With its impressive architecture, fascinating attractions and plenty of activities for kids, Antwerp has everything you need for a fun family city trip. There’s certainly no shortage of things to discover in Antwerp for families! During our own visit to Antwerp with kids, we discovered plenty of things to do in Antwerp that were enjoyable for both adults and children. In this blog, we’re sharing our favourite sights, family-friendly activities in Antwerp and practical tips to help you make the most of your family city trip.
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Things to do in Antwerp with kids
Visit Antwerp central station with kids
A train station might not be the first thing that comes to mind when looking for things to do in Antwerp with kids, but Central Station is definitely worth a visit. As soon as we stepped inside, we were impressed by the enormous hall, elegant details and stunning architecture. It’s no surprise that the station is often referred to as the ‘Railway Cathedral’.
While we couldn’t stop looking up at the impressive architecture, Luca was much more fascinated by the trains coming and going. With its different levels, platforms and railway tracks, there’s always something to see. It’s a surprisingly fun stop during a city trip to Antwerp, especially for younger children who love trains and other vehicles.
Antwerp ZOO: a must-visit in Antwerp for families
Located right next to Central Station, Antwerp ZOO is an absolute must when visiting Antwerp with kids. This city zoo is one of the oldest in the world and is home to a wide variety of animals. You can spot impressive animals such as elephants, lions, great apes and rhinos. There are also plenty of fascinating smaller animals, including koalas and penguins, as well as a large aquarium.
And it’s not just about the animals! There are several playgrounds dotted around the zoo, giving children plenty of opportunities to burn off some energy along the way. For us, this was one of those places in Antwerp where everything comes together: spotting animals, exploring the green surroundings and taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Where to go shopping in Antwerp with kids
Shopping in Antwerp with kids is easier than you might think. The Meir is the city’s main shopping street, lined with well-known brands and popular stores. Right in the middle of the Meir, you’ll find the Stadsfeestzaal, a small but impressive shopping centre housed in a beautifully restored building. Its golden details and magnificent ceiling make it worth stepping inside, even if you’re not planning to shop.
If you’re looking for something a little different, the charming streets of the Wilde Zee neighbourhood are well worth exploring. Here, you’ll find smaller independent shops selling unique products, far away from the usual high-street chains.
We particularly loved In Den Olifant, a charming toy shop filled with beautiful, sustainable toys. The inviting interior makes it a lovely place to browse, and some of the toys can actually be tried out. This means your little one can have a play while you take a look around!
Explore Grote Markt – the central square of Antwerp
Grote Markt is the central square of Antwerp’s historic city centre and a natural stop during your city trip. The square is surrounded by impressive guild houses and the grand City Hall, with the Brabo Fountain taking centre stage. The fountain often attracts visitors who stop to take photos or learn about the story behind it. Children, meanwhile, will probably be more interested in climbing onto its edge!
What we particularly liked about this square is that it’s spacious, easy to explore and full of life. The surrounding outdoor cafés and terraces offer plenty of opportunities to stop for a drink while the children stretch their legs and explore. Especially with slightly older kids, this is the kind of place where you can easily spend a little longer than planned.
More sights to explore in Antwerp with kids
Antwerp has plenty of other sights worth discovering. Right in the heart of the city, the impressive cathedral Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal towers above the surrounding buildings. You can also explore the cathedral’s interior.
In front of the cathedral, you’ll find the famous statue of Nello and Patrasche. It depicts a young boy named Nello sleeping under a blanket alongside his dog, Patrasche. Many children will immediately want to sit next to the statue or reach out and touch it.
Just around the corner is the Handelsbeurs (Antwerp Stock Exchange), considered the oldest purpose-built stock exchange building in the world. Its high arches and impressive glass roof make it a beautiful building that’s definitely worth stepping inside.
Along the River Scheldt, you’ll find Het Steen, a medieval fortress where soldiers and knights once lived. You can walk along its ancient walls and enjoy views of the river from the panoramic rooftop terrace. Today, Het Steen is also home to Antwerp’s Visitor Centre.
Discover Het Zuid: Antwerp’s creative neighbourhood
Het Zuid is a lively and creative neighbourhood in Antwerp, known for its wide avenues, elegant buildings and cultural hotspots.
You’ll find several museums here, including the Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA), the Photo Museum (FOMU) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (M HKA). Not all museums are equally suitable for children, but it’s worth checking which ones match your children’s ages and interests. Some museums offer interactive exhibitions or guided tours specifically designed for younger visitors.
Besides its cultural attractions, Het Zuid is also home to plenty of trendy restaurants. Not every restaurant is equally suitable for families with young children, but Meat and Eat is a relaxed and accessible option where you can enjoy a meal with the whole family. The neighbourhood is also lovely to explore on foot, with charming squares, street art and inviting terraces along the way.
More family-friendly activities in Antwerp
There’s so much more to see and do in Antwerp with kids! We only spent one night in the city, so unfortunately, we didn’t have time to visit everything. Here are a few more family-friendly activities in Antwerp that are worth adding to your itinerary.
- Chocolate Nation: Antwerp’s chocolate museum is all about the world of chocolate. You’ll discover how chocolate is made, enjoy an interactive tour and, of course, get to taste some delicious treats. We think this experience is probably best suited to children aged five and up. With an active two-year-old, we didn’t think it would be the most practical activity for us.
- Linkeroever: On a sunny day, Linkeroever is a lovely place to spend some time outdoors. You’ll find playgrounds, a city beach and several cafés and restaurants. When we visited, the weather was chilly and the area was quiet, but on warmer days it’s a lively spot for an afternoon outside.
- A child-friendly treasure hunt: You can buy a special treasure hunt at the tourist information office, designed for children aged six and up. It’s a fun way for kids to discover the city while exploring its streets and landmarks on foot.
Family-Friendly accommodations in Antwerp
Antwerp has a great selection of family-friendly accommodation, ranging from hotel rooms designed for families in the city centre to spacious apartments with room for everyone.
Based on our experience, choosing a central location makes a big difference. Many of the city’s main attractions, playgrounds and restaurants are within easy walking distance, which is especially convenient when travelling with young children.
We stayed in a hotel on Koningin Astridplein, the square where you’ll also find Central Station and Antwerp Zoo. It’s an ideal location if you want to explore the city without having to travel far between attractions.
How to get there
Useful instructions and addresses to get into Antwerp with kids
- By car: There are several car parks around Antwerp’s city centre, as well as Park & Ride (P+R) facilities just outside the city, for example in Merksem and Linkeroever. From there, you can easily hop on a tram into the city centre. It’s a convenient way to avoid traffic jams and expensive parking in the heart of the city.
- By train: There are direct intercity train connections from other Belgian cities, including from Brussels, Ghent, Leuven and Liège. There are also international train connections from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Paris, Lille and Cologne.
Useful info en links
Are you planning to visit Antwerp with kids? Here you can find more information
- Tourist office Antwerp
- Tours and activities Antwerp
- Opening hours Visitor Centers Antwerp
- Antwerp City pass
- Website Antwerp ZOO
- Website Chocolate Nation
Where to stay
Find accommodations for families in Antwerp or in the surrounding area
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FAQ – Antwerp with kids
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What are the best things to do in Antwerp with kids?
There are plenty of fun things to do in Antwerp with kids, making it an ideal destination for a short family city break. One of our top recommendations is a visit to Antwerp ZOO, where you can see a wide variety of animals while children can burn off some energy in the playgrounds along the way. Central Station is another surprisingly fun stop, thanks to its impressive architecture and the many trains coming and going. In the city centre, Grote Markt is a lovely place to take a break while the children have some room to explore. You can also visit Chocolate Nation or, on a sunny day, head to Linkeroever, where you’ll find playgrounds and plenty of space to play.
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What to do in Antwerp with kids on a rainy day?
Even when the weather isn’t great, there are still plenty of things to do in Antwerp with kids. Antwerp ZOO is a good option, as it also has indoor animal enclosures and an aquarium. Another fun choice is Chocolate Nation, an interactive experience where children can learn all about chocolate and, of course, enjoy a tasting. Central Station and the Stadsfeestzaal are also great places to explore while staying dry. Both offer plenty to see, making them enjoyable stops even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
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How many days do you need to visit Antwerp with kids?
For your visit to Antwerp with kids, we recommend allowing two days. You can already see quite a lot in one day, including Antwerp ZOO, Central Station and Grote Markt. With two days, you’ll have more time to explore at a relaxed pace and add a few extra stops to your itinerary, such as Chocolate Nation, the Het Zuid neighbourhood or a longer walk through the city centre. This keeps the trip varied and enjoyable without making the schedule too hectic for the children.
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Is Antwerp easy to explore on foot with Kids?
Antwerp is a great city to explore on foot with kids. The city centre is compact, and most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. From Central Station, you can easily walk to Antwerp Zoo and then continue along the Meir towards Grote Markt. With younger children, it’s worth planning a few short breaks along the way. Antwerp also offers a good public transport network to cover distances to the other side of the city. Overall, though, Antwerp is an easy city to navigate and perfectly manageable without relying too much on public transport.
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Is Antwerp suitable for visiting with a baby or toddler?
Antwerp is a great destination for families with babies and toddlers, especially because the city is relatively compact and many of its main attractions are close together. We recommend bringing a stroller and allowing plenty of time for breaks along the way. But overall, Antwerp is an accessible and family-friendly city that’s easy to explore with young children.
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