For a rainy day in Brussels with children, choose one indoor attraction and give it most of the afternoon. The Dinosaur Gallery suits children who want big skeletons, Train World suits those fascinated by trains, and the Comic Art Museum is a good choice for children who like to draw.
Choose dinosaurs for a short, focused visit
The Dinosaur Gallery at the Institute of Natural Sciences makes a strong first stop. Pick one challenge before entering. For instance, ask each child to find a dinosaur they would like to draw and tell you which detail they would start with.
If you’re visiting with a toddler and an older sibling, give them different jobs. The younger child can look for the biggest feet. Meanwhile, the older one can pick out two differences between skeletons. Check the museum’s practical information before leaving.
Choose Train World if the journey is part of the fun
Train World is at Schaerbeek station. Give children one thing to look for in the collection, such as the biggest wheels or a detail they recognise from a train today. Then compare it with what they can see on the journey home.
Before setting off, check which station or public transport stop best fits your starting point. Also check the museum’s visitor information for ticketing and access, especially if you are bringing a pushchair.
Choose comics if you want a creative finish
At the Comic Art Museum, ask children to find a panel that tells a story even if they skip the speech bubbles. Afterwards, draw a three-panel strip about getting caught in the rain. A café table or the kitchen at home works equally well.
Keep a rainy-day outing easy to change
First, check the venue’s opening day, last admission and any booking rules. Next, pick a sheltered place for a break and decide roughly when you want to leave. If the group is still enjoying the first stop, stay there. For more ideas for older children and adults, see our guide to Brussels when it rains.
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Archive photograph of Parc metro station, Brussels. Oxyman / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.5, cropped.
