Ultimate long weekend in Belgium: 10 fun family ideas
Planning a long weekend in Belgium with the family? May’s public holidays, like Labour Day (1 May), Ascension Day (May 14) and Whit Monday (May 25), create perfect 3- or 4-day escapes for parents and kids alike.
Skip the stress of far-flung trips and base yourself at a Martin’s Hotel: comfortable rooms, family-friendly amenities, and prime locations near top attractions across Wallonia, Flanders, and Brussels.
Whether what you’re chasing, these 10 ideas keep everyone entertained, from toddlers to teens. Each activity is within easy reach of our hotels in Bruges, Leuven, Genval and more.
Ready to make unforgettable memories? Let’s dive in!
Thrilling day at Walibi Belgium (Wavre)
When you’re planning a long weekend in Belgium with the family, Walibi Belgium is a classic choice for good reason. Kids and teens will go crazy for the big coasters like Vampire (suspended loops) and Loup-Garou (wooden), while younger ones enjoy Loupi’s World with its gentle rides, carousels, and mini-trains. In 2026, the new Mecalodon family coaster is the star, 925 meters of shark-themed twists, gentle enough for 1m+ kids, perfect for shared thrills without the terror.
The park is just a 10-minute drive from Martin’s Agora Louvain-la-Neuve, making it super practical for families. After an exciting day, relax in your spacious room or unwind at the hotel pool. Later, head to B’Comme restaurant for a nice dinner with really good food and a nice atmosphere.
Battlefield & lion's mound (Waterloo)
When you’re planning a long weekend in Belgium with the family, Waterloo Battlefield brings history to life in a way kids actually enjoy. Climb the Lion’s Mound (226 steps) for amazing views over the fields where Napoleon’s army lost in 1815. Inside the visitor centre, children explore interactive exhibits with toy soldiers, sound effects, and wax figures of Napoleon, Wellington, and Blücher that feel like a living museum. The open fields are great for running around, and on sunny May days, you’ll see sheep grazing just like they did 200 years ago.
The site is about a 20-minute drive from Martin’s Red Tubize, easy to reach with the kids. After your visit, head back to the hotel for some rest in your comfortable room and grab a casual dinner at the Red’s Sports Bar & Grill.
Hands-on chocolate making (Brussels)
When you’re planning a long weekend in Belgium with the family, a chocolate workshop is the perfect sweet activity. At Choco-Story Brussels or a Pierre Marcolini workshop, families really become chocolatiers for a few hours. Kids mold their own pralines, add colorful sprinkles, taste what they made, and discover Belgium’s 400-year chocolate history through fun exhibits and “bean-to-bar” demos. Teens enjoy learning the tempering technique like the pros, and everyone goes home with their handmade goodies. After the workshop, May weather is perfect for a quick walk to the Grand Place to grab classic waffles.
The workshops are about 25 minutes by public transport from Martin’s Brussels EU. Catch metro Line 1 or 5 from Schuman station right near the hotel to Central Station (15 minutes), then a 10-minute walk to the center. Back at the hotel, you’ll find stylish family rooms where everyone can relax after a fun afternoon.
Canal boat cruise (Bruges)
When you’re planning a long weekend in Belgium with the family, a canal boat tour in Bruges is pure magic. Hop on a boat tour gliding past medieval bridges, graceful swans, and chocolate shops, while kids spot hidden gargoyles and listen to lace-making tales from the guide. The 30-minute narrated rides (English included) showcase Bruges’ UNESCO gems from the water, and in May, colorful tulips along the canal banks frame the views perfectly for photos. It’s relaxing for parents and feels like a fairytale for children.
The boat docks are just a 10 minute walk from Martin’s Relais. The hotel has Canal-view historic family rooms and a peaceful courtyard garden where you can unwind after the cruise.
Play with Science at SPARKOH! (Mons)
When you’re planning a long weekend in Belgium with the family, SPARKOH! near Mons is a playful science museum that makes learning feel like pure fun. Kids from age 3 participate in interactive experiments, discover scientific concepts through hands-on challenges, and explore adventure zones where they can build, test, and push their curiosity. Parents love how engaging it is for all ages. The “laser maze” activity is a particular hit and works great for family teamwork.
The museum is just a 15-minute drive from Martin’s Dream Mons (unique hotel in a restored 1851 Gothic church, charming family rooms with Belgian themes). After an day of scientific discoveries, return to the hotel to rest in your one-of-a-kind room, unwind in the wellness area with hammam and sauna, or enjoy dinner at the Bistro Martin.
Art and park at Folon Foundation (La Hulpe)
When you’re planning a long weekend in Belgium with the family, the Fondation Folon in La Hulpe is a magical art park where creativity meets nature. The outdoor sculpture park exhibits Jean-Michel Folon’s colourful and playful works, scattered amongst the trees and lawns: giant butterflies, surreal human figures, and whimsical landscapes that feel like stepping into a dream. Children run from one sculpture to another, take imaginative photos, and discover art without even realizing they’re in a museum. The park is free to enter and open year-round, making it perfect for a relaxed family afternoon. After exploring the park, you can visit the indoor exhibition hall for rotating art shows that appeal to all ages.
Fondation Folon is just a 10-minute drive from Martin’s Château du Lac. After visiting, head back to the hotel where you’ll find family rooms overlooking the lake, an indoor pool for kids to cool off, and the spa for parents to unwind. Later, enjoy dinner at Genval.Les.Bains with stunning lake views and Belgian classics served with care.
Mini-Europe (Brussels)
When you’re planning a long weekend in Belgium with the family, Mini-Europe is the perfect half-day activity where children see famous landmarks shrink down to their size. Over 350 detailed miniatures across 80 sites represent 20 European countries. London, Paris, Amsterdam, Venice all in 20 minutes from your Brussels hotel. After the park, stroll through the Laeken park just nearby, where kids run on dirt paths and ducks swim in the lake.
Mini-Europe is in the center of the Bois de Laeken next to the Atomium, just 25 minutes by metro from Martin’s Brussels EU (Line 6 to Heysel/Halle, 10-minute walk to park). After exploring, return to the hotel’s stylish rooms to relax.
Plopsa indoor (Hasselt)
When you’re planning a long weekend in Belgium with the family, Plopsa Indoor Hasselt near Bilzen is the perfect all-weather theme park that combines indoor fun with outdoor thrills. Kids enjoy over 25 attractions across different zones: kids’ land with gentle carousels and water play, educational zones where children learn through fun challenges, and Plopsa Indoor with the family coaster Wolftrekken and animated characters from Maya the Bee. The 7D cinema is a must-try, especially on rainy May days when outdoor plans don’t work.
Plopsa Indoor Hasselt is just 20 minutes’ drive from Martin’s Rentmeesterij in Bilzen. After a day of rides, return to comfortable rooms to relax and enjoy the hotel’s peaceful areas.
Science and fun at Technopolis (Mechelen)
When you’re planning a long weekend in Belgium with the family, Technopolis in Mechelen is the ultimate hands-on science museum where kids learn while having pure fun. Over 300 interactive experiments let children pour, mix, build, and test real physics and chemistry concepts, like building a working volcano, riding a bike-powered carousel, or exploring wind tunnels. Toddlers enjoy the kitchen and construction zones, while teens tackle advanced challenges in robotics and electricity. It’s one of Belgium’s best science centers, and it’s fully indoors, so even a rainy May day won’t ruin your plans.
Technopolis is about 10 minutes by car from Martin’s Patershof. After a day of experiments, return to the hotel to relax in your comfortable room, or walk to the Grote Markt for waffles and ice cream nearby.
Baroque Belfry (Mons)
When you’re planning a long weekend in Belgium with the family, the Belfry of Mons offers a rewarding and memorable experience with incredible views that kids can enjoy too. This 87-meter baroque tower crown is UNESCO World Heritage, the only baroque belfry in Belgium. Children ride the escalator (or climb the 365 steps if brave) to the top, where you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over Mons. The belfry has 49 bells that chime every 15 minutes, and a family of falcons now lives in one of the top windows, kids love spotting them through binoculars. After your climb, explore the nearby Jardin du Mayeur (secret garden behind Town Hall) with its fountains, sculptures, and hidden Monkey statue.
The Belfry is just a 5-minute walk from Martin’s Dream Mons, unique Gothic church building. After your climb, return to the hotel’s restored church setting for relaxation in the wellness area with hammam and sauna, or enjoy dinner at the Bistro Martin with generous Belgian portions.
Turn May Holidays into Family Memories
A long weekend in Belgium is the perfect opportunity to slow down, explore something new, and enjoy quality time as a family. And with so many public holidays in May, it’s the ideal month to plan a short getaway without going too far.
Whether you choose a day of thrills, culture, nature, or hands-on fun, the best memories are often made close to home, and even better when your hotel makes everything easy.
At Martin’s Hotels, you’ll find the ideal base for your family getaway, with comfortable rooms, great locations, and plenty of options nearby for all ages. So whether you’re heading to Walibi, wandering through Bruges, discovering Mons, or relaxing by Genval Lake, you can turn a simple long weekend into a real family adventure.
