Summer is a great time to visit Ostend. All of the fun activities and things to see and do are made a little bit easier by the warm weather. You can spend time in the great outdoors enjoying beach walks or visits to playgrounds, making entertaining children easy. There are lots of family-friendly activities in Ostend for all ages, no matter the weather. Before you start your planning, book your ideal family accommodation in Leopold Hotel Ostend. With the beach & promenade just beach 150 metres from the hotel, and just around the corner from the bustling main market square, bars and restaurants, you will always have some form of entertainment close at hand.
1. TALL SHIP MERCATOR
Keep your family holiday educational and entertaining with a visit tone of the most important artefacts in Ostend. Visit the museum ship, Mercator, and learn more about Arctic explorations and the discovery of new places. This ship was captained by only two commanders and made 41 voyages, including repatriating the remains of Father Damien from Molokai. After its initial launch in 1932, It sailed into the harbour of Antwerp in 1960 and was equipped as a museum ship the following year. Climb aboard and let the artefacts, photos and stories take you back in time on adventurous ocean voyages. Your children will love hearing the stories of the brave seamen and their epic adventures.
2. LEOPOLD PARK
Leopold Park is the pearl in Ostend’s crown. It’s the heart of the city and brings us closer to nature in what is otherwise a bustling urban area. Enjoy a well-manicured green space, soaking up the sun and admiring the flowers. On a sunny day, your children will love running around freely, playing games and if you’re well prepared, having lunch al fresco. There is a large pond with swans and ducks, a beautiful bandstand built in 1885 and the world-famous floral clock was planted in 1963 and is still as impressive as ever. In the middle of the park, there is a children’s playground and café so your children can play together while you enjoy a warm coffee.
3. FORT NAPOLEON
Fort Napoleon is one of the most impressive places to visit in Ostend. Among the dunes of the North, the infamous French general Napoleon ordered the construction of a fortified building to defend against attacks from the West. It’s a fascinating place to visit for lovers of storytelling, history, and local events. There are interactive story trails inside and you can literally hear the stories of its former inhabitants from the walls. The architecture is fascinating, and the scenery is stunning. They have recently undergone some renovations making it more child friendly so it can be enjoyed by the whole family.
4. HANGTIME OSTEND
If you have an active family or just need to tire out your little ones before bed, try Hangtime Ostend. Drive about 10 minutes from our Ostend hotel and enjoy 1,000 square metres of trampolines suitable for all ages. There is a challenging play area for the smallest members of the family too so no one feels left out. If you don’t want to join in, there is a lovely coffee shop so you can hang out while your children play. In addition to the trampolines, they offer lots of extra activities like basketball hoops, dodgeball trampolines, foam pit—the list goes on. There is a terrace to cool off after you’re done jumping.
5. FAMILY HOTEL IN OSTEND
One of the most important things when looking for a family hotel in Ostend is the location. You want to be close to the centre of the action but guaranteed a good night’s sleep for your family. Leopold Hotel Ostend is located in a beautiful Art Deco building in Ostend City Centre, just 150m from the beach. Enjoy spacious rooms with plenty of facilities to make your stay more comfortable including TVs with international satellite channels and complimentary Wi-Fi so everyone’s devices are always online.
Our best available rates and special offers are exclusively available when you book directly on our website. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to Leopold Hotel Ostend.
Author Bio: Katie McGarr is a resident writer for Leopold Hotel Ostend, a lovely boutique hotel housed in a unique Art Deco building and located in the heart of Ostend City. When she’s not making art, you can find her writing inspiring articles about travel, food, and cultural appreciation.