Minnewater Park, also known as the Lake of Love, is the first stop on our tour of Bruges' non-obvious attractions. This picturesque corner of the city offers families a space to relax and enjoy themselves away from the tourist crowds. Legend has it that the lake was named after the tragic love story of Minna and her beloved Stromberg. According to the legend, Minna fled an arranged marriage to meet her beloved, but died of exhaustion in his arms at this very spot. Today, the park is home to majestic swans, which, according to local legend, have been a symbol of the city since the 15th century, when residents were punished with the duty of caring for these birds after a revolt against Maximilian Habsburg.

Children will be delighted to feed the swans (special food available in the area) and explore the hidden corners of the park. In spring and summer, the park blooms with thousands of colorful flowers, creating the perfect backdrop for family photographs. In winter, on the other hand, when the lake sometimes freezes over, the place takes on a fairy-tale feel. The park is also home to the historic Beginage, which, while a tourist attraction in its own right, offers a peaceful space for strolling and telling children stories about the lives of the Begins - the women who lived here in the Middle Ages.

After a relaxing stroll in Minnewater Park, head to the Gruuthuse Museum, which is housed in an impressive 15th century Gothic palace. This place is a real trip back in time for the whole family. The museum has recently been extensively renovated, making it even more welcoming to younger visitors. The name 'Gruuthuse' comes from the medieval monopoly on 'gruut' - a mixture of herbs used to brew beer before the introduction of hops - which makes for a fascinating starting point for stories about medieval brewing for older children.

The museum offers special tours for families with children, during which the little ones can learn about history through interactive tasks and puzzles. Of particular interest is the bridge connecting the palace to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from which the Gruuthuse family could attend services without leaving their residence - a fact that always fascinates children. The museum features more than 600 artifacts, including furniture, tapestries, stained glass, and everyday objects that show what life was like for the wealthy residents of Bruges over the centuries.

Unlike many traditional museums, Gruuthuse encourages interaction - children can try on replicas of medieval costumes, touch some of the exhibits and participate in themed workshops held on weekends. The museum also offers special audio guides for children, which tell the history of the building and its inhabitants in an accessible way. The price of admission to the museum is average, but it's worth knowing that on the first Sunday of the month admission is cheaper, which makes this place even more attractive for families on a tight budget.

The next point on our family adventure is the Volkskundemuseum, or Folklore Museum, which is a real gem among Bruges attractions for families. Housed in sixteen historic houses dating back to the 17th century, the museum offers a fascinating journey back in time to the daily life of Flemish people at the turn of the 20th century. Unlike many traditional museums, which can seem boring to children, the Volkskundemuseum is designed with an interactive experience in mind, making it ideal for families.

Inside the museum, children can explore the authentically decorated interiors of old houses, craft workshops, a bakery, a pharmacy, a school and even a former movie theater. A special attraction is the old school classroom, where children can sit in wooden desks and imagine what education was like more than a century ago. The museum is also famous for its collection of more than 700 old toys and games, which fascinate both children and adults.

One of the most unique aspects of the museum is the opportunity to participate in traditional workshops. Depending on the day and season, families can learn how to weave lace (a traditional Flemish craft), bake traditional cakes according to old recipes, or create toys from materials used before the plastic age. These hands-on experiences make history come alive in the hands of young explorers.

The museum also has a charming courtyard, where demonstrations of old-time backyard games are held on warmer days. Children can try their hand at the games their great-grandparents played, which is not only entertaining, but also a valuable history lesson. Ticket prices are affordable, and admission is free for children under 6, making this an attractive place for families with young children.

After exploring the museum's nooks and crannies, it's time to discover one of Bruges' best-preserved medieval city gates - the Ezelpoort, or Donkey Gate. This majestic 13th century structure is part of the city's original fortifications and is much less crowded than the famous Kruispoort. The gate takes its name from the donkeys that used to enter the city through this gate, carrying goods from neighboring villages, especially vegetables and fruits to the city's markets.

Ezelpoort offers children the opportunity to feel like real knights or princesses entering a medieval city. Preserved defensive elements, such as gunpowers and fragments of the former drawbridge, stimulate the imagination and provide an excellent opportunity to tell children about the defense systems of medieval cities. The top of the gate offers a picturesque view of the canals and surrounding windmills, providing a great spot for family photos away from the crowds.

Near the gate is a small but charming park where children can relax and play outdoors. Locals often come here for picnics, providing an opportunity to observe authentic Bruges life away from the tourist trails. The area around the gate is also a great place to start a family treasure-hunting adventure - you can ask your children to look out for distinctive pieces of architecture or animals carved in stone, turning an ordinary walk into an exciting game.

It is worth knowing that there is also a small cafe near Ezelpoort, where you can relax and enjoy local specialties. The place is much less crowded and less expensive than the cafes in the city center, making it an ideal stop on a family trip. The gate itself is available to visit free of charge, an added benefit for families traveling on a budget.

The Holy Blood Basilica is a place that combines spirituality, history and mystery, offering families with children a unique cultural experience. This two-story chapel, located on Burg Square, hides one of Christianity's most precious relics - an ampoule that, according to tradition, contains the blood of Christ brought back from Jerusalem during the Second Crusade in 1150. The story, told in an accessible way, can fascinate even the youngest visitors.

The basilica consists of two chapels: the lower, Romanesque chapel from the 12th century, which has retained its austere original character, and the upper chapel, which was rebuilt in Gothic style in the 15th century and then renovated in Neo-Gothic style in the 19th century. This architectural diversity provides an excellent opportunity to introduce children to the secrets of different building styles and tell them how architecture has changed over the centuries.

The most fascinating part for children is undoubtedly the relic itself, which is displayed for public adoration on Fridays and on certain holidays. Even if one misses a day when the relic is displayed, the very place where it is kept - a richly decorated reliquary - is an object of awe. Children are usually fascinated by the stories of how the relic survived the turmoil of history, including the period of the French Revolution, when it was hidden from destruction.

The basilica also has a small museum that displays historical liturgical paraments, including richly embroidered vestments and precious liturgical vessels. Children may find particularly interesting the elements associated with the annual procession of the Holy Blood, which has been held in Bruges for more than 700 years and is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Heritage Site. The colorful costumes, masks and props used during the procession often capture the attention of the little ones.

Admission to the basilica itself is free, although there is a small fee to enter the museum. So it's an economical option for families who want to combine sightseeing with elements of religious and historical education. The basilica is also a good place to talk to children about the importance of faith and tradition in European culture, regardless of their own religious beliefs.

The final point on our family adventure through Bruges' non-obvious places is the Wijngaardplein, or Vineyard Square. Located in the heart of the city's historic center, this charming little square offers a quiet alternative to the crowded Grote Markt. The square is named after the vineyards that were once located here, which may be surprising news to many, given that Belgium is not a country associated with wine production.

The square is surrounded by beautiful historic buildings, including the former home of the wine merchants. A special attraction for families is the 'Wijnvat' (Wine Barrel) fountain, a contemporary sculpture depicting a barrel from which water gushes. On warm days, children love to play near it, which gives parents a moment to relax on one of the surrounding benches.

Wijngaardplein is also home to several cozy cafes and restaurants that offer kid-friendly venues with menus tailored to younger palates. Unlike the establishments at the main tourist plazas, those at Wijngaardplein are more authentic and often less expensive, making them ideal for a family meal.

The square is close to the Beginage, making it an excellent starting or ending point for a family stroll through this part of the city. During the holiday season, Wijngaardplein gains extra charm with decorations and a small fair that attracts tourists and locals alike.

Comparing all six of the described attractions, it is worth noting that each offers something unique for families with children. Minnewater Park and Wijngaardplein are great places for relaxation and free play, while the Gruuthuse and Volkskundemuseum museums provide educational experiences in an interactive format. Ezelpoort lets you transport yourself back to the days of medieval knights, while the Basilica of the Holy Blood introduces a spiritual and mysterious element. In terms of cost, Ezelpoort and Wijngaardplein are completely free, Minnewater Park only requires the cost of any swan food, the Basilica has free admission to the main part, and the museums offer tickets in the mid-price range, with discounts for children and on certain days.