After-school Activities in Brussels
There are many things for children to do after school as well as on weekends. Often events may be organized by the school, or you may have the children enrolled in group activities such as sports clubs after school. Specific extra-curricular activities provided by schools can be provided by the different schools, though many of the international schools have their sporting facilities as well as other activities on offer. A good resource for family activities is http://www.famidoo.be/fr/accueil.html?IDC=18.
Below is a list of some after-school activities as well as places you can take children on weekends.
British and Commonwealth Women’s Club of Brussels – A group popular with expat women where they can meet other women as well as take kids for playgroups etc. http://www.bcwcb.org/
1st Brussels British Scouts – For boys and girls, this scout group follows the same programme as scouts in England. Website: http://www.firstbrussels.be/
Girlguiding Brussels – This girl guide group is part of the British Guides in Foreign Countries and is for girls aged between 5 and 24 years of age, going from Rainbows, Brownies, Guides to the Senior Section. Telephone: 0477320129.
For more scout groups go to http://www.famidoo.be/fr/guides-and-scouts-for-kids.html?IDC=7145
Tightrope – This is a theatre group for kids aged between 6 and 17 where they learn applied theatre and drama practices. Website: http://www.tightrope.be/content/asbl-vzw/home.php
Aquarium Public de Brussels – Featuring marine life from around the world, entry starts at 5€ for children. http://www.aquariologie.be/Index_Nl.html
Aventure Parc – Outdoor obstacle and adventure park just outside Brussels featuring ropes courses and bungee jumping. Children are required to be 8 years old and over 150cm tall with arms raised. Prices start at 19€. It also caters to parties, weddings etc. Rue St. Anne 152, 1300 Wavre. http://www.aventureparc.be/famillies_birthday_children_en_43.html
The Belgian Comic Strip Center – A major tourist attraction housed inside over 4,000 square metres of an old art nouveau building, this museum brings together the world famous collection of Belgian comic strips and chronicles their history. Entry begins at 3€. Rue des Sables 20, B-1000 Brussels. http://www.comicscenter.net/en/home
Bruparck – A massive park just outside the city featuring Mini Europe, a miniature model of European architectural attractions, Oceade (http://www.oceade.be/en/index.php), a water park, Kinepolis, a cinema complex, the Atomium (http://www.atomium.be/Main.aspx?lang=en), a huge model of an oxygen atom with great views of the city and much more.
The Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate– This museum takes you through the history of chocolate, from the Aztecs and Mayas to chocolate in Europe today. Chocolate has a fine tradition in Belgium and included in the tour is a demonstration on how pralines are made the traditional way by a master chocolate maker. http://www.mucc.be/EN/index_en.htm
Royal Theater of Toone – Featuring shows in Dutch, German, English, Italian and Spanish, this Royal Theater of Toone has been home to Brussels puppeteers since 1830. Its origins date back to Spanish times and has been established in the city center since 1966. Rue du Marche aux Herbes 66, 1000 Brussels http://www.toone.be
The Scientastic Museum – A museum where children and adults can interact with 101 scientific exhibits on light, optics, sound, vision, illusions and smell. Starting at just over 5€, it is an amazing journey of discovery of our senses, guaranteed to appeal to the whole family. http://www.scientastic.com/EN/IntroE.htm
Walibi – Theme park on the outskirts of Brussels featuring over 50 rides, many of which are suitable for younger children. It also features the Aquilibi tropical themed waterpark with a large jacuzzi, wave pool, and rivers. Tickets begin at 28€. Rue Joseph Deschamps 9, 1300 Wavre.
