Kortrijk is one of those Belgian cities that instantly feels welcoming — especially if you’re traveling with kids. I spent two days there with our two girls (ages 5 and 7), and we had a blast from start to finish. Fun museums, creative play spaces, great food, and cozy hotels — Kortrijk is the perfect size for a relaxed family getaway. We’ll definitely be back!
This post was written in collaboration with Toerisme Kortrijk, but as always, all opinions and recommendations are entirely our own.
Hi, I’m Helena — a cheerful thirty-something who loves exploring with her family.
Looking for inspiration for your next family trip? Follow along on Instagram or TikTok for more family adventures! 🙂
🧶 1. Texture – The Linen and Textile Museum
If you love interactive museums that really engage children, Texture is a must-visit.
The museum offers a fun scavenger hunt with activities where kids can shout, touch, smell, and even taste things. We learned so much while having an amazing time — not a single dull moment! A definite highlight of our trip.
💡 Tip: Considering a Museum Pass? We tried it and share our honest verdict in another post!
🧩 2. Budafabriek & Budalab
This creative hub is easily the coolest place in Kortrijk. During our visit, the Wonder Festival was on — a yearly celebration of design, innovation, technology, and art. We even stopped by the historic City Hall to watch the magical light projections.
Even outside festival season, there’s plenty to do. You can join workshops, get hands-on in the makers lab, or just explore this buzzing creative space together.
⚔️ 3. 1302 – The Battle of the Golden Spurs Experience
At 1302, history truly comes to life. Through stunning visual projections inside the beautiful Church of Our Lady, you’ll relive the legendary Battle of the Golden Spurs.
Even our just-turned-five-year-old was mesmerized — though she did squeeze our hands tightly during the more dramatic moments. 🙂
💦 4. Wu Wei Kids Spa
Need a break? Head to Wu Wei, a serene wellness center offering a Kids Spa every Wednesday afternoon. Families can relax in the pool, enjoy a sauna or hammam session, or even book a soothing parent-child massage.
A beautiful way to unwind together in the middle of your city trip.
🏊♀️ 5. Lago Kortrijk Weide – Subtropical Swimming Paradise
For pure water fun, Lago is unbeatable. With slides, a wild river, a toddler pool, and a wellness area for adults, everyone can splash, play, and relax. Expect happy faces all around!
🌉 6. The Broel Towers
You can’t visit Kortrijk without a photo stop at the Broel Towers. These iconic medieval towers offer great views and are perfect for a family stroll along the river, especially on sunny days.
🏡 7. The Beguinage
Kortrijk’s Beguinage is a peaceful, picture-perfect corner of the city. You can wander between the whitewashed houses, step into the interactive visitor center, and imagine life centuries ago.
Our girls loved the “viewing house,” showing how people lived back then — a fascinating contrast with modern life!
Right nearby, you’ll find Huyze Begga, a lovely café housed in what used to be the Grand Mistress’s home. They serve pancakes as well! 🥞
🍽️ Family-Friendly Restaurants in Kortrijk
Buda Kitchen
This is easily one of the best family restaurants in Kortrijk. Buda Kitchen serves tasty, affordable meals — from veggie wraps to classic fries — so everyone finds something they love.
The best part? The play area! With books, blocks, dress-up clothes, and a drawing table, it kept our kids happy for hours (and gave us parents a quiet moment to breathe 😉).
💡 Tip: You order at the counter and clear your own table. It gets busy at lunchtime, and reservations aren’t possible.
Parazaar
Another favorite! Parazaar is a cozy, creative restaurant where kids are more than welcome. There’s a kids’ menu, a cabinet full of games, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Our little ones devoured their pasta while we enjoyed a delicious red curry. We finished with a heavenly chocolate moelleux. Highly recommend booking in advance!
🛏️ Where to Stay in Kortrijk with Kids
Parkhotel Kortrijk
We stayed at the Parkhotel, and it was amazing. Our spacious family room even had a private terrace! After a day of exploring, we cooled off in the hotel pool. There’s also a wellness area — which I plan to try next time, maybe without the kids 😉.
Breakfast was fantastic: eggs cooked to order, plenty of fresh fruit and pastries, and the most delicious mellowcakes. I’m still dreaming of them!
🚶♀️ Getting Around Kortrijk
One of the best things about Kortrijk is how compact it is. You can easily walk everywhere — even with little kids in tow. Everything is within about a 15-minute walk, so there’s no need for public transport.
If you prefer, you can rent (cargo) bikes at the train station for an easy ride around town.
💛 Final Thoughts
Kortrijk surprised us in the best way. It’s small enough to explore without stress, but full of creative, playful, and inspiring places for families.
Whether you’re into museums, design, water fun, or just cozy café moments — you’ll find it all here.
So, pack your bags and discover Kortrijk with your kids — you’ll love it as much as we did!
Looking for inspiration for your next family trip? Follow along on Instagram or TikTok for more family adventures! 🙂
