Child-friendly hikes for the whole family

Romping around in the Kluisbos

A successful formula for successful hikes with children is plenty of challenge. And that'll be just what you'll find in abundance on the Kluisbos hiking route. The many differences in relief  assure you of a solid hike, where especially the children can have a good time. It might be best to leave the littlest ones at home. The trails are not immediately suitable for buggies or prams.

Did you get through the whole walk and want to reward the little rascals for that? Then you'll be glad to hear that a play area  has been provided for the bouncy balls among us. Let them loose on the various play equipment.

Tip for grown-up: bosbĀĀr is a wonderful place to stop for a regional beer or a sweet or savoury snack. What started as a summer pop-up has grown into a popular spot where it's also great to hang out by the fire pits on the terrace on cold Sundays in winter. 

Enjoying some sports at De Gavers

This hike is definitely not to be missed among child-friendly hiking. Water, forest and animals? Tick them all off on your checklist. The De Gavers route takes you about five kilometres through provincial nature and sports area De Gavers. You'll be walking on some very accessible paths here, which are also well-suited to wheelchair users and buggies.

You also get surprisingly close to nature here. Waterfowl will be flying over your head as you try to recognise them. Is that a heron standing on the bank? And did a fish just jump out of the water over there? Your little ones will be feasting their eyes here. In addition to being a great place for child-friendly walks, De Gavers is also a sports and recreation ground. This, of course, opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to adventure. In summer, you can swim in the open-air pond. But there is also a fun playground and even go-karts. You'll find the full offerings on the lands' website, but let's just say that even the most stubborn, contrary little scamp will be won over here in no time. Fantastic!

Tip for grown-ups: There is a cosy café at De Gavers where you can enjoy beers, cocktails, smoothies and speciality coffees, as well as sweet and savoury snacks. You get the playground next door and the wonderful view of the pond for free!  

Variety prevails in the Kravaalbos

Children need some variety. Otherwise, they quickly lose focus. And then you might lose your patience. Fortunately, in terms of variety, children will be in their element in the Kravaalbos.

You'll discover a colourful mix of plants and flowers with them. Here and there, some surprising creatures  will pop up. For example, how about the beautiful fire salamander that meanders along the banks and in the waterways here? It may not be a tiger or a giraffe, but with a little imagination, it's a local mini-safari. Also on the menu: a pretty pond and an old quarry. This is sure to pique your child's interest and is the occasion for imaginative stories about gnomes and princesses, which you can make up yourself.

Be sure to stay on the designated trails during this hike. The flowers here are particularly fragile and the habitat of the animals in the forest should really be respected. Together, we will take care of this beautiful environment so we can continue to enjoy it for a long time to come.

Tip for grown-ups: Finish up in Hof Den Tuitelaar. There you can sit in blissful quiet among the animals, let your offspring romp for hours on the playground equipment and catch your breath with the whole family.

Walking among gnomes in the Drongengoedbos

Take a step into the world with the wonderful Drongengoedbos walk. Because honestly: you won't get any closer to an inland safari trip. Tell the little ones that there are large mammals roaming freely in the forest. That they're lurking, while grazing, to come out of nowhere to say hello as you walk nearby. Here, in fact, sheep and cattle  help to responsibly graze the soil of the Maldegem field. So feel free to say hello when you meet them – they won't hurt a fly. They are impressive, however. Especially for little tykes around one metre tall.

For the little ones, there is also a kabouterpad (gnome trail). This will take you 1.5 kilometres past gnome houses and fun stories. Still not tired? Afterwards, go and use up your last bit of energy at the fun playground.

Tip for grown-ups: After that fun walk through the woods, tuck your legs under the table at the Drongengoedbos farmstead. This is where the kitchen team will conjure up some tasty dishes. 

Spotting critters in Puyenbroeck

With its water features, forests, animals, playgrounds and other fun, the Puyenbroeck provincial lands have been scoring sky-high among families with children for years. The fact that heritage can bleat or cluck at times is evident at the Living Heritage Park, where endangered, regional farm animals were given a new permanent home. No bears or tigers in this unusual park, but stone rabbits, fox heads and all kinds of fowl.

Afterwards, feel free to let your children loose on the new suspension bridge a little further ahead: 120 metres long, 7 metres above the ground, and to top it off, a 15-metre-high viewing mountain. Just as high, you can clamber onto the steel lookout tower at the 'slingervijver' (winding pond). Both are good for panoramic views of the lands. Or for that #routes photo or selfie, of course.

Tip for grown-ups: Puyenbroeck's trendy Sports Bar has a nice selection of beers on the menu in addition to some delicious sweets. Your big appetite will be satisfied here with American burgers and Flemish classics, among others, in both children's and grown-ups' versions.

Getting dirty in the Stropersbos (Poacher Forest)

Boots on, and a good time together through the mud? Then choose a Routes hike that is mostly on dirt roads. The Stropersbos route, for example, straight through nearly 500 hectares of impressive flora and fauna flanking the Dutch border. On two grazing strips, Galloway cattle, Konik horses and sheep  earn a living here as ecological grass machines. Feel free to wave hello to them, but keep your distance. You can quench your thirst and hunger after your trip at café (Ou)de Statie, beloved for its waffles and pastries. In nice weather, nestle yourself on the terrace with a cheese board while your children play train in the locomotive on the outdoor Klingspoor heritage site.

Tip for grown-ups: With a break included, this hike will take 2.5 to 3 hours. Make a full day out of Waasland and combine it with a visit to Verbeke Foundation, an open-air park with contemporary – and often funny – art. Children will also find this the max, as here you can walk among horse sculptures, take cool selfies in the 'window palace', and speak behind the White House podium. Highly recommended, even for those who usually have little to do with art. Bonus: children under 14 get in for free (you yourself will pay €12).

Soaking up culture in Ghent

A little Picasso at home, or a son or daughter who always wants to know everything about everything? Then make a day of it in Ghent, combining the Ghent city walking route with a museum visit. Plenty of choice, as just about all the museums have a special trail or quest in store for youngsters. In the House of Alijn, for example, they can search for the museum ghost with Poes, and in the Museum of Industry they'll learn stories from the textile and graphics industry through play. The Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts) is also big fun for little visitors, especially with the audio tour by comedian Wouter Deprez in their ears! Visit Gent has collated the child-friendly offerings from Ghent's museums on one handy web page.

Tip for grown-ups: Let your teenagers explore on their own in the MSK. 

Forest games in Het Leen 

Het Leen is the place for beautiful forest walks with the whole family, as former military land with paved hiking lanes and dirt roads. The former ensure that, even with a wheelchair or buggy, you can comfortably cover a good part of the walks. Following the paths is not necessary everywhere: scattered throughout the land are numerous play areas where your offspring can go wild in the unspoilt nature. Played enough and still have some energy left? Then feast your eyes on the 21-metre-high viewing platform. It's exciting, because it hangs like an inverted L above the trees and has a floor you can see through.

Tip for grown-ups: Feel like escaping all that childhood merriment on your own for a while? Along the yoga path of Het Leen, you can unwind with some simple exercises at 7 locations.