treat yourselves to some fine Belgian pastries from a nearby bakery as you soak up the vibrant scene, perfect for those lasting family memories.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Manneken Pis

Why Visit?

Morning: Arrival at Manneken Pis

Start your day by visiting the famous Manneken Pis, a quirky and iconic statue of a little boy playfully urinating into a fountain"s basin. Located at the junction of Rue de l"Étuve/Stoofstraat and Rue du Chêne/Eikstraat, it"s just a short walk from the Grand Place in Brussels. Easily reachable by metro, get off at the "Bourse" station and take a 5-minute walk.

Fun Fact: Despite its size (only 61 cm tall), Manneken Pis plays a significant role in Brussels" folklore, often dressed in costumes during festivals or important events.

Late Morning: Costume Museum Visit

Right next to Manneken Pis, visit the Garderobe Manneken Pis, a museum that showcases over 1000 costumes gifted to him from around the world. It’s fascinating to see how varied and international his wardrobe is!

Lunch Break: Rue des Bouchers

Head to Rue des Bouchers, just a 10-minute walk from Manneken Pis. This street is famous for its dining atmosphere. Opt for "Chez Léon" for a taste of traditional Belgian mussels and fries.

Afternoon: Chocolate Workshop

Belgium is famous for its chocolate, so why not join a chocolate-making workshop? Many are available around the Grand Place area. Book a family workshop to learn about the history of Belgian chocolate and try your hand at making your own sweets.

Evening: Stroll around Grand Place

Conclude your day with a stroll around the Grand Place, a stunning central square surrounded by ornate buildings and lively cafes. The square is especially beautiful at dusk when the buildings are lit up.

Fun Fact: Grand Place was a marketplace in the 10th century and is now considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.

This itinerary ensures a delightful mix of culture, history, and fun, perfect for a family day out in Brussels!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.