Belgium is a country full of surprises, and one of the most fascinating is the opportunity to travel on the Three Valleys Steam Railway. This historic 14-kilometer-long railroad runs from Mariembourg to Treignes, crossing the picturesque Viroin-Hermeton nature park and the charming villages of Wallonia. A trip on the historic train is a real trip back in time - the clatter of wheels, smoke from the chimney and the characteristic whistle of the locomotive create an atmosphere that takes you back to the early 20th century. Interestingly, the railroad was established in 1836 as part of the line connecting Antwerp with Givet in France, and for decades served as an important transportation route. Today, after careful restoration, it is a living museum of railroad technology. Once you get to Treignes, be sure to visit the railroad museum, where children can see how the old machines worked and learn about the history of the Belgian railroads.

No less exciting an adventure is a ride on the Molignée Valley's railroad tracks in a thrilling thrill ride in a handcar. These special rail bicycles, known locally as 'draisines,' are a unique attraction that combines physical activity with admiring beautiful landscapes. There is a choice of 6-, 8- or 14-kilometer routes, so every family can customize a trip to suit their abilities. The road leads along a scenic river, through tunnels and past the ruins of the medieval abbey of Maredsous. Legend has it that the abbey's ruins hid Templar treasure, which is still waiting for explorers today. Although only a story, it is sure to spark the imagination of the youngest adventurers.

Speaking of water attractions, it's impossible to miss the Eau d'Heure Lakes - a complex of five artificial reservoirs created by a dam on the river of the same name. This is the largest artificial body of water in Belgium, offering a myriad of activities from swimming, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing. There are easy hiking and biking trails around the lakes, perfect for family outings. Few people know that the construction of the dam and the creation of the lakes in the 1970s required the displacement of an entire village - its remains can be seen on special tours when the water level is extremely low.

For nature lovers, a true paradise will be the Chlorophylle Park in the Ardennes. This Belgian theme park dedicated to the forest environment offers 30 different activities along a 3-kilometer-long trail. Children can walk through a sensory tunnel full of plants, learn about the plans of animal burrows, walk on a platform among the treetops and learn how to determine the age of a tree. The park was created on the initiative of local foresters who wanted to educate about the importance of forests to the ecosystem in an accessible way. One of the most unusual attractions is a giant ant model, the inside of which you can walk through, learning about the life of these fascinating insects. The park also offers interactive stations where you can listen to the sounds of the forest and learn to identify bird species by their song.

One of the most picturesque places in Belgium is the Citadel of Dinant and its surrounding village. Located on a rocky hill above the River Meuse (Meuse), the citadel offers breathtaking views of the valley. The fortress can be reached by cable car, which in itself is already an attraction for children. The history of the site dates back to the 11th century, when the first defensive castle was built. The current fortification dates from the 19th century and was built by the Dutch on the site of a medieval fortress destroyed by the French. Inside, visitors can see an exhibition on the history of the city and the region, including the famous Battle of Dinant in 1914, when German troops massacred civilians.

Not far from Dinant is the fascinating rock formation of Rocher Bayard. This 40-meter tall, narrow rock, according to legend, was split by the hooves of the magical Bayard horse, belonging to the four sons of Aymon, the heroes of medieval legend. The horse was said to have done this while fleeing from the pursuing Charlemagne. Interestingly, traces resembling hoofprints can be seen in the rock. In fact, the formation was formed by natural erosion processes, but the legend adds to the mystery and charm of the place. Every year in August, a festival commemorating the story is held here, with a parade and performances for children.

No less fascinating is the Vêves Castle, a medieval structure with five tall towers that looks like it was taken alive from a fairy tale. Dating back to the 7th century, the castle has been rebuilt many times, and its current shape dates mainly from the 15th and 16th centuries. During the tour, children can dress up as princesses or knights (or princesses and princes), making the visit a real adventure. In the chambers of the castle you can admire original furniture, armor and everyday objects from different eras. According to local stories, the castle is home to the ghost of the White Lady - the daughter of one of the former owners, who died out of love for a poor troubadour. She is said to appear on moonless nights, playing the lute.

Brussels' Grand Place is one of the most beautiful places in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by richly decorated guild buildings dating back to the 17th century, the City Hall and the Royal House, the square is stunning in its architecture. Few people know that every two years in August, the square turns into a giant carpet of flowers, consisting of nearly a million begonias, forming stunning patterns. This tradition dates back to 1971 and attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. A special attraction for children is the search for the statue of Manneken Pis, the famous peeing boy, which is located near the square. This small fountain has more than 900 costumes in its closet, which it is dressed up in on various occasions.

The Mardasson Memorial in Bastogne is a monumental star-shaped monument commemorating the Battle of the Ardennes, one of the bloodiest battles of World War II. It was erected in 1950 to honor the more than 76,000 American soldiers who were killed, wounded or missing during this battle. The names of all 50 U.S. states are engraved on the inner walls of the memorial, while the names of U.S. units involved in the battle are engraved on the outer walls. The observation deck at the top of the memorial offers a panoramic view of the battlefields. Next to it is the state-of-the-art Bastogne War Museum, which presents the history of the battle in an interactive way, showing it from the perspective of both soldiers and civilians. The exhibition is designed for visitors of all ages, so even children can understand the dramatic events of December 1944.

Brugia, often called the 'Venice of the North,' is a city that impresses with its medieval architecture and romantic canals. One of the most charming places is the Wijngaardplein (Vineyard Square), a small, cobbled square surrounded by the white houses of the Beginners - women who lived in religious communities, but without taking monastic vows. The Beginage in Bruges, founded in 1245, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking around the square, you can feel the atmosphere of the medieval city and imagine life as it was centuries ago. It is interesting to note that the last Begin woman died here in 1930, and today the cottages are mostly inhabited by single women and students. Nearby is the picturesque Lake of Love (Minnewater), with which is connected the romantic legend of Mina and her beloved Stromberg - their tragic love story is somewhat reminiscent of the tale of Romeo and Juliet.

While visiting Bruges, it is also worth noting the Provincial Court, a neo-Gothic building from the 19th century that impresses with its facade. Although it is relatively young compared to the city's other monuments, its architecture blends perfectly with the medieval character of Bruges. The building is decorated with statues of the counts and countesses of Flanders and scenes from the history of the region. Interestingly, during World War II, many valuable works of art, including the van Eyck brothers' famous 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb,' were hidden in the basement of the building, protecting them from destruction and looting.

One of Bruges' most distinctive city gates is the Ezelpoort (Donkey Gate), which was part of the city's medieval fortifications. The gate is named after the donkeys that entered the city through it, carrying goods from the surrounding villages. The gate was built in the 13th century, and its current appearance comes from renovations carried out in the 15th century. There is an amusing legend associated with the gate about the residents of Bruges, who tried to drag a cow to the top of the tower to eat the grass that grew there. When the cow choked with its tongue outstretched, the residents thought it was thirsty and gave it more water to drink. From then on, the people of Bruges were jokingly called 'cow snorters'.

Mariemont Park (Parc de Mariemont) is a sprawling 45-hectare landscaped park that combines elements of nature, history and art. Founded in the 16th century as the residence of Marie of Hungary, sister of Emperor Charles V, the park has gone through various vicissitudes - it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Nowadays you can admire the ruins of the former palace, destroyed during the French Revolution, and numerous sculptures arranged among the lush greenery. The park is also home to the Royal Mariemont Museum, with an impressive collection of art from antiquity to modern times. A special attraction for families is the Japanese garden with its authentic tea arbor and a collection of exotic trees, including sequoias and Lebanese cedars, some of which are more than 250 years old.

Last but not least is the Pairi Daiza Zoo - considered the best zoo in Belgium and one of the best in Europe. Its 800 hectares are home to more than 7,000 species of animals from all over the world, arranged in themed zones such as the Land of Cold, the Middle Kingdom, the Southern Cape and the Land of Beginnings. The zoo was founded in 1994 as a botanical garden, and over time has evolved into a comprehensive park, combining conservation of endangered species with education and entertainment. One of the most unusual attractions is the opportunity to stay overnight in special suites overlooking polar bears, wolves or pandas. Pairi Daiza actively participates in programs to protect endangered species - it was here that Belgium's first giant panda was born in 2016, a huge global success.

Belgium, though small, offers countless opportunities for families seeking unusual adventures. From historic castles and fortifications, to picturesque parks and gardens, to modern educational attractions, there is something for everyone. What's more, the relatively short distances between destinations mean that you can see a wide variety of attractions in one trip, creating a vacation full of unforgettable memories.