8 Best Theme Parks in Belgium (for Families & All Ages)

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Looking for the best theme parks in Belgium for a day trip with kids or friends? From major thrill rides and water attractions to some of the best animal parks in Europe, Belgium offers a surprisingly wide range of amusement parks for different ages.

No matter where you live in Belgium, there’s almost always a theme park within an hour’s drive. But how do you choose the right one for a fun day with your family?

We live in Belgium, and our kids love theme parks. After visiting all these parks many times, we put together this guide to the best theme parks in Belgium to help you compare them and pick the best option for your family.

In no particular order, here is an overview of the best theme parks in Belgium:

1. Walibi

Best for teenagers and thrill-seekers, with the biggest and most intense rides in Belgium.

One of the largest amusement parks in Belgium, Walibi is a long-standing favorite for families with older kids and teens. With a wide range of roller coasters, thrill rides, family attractions, and the Aqualibi water park, it offers enough variety to keep everyone busy for a full day.

Walibi also has a good selection of rides and play areas for younger children, but for us, it’s always been about the thrill rides.

From the moment our youngest reached the 120 cm height requirement and could go on most of the rides, Walibi quickly became our family’s go-to theme park in Belgium. Even now, as teenagers, it remains our kids’ preferred amusement park in the Benelux.

Many of the most intense roller coasters in Belgium can be found at Walibi.

Popular rides include Cobra, Vampire, Psyké Underground, Werewolf, Dalton Terror, and Pulsar, which reaches speeds of up to 100 km/h and dives into the water from 45 meters high (take a look at the video below!).

If you enjoy water rides and don’t mind getting wet, make sure to try the Radja River as well, just hold on tight!

One thing we appreciate about Walibi is that the park keeps evolving. Attractions are regularly updated or replaced, and the overall experience feels more modern with every visit. The food options have also improved over the years, with more variety beyond standard theme park meals.

Practical information for visiting Walibi Belgium

Walibi is centrally located, about half an hour from Brussels, which makes it one of the easiest to reach of all theme parks in Belgium. It’s also one of the busiest, especially on weekends and during school holidays.

To avoid long waits, consider visiting on a weekday or arriving early in the morning. If you’re short on time or visiting during peak periods, the park offers fast-pass options that can help reduce waiting times for the most popular rides.

Walibi also has seasonal passes, which can be good value for families who plan to visit more than once or combine Walibi with Aqualibi or Bellewaerde (more information about this park further below).

For up-to-date opening times, ride availability, and tickets, check the official website of Walibi Belgium.

2. Plopsaland De Panne

Best for families with younger kids, thanks to a huge choice of child-friendly rides and themed areas.

Plopsaland De Panne is one of the best-known theme parks in Belgium and part of the Studio 100 group. While there are several Plopsa parks in Belgium and neighboring countries, Plopsaland De Panne is the largest and most complete.

The park is built around popular Studio 100 characters such as Samson & Gert, Kabouter Plop, Maya the Bee, K3, and Vic the Viking. As a result, Plopsaland is especially popular with families traveling with younger children.

Plopsaland De Panne offers one of the biggest selections of rides for small kids in Belgium. Areas like Plopsa Woods, Mayaland, and several indoor attractions are ideal if you’re visiting with toddlers or elementary-school-aged kids. The dancing fountains are another highlight and tend to be a big hit later in the day.

Over the years, the park has expanded its lineup for older kids and teenagers. In addition to the many rides for younger children, there are now several faster and more intense attractions, including a small selection of roller coasters and thrill rides. Our kids especially enjoy Anubis The Ride, The Big Wave, the ROX-Flyer, and Heidi The Ride.

This makes Plopsaland easier to combine with both younger kids and teens than it used to be.

That said, Plopsaland still appeals most to families with younger children. If your group mainly consists of teenagers looking for big thrill rides, other theme parks in Belgium are likely a better match.

Practical information for visiting Plopsaland De Panne

Plopsaland De Panne is located on the Belgian coast, close to the French border. It’s a longer drive than other theme parks in Belgium, but it’s easy to combine with a stay at the coast.

Arriving early is strongly recommended, especially during weekends and school holidays. If you’re coming by car, following the correct highway exit can save you a lot of time in traffic. The park is also easy to reach by public transport and is well connected by train and the coastal tram.

If you want more time in the park or plan to visit PlopsAqua De Panne as well, staying overnight nearby can make the trip much more relaxed. Booking a hotel in De Panne also makes it easier to start early or split the visit over two days. Just keep in mind that accommodation at the coast tends to fill up quickly during school holidays.

For current opening times, tickets, and practical details, check the official website of Plopsaland De Panne.

3. Bellewaerde Park

Best for variety, combining amusement rides, animal areas, and shows in one park.

Bellewaerde is the oldest operating theme park in Belgium and still one of the most unique. It’s the only park in the country that combines classic amusement rides with an animal park, all spread out in a green, park-like setting. There’s also an indoor water park next door.

From thrill rides to animal encounters and shows, Bellewaerde offers a bit of everything. It’s a good option if your family enjoys variety and prefers mixing rides with quieter moments.

One of the standout rides at Bellewaerde is Dawson Duel, an alpine coaster that starts with a walk up to a platform above the treetops, followed by a fast downhill ride. It’s one of the park’s most popular attractions and a good place to start your visit.

Bellewaerde also regularly features stunt and dive shows. These shows change over time, but the format stays similar and is usually worth seeing if you want a break from the rides.

What really sets Bellewaerde apart from other theme parks in Belgium is the animal park. You can ride the Bengal Express train to see lions and tigers, walk through areas with monkeys, and spot a wide range of animals throughout the park. There are also family-friendly rides, a 4D cinema, and several attractions aimed at younger kids.

Because of this mix, Bellewaerde appeals to families with children of different ages who want more than just rides.

Practical information for visiting Bellewaerde Park

Bellewaerde is located near Ypres, in West Flanders, and is about a 1.5-hour drive from Brussels. The park is fairly large, so expect to do quite a bit of walking.

Bellewaerde belongs to the same group as Walibi. If you plan to visit both parks, a combined seasonal pass can be worth considering, especially for families who visit theme parks regularly.

For current opening times, tickets, and practical details, check the official website of Bellewaerde.

4. Bobbejaanland

Best for mixed-age families, with lots of rides close together and manageable walking distances.

Bobbejaanland has been one of our family’s favorites for years. It’s a bit of a hidden gem among the Belgian amusement parks, mostly visited by the Flemish.

The park has a wide range of attractions in a relatively compact space, which makes it easier to cover most of what’s on offer in a single day without endless walking between areas. With about 50 attractions clustered fairly close together, Bobbejaanland feels manageable even on busier days.

The park includes gentle rides for younger kids, family attractions, and a selection of more intense rides that appeal to older kids and adults. Some favorites in our family include the Wild Water Slide, Dream Catcher, Indiana River, Speedy Bob, El Rio, Revolution, Bob Express, and the junior roller coaster Okidoki. For more thrills, try rides like Naga Bay, Sledge Hammer, and Typhoon.

Bobbejaanland also features daily shows. These can be a nice way to rest or regroup with the family between attractions.

Practical information for visiting Bobbejaanland

Located between Antwerp and Hasselt, Bobbejaanland is just over an hour’s drive from Brussels, which makes it an easy day trip from many parts of Belgium. Because the park is relatively compact, you can see most attractions in a single day, even when visiting with younger children.

Arriving early and heading straight to the most popular rides can help you avoid the longest queues. Weekdays outside school holidays are usually quieter, although school excursions can still make some days busier than expected.

For current opening times, ride information, and tickets, check the official Bobbejaanland website.

5. Planckendael ZOO

Best animal park for families, with spacious enclosures, playgrounds, and interactive paths.

Planckendael is a large animal park located near Mechelen, between Brussels and Antwerp. Spread out over a green, open landscape, it’s very different from a traditional city zoo and feels more like a nature park where animals have plenty of space.

You’ll find a wide variety of animals from all over the world, arranged by continent. One of the highlights is that many areas are designed so you can walk right through the habitats, bringing you surprisingly close to animals like monkeys, penguins, and giraffes.

In addition to the animals, Planckendael has several playgrounds and adventure areas scattered throughout the park. These make it easier to pace your visit, especially when traveling with younger kids, since children can play while adults take a short break.

Because of its size, Planckendael is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace. You can easily spend most of a day here, combining animal encounters with playtime and walks through the park.

We’ve visited Planckendael many times over the years, and it remains one of our favorite animal parks in Belgium, especially for families who want more space and a calmer atmosphere than a traditional zoo.

For more details and photos, see our full guide to Planckendael.

Practical information for visiting Planckendael ZOO

Planckendael is easy to reach by car and is a convenient day trip from both Brussels and Antwerp. The park is quite large, so comfortable shoes are a must. If visiting with young kids, bring a stroller.

Food options are spread throughout the park, and there are plenty of spots where you can take a break or enjoy a picnic.

For current opening times, tickets, and practical details, check the official website of Planckendael ZOO.

6. Antwerp Zoo

Best city zoo, ideal to combine with sightseeing in Antwerp.

Antwerp Zoo sits right by the Central Station, which makes it one of the most accessible animal parks in Belgium. It’s also one of the oldest zoos in the world, with historic buildings and a mix of classic enclosures and modern habitats. This unique blend gives it a distinctive feel compared with more traditional zoos.

While the animal collection isn’t as large as at some of the bigger parks outside the cities, the zoo also offers daily feedings and demonstrations. Our kids especially like the sea lion show and birds of prey demonstrations.

We’ve visited Antwerp Zoo countless times, and it’s always fun. The layout is compact enough that you don’t feel rushed but varied enough that you’re always discovering something new. It’s also easy to combine with other activities in the city, especially when you’re already exploring Antwerp with kids.

Practical information for visiting Antwerp Zoo

Because the zoo is right at Antwerp Central Station, it makes a good day trip by train from anywhere in Belgium. Belgian Rail sometimes offers combo tickets that include train travel and zoo entrance, which can save time and money.

TIP: Antwerp Zoo is a sister-park of Planckendael. So if you want to visit both, check their combined tickets and seasonal passes.

For current opening times, ticket information, and details on animal encounters and shows, check the official Antwerp Zoo website.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Antwerp & Antwerp Secret Places

7. Pairi Daiza

Best for animal lovers, with large themed areas and an impressive variety of species.

Pairi Daiza is a large animal park and botanical garden located in the French-speaking part of Belgium, about an hour from Brussels. Spread out over several expansive themed zones, the park focuses on immersive environments that reflect the natural habitats of the animals.

You’ll find a wide range of species from around the world, including elephants, big cats, bears, primates, and many others. The scale of the park and the way the areas are designed make it feel very different from a traditional zoo, with lots of space to walk and explore.

Pairi Daiza is also known for its landscaped gardens and attention to detail throughout the park. Because of its size, plan a full-day visit, especially if you want to see multiple areas at a relaxed pace.

This park will appeal most to visitors who are primarily interested in animals. If you enjoy taking your time, walking longer distances, and focusing on animal encounters, Pairi Daiza is one of the most impressive options in Belgium.

Practical information for visiting Pairi Daiza

Pairi Daiza is easiest to reach by car and has ample parking on site. Due to its popularity, the park can get very busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays.

Arriving early in the day gives you more flexibility and quieter moments in the most popular areas. Comfortable shoes are essential, as distances between zones are long.

For current opening times, ticket options, and practical details, check the official website of Pairi Daiza.

8. Mini Europe

Best short attraction, especially if you’re visiting Brussels and want something different from rides.

Mini-Europe is a miniature park in Brussels. It features detailed scale models of famous landmarks from across Europe, with more than 80 cities and hundreds of buildings represented.

We’ve visited Mini-Europe with our kids and were pleasantly surprised by how much everyone enjoyed it. Walking through the park feels a bit like traveling across Europe in a couple of hours, and the interactive elements add an extra layer of fun, especially for kids.

Despite its reputation as a family attraction, Mini-Europe also appeals to adults. In fact, a large share of visitors come without children, which says a lot about how engaging the exhibits are.

Practical information for visiting Mini-Europe

Mini-Europe is located outside the city center but is easy to reach by metro. Travel time from central Brussels is under 30 minutes.

Many visitors combine Mini-Europe with a visit to the Atomium, which is right next door. Together, they make an easy half-day plan without too much walking or travel time.

For current opening times, ticket options, and practical details, check the official Mini-Europe website.

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Brussels

Additional Recommendations

The parks listed above are the largest and most popular theme parks and animal parks in Belgium. If you’re looking for smaller attractions, shorter visits, or alternatives that are usually less busy, the following parks are also worth considering.

Smaller amusement parks

• Plopsa Indoor Hasselt. Best for younger kids, especially on rainy days, with indoor rides themed around Studio 100 characters.
  
• Plopsa Coo. A compact outdoor park near the Coo Waterfalls, suitable for a half-day visit and easy to combine with nature stops in the Ardennes.
  
• Aventure Parc in Wavre. Best for older kids and teens who enjoy climbing courses, zip lines, and outdoor challenges rather than classic rides.

Smaller animal parks

• King Boudewijn Seapark in Bruges. Focused on marine animals and dolphin shows; easy to combine with a visit to Bruges.

• SEA LIFE in Blankenberge. A compact aquarium on the Belgian coast, ideal for a short visit, especially with younger children.

• Wildlife Park of the Caves of Han. Best for nature lovers, with large animals living in a natural forest setting in the Ardennes.
  
• Pakawi Park (previously Olmense Zoo). A smaller animal park between Antwerp and Hasselt, suitable for a relaxed half-day visit.
  
• Forestia. Combines an animal park with treetop adventure courses, making it a good choice for active families visiting the Ardennes.

Tips for Visiting Belgian Theme Parks

Crowds are common. Belgians love amusement parks, and many parks also attract visitors from neighboring countries. To avoid the biggest crowds, arriving early in the day is usually the best strategy. Days with less predictable weather often turn out to be quieter, even if rain is only expected briefly.

Weekdays are usually calmer. Outside school holidays, weekdays tend to be less busy than weekends. That said, some parks are popular with school excursions, so quieter days are never guaranteed. The first two weeks of July are generally less busy than the rest of the summer vacation.

Consider seasonal passes if you plan multiple visits. If your family enjoys theme parks and you plan to visit more than once, seasonal passes offer good value. They often pay off after just a couple of visits and sometimes include discounts at other attractions.

Look into train + park tickets. Several Belgian theme parks can be reached easily by train, and combination tickets that include both transport and park entry are sometimes available (see the Belgian Rail website for more info).

Plan for a full day, but pace yourself. Most of the larger parks easily fill a day, especially when visiting with kids. Taking breaks, alternating rides with calmer attractions, and planning meals can make the day more enjoyable for everyone.

TIP: If you’re visiting from abroad, our Belgium Itinerary can help you decide where to base yourself and how to combine multiple destinations.

With so many theme parks and animal parks spread across Belgium, choosing the right one really depends on who you’re traveling with and how much time you have. Hopefully, this overview makes it easier to compare your options and plan a fun day out that suits your family.

If you’ve visited any of these parks (or have other favorites), feel free to share your tips in the comments below.

TIP: Did you find this guide helpful? Bookmark this post for later, share it with your friends, and save it to Pinterest to inspire your next trip.