For its size, Belgium has a remarkably rich offering of zoos, safari parks and wildlife attractions. For wheelchair users, not all are equally accessible — some (Pairi Daiza, ZOO Antwerp) are world-class after recent investments, while others (older safari parks on hilly terrain) remain limited. Below is an honest overview of the Belgian zoos where you can genuinely enjoy a day out in a wheelchair.
The most accessible
Pairi Daiza — Hainaut
Perhaps the most beautiful park in Europe, developed since 2014 on the grounds of the former Cambron Abbey. Fully step-free main circuit — every pavilion (Asian temple, African village, Spring garden) has adapted entrances and a lift where needed. Accessible toilets in several locations. Book a time slot online — the park gets very busy, especially during school holidays.
ZOO Antwerp — Antwerp
Belgium's oldest zoo (1843), in the city centre next to Antwerp-Central station. Main paths fully paved, adapted pavilions, accessible toilets. Combine with our Antwerp city break.
Planckendael — Mechelen
Sister park to ZOO Antwerp, set in a large nature reserve in Muizen (Mechelen). Paved paths, adapted safari shuttles for the Asian zone, accessible toilets. Combine with our Mechelen city break.
Well accessible with some attention
Bellewaerde — Ypres
Both a zoo and a theme park. Main paths paved, and a substantial proportion of attractions are wheelchair accessible; some rides have specific limitations (speed, boarding method). Ask at the front desk for the adapted route and the "wheelchair-friendly attractions" leaflet.
Boudewijn Seapark — Bruges
Theme park with dolphins, sea lions and small attractions. Largely wheelchair accessible; some queues require a companion, and the dolphin show has dedicated seating. Combine with our Bruges city break.
Aquatopia — Antwerp
Tropical aquarium park right next to Antwerp-Central station. Fully renovated to be step-free, with a lift to every floor.
Wallonia nature and wildlife
Monde Sauvage Aywaille — Liege
Safari park in the Ourthe valley. Main drive-through circuit accessible by car — you drive through the wildlife zone in your own vehicle. For the walking section: adapted paths to most pavilions, though some viewpoints are reached only by stairs.
Domaine Provincial De Gavers — Geraardsbergen
Not a classic zoo, but an excellent spot for birdwatching and seeing wildlife — paved paths, adapted pavilions.
Special family days out
Aqualibi — Wavre
Not a zoo but an indoor water park. Step-free main routes, adapted changing rooms, hoist for the pools.
Bois du Cazier — Charleroi
Former mining site, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a museum. Not strictly a zoo but a great family destination. Fully renovated to be step-free.
What we do not recommend
Honesty matters. Less suitable for wheelchair users today:
- Forestia Theux — woodland terrain, many unpaved paths
- Smaller petting farms and children's farms — often ad-hoc paths and limited adapted toilets
- Some 4D/VR attractions in theme parks — not always wheelchair-friendly; check in advance
Practical tips for your zoo visit
- Book time slots online for the busiest parks (Pairi Daiza, Bellewaerde) — especially on Sundays and public holidays
- Ask at the main ticket desk about the adapted route and any specific limitations
- Beach wheelchairs, all-terrain wheelchairs, Joelettes: some parks have these available to borrow — ring ahead to reserve (especially Pairi Daiza)
- Plan around show times: dolphin shows and bird shows are often the highlights, with adapted seating areas — check the schedule online
- Combine with a city break: ZOO Antwerp + Antwerp city break makes a fine day; Planckendael + Mechelen city break likewise
- Don't forget your NMBS assistance if you're travelling by train — Aquatopia, ZOO Antwerp and Bellewaerde are all within 5 minutes' walking/rolling distance of an accessible station
In closing
Belgium's zoo offering for wheelchair users is broader than often assumed — the bigger names in particular (Pairi Daiza, ZOO Antwerp, Planckendael) have invested heavily in adapted infrastructure in recent years. For families with a wheelchair user, a day at an accessible zoo is an excellent outing.
Have you visited a Belgian zoo that isn't listed here? Let us know or click "Have you experienced wheelchair access here?" at the bottom of any location page.