Ghentau is a city that can delight the youngest travelers with its rich history given in an accessible and engaging way. The first point you absolutely must visit is the majestic Gravensteen Castle. This 12th-century fortress is not only an impressive building, but a real trip back in time. The castle, whose name literally means 'Castle of the Counts,' has served a variety of functions over the centuries - from a royal residence to a prison to a cotton factory. Today it is a place that fascinates both adults and children.

What sets Gravensteen apart from other European castles? First of all, perfectly preserved dungeons, a torture chamber and a collection of medieval weapons that allow you to imagine what life was like in the Middle Ages. Of particular interest to families with children is the audio guide, which tells the history of the castle in an entertaining way. Interestingly, there is a special version for children, which presents the dark secrets of the place in an accessible way. The observation deck at the top of the tower offers a panoramic view of the city that will delight any little explorer.

From the castle, head to St. Bavon's Cathedral, which hides one of the most valuable treasures of Flemish art - the famous 'Ghent Altarpiece' by the van Eyck brothers. While the cathedral itself may seem too serious for children, specially prepared educational materials make it possible for even the youngest to appreciate the beauty of the place. The cathedral hides a fascinating history - it was built on the site of the former church of St. John the Baptist, and its construction took several centuries, as can be seen in the mix of architectural styles.

Children may find the crypt of the cathedral particularly interesting, where there are remains of earlier buildings and tombs of important personalities. Legend has it that the cathedral's vaults hid treasures that were never found. This tale is sure to spark the imagination of little adventurers. Also worth noting are the richly decorated stained glass windows, which on sunny days create a magical play of light inside the temple.

Round off your historical journey with a stroll across Saint Michael's Bridge, which offers one of the most iconic views of Ghent. This stone bridge, built in the early 20th century, offers panoramic views of the city's three towers - St. Bavo Cathedral, the Belfort Bell Tower and St. Nicholas Church. It's the perfect place for a family photo to capture your visit to this Flemish city. The bridge is also the starting point for boat cruises on Ghent's canals, which can be a great alternative to exploring on foot, especially when little legs get tired.

The historic part of Ghent is not only monumental buildings, but also charming backstreets and squares, where you can feel the spirit of the medieval city. Note the colorful facades of houses along the canals and the characteristic gables of guild buildings. Children may also find fascinating the numerous sculptures and architectural details that adorn the historic buildings - from grotesque gargoyles to the coats of arms of the old craft guilds.

Ghentau is not only historical landmarks, but also modern, interactive museums that bring knowledge about the city and the world in an accessible way. One such place is STAM - Ghent City Museum, which tells the city's history in an innovative way. It's a museum that breaks the stereotype of a boring cultural institution, offering instead an engaging experience for the whole family.

What sets STAM apart from other museums? First and foremost, a giant aerial photograph of Ghent placed on the floor that you can walk on, discovering the city from a whole new perspective. It's an attraction that delights both children and adults. The museum also offers a special Lego corner, where the little ones can build their own city, giving vent to their creativity. The exhibits are designed to be accessible to different age groups, and the interactive elements make learning fun.

STAM is housed in the historic complex of the former Bijloke Abbey and Hospital, which adds an extra historical dimension to the tour. The museum perfectly combines modern technology with historical heritage, creating a space where the past meets the present. Families with children will find the special tours and workshops organized on weekends and during the vacations particularly valuable.

Another fascinating place is The World of Kina: the House, a natural history museum that is sure to delight little explorers. This is a place where children can learn the secrets of the natural world through interactive exhibits and experiments. The museum is housed in a beautiful historic building on Sint-Pietersplein Square, which is an interesting contrast to the modern displays inside.

What makes The World of Kina a unique place? First of all, the approach to education through play. Here children can touch the exhibits, conduct simple science experiments and discover the fascinating world of plants, animals and geology. Of particular interest is the exhibition on dinosaurs and the collection of minerals and fossils. The museum also offers special educational programs and workshops to deepen the knowledge gained during the tour.

It is worth mentioning that The World of Kina also has a second location, The Garden, which is located in another part of the city and focuses on the world of plants. Combining a visit to both locations can create a complete picture of the natural diversity of our planet.

For families interested in art and design, Ghent also offers a number of galleries and exhibition spaces that organize special programs for children. Although the Design Museum Gent is currently closed for renovations (scheduled to reopen in 2026), keep an eye out for information on temporary exhibitions held at other locations.

Ghent's famous graffiti street, Werregarenstraat (known as 'Graffiti Street'), is also an interesting alternative to traditional museums. This is a legitimate canvas for street art artists that is constantly changing, offering a new visual experience each time. A stroll down this colorful street can be a fascinating lesson in contemporary art for children of all ages. Interestingly, the street has been operating as a legal space for artists since 1995, making it one of the oldest of its kind in Europe.

Also worth mentioning is the House of Alijn, a museum that presents daily life in Ghent in the 20th century. Children will find the interactive elements particularly appealing, including a dress-up clothes chest and old photographs and films showing what life was like for their peers decades ago. The museum is free for children, making it an accessible attraction for families.

After an intensive tour of historical monuments and interactive museums, families with children need a moment to relax outdoors. Fortunately, Ghent offers several unique parks and green spaces that are ideal for both active recreation and relaxation.

Citadelpark is one of Ghent's most famous parks, located in the southern part of the city. This expansive green space was established in the 19th century on the site of a former citadel (hence its name), and today it is a true oasis of calm in an urban setting. What distinguishes Citadelpark? First of all, its diversity - you'll find formal gardens with fountains and sculptures, as well as more natural areas with large trees and a pond.

Families with children will find the large playground particularly appealing, offering a variety of activities for toddlers of all ages. The park is also home to the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) and the Museum of Contemporary Art (S.M.A.K.), making it an ideal place to combine contact with nature and culture. On warm days, bring a blanket and have a family picnic on one of the many lawns.

The Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve, located on the northwestern edge of the city, has a completely different character. This is a true wild oasis that will delight families interested in nature and bird watching. Extensive wetlands and meadows are home to more than 100 species of birds, making this place a paradise for small ornithologists. Marked paths and wooden bridges allow exploration of this unique ecosystem without disturbing the natural environment.

Interestingly, Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen changes its character depending on the season - in spring it delights with flowering meadows, in summer with lush vegetation, in autumn with the colors of falling leaves, and in winter, when the wetlands freeze, it becomes a favorite place for ice skaters. For families with children, there are special educational materials and observation points from which to view waterfowl. This is an ideal place to teach children respect for nature and show them the importance of protecting natural ecosystems.

A slightly less well-known but equally charming place is Muinkpark, an intimate park located in the southern part of the city center. It's a small but charming space with a fountain, a pond and well-kept alleys, perfect for a short rest while visiting. The park was established in the 19th century and has retained its historic character, making it a unique place on the map of Ghent's green spaces.

For families with children, Muinkpark offers an intimate playground and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect when you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's also a great place to observe the local fauna - squirrels and various species of birds are frequent visitors here. The park is especially beautiful in spring, when tulips and other bulbous flowers bloom, creating a colorful carpet.

Also worth mentioning is the Ghent University Botanical Garden, which, although small, is stunning in its variety of plants. The greenhouses with tropical and subtropical plants are especially attractive to children, who can see exotic species here that they won't encounter every day. The garden is free to the public, making it an accessible attraction for families.

Comparing Ghent's parks, each offers a slightly different experience: Citadelpark is the most extensive in terms of infrastructure and attractions for children, Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen delights with its wildlife and bird-watching opportunities, and Muinkpark offers an intimate atmosphere in the heart of the city. The choice depends on your family's preferences and the time you have available - ideally, you should visit each of them to experience the diversity of Ghent's green spaces.

Whichever park you choose, each is the perfect complement to your urban adventure, offering a moment of respite amidst the greenery and a chance to be active outdoors. It's the combination of historic landmarks, interactive museums and beautiful green spaces that makes Ghent the perfect place for family exploration.