Bruges in 2 Days — Family-friendly, stroller-ready Spring itinerary
A practical 2-day plan for families visiting Bruges in May (Spring). Short transfers, frequent breaks, interactive kid-friendly museums, outdoor play, gentle canal time, and child-friendly meals. Built-in naps/snack buffers, stroller and changing-table tips, and quieter alternatives to busy sights.
Highlights
- Gentle canal boat ride to orient everyone
- Hands-on chocolate museum and Toy Museum for sensory fun
- Frietmuseum (fun learning about Belgian fries)
- Minnewaterpark and historic windmills — lots of running space and a playground
- One afternoon at Boudewijn Seapark for animal shows and safe rides
Itinerary
Day 1
Settle into central Bruges, start with a relaxing canal trip, sweet treats, interactive museums and an early dinner. Pace allows stroller naps and snack breaks.
Canal boat tour — gentle orientation for the family
A covered, 30–45 minute canal cruise that shows the city from the water (easy on motion sickness, stroller can be folded and kept on board). Good first activity to relax after arrival.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller hack: most boats accept folded strollers — fold at the dock and ask the crew where to stow them; bring a small strap to keep straps tidy.
- Restroom note: boats don’t have restrooms — use toilets at the nearby ticket kiosk or inside the Tourist Info on the Markt before boarding.
- Weather: in May it can be breezy on the water — pack a light windbreaker for kids; seats under cover protect from spring drizzle.
Markt (Market Square) — open space, sights and a slow stroll
Central square with space for kids to run a little, horse-drawn carriages and the Belfry visible (exterior viewing only if avoiding stairs). Perfect short walk after the boat.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller route: the square is mostly cobbles but wide — use stroller with larger wheels if possible; avoid the very center during market stalls.
- Toilet/changing: public toilets and family facilities are inside some surrounding cafes — ask politely to use facilities if you buy a small drink.
- Crowds: May mornings are calmer; if the square fills, take the quieter side streets toward Burg Square for the same sights with fewer people.
Snack break — waffles at Chez Albert
Famous fresh Belgian waffles served to-go or eaten seated nearby — a quick, kid-approved energy boost with options to customize for allergies.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids' choice: order plain or with banana to keep sugar manageable for younger kids (ages 2+).
- Allergies: they can adjust toppings; ask for nut-free handling if needed and watch cross-contamination with spreads.
- Seating: mostly standing counters — bring a small travel blanket to sit on a nearby bench in case of stroller naps.
Lunch — family-friendly sit-down at Brasserie Raymond
Comfortable brasserie with children's portions/high chairs and a calm atmosphere for a longer midday rest (good time for a nap in a stroller).
Tips from local experts:
- High chairs & menu: they offer child portions — request a high chair when you book or arrive to avoid waiting.
- Nap-friendly: ask for a quiet corner table where a toddler can nap in the stroller without blocking aisles.
- Allergy flexibility: kitchen is used to family requests — mention allergies when ordering for simple substitutions.
Choco-Story — interactive chocolate museum
Hands-on chocolate museum with kid-friendly exhibits and tastings — a top sensory hit for ages 3+. Includes demonstrations children enjoy.
Tips from local experts:
- Age range: best for ages 3–12 (tastings and demo attention spans); toddlers enjoy smells and visual displays.
- Facilities: there are toilets and usually an upstairs space for stroller parking; check for changing tables at the museum entrance.
- Queue & crowds: pick an early afternoon slot to avoid late-afternoon tour buses; buy timed tickets if you want certainty.
Speelgoedmuseum — Toy Museum short visit
Compact toy museum with vintage and modern playthings; children can see toys through the decades — great for ages 2–10 and a calmer indoor option before dinner.
Tips from local experts:
- Younger kids: best for ages 2–10; allow toddlers to touch safe display items if supervised in designated areas.
- Stroller note: narrow rooms—fold strollers at the entrance and use a sling if possible for moving easily between rooms.
- Quiet moment: great place for a low-stimulation wind-down before an early dinner — look for benches in exhibit rooms to sit.
Early dinner — De Vlaamsche Pot (child-friendly Flemish food)
Traditional Belgian dishes with kids’ portions and a warm, roomy interior. Early dinner keeps the evening calm for bedtime routines.
Tips from local experts:
- Early seating: book a table for 18:00 to catch quieter service and simpler plates for picky eaters.
- High chairs & substitutions: they provide high chairs and are used to adjusting dishes for children and common allergies.
- Relaxing end: request a table away from the service station for a calmer meal while wrapping up the day’s photos and souvenirs.
Day 2
A hands-on morning followed by outdoor play and a bigger family attraction in the afternoon. Built-in travel/break times and an early dinner to keep bedtime routines consistent.
Frietmuseum — fun, short educational stop
Small, interactive museum dedicated to the story of Belgian fries — surprisingly engaging for kids (ages 4+). Finish with a small fry tasting.
Tips from local experts:
- Age range: best for ages 4–12 — short exhibits hold attention and the tasting is a highlight.
- Accessible route: the museum has some steps; check entrance staff for the best stroller access or stroller parking.
- Allergy-aware: fry toppings are simple — ask the counter to prepare fries without cross-contact if needed.
Minnewaterpark (Lake of Love) — playground and open grass
Lovely park with water views, swans, and a nearby playground — ideal for running, picnicking, stroller naps and gentle exploring.
Tips from local experts:
- Playtime: playground equipment suits toddlers to early elementary ages (1.5–10); bring a snack and allow free play to burn energy.
- Stroller route & shade: paved paths encircle the lake and provide shaded benches for breastfeeding or nap time.
- Quiet-and-sightseeing: explore the quieter side paths toward the Beguinage (Begijnhof) if the park center is busy.
Lunch — Le Pain Quotidien (kids’ choices & familiar food)
Reliable options for simple, allergy-friendly sandwiches and soups; children’s portions and easy seating make for a calm midday meal.
Tips from local experts:
- High chairs & menu: Le Pain Quotidien offers simple dishes that work well for picky eaters and high chairs are available.
- Allergies: they list ingredients and can help with gluten-free or dairy-light choices; ask staff at ordering.
- Pacing: keep lunch a short 45-minute break so the afternoon park or theme venue stays relaxed — use the stroller for a quick nap after.
Boudewijn Seapark — animal shows, aquarium and gentle rides
Full afternoon at a family park with dolphin/sea-lion shows, aquarium areas and a safe kiddie ride zone — best for ages 2–12 and a highlight for animal lovers.
Tips from local experts:
- Age range & planning: great for ages 2–12; plan the animal shows into your schedule and arrive 15 minutes early to get seats away from splash zones if sensitive children are present.
- Facilities: park has baby-changing rooms and accessible toilets — check the map at entry to locate them quickly.
- Transfer & stroller: park is a short drive from the center (bus or taxi recommended) — bring a lightweight stroller for getting around the park paths.
Early dinner — De Koetse (relaxed family-friendly dining)
Comfortable restaurant near the historic center with room for strollers and a menu that includes simple, child-friendly Flemish dishes.
Tips from local experts:
- Book early: reserve for around 18:30 to avoid crowds and secure a family-friendly table near the entrance for easy stroller access.
- Kids menu & substitutions: the kitchen is used to families — ask for plain versions of dishes or smaller portions if needed.
- Wind-down: pick a quieter corner table to review photos and gently end the day so kids are ready for bed after returning to your lodging.
