Bruges in summer is a wonderful destination for families. The city is compact and walkable, the outdoor spaces are excellent, and the range of things to do together stretches well beyond the obvious tourist trail. Whether your children are toddlers who need open grass and fresh air or older kids who want something a little more active, the family activities in Bruges on offer this summer will keep everyone happy. Here is our guide to the best outdoor experiences to enjoy with the family during your stay at Green Park Hotel Brugge.
Get Out on the Water
Canal Boat Trips
A canal boat trip is one of the great Bruges experiences and children tend to love it just as much as adults. The guided trips run regularly from several points around the city centre and last around 30 minutes, gliding along the famous waterways and under the low stone bridges that give Bruges its particular magic. It is a relaxed and very enjoyable way to see the city from a completely different angle and works beautifully as a starting activity to orientate the whole family before exploring on foot.
Boating at Maria Hendrikapark
Maria Hendrikapark is one of the most family-friendly spots in Bruges and the boating on the lake here is a real highlight for younger children. The park is set on a beautiful natural island with a large lake at its centre, and hiring a pedalo or rowing boat for an hour is a simple and genuinely fun activity that does not require any planning or booking in advance. The park also has a well-kept playground, open lawns for running around, and a mini driving school that younger children particularly enjoy. The Koninginnehof restaurant and terrace overlooking the water is a great spot for a family lunch before heading back into the city.
Explore by Bike
Cycling to Damme
The canal-side cycle path from Bruges to Damme is one of the most popular and enjoyable family rides in the region. The route is completely flat, well signposted, and follows a beautiful tree-lined canal for around seven kilometres, making it comfortably manageable for children of most ages. Damme itself is a charming Flemish village with a windmill, a market square, and several good spots for ice cream or a light lunch before cycling back. Bikes including children’s bikes and child seats are available to hire at Green Park Hotel Brugge, so heading out straight from the hotel is straightforward.
Cycling the Coastal Route
For families with older or more confident young riders, the coastal cycling route is a fantastic summer outing. The path follows the Belgian coast and offers wide open sea views and fresh sea air all the way along. The route is flat and well maintained, and stopping at one of the beach resorts along the way for a paddle and an ice cream makes it a very satisfying full-day adventure. Green Park Hotel Brugge sits directly on the Flanders Route and Art City Route, so you can set off from the hotel and connect to the wider coastal network with ease.
Parks, Gardens and Open Spaces
Minnewaterpark
Minnewaterpark is one of the most beautiful green spaces in Bruges and a very easy place to spend a relaxed family afternoon. The Lake of Love is home to a resident population of swans that younger children find endlessly entertaining, and the lakeside paths offer a lovely walk in the shade on a warm summer day. The park connects directly to the Begijnhof, so a walk through the tranquil walled enclosure and back around the lake makes for a very pleasant hour or two without needing to go far at all.
Queen Astrid Park
Queen Astrid Park is a well-kept and very welcoming green space in the heart of Bruges with open lawns, ornamental planting, and a pretty pond. It is a good option for families who want somewhere central to let younger children run around freely in between visits to the city’s sights. The park has a relaxed and easy-going atmosphere in summer and is popular with local families as well as visitors, giving it a genuinely lively feel on warm afternoons.
A Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
For something a little different, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic streets of Bruges is a wonderful family experience. The carriages depart from the Markt and follow a 35-minute route through some of the most beautiful parts of the city. Younger children in particular find it magical, and it gives everyone a chance to see Bruges from a slower and more memorable angle. It is a classic experience that holds up every time.
Family Day Trips from Green Park Hotel Brugge
The Belgian Coast
The Belgian coast is just 20 minutes from Green Park Hotel Brugge by car and is one of the best family day trips in the region. The wide sandy beaches at De Haan and Blankenberge are safe, spacious, and excellent for building sandcastles, paddling, and flying kites. De Haan in particular has a wonderfully relaxed character that suits families perfectly, with a car-free beach promenade and a very easy-going atmosphere. A day at the sea followed by dinner back in Bruges is a very good combination.
Boudewijn Seapark
Boudewijn Seapark in Sint-Michiels, just outside Bruges, is one of the most popular family attractions in the region. The park combines a traditional amusement park with a zoological section, offering everything from dolphin shows and sea lion presentations to roller coasters, water rides, and a dedicated area for younger children. It is a full-day destination that keeps children of all ages thoroughly entertained and is very well set up for families. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended during the summer months.
The Zwin Nature Park
For a quieter and more educational day out, the Zwin Nature Park near Knokke is a wonderful option for families with curious children. The nature reserve sits in a stunning landscape of dunes and wetlands and is home to a remarkable variety of birdlife throughout the summer. The walking trails are well maintained and accessible, and the visitor centre does an excellent job of bringing the natural history of the area to life for younger visitors. It is a genuinely beautiful place to spend a morning in the fresh coastal air.
Your Family Base This Summer
Green Park Hotel Brugge is an excellent base for a family summer break, with peaceful green surroundings, free parking when you book directly on our website, and bike hire available at the hotel including options for younger riders. We are just 6 kilometres from the city centre and within easy reach of all the family activities in Bruges and the wider region covered in this guide. Our brasserie terrace is a lovely spot to unwind at the end of a busy day, and our team is always on hand to help with recommendations, directions, or anything else that makes your stay easier.
Bruges delivers for families in a way that genuinely surprises people. The mix of canal trips, cycling routes, open parks, coastal day trips, and excellent attractions means there is always something to keep everyone happy, whatever the age gap. All you need is a good base and a willingness to explore.
Book your summer family stay at Green Park Hotel Brugge today and start looking forward to the adventures.
