10 Best Things To Do in Bouillon With Kids + Where To Stay

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If you’re looking for a picture-perfect destination in Belgium, Bouillon should be at the top of your list. This charming area offers a mix of history with the castle, scenic hikes, and family-friendly activities. Here are some highlights that you can’t miss.

Where To Stay in Bouillon

Le ‘Ti ‘Bou de Refuge is a renovated farmhouse with a wooden caravan. There’s also a garden with a small playground.
Camping: Ardennen Camping Bertrix has an outdoor pool and a kids’ pool. Let the little ones run wild on the playground.
Hotel La Ferronniere is a 19th-century mansion with stunning views, just 500 meters from the town center. It also has a spa.

1. Discover the Castle of Bouillon

World Wild Schooling - https://worldwildschooling.com 10 Best Things To Do in Bouillon With Kids + Where To Stay - https://worldwildschooling.com/bouillon — © Georgia Konidari / World Wild Schooling

Visit the legendary Bouillon Castle. It was once owned by Godfrey of Bouillon, a key figure in the First Crusade. He actually sold the Bouillon Castle to the Bishop of Liège to finance the First Crusade.

We love the breathtaking view from the castle. It’s the perfect backdrop for some fantastic photos.

Bouillon Castle Falconry Show and Tickets

While exploring the castle’s history, don’t forget to catch the Falconry Show. It is included with your ticket. The showtimes are at 11.30, 14.00, and 15.30, with an additional show at 17.00 on weekends in April, May, June, and September and daily during the summer holidays in July and August. Each show lasts approximately 30 minutes.

Remember to reserve your tickets in advance.

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Practical Stuff To Visit the Bouillon Castle

Timing is Key: As with most popular attractions, arriving early is the key to beating the crowds.

Castle Etiquette: Please be aware that pets, including dogs, are not allowed inside the castle.

Easy Access and Parking: Convenient parking is available right next to the castle.

2. Stroll Along the River Semois

Take a walk along the picturesque River Semois and soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Really, that’s the best tip, just enjoy the beauty of Bouillon.

After your stroll, treat yourself to some artisanal ice cream from Pierre Gigot. The flavors change daily, so you’ll always have something new to try.

10 Best Things To Do in Bouillon With Kids + Where To Stay — © Georgia Konidari / World Wild Schooling

You can find Pierre Gigot’s exact spot here—or, even better, check out our map, which shows all activities in Bouillon on one map.

3. Playtime by the River

The playground is located near the river and has a castle view. It is the perfect spot for the kids to run free and burn off energy. Park near the playground and go exploring around. Then, you can end your walk at the playground for a great family day out.

4. Enjoy Kayaking in Bouillon

For adventure seekers, Bouillon offers exciting opportunities like kayaking along the River Semois. It’s a fantastic way to experience the area’s natural beauty from a different perspective. You can find more details here.

Looking for more kayaking places in Belgium? Read our mega guide on where to enjoy water in Belgium, including water parks, indoor and outdoor pools, lakes for swimming, and places to go kayaking.

Bouillon Throughout the Year

Bouillon is one of our favorite places in Belgium. It is beautiful all year round. Here are some photos of the snow; we absolutely loved it!

5. Marvel at the Spectacular Views from Belvédère Tower

For a panoramic view of Bouillon, climb the Belvédère tower! While it’s a bit uphill, the breathtaking scenery is worth the effort.

Tip: Easy Option for Younger Kids or a Relaxed Experience

If you have younger kids or prefer a more leisurely approach, you have two options. You can drive directly to Belvédère de Bouillon, but keep in mind that the road is unpaved. Alternatively, take a pleasant stroll through the beautiful forest behind Belvédère. Either way, you’re in for a great experience!

You can find the exact spot of the Belvédère tower here.

6. Visit the Suspended Bridge Passerelle de l’Epine

Marvel at the beauty of the 55m suspended bridge in Bouillon, Passerelle! Enjoy a 2km stroller-friendly walk to reach the bridge, perfect for families with younger kids. The views are amazing.

7. Do an Adventurous 9km Hike

For the more adventurous, a 9.2 km hike starts from Belvédère de Bouillon. The trail passes the picturesque Passerelle before continuing alongside the tranquil river Semois.

With the Belvédère Tower and the Passerelle, you have the perfect combination of easy and adventurous experiences.

*We’ve actually done this hike but haven’t had the time to write about it. We followed this trail, and it’s gorgeous! Some points are next to the river, where kids can play and throw pebbles in the water.

8. Don’t Miss the Tombeau du Géant Viewpoint and Hike

For those seeking more breathtaking views, consider combining your visit with Tombeau du Géant, a viewpoint offering an awe-inspiring panorama. While the 4km trail to the viewpoint might be challenging for younger kids, the view will undoubtedly make it worth it!

Family-Friendly Trail Tips: This trail is ideal for kids aged four and above or those comfortably carried in a carrier. However, it’s not stroller-friendly unless you follow the road instead of the paths. You can always just drive to the panorama viewpoint and enjoy the breathtaking view.

9. Have Karting Fun in Bouillon

For all the adrenaline junkies out there, Bouillon offers an outdoor karting track. Get ready to rev those engines.

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10. Should You Visit the Bouillon Zoo?

While Bouillon has a zoo, I must honestly say that it might not be the best option for animal lovers. The animals appear to have limited space, and the zoo is a bit old-fashioned in this sense. The trail is about 2km, and there are about 90 species.

Pairi Daiza, the Antwerp Zoo, and Plankendael have much larger enclosures and are much bigger in general.

While the Bouillon Zoo might not be the largest, it does have a fantastic playground that is a worthwhile stop for families with kids.

Playground Admission Option: If you’re primarily interested in the playground, you’ll be glad to know that you can enter with a separate ticket just for the playground area. This way, the kids can enjoy all the fun of the playground without necessarily visiting the zoo.