Europe · Best Apr–Sep, Dec for markets
Bruges and Brussels packing list for families
Belgium is small, walkable and full of treats, but cobblestones and frequent rain shape what works with kids. Here is what we pack for canal boats, chocolate shops and market nights.
Photo by Michael Maga-ao on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Bruges & Brussels
- Bruges is almost entirely cobblestones, and strollers rattle the whole way. I bring a carrier for little ones, plus a sturdy pair of shoes for everyone.
- The two cities are only about an hour apart by train, so you can base in one and day-trip to the other. I like staying in Bruges, where evenings are quiet and the city is lovely after the day-trippers leave.
- A chocolate-making workshop is a great rainy-day plan, and it gives kids something to bring home. Book ahead, since family sessions fill up on weekends.
Best timeApr–Sep, Dec for markets
PlugsType E, bring an adapter
MoneyEuro
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Bruges & Brussels
This time of year
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Carry-on19
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Compact travel umbrellaUseful in lines for canal boats and the belfry.
Clothing13
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Packable rain jacketKristina's pickRain is common in every season.
Shoes4
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Cushioned kids' walking shoesCobblestones are hard on little feet all day.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Cold weather1
Warm hat and glovesDecember market nights are cold and damp.
Little ones13
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Soft baby carrier instead of a strollerKristina's pickStairs, cobblestones, or trails make strollers hard here.
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries18
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech19
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
Travel plug adapterKristina's pickType E, bring an adapter
The outfit edit
City neutrals
Navy, cream, camel, olive
For photos
- Neutrals plus one red scarf or hat
- Overcast days flatter everyone
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Bruges & Brussels weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 42°F 6°C | Cold, damp and gray, with short days and occasional frost | |
| February | 44°F 7°C | Cold, damp and gray, with short days and occasional frost | |
| March | 50°F 10°C | Cool and showery, brightening into April | |
| April | 57°F 14°C | Cool and showery, brightening into April | Bluebells carpet the Hallerbos forest near Brussels |
| May | 64°F 18°C | Mild to warm with long evenings and passing showers | Procession of the Holy Blood in Bruges on Ascension Day (some years in June) |
| June | 69°F 21°C | Mild to warm with long evenings and passing showers | |
| July | 73°F 23°C | Mild to warm with long evenings and passing showers | Ommegang pageant in Brussels' Grand-Place in early July |
| August | 72°F 22°C | Mild to warm with long evenings and passing showers | Flower Carpet in the Grand-Place in mid-August of even-numbered years |
| September | 66°F 19°C | Mild in September, then cool, wet and windy | |
| October | 58°F 14°C | Mild in September, then cool, wet and windy | |
| November | 49°F 9°C | Mild in September, then cool, wet and windy | Christmas markets and ice rinks in both cities |
| December | 43°F 6°C | Cold, damp and gray, with short days and occasional frost | Christmas markets and ice rinks in both cities |
Questions families ask
Bruges & Brussels with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Bruges & Brussels with kids?
The best time is Apr–Sep, Dec for markets. Mild to warm with long evenings and passing showers
What's the weather like in Bruges & Brussels?
Typical daytime highs range from about 42°F (6°C) in January to about 73°F (23°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Bruges & Brussels?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Bruges & Brussels?
Type E, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Bruges & Brussels with kids?
Bruges is almost entirely cobblestones, and strollers rattle the whole way. I bring a carrier for little ones, plus a sturdy pair of shoes for everyone.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.