Antwerp · With kids

Belgium's oldest zoo, open 365 days a year, and it is immediately beside Antwerpen-Centraal — you walk out of the station and you are there. Ticket prices change by date; buy at least a day ahead for €3 off adult and €2 off children's tickets, and under-3s go free.

The escalator spiral through the MAS up to the tenth-floor panorama is free and open Tuesday to Sunday 9:30–22:00, longer on summer evenings; you only pay if you go into the galleries. Hanzestedenplaats 1, tram 7 to the terminus.

A river beach with sand, walks along the Scheldt and terraces, reached through the pedestrian tunnel or on the €1 waterbus. It is a Scheldt beach, not a swimming resort, so plan on sand, kites and mussels rather than a dip.

Free water play on the old railway yard north of the centre: the big water feature starts at 09:00 and the children's play fountains between 10:00 and 11:00 in summer, with a climbing structure and a summer bar alongside. Check the city page first, as the small fountain closes in hot spells.

A walk-through chocolate museum at Koningin Astridplein 7, directly opposite Central Station: €19.90 adults, €18.50 for 12–17s, €14.50 for 4–11s, free under 4. Open from 09:30, to 18:30 Sunday to Tuesday and 20:00 Wednesday to Saturday; booking is advised at peak times.