Top 3 family friendly places to visit in Brussels

As some of you already know last month we had a short city break to Brussels and whenever we travel we always take Mr A into consideration and try to find places that offer fun and cultural experience as well as being suitable for both adults and children and Brussels offered lots of options, so we thought we would put our top 3 together.

Atomuim 

Constructed for the World Fair n 1958 and known as Brussels Eiffel Tower it sets and impressive mark on the landscape. Getting to this place was a bit of an adventure in itself for us as it usually should only take 2 trams but because they were working on the line it involved getting off mid way between two stops, catching a local bus to end of the line where we would hopefully be able to get the next tram. In the end we got there and found all the travel rather entertaining and really enjoyed seeing more than just the city centre and even though it took longer than expected we were not disappointed. As soon as you lay your eyes on the Atomium it makes you stop and pause for a second. A real architectural feat, you feel like you have been transported back into the sixties, it really is a magnificent sight.

When we visited it was a public holiday so we expected queues but I do recommend pre-booking your tickets as it will save you some time. Upon entering you take an escualtor up into the first sphere which offers a wealth of information about how and why the Atomium was built. As you go higher and higher into the spheres the views become even more incredible and the whole place is very facinating for both adults and children. As you make your way back down to the ground floor you can then take the elevator to the top sphere for the ultimate view across the city as well as indulge in a spot to eat at there inspirational Panoramic restaurant. Like we said the Atomuim is well worth the visit out of the city centre for and if you want to make even more of your time in that part of the city right next door is Mini-Europe another child friendly attraction.

Museum of Natural Sciences

Not the most well known or well advertised attraction but wow what an amazing place for kids, especially dinosaur loving ones. We took the metro to the closest station and then it's just under a 10min walk to the museum – again well worth the effort. When you arrive you are immediately greeted by 2 story high bronze Dinosaur which was of much delight to Mr A and if this was a sign of things to come we couldn’t wait. The entry was reasonable at around €7 and they had a lovely Baby Animal exhibition on while we were there with a totally interactive play area perfect for toddlers, plus an awe-inspiring collection of dinosaurs and famous Iguanodon skeletons, a great insect and bug gallery and Whale hall to name a few plus a chic and budget friendly cafe which offered a healthy kids snack pack (which can sometimes be hard to come by when your travelling)

The Belgium Comic Strip Centre

It seemed only appropriate to visit the Comic Strip Centre as Belgium is the birth place of Tintin and the Smurfs (among many others) and with the Centre being within easy walking distances makes is easily accessible. When you enter the centre you are immediately met with the large Tintin rocket which Mr A loved as way as some other happy little characters. The staff at the desk were friendly and offered us a guidebook in English to walk around with as a lot of the exhibition is in Dutch or French although this didn't put us off. There was a little dark room showing cartoons as well as comic strips everywhere and interactive props. It's not the biggest museum but you can spend 1-2 hours here stress-free as the kids run around. There is also a great Comic book store and library downstairs that is worth checking out

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