Brussels is a wonderfully walkable, family-friendly city filled with history, great food, and activities that keep kids engaged. Whether you’re exploring with toddlers or older children, there are many things to do in Brussels with kids, and this 2 day family friendly itinerary will help you make the most of a short visit.

We recently went to Brussels with our almost 4 year old and had such a lovely time. I put together this two-day family itinerary with practical tips, restaurant recommendations, and insights from our stay. I hope you find it helpful!

Note: I was hosted by Visit Brussels for part of this trip. As always, all opinions, experiences, and recommendations are my own.

Where to Stay in Brussels With Kids: 9Hotel Sablon

We stayed at 9Hotel Sablon, a boutique hotel conveniently located near Brussels Central Station and within walking distance of major attractions. The location is ideal for families who prefer to explore on foot like we did!

It’s also super close to the Brussels Central station so you can explore the city or country (and even neighboring countries with ease).

We booked a two-floor suite, which gave us plenty of space. My husband slept on the sofa bed downstairs and my daughter and I took the upstairs bedroom. The room was clean, modern, and comfortable, with large windows and an excellent washroom across the hall.

One thing to keep in mind is that the suite includes a spiral staircase. It looks beautiful but may require supervision with very young children.

Tip: If you’re staying at 9Hotel Sablon, consider skipping the hotel breakfast unless you need the convenience. The cost doesn’t match the value, and there are several grocery stores and cafés nearby where you can quickly and affordably grab breakfast before heading out for the day.

Day 1 – Exploring Brussels’ Historic Heart

Grand Place

Start your trip at Grand Place, Brussels’ most iconic square. The gilded buildings surrounding the plaza are stunning and create the perfect introduction to the city. Visiting in the morning gives you plenty of space to take photos and enjoy the atmosphere.

Souvenir Streets and Manneken Pis

From Grand Place, take the time to wander the nearby market streets filled with souvenir shops. These are great for picking up small gifts and kid-friendly keepsakes. Continue on to Manneken Pis, a quirky Brussels landmark that may be dressed in a costume if you’re lucky. It’s a one minute stop because there is not much to take in from this ‘landmark’ but I’d have FOMO if I skipped it.

I also want to point out that most sidewalks here are cobbled so your stroller will have a bumpy ride. We had a travel stroller and it did okay considering how bumpy everything was but there were parts where we had to ask our daughter to walk because maneuvering the stroller through those parts was difficult.

Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert

Make your way into the Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert, a glass-roofed 19th-century shopping arcade lined with chocolate shops, boutiques, and cafés. It’s a pleasant, stroller-friendly walk and a lovely spot to pause for a hot drink or snack. Even if you’re just passing through, there is something so lovely about seeing beautiful architecture (I am an appreciator of any beautiful thing so I love romanticizing the moment).

Petit Sablon Garden and Church of Our Lady of the Sablon

As you continue through the Sablon district, you’ll come across Petit Sablon Garden, a beautifully manicured square filled with flowers, statues, and well-kept hedges. It’s a peaceful, scenic place to take a short break and let the kids move around.

Beside the garden stands the Church of Our Lady of the Sablon, a striking Gothic church known for its intricate stonework and tall spires. This stop wasn’t planned, but the view was so impressive we naturally paused to take it in. It’s a perfect example of how walkable Brussels is—memorable sights appear unexpectedly as you make your way through the city.

Lunch at Tonton Garby

For lunch, we visited Tonton Garby, a small sandwich shop known for its personalised creations. The owner prepares each sandwich himself and takes great pride in his craft. This means waits WILL be long (we were here for around two hours) but the experience and the food were worth it. Everything here is halal, and the owner’s warm personality made this one of the most memorable moments of our trip. You’ll love the combinations he comes up – it’s clear how much he loves what he does (what a rare thing to see these days).

To pass the time, I waited in line while my husband walked my daughter around in her stroller because it’s hard for little kids to wait in line, so plan accordingly!

Museum of Natural Sciences

After lunch, walk to the Museum of Natural Sciences. It’s a long walk from the hotel so if you’re not up for it, consider taking the public transport. This is the largest Dinosaur Gallery in Europe, you can meet the famous Bernissart Iguanodons, T.rex, Triceratops, Diplodocus, and 34 other species.

Arriving in the early afternoon works perfectly (it’s quieter after school groups leave, and the kids enter fed and energized). The dinosaur gallery is impressive, and the interactive exhibits are engaging for all ages. I was really impressed by the museums in Brussels, they were some of the best we’ve been to (we went to my absolute favorite on day 2).

If you purchase the Brussels Card, you get access to the public transit AND free access to museums like the Museum of Natural Sciences.

After exploring the Museum of Natural Sciences, you may want to grab dinner nearby before heading back to the city centre. The museum isn’t located in a major restaurant district, but there are a few good family-friendly options within a short walk, especially around Place du Luxembourg. Some nearby choices include:

• BE Burger Place Lux – A casual burger spot that’s great with kids and only about a 10-minute walk from the museum.
• L’Atelier European Brussels – A relaxed restaurant offering pastas, salads, and easy family options.
• Exki (Luxembourg Square) – A fast, healthy option with quiches, sandwiches, and soups.
• Quick Luxembourg – A Belgian fast-food chain kids generally enjoy.

Getting Back to the City Centre

After dinner, take the tram back toward Brussels Central. There is no direct train from the museum area, so tram or bus is the easiest and most convenient choice for families. Once you reach the centre, it’s just a short walk back to 9Hotel Sablon. The hotel has a lovely pool you can choose to enjoy to unwind from the long day (and many steps).

Day 2 – Trains, Burgers, Waffles, and Grand Place at Night

Train World

Start Day 2 with a visit to Train World, one of the most impressive family-friendly museums in Brussels. This isn’t just a museum — it’s a fully immersive experience that takes you through the past, present, and future of railway travel. Kids can walk inside historic locomotives, explore royal train carriages, and interact with hands-on exhibits that bring the history of Belgian rail to life. The scale of the trains is incredible, and the storytelling throughout the museum will keep both adults and children engaged. Plan to spend 2-3 hours here – it’s really so much fun!

One of the best parts: Train World is included for free with the Brussels Card, which also covers public transit and other major museums. If you plan to visit a few attractions, the Brussels Card offers excellent value.

Lunch and Play at Docks Bruxsel

After Train World, walk over to Docks Bruxsel, a modern shopping centre just next door. This is the perfect place to recharge before heading back into the city. We recommend Black & White Burger, where we had one of the best chicken burgers we’ve ever tasted (bonus: they’re halal).

If the kids need to burn off some energy, Docks Bruxsel is also home to the LEGO Discovery Centre, which offers creative play areas, a mini LEGO world, and smaller attractions designed for younger children. We didn’t get a chance to visit but I’ve heard great things about it!

Return to Brussels Central

From Docks Bruxsel, take public transit back to Brussels Central Station. Arriving in the centre puts you right in the ideal spot to continue exploring on foot — one of the joys of staying in Brussels.

Mont des Arts and the Royal Palace

Once you’re back at Brussels Central, walk up toward Mont des Arts, one of the most scenic viewpoints in the city. The gardens and open terrace offer a panoramic view of Brussels and are a great place to take photos or enjoy a relaxed moment together.

From Mont des Arts, continue to the Royal Palace. Even from the outside, the palace is impressive, and the surrounding Royal District is beautiful to explore. This short walking loop creates a lovely late-afternoon sightseeing moment without being overwhelming for kids.

Dinner Near the City Centre

After exploring the Royal District, make your way back down toward the centre for dinner. Some family-friendly spots nearby include:

• Café Georgette – Known for Belgian fries and simple, tasty mains.
• Pasta Divina – Homemade pasta in a cozy atmosphere, great for kids.
• Chez Léon – A classic Brussels choice for mussels and local dishes.
• Le Pain Quotidien (Sablon) – Casual and close to the hotel.

These are all within an easy walk of Brussels Central and Grand Place.

Grand Place at Night and Waffles

End your day with a visit to Grand Place after dark. Seeing the square illuminated at night is unforgettable—the ornate facades glow beautifully, and the atmosphere feels almost magical. It’s one of those experiences that truly shouldn’t be missed on a first visit to Brussels.

After enjoying the lights, walk to Maison Dandoy or another nearby waffle shop for a late-evening treat. Eating a warm Belgian waffle while wandering the old town is the perfect way to finish the day.

Is Brussels Walkable With Kids?

Very much so. Brussels is compact, and staying near Grand Place or Sablon makes it easy to explore on foot. The cobblestones can make stroller pushing a little bumpy, but it’s manageable. Walking also lets you discover small, beautiful spots you would otherwise miss.

Bonus: Day Trip Idea

If you have an additional day, consider a day trip to Antwerp. It’s an easy train ride and offers family-friendly attractions, museums, and great food.

Final Thoughts

Brussels is an ideal destination for families. With its mix of historic sites, child-friendly museums, and memorable food experiences, there are many things to do in Brussels with kids. Spacing out the activities across two days keeps the trip relaxed and enjoyable, and staying in the city centre makes everything easily accessible.

We left with wonderful memories and can’t wait to return. If there are any favorite spots that you visited with kids in Brussels, please let me know in the comments below.

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