A day at the zoo is one of the classic Belgian family outings. Fortunately, the major parks have invested heavily in accessibility over recent years: level main paths, adapted toilets in every zone, free wheelchair loans and even electric scooters so you can explore large grounds in comfort. Below we run through the five most accessible wildlife parks in Belgium, so you can arrive well prepared for your visit.
Pairi Daiza: a day around the world in Hainaut
Pairi Daiza in Brugelette is voted Europe's best zoo year after year, and not without reason. Across sixty-seven hectares the park combines animal enclosures with themed gardens from Japan, China, Indonesia and Africa. All main paths are paved and wide enough for wheelchairs, and gentle ramps have deliberately been built in place of steps wherever possible.
At the entrance you can borrow a manual wheelchair free of charge after paying a deposit; electric scooters are available for a small daily fee. Adapted toilets can be found in each of the six "worlds". The park also issues a "priority pass" for visitors with a disability, so you can avoid queues at the most popular attractions.
ZOO Antwerp: accessibility in the heart of the city
ZOO Antwerp, located right next to the Central Station, is one of the oldest zoos in the world (1843) and has been made progressively more wheelchair-friendly over recent decades. Because the park is relatively compact and flat, you can realistically complete a full tour in a single day without any tiring climbs.
Historic buildings such as the Egyptian Temple and the Moorish Palace have been fitted with ramps, and every enclosure of the larger animals is reachable via paved paths. The recently renovated Savanna House is a showcase of universal design. At the main entrance you can borrow a wheelchair free of charge (reservation via the website is recommended), and adapted toilets can be found near nearly every restaurant.
Planckendael: nature and space in Mechelen
The sprawling ZOO Planckendael in Muizen near Mechelen is the countryside sister park to ZOO Antwerp. Thanks to its very open layout, there is plenty of room to move around elephants, bonobos and okapis with a wheelchair. The main paths are all paved, and bridges are fitted with gentle ramps.
One big bonus: there is a small train that runs through the park and can also transport wheelchair users (let the driver know). Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available at the entrance. Planckendael has several adapted toilets and even a "quiet room" for visitors who need a moment to recover.
Bellewaerde Park: rides and animals in Ypres
Bellewaerde Park in Ypres combines a zoo with a theme park, making it a popular destination for families. The challenge lies in the hilly terrain, but the operators have addressed this with wide, gently sloping paths and clear signposting for the "level route".
For the rides, Bellewaerde uses an accessibility card: at each attraction a sign indicates whether the ride is suitable for wheelchair users and whether a transfer is needed. Wheelchair loans are available at reception. Adapted toilets are located at six points in the park, all marked on the map.
Boudewijn Seapark: dolphins by the coast
If you would like to combine the seaside with a park visit, head to Boudewijn Seapark in Sint-Michiels near Bruges. This compact park is almost entirely flat and therefore excellent for a relaxed visit by wheelchair. The main paths are paved and broad.
The famous dolphin show is accessible: on both sides of the stands there are adapted spaces with an unobstructed view of the dolphinarium. The sea lion show and the various children's attractions also have reduced-mobility zones. Wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge at reception, provided you request one when booking.
Practical tips for a visit by wheelchair
Reserve your wheelchair or scooter in advance, certainly during peak season. All the parks mentioned above work with a limited number of units, and on busy summer days these are quickly all lent out. Plan your day with attention to breaks as well: Belgian wildlife parks are vast, and rest moments on a shady terrace make the difference between an enjoyable and an exhausting outing.
Before you set off, take a look at the accessibility map on the park's website. These show not only the adapted toilets and reduced-mobility parking, but also which attractions or feeding sessions are best suited to visitors with a disability.
Finally: at most Belgian parks, admission for a companion is free on presentation of a European disability parking card or other proof of disability. Be sure to bring those along. That way a day out becomes not only accessible, but also affordable.