Carnival with kids in Belgium: All you need to know!
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Carnival in Belgium is a family-friendly event that is celebrated in many cities throughout the country. It is a great opportunity to enjoy some fun and exciting activities with kids every year. From parades and costume parties to live music and traditional food, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and colorful carnival. Read on for kids-friendly carnival events, where to buy costumes (and some cute ones), and tips for enjoying carnival with kids in Belgium!
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- Carnival in Belgium
- Where to rent costumes
- Where to buy costumes
- Online
- Our costume picks
- Brick and mortar shops
- Brussels center
- Etterbeek
- Ixelles
- Stockel
- Watermael-Boitsfort
- Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
- Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
- Waterloo
- La Hulpe
- Leuven
- Carnival Events
- Weekend of 18.02.2023
- Weekend of 25.02.2023
- Weekend of 04.03.2023
- Weekend of 25.03.2023
- Germany
- More Carnival Events
- Floralia
- Plopsa Indoor Hasselt
- Children’s Museum
- Grottes de Han
- Prehistomuseum
- Technopolis
- House of European History
- Ferme et Compagnie
- Past Events
- Tips for enjoying a carnival with kids
- Carnival break with kids in Belgium: what to do?
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Carnival in Belgium
The best thing to do with kids is to attend one of the many carnival parades that take place around the country. These parades are filled with vibrant costumes, vibrant music, and even more vibrant people. The parades usually start in the morning and last until late into the night. In Brussels, the biggest parades occur in Marolles, Saint-Gilles, and other locations. Other cities hosting parades include Binche, Malmedy, and Aalst.
If your family wants to get in on the fun, there are plenty of places to buy costumes in Belgium. In Brussels, there are a variety of costume stores located all around the city. In Belgium several stores specialize in carnival costumes and accessories, including masks, wigs, wings, hats, and more.
Carnival in Belgium is a great opportunity for your family to come together and enjoy some fun and exciting activities. From the parades and costume parties to the live music and traditional food, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and colorful carnival. So, if you are looking for a fun-filled family experience, then the carnival in Belgium is a great choice.
Where to rent costumes
You might be able to rent costumes at your local toy library! Keep in mind that not all of them have costumes or are as cute as the one in Ixelles, but it’s worth a mention 🙂 This is not a carnival activity, rather the little ones can discover the costumes collection and rent new toys at the toy library!
When: there are costumes all year round (you can rent a costume for Halloween too!)
Where: Costumes, trains, Duplos, cardboard games… Kids can play and rent toys at the Ludothèque! You will find a list of toy libraries in Brussels and in Belgium here
Ludothèque Ixelles (toy library) + list of toy libraries in Belgium
Costumes, trains, Duplos, cardboard games… Kids can play and rent toys at the Ludothèque! (For kids 0-5 years old)
Where to buy costumes
Online
You can find costumes online in shops like Amazon (we have made a list with our picks below) and big clothes stores such as H&M and Primark. Several brick and mortar shops for costumes and toy shops sell costumes for kids and we have assembled a list further below
Our costume picks
Here are a few options, if you are looking to order online:
This princess/unicorn costume is so cute and the sizes go from 100cm to 150cm
Link for princess in Belgium
Link for princess internationally
For little pirates between 3 and 6 years old
Link for pirate in Belgium
Link for pirate internationally
For Star Wars fans these costumes are available between 3 and 14 years old
Link for Darth Vader in Belgium
Link for Darth Vader internationally
Link for storm trooper in Belgium
Link for storm trooper internationally
This tiger costume is perfect for toddlers (and there are lots of other animals too!)
You can find it here (only available on Amazon.de)
Brick and mortar shops
Here’s a list with brick and mortar shops to support local businesses
Brussels center
Palais des Cotillons
https://palaisdescotillons.com/
Rue du Lombard 66, 1000 Bruxelles
02 512 23 20 https://g.co/kgs/pWihUY
Picard – Megafun
https://www.feestwinkels.be/picard-megafun.html
Rue du Marché au Charbon Kolenmarkt 43, 1000 Bruxelles
02 512 23 87 https://g.co/kgs/NGUJ9d
Etterbeek
Oliwood toys
https://oliwoodtoys.be/fr/
Av. de la Chasse 94A, 1040 Bruxelles
02 319 53 91 https://goo.gl/maps/Ny8RvpJRqdGuR7BL6
Ilea
https://www.ilea.be/
Rue de l’Etang 133/135, 1040 Bruxelles
026466695 https://goo.gl/maps/NfyFsutSUWoumHzm6
Ixelles
Oliwood toys
https://oliwoodtoys.be/fr/
Chau. de Waterloo 529, 1050 Ixelles
023195395 https://goo.gl/maps/v562Yf5vRQK2hEcCA
Stockel
Oliwood toys
https://oliwoodtoys.be/fr/
Avenue Baron Albert d’Huart 24-26-28, 1150 Bruxelles
026727972 https://goo.gl/maps/giwJC8MkxfXSEV8Y7
Watermael-Boitsfort
Oliwood toys
https://oliwoodtoys.be/fr/
Rue Middelbourg 58, 1170 Watermael-Boitsfort
025694687 https://goo.gl/maps/TKANQWRGv3t4scKQA
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
Oliwood toys
https://oliwoodtoys.be/fr/
Av. Georges Henri 286, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
026622402 https://goo.gl/maps/EhzwzgoKV3YBoM8AA
Woluwe-Saint-Pierre
Boutchic
http://www.boutchic.be/
Rue de la Station 135, 1150 Bruxelles
027727447 https://goo.gl/maps/1c5H4zMHgBXRB3aZ7
Waterloo
Jour de Fête
Chau. de Bruxelles 410, 1410 Waterloo
http://www.boutique-jourdefete.com/magasin-jour-de-fete-waterloo/
023154589 https://goo.gl/maps/TazhxnPcmY3LF7dg8
Oliwood toys
https://oliwoodtoys.be/fr/
Chau. de Bruxelles 390, 1410 Waterloo
025342304 https://goo.gl/maps/z6kcdfViVUeUqXkL9
La Hulpe
Oliwood toys
https://oliwoodtoys.be/fr/
Centre Commercial La Mazerine – 13, Av. Albert 1er, 1310 La Hulpe
025698717 https://goo.gl/maps/XztJ3YcLrKTAjQjV7
Leuven
Topolino
http://www.topolino.be
Parijsstraat 15, 3000 Leuven
01 623 34 42 https://goo.gl/maps/kAEN3QkZ2mpQCQEC6
Carnival Events
Weekend of 18.02.2023
Manneken Pis
Manneken Pis will be wearing the costume of Bolivian Diablada on 18.02.2023, the costume of Gille of Binche on 21.02.2023, the costume of the carnival of Dolhain on 25.02.2023
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
Carnival disco party with interactive show for kids 3-9 years old

When: 19.02.2023
More info here
Carnaval Villers-la-Ville

When: 17-19.02.2023
More info here
Carnival of Binche
At Carnival of Binche (Carnaval de Binche in French) you can meet the Gilles, male locals as of 3 years old dressed up in their hay-stuffed costumes

When: 19-21.02.2023
More info here
Lundi gras – day of children
More infor here
Mask coloring walk for kids 3+ years old
When: 5, 12, 19,20.02.2023, 23.02-04.03.2023 (closed on 26.02.2023)
More info here
Eupen
The climax of the carnival is the Rosenmontag or Rose Monday, which is the most remarkable day. The origin of the name “Rose Monday” can be attributed to the carnival of Cologne and the rituals of the Pope during the Middle Ages, when the day was blessed with a rose on the Monday before the start of Lent.

When: 16-21.02.2023
More info here
Malmedy

When: 18-21.02.2023
More info here
Laetare Stavelot
A tradition that started in 1502 and is still going on strong with a procession and fireworks
When: 18-20.03.2023 (yes, in March, not a typo!)
More info here

Halle
A procession, carnival fair, fireworks
When: 18-20.03.2023
More info here
Carnival fair of Halle
On Stationsplein, Leideplein, along the Leide, Parking ‘De Bres’ and Possozplein.
From the Saturday of Children’s Carnival to the Wednesday after the Carnival weekend
When: approximately mid-March-beginning of April
More info here
Blankenberge
Children’s carnival procession, the tour of the Vuûle Jeanetten, the carnival dive and more. The highlight is the carnival procession on 19.02.2023
18-25.02.2023
More info here
Carnival procession
When: 19.02.2023
More info here
Carnival fair
When: 18-26.02.2023
More info here

Kids carnival dance
When: 12.02.2023
More info here
Koksijde
Children’s Carnival party
Show and prizes for best dressed
When: 15.02.2023 (Wednesday) at 14.00
More info here
Carnival procession
When: 19.02.2023, 22.02.2023
More info here and here

Aalst
Good to know
Although this is one of the biggest carnivals in Belgium, there have been controversies surrounding it in 2019 and 2020. Aalst was accused of antisemitism and in response it asked to have its UNESCO heritage status removed.

Aalst Carnival
When: 19.02.2023
More info here
Winter Fun Fair
When: 10-26.02.2023
More details here

Magical Carnival Walk
Walk for kids costing EUR 5 or EUR 15 (with sceptre)
More details here

Weekend of 25.02.2023
Marolles
Venetian parade in Marolles

When: 25.02.2023
More info here
Château d’Hélécine
Venetian parade at Château d’Hélécine, a great provincial domain with playgrounds, farm animals, jumping castles, and more! It makes for a nice plan for any sunny day. This is a great carnival event to attend with kids in Belgium!

When: 26.02.2023
More info here
Château d’Hélécine
Playgrounds, jumping castles, a lake, animals, restaurants, puppet show – this is a great place to spend time with your family!
Quartier Nord

When: 25.02.2023
More info here
Bollekeshoef
When: 25.02.2023
More info here
Nivelles
Kids carnival
When: 25.02.2023
More info here
Weekend of 04.03.2023
Planet Kids

Planet Kids is an indoor playgroud with an outdoor area with pedal cars and a room with jumping castles. It’s worth checking out especially on a sunny day.
Looking for more indoor playgrounds? Check our guide on indoor playgrounds in Brussels and around – there is a separate section with play areas for toddlers and prescoolers only!
When: 25.03.2023
More info here
Saint-Gilles

When: 04.03.2023
More info here
Oostende

When: 03-05.03.2023, Kids carnival on 04.03.2023
More info here
Wezembeek-Oppem

Parade and animations
When: 05.03.2023
More info here
Pairi Daiza
Venetian Dome, dancing for kids and carnival atmosphere at one of the biggest zoos in Europe. Read more on Pairi Daiza here
When: 18.02-04.03.2023
More info here
Weekend of 25.03.2023
Watermael-Boitsfort
The Coin du Balais carnival
When: 25.03.2023 (yes, March)
More info here officially
Germany
Cologne
Ok, not in Belgium, but it is one of the best carnivals in Europe and very close to Brussels!
When: 11-22.02.2023
More info here
Dusseldorf
Don’t miss the Children’s and Youth Procession on Saturday, Kö-Treiben on Carnival Saturday and the Rose Monday Parade
When: 16-22.02.2023
More info here
Aachen
The Shrove Monday procession is the highlight of the carnival of Aachen
*Read our guide on what to do in Aachen with kids
When: 16-22.02.2023
More info here
Aachen with Kids | Best Things to Do | Where to Stay
Here are practical tips on what to do with kids, kids-friendly restaurants and where to stay with the family in Aachen
More Carnival Events
Floralia
Floralia usually has a Venetian parade – which is a gorgeous spectacle by the castle and among the tulips. This year the date is not announced yet, but you can take a look at our post on Floralia from previous years
Floralia Brussels
Experience the beauty of Groot-Bijgaarden castle during the springtime Floralia exhibit. Here are practical tips for your family visit
Plopsa Indoor Hasselt
Confetti party at this indoor amusement park
Read our post with photos, a video and practical details on Plopsa Indoor Hasselt
When: 27.01-28.02.2023
This is on every day at 16.00 or 17.00 depending on the day
Plopsa Indoor Hasselt
Plopsa Indoor Hasselt is an indoor family-friendly amusement park. Read on for practical tips to plan ahead your visit with kids
Children’s Museum
“Wings to Grow” fun and interactive exhibition for kids
Read our post with photos and practical details on the Children’s Museum
When: 18.02-05.03.2023 (except 27-28.02.2023)
More info here

Grottes de Han
Grottes de Han will be offering a carnival event during the school vacations, but it has not yet been announced officially
Grottes de Han is a huge domain with caves, wildlife park, playground, play structures along the path in the forest; a great experience for kids
When: during school vacations
More info will be added once the event is announced
How to Visit Grottes de Han + Practical Tips
Discover Grottes de Han, a domain with a wildlife park and a cave…
Prehistomuseum
Prehistomuseum is an interactive, kids-friendly museum where kids can hunt a mammoth or light a fire!
When: 20.02-03.03.2023
More info here
Prehistomuseum
Prehistomuseum is an interactive, kids-friendly museum where kids can hunt a mammoth or light a fire!
Technopolis
Technopolis is an interactive and fun science center for kids with cool shows and demonstrations. This is easily one of the best indoor activities for kids!
Technopolis offers workshops during the carnival school holidays for kids 8+ years old – although these are not carnival-specific for kids in Belgium, they are still fun
When: 18-26.02.2023
More info here
Technopolis
An interactive and fun science center for kids with cool shows and demonstrations. This is easily one of the best indoor activities for kids!
House of European History
House of European History is a modern museum with lots of kids-friendly corners.
There are new family trails for kids 6+ years old for this Carnival holiday!
When: 20-26.02.2023
More info here
House of European History
Dive into European history visiting this modern museum that offers lots of kids friendly corners
Ferme et Compagnie
Ferme et Compagnie is a nonprofit working with handicapped people and they usually organize a Carnival-themed event for kids in Belgium every year

When: 18.02-05.03.2023
More info here
Past Events
Nieuwpoort
Mini disco and show, drinks and snacks. EUR 2 per kid, free for adults

When: 11.02.2023
More info here
Woluwe St Pierre
Lots of animations for kids, jugglers, face painting, and balloons. EUR 4 per kid (under 2 free entrance). Reservation obligatory

When: 11.02.2023
More info here
Tips for enjoying a carnival with kids
Carnivals are one of the most exciting and thrilling experiences that one can have. Going to a carnival with kids can be an amazing experience for everyone in the family. Here are some tips that can help make the carnival experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
First and foremost, safety should always be the top priority when going to a carnival with kids. Make sure your children know not to wander away and to always stay close to you. Also, it’s important to keep an eye on the rides (if there is a carnival fair) and make sure that any safety instructions are being followed.
Another tip for enjoying the carnival with kids is to make sure they stay hydrated and take breaks. Carrying water bottles and snacks is a great way to keep your kids energized and happy throughout the day. It’s also important to plan ahead and know what rides your kids are allowed to go on before getting to the carnival (if there is a carnival fair).
Bringing extra money is also a great idea when going to a carnival fair with kids. There are usually a lot of games and other attractions that your kids may want to try. Having some extra money will ensure that they’re able to have some fun and participate in all the activities.
Finally, taking lots of pictures and videos is a great way to capture the memories of the carnival with family. Taking pictures and videos of your kids having fun will make the experience even more enjoyable and memorable.
Overall, going to a carnival with kids can be a great family experience. Just make sure to keep safety in mind, bring plenty of snacks and water, and take lots of pictures to capture all the fun. With a little bit of planning and preparation, everyone can have a great time at the carnival.
Carnival break with kids in Belgium: what to do?
Looking for more things to do during Carnival break?
Take a look to our Carnival break with kids in Belgium post for inspiration!
Carnival break with kids in Belgium
From carnival events to Venetian parades, and kids-friendly museums to water parks: here are the best spring break family activities in Belgium
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