🏖️ A kid-friendly sandy beach less than 30 minutes from Brussels!
Updated July 8, 2025 by Pierre
You dream of a day at the beach with the kids, but the North Sea is crowded, too far or too expensive? 😅 Good news: at less than an hour from Brussels, there exists a great, practical and ultra fun alternative when it's hot in Brussels. Direction… Hofstade beach near Antwerp! 🌞
👶 A paradise for children (and parents too)
The moment you step onto the sand, it's like you're on vacation. And for kids, it's a dream come true:
- 🏴☠️ A pirate-themed playground : slides, ropes, cabins… everything you need to experience adventures worthy of Jack Sparrow.
- 🏖️ A fine sandy beach to build castles, dig tunnels or simply lie down with a bucket of water at hand.
- 🏊 Areas of bathing monitored : when the green flag is raised, the children can splash around safely while you enjoy the sun or a good book.
- (I.e. Beach volleyball for older children or sporty families.
- (I.e. A floating path which crosses the water – perfect for a little original walk with the children.
💦 The Water Jump Park: thrills guaranteed!
Explosive new product of the year: the Water Jump Park by Waterjumppark, located right next to the beach, promises a dose of adrenaline and laughter for the whole family.
- 🧗♂️ A 12-meter-high Xtreme Tower for the more daring (from 10 years old).
- 🛝 One XXL inflatable water course with slides, jumps and challenges galore.
- 💦 Crazy water activities for everyone from 7 years old (always accompanied by an adult).
And if you prefer peace and quiet, no worries: you can also rent a kayak, paddle boarding or an pedalo to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Nature, sport, and relaxation are on the agenda!
🎟️ To access the Water Jump Park, you need a combi ticket (beach + water jump).
🚗 Paid parking nearby:
- Parking D : Tervuursesteenweg 395 – 1981 Hofstade
- Parking E : Jaargetijdenlaan – 1981 Hofstade
🏊♂️ For older children: Open Water Swimming
Are you more of a lap swimmer or a triathlon trainee? open water pool Hofstade is made for you:
- (I.e. 50 or 100 meter lines to swim in the great outdoors, with the safety of a real pool.
- (I.e. Water play area for water polo or kayak polo.
- 🌿 A unique sensory experience: the calm of nature, space, freedom... and the pleasure of swimming.
📅 Opening : from April 30 to September (if the water temperature reaches 16°C), at the same times as the beach.
🏋️♂️ Club training
Are you part of a swimming or triathlon club? Hofstade offers specific slots:
- (I.e. Wednesday evening from 19 p.m. to 20:30 p.m. (outside public hours)
- 🗓️ Bookable slots :
- May 1 – June 20: Wednesday 13 p.m.–19 p.m. + weekends and holidays 11 a.m.–19 p.m.
- June 21 – August 31: Daily 11am–19pm
- September 1–14: Wednesday 13–19 p.m. + weekends and holidays 11 a.m.–19 p.m.
???? Club rate : €3/athlete (instead of €6)
📧 Reservation by email: hofstade@sport.vlaanderen
📋 Information to provide: club name, address, company number, manager's name, contact email.
🍦 Gourmet break at Zuiderbad
After all these adventures, a break is needed! Zuiderbad, it’s the perfect spot to regain your strength:
- In summer, it is a sunny terrace with cold drinks and snacks.
- In winter it turns into cozy living room for a well-deserved hot chocolate.
📅 Practical information to know
- (I.e. Beach opening : from the end of April to mid-September, access until 18 p.m., evacuation at 19:15 p.m.
- 🎟️ Online reservation required (especially in summer, it avoids queues and disappointments).
- ???? Discounts :
- Inhabitants of zemst : 100% discount with the last 8 digits of the national registry number.
- Inhabitants of Boortmeerbeek et Vilvoorde : 50% off.
- 🐶 Dogs allowed only in low season (mid-September to April), on a leash and on the trail.
📍 Address to register:
Sport Flanders Hofstade
Tervuursesteenweg z/n
1981 Hofstade (Zemst)
📞 015/618 360
Barely a foot in the Belgian capital, Pierre launched “InsideBrussels.be” more than 10 years ago, the idea is simple: “What to do? Where to go to eat or have a drink? “. Entrepreneur at heart, this is not his first project! Far from there. EatLocal.io; KingCard.be, Bricabrac.be … Like wine, with time the project improves!
Pierre does not hesitate to share his favorites and his best addresses of Brussels restaurants that he could recommend to you with his eyes closed.
