Give each child their own backpack with a snack, binoculars or let them find the nodes along the way, and as if that's not enough adventure, each hike offers the opportunity to take the sleuthing to the next level thanks to a photo quest. Taking a break along the way for a pancake or ice cream is guaranteed to put a smile on their faces.
Download the hike sheet with photo bingo for each hike and get going right away!
5 hiking tips with photo quest
1. Brabant draught horse walk - Lennik - 4,4 km
Walk along winding paths, grand forest drives and fairytale-like castle estates. With a bit of luck, during this walk you will meet the grandest inhabitants of the region: the Brabant draught horses. The giant horses have a gentle nature and if you see them during the hike, you may even be able to pet them.
The Brabantine draught horses may not be completely white, but who knows, they may still show little princes and princesses the way to Gaasbeek Castle. Once a real defensive fortress, today it is protected with pointed fences that curious sleuths are sure to notice.
The trail takes you on well-worn paths, with a slight incline here and there.
Along the way, make a stop at Gaasbeek' s Krijmerie for a refreshing ice cream with colorful disco balls.
Download the hike sheet:
Brabant Draught Horse Hike (PDF, 745 KB)
2. Zenne Walk - Beersel - 4,8 km
Animal lovers, beware, because during this walk in the Zenne Valley, herons, ducks and fish await you. Can you spot the fish? Yes? You couldn't in the past, because back then the river was hugely polluted... What a difference from today!
But the highlight of this hike is the impressive Beersel Castle. Did you know that this castle with its towers and ancient walls still looks as it did 500 years ago? Proof that getting older does not affect beauty.
The Zennewalk runs on a mostly flat terrain, ideal for little strollers. Along the way, children can expend their energy in the playground near the castle.
After the hike, sit at a round dining table and enjoy pancakes with ice cream in the castle brasserie.
Download the hike sheet:
Zennewalk (PDF, 1 MB)
3. Warande Walk - Tervuren - 5.8 km
The beautiful Park of Tervuren was once the hunting grounds of the nobility. Now it is a paradise for birds, squirrels and other forest dwellers. You can spot a wily forest dweller on a tombstone wall. Do you know who we are talking about?
The castle of the Dukes of Brabant used to offer protection here in turbulent times, but it has since disappeared. Another impressive building now stands in the park: the AfricaMuseum. The Warande Walk takes you along wide avenues, past ponds and through a beautiful stretch of forest. The grounds are mostly flat and accessible.
Time for playtime? Attached to the park is a playground where children can have a blast.
During the hike, weld in a stop for a tasty pancake at the Spanish House or after the hike, treat yourself and the little adventurers to an ice cream at Mokkatoff!
Download the hike sheet:
Warande Walk Tervuren (PDF, 757 KB)
4. Zoet Water Walk - Oud-Heverlee - 4,4 km
The Zoet Water hike starts at the municipal recreation park Zoet Water, where children can immediately enjoy themselves on play equipment, trampolines or the wooden course. Make sure your kids have some energy left, because the last stop on your hike is also a play area where children can playfully immerse themselves in the forest and nature.
During your walk, pass by the protected Chapel of Steenbergen and the Minne spring. The clear spring water is an ideal thirst quencher! Find the source, take a sip and who knows, your children may soon have a first vacation sweetheart....
Those who prefer something other than spring water can settle down on one of the terraces of the catering establishments along the ponds. A recommended end to the hike.
Download the hike sheet:
Sweet Water Walk (PDF, 924 KB)
5. Hollow ways walk - Vilvoorde - 6,5 km
It's time to explore the world together. Stroll through the graceful French garden or get carried away by the English landscape park. Continue your route towards the iconic VTM building, where programs such as The Masked Singer come to life.
And then: into the silence. You step from culture to nature, because behind the media buildings begins the valley of the Tangebeek, a swampy nature reserve with beautiful hollow roads.
A playground is the perfect endpoint for a walk with children. In Park Drie Fonteinen, your children can have a great time while you enjoy an aperitif on the brasserie terrace.
The trail is easy to walk on, so it's ideal for the whole family.
Download the hiking sheet:
Hollow roads hike (PDF, 643 KB)
