Choco Story in Bruges, Belgium
Tiny Bruges has spectacular medieval architecture and is eye-catching enough to enthrall most kids; in addition it has plenty of unusual attractions specifically aimed at youngsters, pony-and-trap rides around the sights, tempting chocolate shops at every step and an accessible fast food cuisine of waffles, crepes and fries to suit most tastes. Here are five family favorites in Bruges.
Frietmuseum
The world’s only museum of the fry is a sure hit with kids, if only for the chance to eat some at the end of the tour. There are lots of facts and figures about the rise of the humble potato to its current exalted position as the world’s favorite fast food snack and an entertaining film about the journey of the spud from ground to frozen fry.
Choco Story
Romping through the backstory of chocolate from the cocoa bean in South America to the delicate morsels handmade by Bruges chocolatiers today, Choco Story has some interesting displays of Aztec paraphernalia used in the preparation of chocolate and Limoges porcelain used in the drinking of it in 15th-century France. By far the best part is the chocolate-making session, where kids get to taste the products. Courses in chocolate making can be booked ahead of time.
Archaeological Museum
Another family-friendly Bruges attraction aimed at young children — if you’re adults travelling without kids, don’t bother — the Archaeological Museum is often overlooked but does a decent job of highlighting the past of the city in a clear and informative style. There are costumes to dress up in, skeletons to scream at and illuminated maps showing the development of the city out from its two focal squares of Markt and Burg.
Historium Bruges
The Historium sits above the tourist office in Markt Square and is the perfect place for children to start an exploration of the wonders of Bruges. Its interactive displays, music and holograms expand on the turbulent 15th-century heyday of the city in an accessible and engaging manner.
Canal Cruise
Children love the chance to see Bruges from the water as they float past medieval palaces, spot the landmark Belfry tower apparently moving on the horizon and watch the stately swans paddle past. Fully guided in several languages, canal cruises operate March to November daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with two departure points along Dijver, which is close to the city’s central sightseeing activity.
- Contributed by Sasha Heseltine
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