The War Museum in Brussels: A perfect idea for teenagers, children… or when it's raining ☔

Updated January 31, 2026 by Pierre

When we wonder What to do in Brussels with children or teenagers, mostly in weather rainThere is one place that ticks all the boxes: the War Museum, more officially called the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History.

Located in the heart of Cinquantenaire ParkThis impressive museum is one of the world's largest military museumsImmense, varied, spectacular… and surprisingly family-friendly.

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A colossal museum (and not at all boring)

The War Museum includes several hundred thousand pieces :
Historical documents, uniforms, weapons, models, statues… You can spend an hour or half a day there, picking and choosing according to each person’s interests.

What we find there

• ⚔️ Weapons and armor of the Middle Ages
• 👑 A very beautiful collection of the Empire period
• 🇧🇪 TheBelgian army from 1831 to 1914, with display cases dedicated to kings Leopold I et Leopold II
• 🔧 Thetechnical evolution of weaponry until the middle of the 20th century
• 🌍 The Première and Second World War uniforms, equipment, photos and documents
• 🚜 Some armored, shipsand many life-size objects

👉 Even without reading everything, you learn a lot just by observing.

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The Aviation Hall: a favorite with children ✈️

It's impossible to talk about the War Museum without mentioning the legendary Aviation Hall.

Why it's great

• 🛩️ Approximately 80 aircraft on displaymilitary and civilians
• 🚁 Helicopters, fighter jets, airliners
• 🏭 One huge hangar, in the style of Autoworld (the museum right across the street)
• 🧭 A mezzanine that retraces the history of aviation, from the very first flying machines

Even though this section is part of the War Museum, the atmosphere is completely different : very visual, very impressive, and perfect with children.

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Our visit (lessons learned)

We visited the Aviation Hall a few years ago, back when My daughter was completely fascinated by airplanes..
Good news: this part of the museum has not changed muchand still works just as well.

What we loved

• Moving fromplane by plane, without a set route
• 🧑‍✈️ Getting into a cockpit military aircraft
• 🔄 Count the propellers of airplanes and helicopters (yes, it works 😄)
• Go upstairs to discover the evolution of aviation, clearly the most exciting part for adults

👉 Quick tip: start upstairs, then work your way back down. We did it the other way around… and we should have done it differently 😉

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Free activities for children 🎯

All first Wednesdays of each month, within 13 to 17 hoursThe War Museum offers free activities for families :

• 🗺️ Scavenger hunts
• 🎨 Creative workshops
• 🕵️ Treasure Hunts

👉 Without reservation (unless otherwise specified) and a different activity each month.
Clearly one of the Best free outings in Brussels with children.

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Exceptional bonus: the view from the Cinquantenaire Arcades

From the War Museum, it is possible to access the Cinquantenaire Arcades and enjoy a breathtaking view of Brussels.

🎒 Some combined visits even allow you to:

• to connect the War Museum au Art & History Museum
• to go through a hidden passage above the Arcades
• to travel symbolically from Canada to China, from Nepal to India, before returning… by Sabena plane ✈️

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Practical information (to keep handy)

• 🎟️ Free with the Museum Pass
• (I.e. Cinquantenaire Park, Brussels
• 🚆 Easy access via Schuman or public transport
• 🚪 Entrance via the War Museum (you walk through part of the museum to access the Aviation Hall)
• 👟 Comfortable shoes recommended (approximately 100 steps to the Arcades)
• 🚗 Parking may be limited due to construction
• Just across the street to continue the adventure: Autoworld

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Age of the children during our visit

👉 4 years old and a 6-month-old baby 😉
It goes without saying that the War Museum works just as well with toddlers as with teenagers.

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👉 In summary

If you are looking for An activity in Brussels when it rains, a museum that appeals to children, or a smart outing with teenagers, War Museum is a safe bet.
Grand, impressive, playful in places… and with a final view that everyone agrees on ❤️