Brussels is a surprisingly fun city for children. It is compact, full of stories (a statue that is dressed in costumes, a building shaped like an atom, comic-strip heroes painted on walls) and its food is a guaranteed success with young visitors. Here are the best family activities, by age and by weather.
This guide is part of our complete Brussels travel guide.
The Atomium
Children love the Atomium, the 102-metre structure built for the 1958 World's Fair. A lift takes you to the panoramic sphere for a view over Brussels, and exhibition spheres are connected by escalators and stairs inside the tubes. It is open every day from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry 17:30), with a maintenance closure planned from 18 January to 5 February 2027.
- Good to know: the escalators and stairs between spheres are steep. Strollers and wheelchairs can only reach the panorama by lift.
Mini-Europe
At the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe displays famous monuments from across Europe in miniature, from Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower, with interactive models. Combine it with the Atomium for a full half-day. Opening dates and hours vary through the year, so check the official website before you go.
Dinosaurs at the Natural Sciences Museum
The Natural Sciences Museum has one of the largest dinosaur galleries in Europe. Its star attraction is the famous Iguanodons of Bernissart, part of a group of around thirty skeletons found in a Belgian coal mine. The museum also has galleries on evolution, the human body and living animals, which keep children busy for hours. It is free on the first Wednesday of the month, mostly from 13:00.
Comics: Tintin, the Smurfs and friends
Belgium is the land of comic strips. At the Comics Art Museum (Rue des Sables 20, open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–18:00), children discover Tintin, the Smurfs, Lucky Luke and Spirou. Afterwards, turn the city into a treasure hunt by looking for the giant murals of the Comic Strip Route painted on façades around the centre.
Manneken Pis and his costumes
Kids always laugh at Manneken Pis. Check what he is wearing on the day of your visit, then go to the GardeRobe MannekenPis, a small museum around the corner (Rue du Chêne 19) that displays about 1,000 of his costumes from around the world. Then challenge the children to find his "sister", Jeanneke Pis, and the dog Zinneke.
Chocolate and waffles
- Visit the chocolate shops in the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries and on the Sablon, where many chocolatiers offer a tasting.
- Share a warm Liège waffle, easy to eat while walking.
- End the day with a cone of Belgian fries.
More ideas in our Belgian food guide.
Parks and playgrounds
- Brussels Park, opposite the Royal Palace, with wide paths and fountains.
- Cinquantenaire Park, with lots of space to run and several museums nearby.
- Bois de la Cambre, a large wooded park in the south of the city, with a lake.
- The Mont des Arts gardens, for a break with a view.
Free and budget-friendly family activities
- The Parlamentarium, the European Parliament's free and interactive visitor centre.
- The House of European History, also free.
- The Comic Strip Route murals and the Grand-Place at night.
- The free public lift between the upper city and the Marolles, near the Palace of Justice (sometimes out of service).
A family day in Brussels
- Morning: Atomium and Mini-Europe.
- Lunch: fries or a simple brasserie meal.
- Afternoon: Manneken Pis, the GardeRobe and a waffle, then the Grand-Place.
- Rainy-day alternative: the Natural Sciences Museum or the Comics Art Museum.
Practical tips for families
- Strollers: cobblestones and steep streets make the old town tiring with a pushchair. A baby carrier is often easier.
- Public transport: most metro stations have lifts, but not all. Check before you travel.
- Distances: the Atomium is outside the centre, so plan transport between the two areas.
- Museum days: many museums close on Mondays.
- Weather: it can rain at any time of year. Always have an indoor plan.
More practical information is in our Brussels travel tips.
A private family tour of Brussels
With children, a private tour removes the stress: hotel pickup, no waiting for public transport, breaks whenever you need them, and a guide who knows how to tell stories to young listeners. Our tour The Heart of Belgium — History, Elegance & Chocolate is private for up to 6 guests and can be adapted for families, including Manneken Pis, chocolate and comic-strip heritage. Want something different? Ask us for a tailor-made family tour.