Aqualibi in Wavre: a day in a water park
Aqualibi is the most complete option to spend a whole day in the water, whatever the weather. This indoor water park, which is heated to around 29°C all year round, offers a wave pool, slides, whirlpools and several children’s areas, among other things.
Access to the various slides and attractions depends on the size of the children. Visitors are measured without shoes and, if necessary, given a wristband corresponding to the attractions they can access.
📍 Address: boulevard de l’Europe 100, 1300 Wavre
🎟️ Price: €37.50 for an undated ticket over 1.20 m; €15 between 1 m and 1.20 m; Free under 1 m. Dated rates and online offers can be offered.
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: all ages, with attractions accessible according to size
💦 Facilities: wave pool, slides, whirlpools and areas for young children
🚆 Access: Bierges-Walibi station, then about 10 minutes on foot
🚗 By car: paid parking on site
⚠️ Good to know: check the size requirements and the rules regarding swimwear before the visit.
Hofstade beach: supervised swimming near Brussels
The Sport Vlaanderen Hofstade area offers a real beach atmosphere near Brussels. It includes a sandy beach, a supervised swimming area, a large pirate-themed playground and beach volleyball courts.
From the beginning of May to mid-September, swimming is allowed only in the areas provided for this purpose, when the lifeguards are present and the green flag is raised.
A Water Jump Park is also accessible to visitors looking for a more sporty activity. This activity requires a separate ticket or a combined ticket with beach access, however.
📍 Address: Tervuursesteenweg 395, 1981 Hofstade
🎟️ Beach fare: €6 online or €8 on site; Free for children under 2 years old
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: families, children and teenagers
💦 Facilities: sandy beach, supervised swimming area, playground, beach volleyball and Water Jump Park at an additional cost
🚆 Access: Hofstade train station, located about 200 metres from the estate
🚌 By bus: line 28, Elewijt Hofstade Strand stop
🚗 By car: paid parking, Tervuursesteenweg 395
⚠️ Good to know: check the lifeguard schedules, the colour of the flag and the quality of the water on the day of your outing.
Nekker to Mechelen: Beach, Swimming Water Activities
The De Nekker area offers a sandy beach, a large outdoor swimming area, several playgrounds and an Aquapark with inflatable structures installed on the water.
The bathing area, with an area of 4,500 m², is demarcated and supervised by professional lifeguards during its opening periods. Its depth can reach 2.80 meters: careful supervision of children is therefore essential.
The estate also includes an indoor swimming pool, De Nekkerpool. Entrance to the estate, access to the swimming pool and the Aquapark correspond to different activities and may require separate tickets.
📍 Address: Nekkerspoel-Borcht 19, 2800 Mechelen
🎟️ Access to the estate and the pond:
13 years old and over: €5.10 online or €6.20 on site
6 to 12 years old: €4 online or €5.10 on site
3 to 5 years old: €2.20 online or €3.50 on site
Children under 3 years old: free
👨 👦 👩 👧 For whom: families, children who know how to swim and teenagers
💦 Facilities: beach, supervised swimming pond, indoor swimming pool, Aquapark and playgrounds
🚆 Access: train to Mechelen-Nekkerspoel
🚌 From Mechelen train station: check the itinerary offered on the day of your visit by De Lijn
🚗 By car: parking available on the estate
⚠️ Good to know: check separately the opening hours and conditions of access to the pond, De Nekkerpool and Aquapark.onible on the estate
Know Before You Go
The outdoor swimming in Hofstade and De Nekker is only accessible during certain times of the year and when safety conditions allow. The presence of lifeguards, the quality of the water, the weather and the colour of the flag may result in a modification or temporary closure of the swimming area.
At Hofstade, it is forbidden to swim outside the supervised area or when a red flag is raised. At De Nekker, the opening hours of the pond, indoor pool and Aquapark may vary.
Before leaving, check the official pages accessible under each address to check the schedules, prices, water quality and swimming conditions of the day.
For children, bring constant supervision, a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen and suitable shoes. Buoyancy aids are never a substitute for the presence of an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hofstade beach and the De Nekker area in Mechelen both offer a supervised outdoor swimming area during the season. Aqualibi, in Wavre, is an indoor alternative accessible all year round.
Hofstade is particularly convenient by public transport. The train station is about 200 metres from the estate and has direct connections from Brussels and Mechelen. Aqualibi is also accessible from the Bierges-Walibi train station.
No. Swimming depends on the opening period, the presence of lifeguards and the conditions of the day. At Hofstade, it is only allowed when the green flag is raised. Always check the official information before departure
Aqualibi has several areas for young children and allows you to enjoy the water whatever the weather. Hofstade can also be suitable for families thanks to its sandy beach and pirate-themed playground.
Online booking is recommended. In Hofstade and De Nekker, online fares are lower than local fares. Aqualibi also offers dated or undated tickets, with offers that may vary.
Other ideas for cooling off in Brussels
Museums, immersive experiences and indoor venues: discover our other outings to enjoy Brussels during the hot weather.
And if you’re looking for a little greenery
Parks, outdoor activities and nature getaways: discover our ideas for getting some fresh air with your family in and around Brussels.
