Brussels is not just a European capital: it is a gigantic playground for young and old. From life-size dinosaurs to animated models, from chocolates to legendary cars, here is our top 10 to answer the question “what to do with your family in Brussels”.
The 10 must-sees with children and teenagers
1 – L’Atomium & Kids’ Sphere
2 – Mini-Europe
3 – Train World
4- Muséum des Sciences naturelles
5 – Le musée de la BD
6- Parlamentarium & Maison de l’Histoire européenne
7 – LEGO® Discovery Centre Brussels
8 – Choco-Story Brussels
9 – Autoworld Brussels
10 – Grand-Place & Manneken-Pis
1. Atomium & Kids’ Sphere
A futuristic icon of Expo 58, the Atomium is one of the must-sees in Brussels for families wondering what to do in Brussels with children. You can take an express elevator to the panorama, where the city is revealed in an XXL version — perfect for spotting the Grand-Place and Mini-Europe.
Inside, the spheres are filled with immersive exhibitions, light shows and educational content that make science concrete and fun. The Kids’ Sphere adds a 100% playful touch with child-level experiences, ideal for stimulating curiosity. Convenient and close to transport, the site can be easily combined with Mini-Europe for a stress-free half-day.
Timing tip: Arrive early or late in the afternoon to enjoy the views without the crowds and capture your best photos.
- WHERE : in Laeken, on the Heysel plateau, right next to Mini-Europe (metro 6 — Heysel/Heizel station).
- FOR WHOM: families with children (Kids’ Sphere ideal from 6 years old), curious teenagers, lovers of architecture and panoramas
2. Mini-Europe
At Mini-Europe, you can cross the continent in a few steps: ultra-neat miniature monuments , interactive animations and scenes that come to life before your eyes. Children have fun recognising
The flat and compact route is perfect with stroller and small legs. For a smooth day, combine with the nearby
- WHERE: Heysel Park, at the foot of the Atomium (metro 6 — Heysel/Heizel station).
- FOR WHOM: families, curious children (from ~4 years old), fans of models, geography and fun photos.
3. Train World
At Train World, the railway epic is lived on a life-size scale in the old Schaerbeek station : steam locomotives, TGVs and immersive scenographies make the eyes sparkle. You get on board, compare the
The place is photogenic and accessible, with details to be found at each room. A safe bet to bring together little engineers and nostalgic parents.
- WHERE : Schaerbeek, in the old train station, accessible by public transport.
- FOR WHOM: families, children, train fans, curious about science and technology
4. Museum of Natural Sciences
At the Museum of Natural Sciences, iguanodons set the tone from the entrance: a great and immediate scientific spectacle. Giant fossils, insect galleries and interactive experiences turn learning into a game. We talk about
- WHERE: European quarter, near Leopold Park — Brussels-Luxembourg station.
- FOR WHOM: Families, dinosaur enthusiasts, 5–14 years old, nature & science lovers.
5. The Comic Strip Museum
The Comic Strip Museum celebrates creation in an Art Nouveau setting: Tintin, Spirou, Smurfs and many other heroes. We discover the backstage of an album, from pencil to print, with original plates to support it. The spaces invite you to read, observe, smile, whatever the weather.
In the heart of the city, you can take an inspiring break between two walks. The shop prolongs the magic without being heavy with beautiful gift ideas. An address that makes you want to tell stories when you go out.
- WHERE: City centre, Rue des Sables — metro De Brouckère / Botanique.
- FOR WHOM: Families, comic book readers, 6–14 years old, lovers of Art Nouveau.
6. Parlamentarium & House of European History
The Parlamentarium puts Europe at a child’s level with interactive maps, testimonies and multimedia devices, while the House of European History places major events in the long term. Multilingual audio guides make topics concrete and accessible. We come out with clear benchmarks on
Take a break at Leopold Park to take a breather and chat. An enlightening duo to give meaning to your stay in the European quarter.
- WHERE: European Quarter — European Parliament ( Brussels-Luxembourg station) / Trône metro station.
- FOR WHOM: Families, teenagers, classes, curious about citizenship, history and Europe.
7. LEGO® Discovery Centre Brussels
® LEGO Discovery Centre Brussels unleashes creativity: construction zones, Miniland, 4D cinema, guided workshops. You pass, you test, you start again — ideas take shape in a few minutes. Parents appreciate the visibility and safety of indoor spaces.
In all weathers, energy is spent and smiles remain. Consider booking at peak times to avoid waiting.
- WHERE: Docks Bruxsel (shopping centre) — tram 3/7 Docks Bruxsel.
- FOR WHOM: Families, 4–10 years old, brick fans, want to play indoors in all weathers.
8. Choco-Story Brussels
At Choco-Story Brussels, you can follow the bean to the praline : live demonstrations , irresistible flavours, tastings that make your eyes sparkle. The chocolatier’s gestures fascinate, the panels explain the origin of cocoa and Belgian know-how. The compact course is fluid, perfect with young children. A stone’s throw from the Grand-Place, you can easily follow up with a gourmet walk.
The memories at the end of the visit make everyone agree. A treat not to be missed during a first visit to Brussels.
- WHERE: Hyper-centre, between Grand-Place and Manneken-Pis.
- FOR WHOM: Families, gourmets, 5–12 years old, curious about the chocolate trades.
9. Autoworld Brussels
Autoworld Brussels unfolds a century of cars under the vaults of the Parc du Cinquantenaire : vintage cars, sports cars and exceptional models. The
A classic that changes from traditional museums and speaks to the whole family.
- WHERE: Parc du Cinquantenaire — Merode metro station.
- FOR WHOM: Families, car enthusiasts, teenagers who are fans of history and design.
- All the info about Autoworld
10. Grand Place & Manneken Pis
The Grand Place dazzles at all hours — World Heritage Site, golden facades, guild houses — while Manneken Pis always amuses, tiny selfie star. We look up, we track down the
It’s the perfect place to feel the soul of Brussels, without a complicated program. A finale that sums up the friendly and gourmet spirit of the city.
- WHERE: Historic city center — Central Station, metro De Brouckère nearby.
- FOR WHOM: Families, first-time stays, heritage enthusiasts, strollers and photographers.
To conclude
In less than two days, Brussels takes you on a journey from the Jurassic era to the space station, from the baroque palace to the chocolatier’s workshop, without ever losing its gourmet smile. Each place offers a story to touch, taste or build. Enough to convince families that here, the European capital can be visited in explorer mode… with stars in their eyes and, often, a little chocolate on their fingers.