Child-friendly walking routes
There’s nothing more fun than a day in the woods with your little bundles of energy. Get some fresh air, look for pine cones and play hide-and-seek behind thick trees. Or simply enjoy the forest together.
We have mapped out five super-fun walks that you can do together with your kids. No ‘Mum, is it still far?’ or ‘Dad, my feet hurt!’. They’re bite-sized walks – not too long, not too short – full of discoveries and, of course, with plenty of spots for a fun picnic with the whole family.
Is everyone ready? Let’s start walking!
In the Flemish Ardennes, you’ll find forests and nature reserves galore. Fortunately, there’s are pubs or restaurants nearby where you can refuel afterwards. But first: get going with the littlest ones. The first stop is Ename.
1 Walking in t'Ename Forest
At 4.6 km, this route is perfect for young and old. You'll start in the centre of Ename and walk to the forest nearby. In the Woudlopen walking guide, you’ll discover the complete route.
Experience wonderful stories of the past, lush nature and good food. It’s served to you on a platter on this walk. Moreover, the little ones will enjoy the magically beautiful forest.
At 4.6 km, this route is perfect for young and old. You'll start in the centre of Ename and walk to the forest nearby. In the Woudlopen walking guide, you’ll discover the complete route.
Experience wonderful stories of the past, lush nature and good food. It’s served to you on a platter on this walk. Moreover, the little ones will enjoy the magically beautiful forest.
2 Walking along the Rooigemsebeek
The original walking route is 13 km long. But depending on your party, you can whittle that down to 6 or 3 km. That’s feasible, isn’t it? Go to Mullem and start at the church. You'll pass castle estates and windmills. There is plenty for everyone to see and experience. You can even spot the typical towers of Ghent in the distance. And when it’s time for a delicious picnic, sit down at one of the many picnic tables along the way.
The original walking route is 13 km long. But depending on your party, you can whittle that down to 6 or 3 km. That’s feasible, isn’t it? Go to Mullem and start at the church. You'll pass castle estates and windmills. There is plenty for everyone to see and experience. You can even spot the typical towers of Ghent in the distance. And when it’s time for a delicious picnic, sit down at one of the many picnic tables along the way.
3 Walking past Gavers and Nuchten
A challenging and playful walk that your little ones will thoroughly enjoy starts in Geraardsbergen. You set off in the direction of Provincial Domain De Gavers. There you’ll find, among other things, a playground where the initial surplus of energy can be consumed.
Next step: De Nuchten nature reserve, which you can explore from a nice corduroy path. Spot birds together, enjoy the beautiful nature and relax afterwards in a pub nearby. Please note: this 14 km route is a strenuous hike. Fortunately, you can divide it in half if you want.
A challenging and playful walk that your little ones will thoroughly enjoy starts in Geraardsbergen. You set off in the direction of Provincial Domain De Gavers. There you’ll find, among other things, a playground where the initial surplus of energy can be consumed.
Next step: De Nuchten nature reserve, which you can explore from a nice corduroy path. Spot birds together, enjoy the beautiful nature and relax afterwards in a pub nearby. Please note: this 14 km route is a strenuous hike. Fortunately, you can divide it in half if you want.
4 Walking in the Muziekbos
A forest full of music? No, not really. But it’s a forest that’s absolutely worth exploring, full of beautiful nature, challenging hills to climb and a tower that appears to be straight out of a fairy tale. Don’t forget to visit the cool ‘play forest’: a vast play area where your children can climb, clamber, horse around, build camps and much more. Afterwards, you can relax with ice cream, a soft drink, or a regional beer (we haven’t forgotten mum and dad!).
A forest full of music? No, not really. But it’s a forest that’s absolutely worth exploring, full of beautiful nature, challenging hills to climb and a tower that appears to be straight out of a fairy tale. Don’t forget to visit the cool ‘play forest’: a vast play area where your children can climb, clamber, horse around, build camps and much more. Afterwards, you can relax with ice cream, a soft drink, or a regional beer (we haven’t forgotten mum and dad!).
5 Walking along the Zwalmbeek
The Zwalmbeek is a beautiful stream that meanders through the landscape. This beautiful section of the Flemish Ardennes immediately conquers your heart, especially when you see the picturesque watermills along the water’s edge. Will you attempt the 13 km hike – or would you prefer the shorter, 5.5 km version? Visit Zwalmmolen and play with water on your walk.
The Zwalmbeek is a beautiful stream that meanders through the landscape. This beautiful section of the Flemish Ardennes immediately conquers your heart, especially when you see the picturesque watermills along the water’s edge. Will you attempt the 13 km hike – or would you prefer the shorter, 5.5 km version? Visit Zwalmmolen and play with water on your walk.
Flemish Ardennes: always a success with little explorers
The Flemish Ardennes have loads of fun activities to offer. It’s the ideal region for a day of adventure with little ones. Do you know which child-friendly walk you will choose? Whichever walk you start with, don’t forget your picnic!
Walking in t'Ename Forest
Walking along the Rooigemsebeek
Walking past Gavers and Nuchten
Walking along the Zwalmbeek
Walking between De Helix and Bosberg
5 slow down walking routes
Walking through Kruislieveheers
Walking past basket weavers, willow plantations and windmills
Walking past small, charming villages
