If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a breath of fresh air and some family fun, far from the hustle and bustle of Brussels! Grab your best outdoor shoes, pack yourself a picnic and go for a stroll with the kids through fields, woods and forests!
Enjoy a family stroll through Brussels' woods
28 April 2022
© visit.brussels - Jean-Paul Remy
We are lucky in Brussels, the region is blessed with many green spaces. At the first sign of sunshine, these spaces are quite literally taken over by Brussels families. Picnics, birthday parties, treasure hunts, impromptu football matches or simply bucolic walks, there is no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Looking for a family outing with a twist? Turn it into an adventure with an outdoor treasure hunt. With the help of a free app, you and your kids can set off on scavenger hunts across the capital. The routes are fun and educational, guiding you through green spaces filled with riddles, quirky facts, and plenty of surprises.
.We have compiled a few magical places where you can relax with your children: the Sonian Forest, the Scheutbos, the Neerpede valley, the Kauwberg, the Promenade Verte, the Ganshoren Marsh and Drohme, Boitsfort's former racecourse.
Build a den in the Sonian Forest
The Sonian Forest, an historic forest, part of which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, borders Brussels. It is beautiful and vast, offering a wide range of possibilities for exploration! It's ideal for building huts or planning a treasure hunt. Incidentally, you'll often come across scout groups in the middle of an orienteering challenge! Various associations also organise workshops and courses for youngsters. Find out more on the website and download the map of the forest that includes all the play areas.
Observe all the flora and fauna of the Scheutbos
The Scheutbos is situated in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. For a family outing, make sure your little explorers have all the right gear: walking shoes, a magnifying glass and binoculars. The biodiversity here stimulates a fauna and flora that changes with the seasons. Ponds, streams, meadows, pastures, wild land, reedbeds,...together form a real paradise for birds, frogs and insects and guided tours regularly organised here. The Scheutbos also offers one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Brussels.
A country walk in the Neerpede valley
The Neerpede valley lies in Anderlecht. A protected nature reserve, Neerpede offers a country air just outside Brussels' ring road. Neerpede is also a wonderful place for a nice country walk with the family. Here you'll spot numerous different species of birds and diverse vegetation.
Looking for a little extra fun? This green valley is home to not one, but two interactive treasure hunts. Along the way, you’ll pass urban farms, vegetable patches and streams, all while uncovering the story of Brussels as a source of local food. It’s a playful and eye-opening adventure for the whole family.
Follow the “rallye au Kauwberg” trail
In the centre of Uccle there is a large semi-natural green area: the Kauwberg. Semi-natural? Well, until the 1960s the area was quarried for sand and clay, among other things. Today, nature has reclaimed the area, but the Kauwberg's past makes its landscape unique. Meadows, swamps and woods are found alongside the old quarry. It's a magical place for a game of hide-and-seek! Download the rallye and discover this unique place in the heart of Uccle as a family. While you're in the area, make sure you take a trip to Fond Roy Park and Uccle's educational farm.
Cycle along the Promenade Verte
Right, time for a family bike ride! The Promenade Verte takes you around the Brussels-Capital Region and through a wide variety of landscapes. It's 63km long and divided into 7 sections. You can, therefore, choose to ride only a particular, shorter section, if you have young children. The route's network of signposts teaches you more about the environments you will encounter along the way. Discover the Promenade Verte’s route, thanks to the detailed map.
Recreate your own horse race at Drohme
Boitsfort’s former racecourse has been converted into an enormous green space, perfect for relaxing with the family. Drohme is one of the gateways to the Sonian Forest and there are many itineraries to guide you as you explore. Why not recreate your own thrilling race on the old track!
On a snake safari in the Ganshoren Marsh
This protected natural haven on the edge of Ganshoren and Jette is perfect for little adventurers and curious nature lovers. It’s part of the wider Molenbeek valley wetlands, so yes, you’ll need your wellies! Wander through reeds, willows and puddles and keep your eyes peeled for herons, frogs or… a grass snake. It’s the ultimate snake safari!
There’s more fun nearby: a pirate ship playground and an educational farm with everything from pigs to sheep. Still got some energy? Dive into Laerbeek Forest or grab a pancake and lemonade at Chalet de Laerbeek.
Want to take the adventure up a notch? Use your phone to follow a treasure hunt full of art, nature and clever riddles. Or keep walking under the Ring — where the city gives way to sprout fields.
