Belgium

Belgium is an ideal entry point for families visiting Europe, offering a manageable scale that minimizes travel time and maximizes activity. The country is split linguistically between the Dutch-speaking north (Flanders) and the French-speaking south (Wallonia), but English is widely spoken, making logistics simple for international visitors. The flat terrain of the north makes it perfect for family cycling trips, while the southern Ardennes region offers forests and hills for more adventurous exploration.

For many children, the highlight of Belgium is its deep connection to comic book culture. Brussels is the birthplace of Tintin and The Smurfs, a heritage celebrated at the Belgian Comic Strip Center and through colorful murals painted across the city center. Just outside the capital, the Atomium provides a unique experience where families can escalate through tubes connecting giant stainless steel spheres, offering panoramic views. Nearby, Mini-Europe allows toddlers to feel like giants as they walk past detailed 1:25 scale models of famous European landmarks.

History comes alive in the medieval cities of Flanders. Bruges is famous for its preserved architecture, where families can take open-top boat tours along the canals to see the city from the water. In Ghent, the Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts) is a substantial fortress with a moat, tall towers, and a collection of armor that captures the imagination of older children. Antwerp adds to the mix with one of the world's oldest zoos located directly next to the stunning central train station, as well as Chocolate Nation, the largest Belgian chocolate museum in the world.

Culinary experiences in Belgium are naturally kid-friendly. The country takes its snacks seriously: waffles are sold warm from street vendors (the sugary, dense Liège waffle is a favorite), and frites (fries) are double-fried and served in paper cones with a variety of sauces. Parents can explore the immense variety of local beers, while kids enjoy the high-quality chocolate available on nearly every corner.

Nature lovers should head south to the Caves of Han in the Ardennes, which feature an underground boat ride and a surrounding wildlife park home to bears and wolves. Alternatively, the Belgian coast offers wide sandy beaches and the Coastal Tram, which runs the entire length of the seaside, allowing easy hopping between beach towns like Ostend and De Panne. The climate is temperate but changeable, so packing waterproof layers is essential regardless of the season.