Pairi Daiza with the family
A family day at Pairi Daiza, an hour from Brussels: child seats fitted, pushchair in the boot, home as soon as the little ones tire. Request a quote today.
Pairi Daiza with the family
An infant car seat for the baby, a booster seat for the eldest, the pushchair folded in the boot and the picnic cool box beside it: your day at Pairi Daiza starts at your front door, and your driver takes care of the rest. Brugelette lies in Hainaut, just under an hour's drive away, close enough for the children not to grow restless. Above all, the return does not depend on any timetable: when the youngest have had enough, in mid-afternoon or at closing time, a message is all it takes for the car to meet you at the park entrance.
The park occupies the estate of a former Cistercian abbey, founded at Cambron in the twelfth century by monks from Clairvaux and emptied of its community at the end of the eighteenth century. Its tower, crypt and historic gardens are still part of the walk, between themed worlds that take you from one continent to another. A steam train runs through the park, which is a relief for little legs, and picnics are allowed in covered or open-air areas. Pushchairs and pull-along carts can also be hired at the entrance, though they cannot be reserved.
A typical day starts at opening time, usually 10:00, to enjoy the paths before the midday rush. Pairi Daiza is open almost all year round, with opening hours that change with the seasons: check the park's calendar and buy your tickets online before you set off. With more than three travellers, child seats and a pushchair, the Van offers seven seats and a large boot. And to extend the adventure, the park offers overnight stays in lodges among the animals: simply plan the outward journey for one day and the return for the next.
A typical day
- 01Child seats fitted before setting off, pushchair and picnic loaded, then an hour's drive to Brugelette.
- 02Arrival for opening time, with no need to look for a space in the car park.
- 03Morning in the park's first worlds, with a ride on the steam train to spare the youngest legs.
- 04A picnic in one of the designated areas or lunch in one of the park's restaurants.
- 05An afternoon at the children's pace, with a detour to the tower and gardens of the former Cambron Abbey.
- 06A message to your driver when tiredness sets in; straight home, often with a nap in the back.
- Seats fitted before departure, chosen according to each child's weight, from infant carrier to booster seat
- Space set aside in the boot for the pushchair, the cool box and the changing bags
- Return time decided on the day, according to how tired the children are rather than a timetable
- Separate outward and return journeys possible if you spend the night in one of the park's lodges
Planning your day trip
How do we call the driver back when the children get tired?+
Your driver stays near the park all day. On arrival, agree a meeting point near the main entrance, then send a message or call about twenty minutes before you leave: by the time you have crossed the last worlds and folded the pushchair, the car is waiting for you. Whether tiredness strikes at 14:00 or at closing time, you leave at the time that suits you.
Should we bring our own pushchair?+
It is often simpler: it travels in the boot and your child is already used to it. The park also hires out pushchairs and carts at the mobility assistance desk near the main entrance, but they cannot be reserved and depend on availability on the day. For two adults and a child, a sedan is enough; for four or more, the Van takes the pushchair, cool box and bags with ease.
What if we stay overnight in one of the park's lodges?+
Pairi Daiza offers accommodation in the heart of the park, overlooking some of the enclosures; it is booked directly with the park. On our side, the outing then becomes two one-way journeys: out on the first day, back the next. Both are booked online like any other transfer: the fixed price is shown before you confirm, then our team confirms your booking by email.
Pairi Daiza with a wheelchair user: is it feasible?+
Yes, for most of the park. Pairi Daiza provides wheelchairs, to be reserved in advance and subject to availability, and hires out mobility scooters. A few places remain inaccessible, notably the suspension bridges and the abbey crypt. For the journey, let us know what you need: the more spacious Van makes getting in easier and has room for a folding wheelchair.
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