Planning a family outing when someone is travelling along in a wheelchair calls for some extra preparation, but it does not have to be an insurmountable hurdle. Belgium now has a wide range of family outings that work for children, parents, brothers, sisters and grandparents alike, regardless of mobility. Amusement parks invest in inclusive attractions, animal parks offer adapted audio guides, science centres place experiments at seated height, and playful miniature worlds offer fully level routes. In this guide we share ten tips for a successful family outing by wheelchair.
Tip 1: choose amusement parks with an accessibility policy
Not every amusement park is equally suitable, but three Belgian parks have developed exemplary accessibility policies. Bobbejaanland in Kasterlee offers a free companion pass and has dozens of attractions that can be visited by wheelchair. Plopsaland in De Panne uses a transparent accessibility guide listing what is possible for each attraction, and Walibi Belgium in Wavre has a special PRM card for shorter waiting times. For the daredevils in the family, Aqualibi, the subtropical pool next to Walibi, is equipped with a hoist for the slides and an adapted pool.
Tip 2: animal parks for half a day or a full day
Belgian animal parks are usually well accessible, with paved main paths and accessible toilets at strategic points. Pairi Daiza in Brugelette is exceptionally exemplary: the entire park is easy to navigate by wheelchair or mobility scooter, and at several spots there are spacious accessible sanitary rooms. Planckendael near Mechelen is also largely step-free, with a few steeper sections that can easily be tackled with assistance or electric support.
Tip 3: science and technology for curious children
For children who love discovering things, Technopolis in Mechelen is a top choice. All experiments are on worktables a wheelchair can roll under, and lifts connect the levels. In Wallonia, the Euro Space Center in Transinne offers a space museum with strong attention to accessibility since its recent refurbishment.
Tip 4: miniature worlds for younger children
Mini-Europe at the foot of the Atomium is unique: a level route, wide paths and small models at eye height for children in a wheelchair. Ideal for those who get lost easily in large museums, everything is clear and child-sized.
Tip 5: plan ahead for facilities
Plan in advance which facilities you will need. Make sure you know where the nearest accessible toilet is, or a quiet space for someone who needs a break. Most of the parks above have an accessibility plan on their website; download it before you set off.
Tip 6: request the companion pass
In almost all Belgian amusement parks and zoos, a free companion ticket is available on presentation of a European parking card or comparable document. That saves a substantial amount on a family outing, especially when two companions come along.
Tip 7: visit on a quiet day
Crowds may be the biggest enemy of a relaxed wheelchair outing. Try Wednesday morning, Thursday afternoon or Sunday morning for the most comfort. At those times paths are less congested, attractions have shorter waits and accessible toilets are reached more quickly.
Tip 8: combine an indoor and an outdoor activity
Belgian weather is fickle. For an amusement park like Plopsaland a sunny day is ideal, but no one knows in advance how the weather will turn out. A handy strategy: pick days with a good mix of indoor and outdoor activities. For example, a morning at Mini-Europe (partly covered) followed by an afternoon at Technopolis Mechelen (fully indoors).
Tip 9: find a family-friendly place to stay
Those wanting to go away for several days do well to choose accessible accommodation. Several holiday parks in the Ardennes or on the coast have wheelchair-accessible cottages, with roll-in showers and low kitchen counters. A little research up front prevents a lot of disappointment.
Tip 10: involve the children in the planning
Finally, perhaps the most important tip: let the children help decide. Which animals does he or she absolutely want to see? Which attractions have the strongest pull? Planning together not only makes the outing better in practical terms but also more emotionally invested for everyone.
Practical tips for the road
Always pack a spare set of clothes, plenty to drink and sunscreen. Accessible toilets sometimes have a changing table, which is a great plus for young children or children with specific care needs. Also bring spare batteries for a power wheelchair, some attractions take longer than expected and at the end of a long day a flat battery is not what you want to see. With a bit of preparation, a family outing by wheelchair becomes just as carefree as any other family trip. Have fun out there!