Brussels for kids and teenagers : annual activities  

Once the Christmas celebrations are over, children of all ages will be captivated by the world of the Tom Festival in Uccle. Their imaginations will run wild as they are enchanted by the poetry of objects and materials that come to life. Another unmissable festival is Bandit/Bandiet at Brigittines which showcases dance performances for young audiences.  

Spend the last cold days of winter in the warm at Anima! This animation film festival awaits you at Flagey at the end of the month. The programme is vast (projections, workshops…) and your youngsters (from 3 years old) and teenagers will love it! To keep you entertained during the carnival holidays, Krokuskriebels offers a wide range of activities for families: workshops, games, meet-ups, unusual tours...

The Banad Festival invites you to discover some of the capital's finest Art Deco and Art Nouveau gems. It's a beautiful way to get a taste of Brussels' architectural heritage in a fun way, as organisers have planned special, family-friendly activities!  

Take your teenagers to Made in Asia (which also takes place in October), Brussels’ go-to event for pop culture in all its forms. Comics, manga, fantasy, cosplay and gaming – there really is no excuse to stay at home!

Are you little ones music lovers? Then make sure you head down to KidZik, a music festival dedicated to young audiences. About fifteen shows and animations are programmed in different venues in Brussels, for children from 0 to 12 years old.

March is the month of the Brussels Water Days. On the programme, numerous activities around water (the water cycle, fauna and flora of Brussels' waterways, guided tours, cruises, etc.) for the general public, and a healthy selection of activities aimed at families and children. 

And finally, don’t miss UP Festival which showcases a variety of circus arts through spectacular performances by artists from near and far.

In April, the capital plays host to numerous open-air shows. Hopla will be taking over the neighbourhood around place Sainte Catherine. Free activities and entertainment, along with shows by circus artists await; who can resist? 

Mini D Festival, meanwhile, takes place across various cultural venues in Brussels and celebrates contemporary dance and circus arts. The performances, which are often interactive, are suitable for babies from 3 months old.  

The L’Art et les Tout-Petits the La Montagne Magique theatre offers a kaleidoscope of experiences through emotionally rich performances that blend light, colour, textures and voices... It will have all five senses buzzing.  
 
Comic Con Brussels, meanwhile, is sure to delight older fans of geek and pop culture. Comics, cosplay, gaming, films, TV series, manga, collectables… the list goes on and on.

The beautiful sunny days of May are going to make you want to get out and take advantage of our capital's first outdoor events. Well you're in luck, as that's when the guinguette pop-up bars begin to pop up in Brussels' parks. Enjoy a drink outdoors, concerts and entertainment for youngsters.

Every two years in May, it's also time to join in the fun for the Zinneke Parade.

Every year, the Brussels Renaissance Festival transports you back to the Europe of the Renaissance. You can get to know Charles V, visit his palace (well, what's left of it!), but also discover the origins of Belgium and Europe. A special Family Day with a host of exceptional family-friendly activities awaits you at the Coudenberg! 

Other small festivals bring Brussels to life at the beginning of the summer. There's the Visueel Festival Visuel street art festival in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe and the Esprit de Famille festival in the Roseraie, in Uccle.

To occupy your children during the summer holidays, you are spoilt for choice: the Sonian Forest is just a stone's throw away, and ideal for long quiet walks or to build the largest hut in the world! And there's always something to do in the numerous parks of the capital: Lire dans les Parcs, the numerous playgrounds... Brussels is the greenest capital in Europe and has certainly earned its title! 

You can also enjoy the capital’s most vibrant festival with your children: Park Poetik, which – throughout the two months of summer – sows the seeds of poetry in the streets and parks of Forest and Saint-Gilles. Not to be missed.

At the end of August, the Théâtres Nomades festival puts up its marquees in Brussels Park for the 12th time. Puppets, street theatre, acrobats, jugglers and musicians share with you their love of performance, their appreciation of others and the art of living together. It’s a unique human experience that’s free of charge!

Also in late August, it’s the Brussels Games Festival‘s turn to transform a venue in Brussels into a huge games area for people of all ages. Whether you’re just a curious amateur or a full-blown board game enthusiast, bring the whole family along to (re)discover the joy of playing together. Fun guaranteed!

On the last weekend of August, puppet festival Insifon at Meudon Park in Neder-Over-Heembeek will set the tone. 

The Fêtes Romanes festival at Wolubilis offers a rich programme of street theatre, circus acts, puppet shows, dance and poetry. Moments of wonder when you can see the magic flickering in your little ones’ eyes.

Car-free Sunday is a great opportunity to rediscover the capital as a family, whether by bike, on rollerblades, on a skateboard or on foot... the atmosphere is festive and child-friendly throughout the region.

Is it raining again? In October, why not head to the cinema for Filem’on Brussels, the international film festival for young audiences (2 to 16 year olds)? Why not try your hand at solving puzzles and finding hidden clues to escape from the many escape rooms that have sprung up in Brussels?

Last but not least, beware of the Halloween spirits that come back at this time of year to haunt every nook and cranny of Brussels! This includes the Dia de Muertos celebration in the Marolles. If you're not too scared, venture to Mini-Europe or the Museum of Fantastic Art to discover their special Halloween programmes.

Embark on an adventurous journey through music and fun activities at the Big Bang Festival, an inventive and experimental music festival at BOZAR.

Enjoy the best of Belgian and international theatre for all audiences at the Export Import Festival organised by Bronks.

Art lovers, don’t miss the Kunstendag voor Kinderen. And above all, get ready for Winter Wonders and its festive activities, which will return from late November to early January!

Make the most of winter in Brussels with Winter Wonders, which returns with its ice rink, Ferris wheel, Christmas tree, live nativity scene, magical rides, the Grand-Place light show… and don't forget the tasty treats: crispy chips, light waffles and hot chocolate.

And why not pop into one of Brussels’ theatres during the famous Noël au Théâtre festival! It brings together a wide range of performances (written word, puppetry, movement, shadow theatre, object theatre, silent theatre…) suitable for all ages.