Mechelen, Belgium, city trip with a toddler

We had a long weekend in Mechelen with our toddler. Our friends have a gigantic house in the city centre, and we had the luxury to stay there for a few days.

The weather was crappy this time of the year, but we were still able to do some activities outside. But during the ‘sunny’ slots we managed to go outside to run errands and a bit of sightseeing.

Domaine Tivoli
This park is beautiful, very well-kept with free entrance. I was amazed by how much it has to offer. We went by bike, and I saw that the car park we passed was full. The weather was not fantastic, so I can imagine that it will be even more difficult to find a parking spot when the weather is good.

There are playgrounds which is fun for children of various ages. Restaurants with a view on the play ground and plenty of picnic places and benches, and there is a petting zoo.

Tivoli Castle
Tivoli Castle is a restaurant with a terrace, located in Tivoli Park. Because of the summer holiday it had two bouncing castles for their guest’s children. Unfortunately it was rainy, so the bouncing castles were a bit wet on the inside. We didn’t get the chance to eat here because of the heavy rain, but the menu wasn’t that big when I looked at it.

Petting zoo
The “petting zoo”, with turtles and rabbits is also part of Domaine Tivoli. It is well maintained and there is a small garden of herbs and aromatic plants.

There is also some sort of nature fairy named Kadodder. Elodie loved the little show high up from a tree.

The petting zoo is very child-friendly, and the toilets were very clean. They have toilets specifically designed for children.

Walk over the Dijlepad
Mechelen is next to river the Dijle, and the last few years the city has been working on incorporating the river into their city plans.

The Dijlepad goes across the water between the Kruidtuin and the Haverwerf, and you can also walk next to the Melaan.

We enjoyed walking this path over the water, and the kids loved biking it.

Kruidtuin
The Kruidtuin or ‘Botanique’ has a rich cultural history. During the Middle Ages of already served as a garden, and after the first World War the Stadspark was open for visitors.
There are playgrounds for children. So it is a nice little get away in the city centre.