July is a very good month to enjoy Brussels with your family. Between the major summer events, the open-air festivals, the children’s courses, the immersive exhibitions, the aquatic outings and the free events, there is something to keep the children busy during the holidays, without necessarily going far.
Here is a selection of ideas to do in Brussels in July with children, between cultural outings, outdoor activities, creative moments and great summer classics.
All the news of the month of July not to be missed in Brussels
Find out all the news in Brussels throughout the month of July 2026
In July, indoors if it rains or if you are looking for coolness
In the evening, in July in Brussels
Ideas for evening outings with your child or teenager
🎭 1 and 3 July 2026: the Ommegang on the Grand Place in Brussels
It is one of the major historical events in Brussels. The Ommegang transforms the Grand Place into a huge living stage, with a procession, costumes, horses, flags and historical re-enactment. For children, it is an impressive, very visual outing, which allows them to discover the history of Brussels in a different way. The historical show is announced on July 1 and 3, 2026 at 9 p.m., with the historical procession at 8:50 p.m.
When: Wednesday, July 1 and Friday, July 3, 2026
Where: Grand Place in Brussels
Price: Ommegang ticket office
For whom: families, children curious about history, older children, teenagers
🏰 From 1 to 4 July 2026: the free festivities of the Ommegang in the Sablon
Even without attending the evening show, families can enjoy the Renaissance atmosphere at the Sablon. The Renaissance market, the equestrian jousting and the Renaissance village are announced from July 1 to 4, 2026. It’s a very good idea for a freer outing with the children, especially if you want to enjoy the spirit of the Ommegang without necessarily booking a full evening.
When: Wednesday, July 1 to Saturday, July 4, 2026
Where: Sablon, Brussels
Price: free for the Sablon festivities
For whom: children, families, easy outing in the city centre
🎪 From 3 to 5 July 2026: Nayad, street art festival in Ixelles
Nayad is a great idea to enjoy Brussels in summer with children. For three days, Ixelles hosts shows in the public space, between circus, street theatre, brass bands, music and visual creations. It’s the type of very simple outing to do with the family: you go for a walk, you discover a show, you stay longer if the children are hooked.
📅 When: Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, 2026
📍 Where: Ixelles, between Flagey, the Étangs d’Ixelles, Matonge and Place Sainte Croix
🎫 Price: several free shows, a few paid shows
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom: families, children, older children, lovers of outdoor shows
🎷 From 3 to 5 July 2026: Brosella Festival at the Théâtre de Verdure
Brosella is an open-air festival set up in the green setting of the Théâtre de Verdure, in the Parc d’Osseghem, near the Atomium. The 2026 edition takes place from July 3 to 5 and offers jazz, urban etno, international artists and also concerts designed in a family spirit. It’s a great idea to introduce children to a festival, in a less closed setting than a classical concert hall.
📅 When: Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 5, 2026
📍 Where: Théâtre de Verdure, Parc d’Osseghem, Laeken
🎫 Price: Brosella ticket office, with pay what you can announced system
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom: music-loving families, children accustomed to concerts, outdoor summer outings
⛳ July 4 and 5, 2026: Mini Golf Imaginarium at the Centre d’Art Fantastique
The Mini Golf Imaginarium offers an 18-hole indoor course in a fantastic setting, with strange creatures, steampunk atmosphere, fog and projections. The activity is announced on weekends until the end of September, with an opening on July 4 and 5, 2026 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. It’s a good idea to go out when it’s too hot, when it’s raining, or when you’re looking for a simple activity to do with the family.
📅 When: Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July 2026, from 2 pm to 5 pm
📍 Where: Centre d’Art Fantastique, 18 rue de la Glacière, 1060 Brussels
🎫 Price: online ticketing, reservation recommended
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom: families, children who like unusual decorations, indoor outings
🚂 From 6 to 10 July 2026: sculpture workshop at Train World
During the summer holidays, Train World offers a sculpture workshop for children aged 8 to 12. On the program: plaster, clay, cardboard, papier-mâché, self-hardening porcelain, aluminum, drawings, games and discoveries in the world of the museum. It is a very good option for creative children, with an original setting and real artistic content.
📅 When: Monday 6 to Friday 10 July 2026, from 9 am to 4 pm
📍 Where: Train World, Schaerbeek
🎫 Price: €90 for Schaerbeeks, €120 for non-Schaerbeeks
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom: children from 8 to 12 years old, families looking for a creative internship
🎭 From 6 to 10 July and from 13 to 17 July 2026: improv course for teenagers at the TRAC
For teenagers, the TRAC improv course is a very good idea during the July holidays. The format allows you to work on creativity, listening, self-confidence and the pleasure of playing in a group, with a final show at the end of the week. It is an activity particularly suitable for young people who like to talk, invent, go on stage or simply gain ease.
🗓️ When: Monday, July 6 to Friday, July 10, 2026 or Monday, July 13 to Friday, July 17, 2026
📍 Where: Le TRAC, rue Albert Meunier 110, Auderghem
🎟️ Price: 160 € per course
👨 👦 👩 👧 Who is it for: teens aged 11 to 16, young creatives, teens who enjoy theatre, improvisation and group activities
🏛 Until July 19, 2026: Return to Pompeii by Tour & Taxis
The Return to Pompeii exhibition invites visitors to immerse themselves in the daily life of Pompeii, with immersive settings, reconstructed Roman houses, artisan workshops and a staging around the ancient city. The exhibition is announced at Tour & Taxis until July 19, 2026. It’s a good idea for older kids and teens who love history, antiquity, and immersive experiences.
📅 When: until Sunday, July 19, 2026
📍 Where: Tour & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86C, 1000 Brussels
🎫 Price: Exhibition ticket office
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom: older kids, teens, families who love history and immersive exhibits
🏛️ From 3 July to 16 August 2026: visit the Royal Palace of Brussels
It’s one of the great summer outings in Brussels. The Royal Palace of Brussels reopens its doors to the public from 3 July to 16 August 2026, with a visit possible during the day, except on Mondays. It is a perfect outing to introduce children to an emblematic place in the capital, between large rooms, Belgian history, architecture and a city holiday atmosphere.
🗓️ When: Friday, July 3 to Sunday, August 16, 2026
📍 Where: Royal Palace of Brussels, Place des Palais
🎟️ Price: reservation according to the terms of the visit
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: families, older children, teenagers, children curious about history and monuments
🌳 Until 20 July 2026: Vaux Hall Summer in Brussels Park
The Vaux Hall Summer opens the Vaux Hall in the Brussels Park every summer with an accessible cultural programme: concerts, screenings, dance, DJ sets, workshops and events. The 2026 edition is announced until July 20, with a free program. It is a very good option to enjoy a summer atmosphere in the city, in a heritage and green place.
📅 When: until Monday, July 20, 2026
📍 Where: Vaux Hall, Brussels Park
🎫 Price: free
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom: families, children, light cultural outings, end of the day in the city
🎡 From July 18 to August 23, 2026: the Foire du Midi
The Foire du Midi is one of the great classics of the Brussels summer. It will be located on Boulevard du Midi from 18 July to 23 August 2026, with 130 attractions for young and old. Access to the fair is free, the attractions are paid. It’s a very effective outing with the kids, especially at the end of the day, to enjoy the rides, food stalls, and city holiday vibe.
📅 When: Saturday, July 18 to Sunday, August 23, 2026
📍 Where: Boulevard du Midi, Brussels
🎫 Price: free access, paid attractions
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom: children, teenagers, families, a must-see summer outing
🇧🇪 21 July 2026: National Day at the Parc du Cinquantenaire
21 July is always a very busy day in Brussels. For 2026, the funding of a free event at the Parc du Cinquantenaire has been confirmed as part of the National Day, with an evening show and the closing fireworks. This is a very popular family outing, especially for children who love large gatherings, music and a festive atmosphere.
📅 When: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
📍 Where: Parc du Cinquantenaire, Brussels
🎫 Price: free event announced
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom: families, children, teenagers, festive outing on July 21st
🎨 25 July 2026: Art in the Brussels metro
This guided tour allows you to discover Brussels in a different way, through the works installed in the metro. The exhibition highlights works such as Zigzagramme, Le Passage inconnu by François Schuiten and Happy Metro To You. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, with a group limited to 15 people. It’s a good idea with older children or teenagers, especially if you want to have an original cultural outing without a classic museum.
📅 When: Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.
📍 Where: in front of the entrance to Parc station, on the Parc Royal side
🎫 Price: registration fee of €3 per person, then free price on site
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom: older children, teenagers, families who love urban walks and art
🏊 Fridays in July: late-night openings at Aqualibi
For an aquatic outing near Brussels, Aqualibi remains a safe bet during the summer. The park announces late openings until 10 p.m. every Friday, with adapted schedules during school holidays. It is a good option for a more sporty outing, especially with children who love water, slides and large aquatic areas.
📅 When: Fridays, according to the opening schedule
📍 Where: Aqualibi, Wavre
👨 👦 👧 👩 For whom: children who love the water, families, big kids, teenagers
What to do in Brussels in July when it rains?
The best indoor options are the Mini Golf Imaginarium, Return to Pompeii at Tour & Taxis, the sculpture course at Train World, the improv course for teenagers at TRAC, Aqualibi, as well as cultural tours such as Art in the Metro. In July, it’s best to keep one or two covered ideas on hand, even during the summer holidays.
The best free outings in July in Brussels
The most interesting free ideas are the Ommegang festivities at the Sablon, the Vaux Hall Summer, access to the Foire du Midi and the National Day event at the Parc du Cinquantenaire. Some outings then remain paid depending on the activities chosen, such as rides, show tickets, courses or workshops.