Family-Friendly Adventures in Ypres!

Bellewaerde

Why Visit?

Embark on an unforgettable family adventure at Bellewaerde, one of Belgium"s oldest amusement parks brimming with excitement and rich history, originally opened in 1954. Located in Ypres, this unique park blends thrilling rides, exotic wildlife, and beautiful scenery, making it an ideal spot for both entertainment and education.

### Morning Arrival

Start your day early and aim to arrive at Bellewaerde by opening time (usually 10 AM). If you"re driving, the park is conveniently situated just off the A19 motorway, only a short drive from nearby cities like Lille and Kortrijk. Parking is plentiful. For those preferring public transport, take a train to Ieper or Komen station and catch a bus directly to the park.

### Family Fun Begins

Once inside, grab a park map and head to the Savannah zone. As you stroll through, spot majestic lions and playful monkeys. Engage the kids with fun facts - did you know Bellewaerde"s animals participate in European breeding programs?

### Midday Thrills and Lunch

By midday, venture towards the Mexico zone. Thrill-seekers will love the Huracan roller coaster, a family-friendly ride themed around an ancient Mayan god. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed lunch at the nearby Taco Grill, offering a kid-friendly menu.

### Afternoon Exploration

Post-lunch, explore the Far West zone, featuring the Dawson Duel, Europe"s first dueling alpine coaster. Take a scenic family ride on the Bellewaerde Express for panoramic views of the park and wildlife areas.

### Cooling Down

As the day heats up, head to the Canada zone. The Niagara water ride is perfect to cool down while experiencing the excitement of tumultuous rapids.

### Wind Down

End your day at the 4D cinema in the India zone, where the whole family can enjoy a captivating animated adventure.

As the park closes (typically around 6 PM), reflect on the fun-filled day while you exit, perhaps with a souvenir from the gift shop to commemorate your Bellewaerde adventure.

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

Menin Gate Memorial (Ypres Memorial)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Menin Gate Memorial, Ypres

Morning: Arrival & Exploration

Begin your day by heading to the historic town of Ypres, easily accessible by train from major Belgian cities like Brussels and Bruges. Once in Ypres, take a leisurely stroll through the charming streets, making your way to the Menin Gate Memorial. This iconic structure is dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who were killed in the Ypres Salient during World War I and whose graves are unknown.

Interesting Fact: Every evening at 8 PM, the town holds the "Last Post" ceremony at the Menin Gate, an emotional tribute to the fallen soldiers. It"s a tradition that has been ongoing since 1928, only interrupted during WWII.

Midday: Interactive Learning

Visit the In Flanders Fields Museum, located in the Cloth Hall on the market square, just a short walk from Menin Gate. This museum offers a poignant look at the war"s impact on Ypres through interactive displays and personal stories, making it engaging for children and adults alike.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Belgian lunch at one of the family-friendly cafes in the town square. Kids will love trying Belgian waffles or frites!

Afternoon: Educational Walk

Partake in a guided walking tour around the Ypres Salient battlefields. These tours are tailored to be informative and respectful, often including visits to other important WWI sites like Tyne Cot Cemetery, which offers further context to the history learned earlier in the day.

Evening: The Last Post Ceremony

Cap off your day with the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate. Arriving early to secure a good viewing spot is advisable as this poignant event draws visitors from around the world.

Departure

After the ceremony, take a gentle walk back through Ypres, reflecting on the day’s insights, before heading back to your accommodation or onward travel.

This combination of interactive learning, historical exploration, and emotional tributes ensures a memorable, thought-provoking day for the whole family.

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

Essex Farm Cemetery

Why Visit?

Embark on a meaningful family day-trip to Essex Farm Cemetery, a poignant site near Ypres, Belgium, rich in history and remembrance. Here"s a concise guide to help you make the most of your visit:

Getting There

Essex Farm Cemetery is easily accessible by car or public transport from the center of Ypres. If driving, it"s a short 10-minute journey on the N369. Public buses also run regularly from Ypres station to the cemetery.

Start at the Visitor Centre

Begin your visit at the small but informative visitor center. It"s an excellent resource for understanding the site"s historical significance during World War I. The centre provides insights into the life of soldiers and the medical challenges during the war.

Explore Essex Farm Cemetery

Take a quiet walk through the cemetery. Essex Farm is notable as the site where Canadian Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote the famous war memorial poem "In Flanders Fields." This can be an educational point for children, discussing the themes of peace and remembrance. The cemetery holds graves of over 1,200 servicemen, including many who were just teenagers.

Interactive Learning

Engage with the interpretative panels scattered around the site that tell stories of courage and sacrifice. These panels make the history accessible and impactful for visitors of all ages.

Reflect at the Advanced Dressing Station

Visit the remains of the Advanced Dressing Station where John McCrae served. It puts into context the harsh realities faced by those who served here and gives a tangible connection to history.

Picnic by the Canal

Conclude your visit with a peaceful family picnic by the nearby Yser Canal. It’s a beautiful spot to reflect on your visit and enjoy some family time surrounded by the serene landscape.

This thoughtful tour not only educates but also instills values of peace and remembrance in a family-friendly setting.

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

Hooge Crater Museum

Why Visit?

Family Day Out at Hooge Crater Museum: A Journey Through History

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your family adventure by heading to the Hooge Crater Museum, which is easily accessible by car or public transport. If you"re coming from Ypres (Ieper), it"s just a short 10-minute drive along the Meenseweg/N8. There"s ample parking, or you can take the bus line 84 from Ypres bus station straight to the museum.

Upon arrival, immerse your family in the poignant exhibits of World War I. The museum is set in an old chapel, providing a unique atmosphere to learn about the fierce battles of the Ypres Salient. The displays include life-sized dioramas, authentic uniforms, and weaponry, making history come alive for both kids and adults.

Midday: Interactive Learning

After exploring the exhibits, participate in the interactive trench experience outside. It"s a safe and educational reconstruction that gives you and your kids a feel of what life was like in the trenches. Be sure to check out the museum"s multimedia presentations, which are engaging for children and help them understand the historical significance of World War I.

Afternoon: Reflection and Recreation

Have lunch at the museum’s café, where you can enjoy local Belgian cuisine with a view of the original crater, now a peaceful pond. Post lunch, take a leisurely walk around the crater site. It’s a great opportunity to discuss the impact of the war and reflect on the importance of peace.

Before heading home, stop by the gift shop to pick up educational books or souvenirs to remember your insightful and meaningful family day at the Hooge Crater Museum.

This itinerary offers a blend of education and reflection, making it a perfect learning adventure for families interested in history and the great outdoors.

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

Sanctuary Wood

Why Visit?

Embark on a poignant and educational journey to Sanctuary Wood, a significant World War I site near Ypres, Belgium. This itinerary is tailored for families, offering a blend of history, reflection, and engagement with the past.

### Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Start your day early to beat the crowds. Sanctuary Wood (Hill 62), easily accessible by car, is about 4 km southeast of Ypres. You can rent a car from Ypres, taking the N8 and then the Canadalaan towards the site. A small parking area is available for visitors.

Upon arrival, step into the Sanctuary Wood Museum. It"s one of the few places where original trenches have been preserved. As you walk through the earthy trenches, explain to the kids how soldiers lived and moved in these narrow spaces, highlighting the challenging conditions they endured. The museum also showcases a collection of war relics, photographs, and maps, offering a visual tale that enhances understanding.

### Midday: Lunch and Leisure

Pack a picnic to enjoy in the surrounding area, where once fierce battles took place, now a serene landscape offering space for reflection and family bonding.

### Afternoon: Hill 62 Canadian Memorial

Post lunch, take a short walk to the Hill 62 (Sanctuary Wood) Canadian Memorial. Here, you can teach the kids about the significant contribution and sacrifice of Canadian forces during the Battle of Mount Sorrel in 1916. The memorial site provides panoramic views of the battlefield, ideal for a deeper discussion on the importance of peace and remembrance.

### Late Afternoon: Reflection and Departure

Before heading back, take a moment to reflect at the peaceful setting. Encourage the children to think about the importance of history and the lessons we learn from it.

Finish your tour by returning to Ypres, where you can further explore other World War I memorials or enjoy a quiet evening in this historic town.

This educational excursion not only provides a direct experience of WWI history but also offers a chance for your family to learn and reflect together in a meaningful way.

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