Things to do; Dock 79; Tree climbing, water sking, indoor bouldering and huge water inflateables!

Only around 15 minutes from SHAPE, this Outdoor recreation area includes rope courses, water rides and bouldering, plus yoga classes and concerts.

We went as a family to do the tree rope course. The children loved it and we all had a good three and a half hours of climbing. The instructors were great, all spoke good english. 

We had a great afternoon and the children had a brilliant time and came back tired (bonus!)

Website;  http://dock79.be/

Costs; For the tree climbing that we did, it was 20 euro for adults and children over 10. 

Children 6-9 years it was 15 euro - but they need a paying adult to go one with them. 

So for a family of 5 it was 95 euro. Family of 4 would be around 75 euro.

Children under 6 are 10 euro. This is for the mini course. An adult must stay but no need to pay.

There are other activities and you can often combine two activities which can work out more cost effective. More detail can be found here; https://dock79.be/nos-packs/

 

You can book ahead or you can turn up. We went early and just turned up. 

 

Address: Rue de la Hamaide 79, 7333 Saint-Ghislain

 

Phone; 065 66 25 07 

 

Distance from SHAPE; 23 Minutes drive

 

Dogs; Are allowed on a leash

 

Food; It states no food to be brought in, but you can bring water and snacks and eat them somewhere outside. (We brought our own water as it was very hot and a few biscuits to keep us going!)  There are places to buy drinks and snacks/ ice creams and some food options.

Other prices; The inflatable swimming is 10 euro for one hour and 15 euro for two hours. Children must be over 6 and all must wear a life jacket

This is a nice place to hang out. There are bars and out door seating. We sat and had an ice cream after and watched the water skiers's trying to not fall off!

Things to do; Visit Gent and the Castle (Gravensteen)

Gent (sometimes spelt Ghent also) is a beautiful town and well worth a visit with it's charming buildings and warm atmosphere

Similar to Amsterdam and Bruges but smaller and less crowded. Lots of streets to wander round packed with stunning architecture. Lots of places to eat and drink in all price brackets. The castle which is well worth a visit and beautiful cathedrals. Lots of quirky and interesting shops and cafes.

It is walkable to everywhere so if your going with children it's not too bad walking wise. We parked here Sint-michiels parking which was really central to everything and not expensive. We were there for a day and it was around 10 euro.  

The castle known as Gravensteen is well worth a visit. For a family of 5 we paid 24 euros ( children under 13 are free and over 13 it is 2 euro)  For this you also get the audio tour with a phone like device. This was really funny and kept us and the children very entertained on our visit. You can book ahead but we got tickets on the day.

Website for the Castle;  https://historischehuizen.stad.gent/en/castle-counts

Prices for Castle;  https://historischehuizen.stad.gent/en/castle-counts/visit/practical-info

Distance from SHAPE; One hour 20mins by car

Toilets; Yes and in the car parking also (free) which was great when you arrive somewhere with three children needing a wee! we usually have to hunt around first when arriving somewhere to find some.

Dogs; On a lead. Not permitted in the castle. 

Food and Drinks - Lots of places to eat and drink - spoilt for choice! 

Buggy friendly - yes though probably not in the castle 

Kid friendly - yes a great day out for all the family

 

Escape the heat and come on in, the water’s lovely

Escape the heat and come on in, the water’s lovely

Explore a pick of lakes and waterways where you can fish, float, paddle and plunge to your heart’s content

https://www.thebulletin.be/escape-heat-and-come-waters...

 

Top 10 city destinations under 5 hours from Brussels by train

 

Top 10 city destinations under 5 hours from Brussels by train

 

2 hours to London, 4 hours to Lyon. With hundreds of delayed and cancelled flights in Belgium this summer, those could be your waiting times at the airport. But it is also how long it takes to travel to these European cities by train, which allows you to hop off right in the centre.

https://www.brusselstimes.com/.../top-10-city...