Ghent Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Ghent
This itinerary focuses on a mix of free and affordable ticketed activities suitable for families with children aged 3-12. Transportation within Ghent is convenient via walking or public transport. Consider comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones. Children under 19 often get free entry to many museums, making them very budget-friendly.
Friday Evening - Family Fun
Friday, February 20De Krook Library
Explore the children's floor of De Krook, Ghent's modern public library.
It offers cozy reading corners, reading cubes, and a wide selection of books, CDs, and DVDs for young readers. The library aims to be an inspiration for knowledge, culture, and innovation.
Dedicated floor for children up to 12 years old. Baby-changing and breastfeeding facilities available. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Easily accessible by foot or public transport. Located near the Scheldt river.
Dinner with Play
Enjoy a family dinner at Restaurant Cocotte, which features a dedicated indoor play area for children.
Parents can enjoy their meal while children engage in adventures with climbing frames, puzzles, books, and a children's kitchen.
Indoor and outdoor play areas suitable for various ages. High chairs available. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Located slightly outside the city center, accessible by car (parking available at the hotel) or public transport. Check bus routes to Van der Valk Hotel Gent.
Saturday - Adventure Day
Saturday, February 21Industrial History Fun
Discover Ghent's industrial past at the Museum of Industry, housed in an old cotton mill.
The museum offers interactive exhibits, working machines, and a 'Tinker Studio' where kids can create things. There's also an activity to make your own mini zine.
Engaging for ages 6-12. Interactive displays and hands-on activities. Free for visitors under 19. Allocate 1.5-2 hours.
Located near Vrijdagmarkt, easily walkable from the city center. Ghent is a low-emission zone, so public transport is recommended.
Lunch in Center
Enjoy a casual family-friendly lunch in the city center.
Options like 'Uilenspiegel' are known as family restaurants.
Offers a diverse menu suitable for adults and children. High chairs likely available. Duration: 1 hour.
Centrally located and easily accessible by foot.
Indoor Play Fun
Let the kids burn off energy at Pretland, a large indoor play center.
It features sections for different ages, a huge colorful ball pit, multi-level soft climbing frames, and fun slides. There's also a snack bar and seating for parents.
Suitable for children aged 2-10. Professional staff for cleaning and maintenance. Parents can relax in designated areas. Duration: 2 hours.
Accessible by car (free parking available) or public transport. Check bus/tram routes to Voskenslaan.
Citadelpark Stroll
Enjoy a relaxed walk and playtime at Citadelpark, Ghent's largest green lung.
It features a playground suitable for children aged 10 and under, with slides, swings, and climbing frames. There are also picnic tables.
Free access to the playground. Great for letting kids run around. Duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Located between the train station and the city center, easily accessible by foot or public transport.
Sunday - Relaxed Day
Sunday, February 22World of Kina
Explore the World of Kina (Museum for Child and Nature).
This museum offers interactive exhibits on bees, spiders, and mushrooms, plus live creatures. There are also scavenger hunts available for different age groups.
Kids-friendly exhibits about nature and animals. Scavenger hunts add an engaging element. Free for children, making it very budget-friendly. Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Located in St. Peter's Abbey, accessible by tram 1 from Gent-Sint-Pieters station.
Castle & Audio Tour
Visit Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress.
Enjoy the free audio tour, voiced by a Flemish comedian, which takes you through the castle's history with humor and exciting tales. You can also get panoramic views from the battlements.
Free entry for children under 19. The audio guide is recommended and engaging for older kids. Be aware of many staircases and some historical torture displays (may not be suitable for very sensitive children). Duration: 1.5-2 hours.
Centrally located, easily walkable from most parts of the city center.
Dessert & Departure
Indulge in a classic Belgian treat before heading home.
Find a local cafe for delicious Belgian waffles or cuberdons (raspberry treats), often found around the Groentenmarkt.
A sweet end to the weekend. Waffles and cuberdons are loved by children. Duration: 30-60 minutes.
Central locations, easy to access before heading to Gent-Sint-Pieters station for departure.
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