The Parc du Cinquantenaire: more than a postcard setting
The Parc du Cinquantenaire and the European Quarter form one of the best combos for a family outing in Brussels. Everything is done on foot around the Merode, Schuman and Brussels-Luxembourg stations:
- 🌳 a large park for running, playing and picnicking,
- 🛩️ impressive planes and tanks at the Army Museum,
- 🚗 classic cars at Autoworld,
- 🏛️ free museums on Europe (Parlamentarium & House of European History).
Stone triumph, large lawns, fountain, mosque, sports fields, playgrounds… The park is a real playground in the heart of Brussels.
🌉 The monumental arcade and the view of Brussels
The monumental arcade (triple arch) dominates the park.
From the Musée de l’Armée, you can access a panoramic terrace at the top of the arcades (access depending on the period), with a magnificent view of Brussels.
👉 For whom?
Families with children / teenagers who like to “climb to the top”, take photos and spot the great monuments of the city.
🧺 Lawns & picnics
The large lawns of the Cinquantenaire are perfect for:
- a family picnic ,
- a snack break between two visits,
- a little nap in the sun,
- a game of balloon or frisbee.
👉 For whom?
Families who like to take their time, with children who need to run around and let off steam between two “quieter” activities.
🛝 Playgrounds
The park offers several playgrounds :
- an area for 3–7 year olds near the mosque (large sandbox, boat, rope pyramid, slide, swings),
- another playground for 3–12 year olds on the sports area side (slides, swings, climbing structures, cushioning floor).
👉 For whom?
Families with young children who need a “real” break between two museums.
🏃 ♀️ Sport & soft mobility
The park is popular for:
- running,
- cycling, scootering, rollerblading,
- multi-sports fields (football, basketball, etc.) for older children.
👉 For whom?
Sporty families, teenagers who like to move and who find museums long if they can’t get active.
The 3 major museums of the Parc du Cinquantenaire
1. Army Museum & Aviation Hall
Often THE children’s favorite:
- more than 100 planes and flying devices in the Aviation Hall: planes from both wars, modern fighter planes, helicopters…
- tanks, military vehicles, uniforms, weapons, historical re-enactments,
- Access (depending on the period) to the terraces on the arcades with panoramic views.
💶 Prices & passes
- Free admission for the little ones
- some free or discounted days/slots,
- often included or at a reduced rate with Brussels Card passes.
👉 For whom?
Children from 6–7 years old, teenagers, families who are fans of aviation, history and spectacular “big objects”.
2. Autoworld
The Autoworld Classic Car Museum is located in a large majestic hall:
- more than 250 vehicles : vintage cars, racing cars, vintage cars,
- Frequent temporary exhibitions (brands, cinema, youngtimers, etc.),
- Very visual staging, with sets, showcases, sometimes projections.
👉 For whom?
- Teenagers who are passionate about cars,
- nostalgic parents/grandparents,
- families who prefer a very visual tour with less text to read.
3. Art & History Museum
The Art & History Museum (formerly the Cinquantenaire) is the most “classic” of the three, but also one of the richest:
- collections of archaeology, antiquities, decorative arts, objects from all over the world,
- large rooms, models, sculptures, amazing objects.
👉 For whom?
- Families already used to museums,
- children and teenagers who love stories of civilizations,
- rainy days when you want to focus on one big visit rather than several small ones.
European Quarter: learning about Europe in an interactive way
A few minutes’ walk from the park ( Schuman and Brussels-Luxembourg stations), you arrive at the European Quarter. Here, you can discover Europe in a different way, thanks to two free places that are very well thought out for families.
Parlamentarium
The Parlamentarium is the European Parliament’s visitor centre:
- interactive tour with multimedia guide in 24 languages,
- giant map of Europe on the ground,
- space to understand how decisions are made in Europe,
- Self-guided tour, usually in 1h–1h30.
👉 For whom?
- Families with teenagers who are starting to talk about Europe, institutions, current events at school,
- international families (great language possibilities).
House of European History
The House of European History is a modern museum dedicated to the history of the continent:
- permanent and temporary exhibition to understand the major stages of European history,
- Specific tools for families:
- Family Kiosk at the entrance (activities to be collected),
- fun course “The Daily Spy” for 6–12 year olds (spy diary, riddles, codes, small diploma at the end),
- spaces to touch, manipulate, disguise, act out scenes.
👉 For whom?
- Children from 8–10 years old who are already asking questions about history/current events,
- families who love interactive museums,
- parents who want a free but content-rich tour.
Practical information
AGE
- Park & playgrounds: all ages (babies, children, teenagers).
- Army Museum & Aviation Hall: recommended from 6–7 years old.
- Autoworld: from 6–7 years old, very suitable for teenagers.
- Parlamentarium & House of European History: ideally from 8–10 years old to enjoy the content, with fun tools for the youngest.
DURATION
- 1/2 day: a museum + playing time in the park.
- Full day: a museum + park + 1 visit to the European Quarter.
ACCESS
- Metro lines 1 and 5 : Merode station for the Parc du Cinquantenaire and its museums.
- Metro / train: Schuman station or Brussels-Luxembourg station for the European quarter (Parlamentarium, House of European History, Leopold Park).
MOBILITY & STROLLERS
- Playpen very practicable with strollers,
- routes between Cinquantenaire and the European quarter can be done on foot (provide sidewalks and crossings of major roads),
- Museums generally accessible (lifts, ramps): check the detailed information in case of specific needs (PRM).
Le parc est gratuit
À deux pas, vous aimerez aussi…
🦕 MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCES:
Just minutes from the European Quarter, the Museum of Natural Sciences is famous for its dinosaur gallery and impressive skeletons. Perfect for families with children fascinated by dinosaurs, fossils and animals.
🌳 LEOPOLD PARK:
Just behind the House of European History, the Leopold Park offers:
– a pond, lawns, trees,
– a small playground,
– benches in the shade to take a break.
🍟 PLACE JOURDAN AND ITS CHIP SHOPS
Close to the European quarter, Place Jourdan is a pleasant square with:
– terraces,
– several restaurants,
– its unmissable chip shops!
🏙️ BACK TO THE HISTORIC CENTRE
From Merode or Schuman, you can easily reach the historic centre (Grand-Place, Manneken Pis, Royal Galleries) by metro or bus. It’s great for families who want to end the day with a walk in the city center or an evening activity (show, immersive experience, etc.).
Enjoy Brussels when the weather is nice!
La météo est clémente et permet de se balader dehors !
D’autres quartiers de Bruxelles à visiter en famille
Bruxelles est une petite ville, avec plusieurs quartiers ayant chacun leur particularité. Tout se fait assez facilement à pied.
