Belgium, land of family outings all year round
Here’s a guide that proves there’s no need to go halfway around the world for a fantastic adventure, and one that’s fun for the whole family. Aurélie Raigné, her companion and their three children aged 5, 10 and 15 have tested and approved each of the 24 nature outings included in this Kennes guide.
Take advantage of a weekend or a holiday to check that the adventure begins in front of your home, this is what this family has tested and invites you to discover in your turn, according to the seasons.
What are the ingredients for a successful Kids Friendly micro-adventure? It must be easy to organize (for example because the weather is nice that morning), short (a day or two), intense (we get to know each other and further strengthen ties within the family), unpublished, in nature, close, not necessarily sporty (it is a question of adapting to the rhythm of each one and to the different ages which make up the pack), surprising and cheap (just to multiply the experience as often as possible) .
The adventure can be done by bike, near Vielsalm, or on foot with one or two donkeys near Mormont, by draisine towards Maredsous, on board a barge on the Meuse near Dinant , by kayak on the Ourthe near Palogne. The hike may be more or less long, difficult, may require equipment, mainly walking.
The last outing, in winter, will take you to a little-known place in Limburg, the Sahara of Lommel. This small desert area is due to the fact that at the beginning of the 20th century, a German family wanted to operate a zinc factory there, but the result turned into an economic and ecological fiasco. The factory closes quickly but nothing grows until the day when this 200 hectare area is depolluted and planted with conifers to stabilize the soil. Today, a particular fauna and flora have developed there.
Aurélie Raigné gives you a series of tips for a successful bivouac, a picnic, with some simple and delicious recipes. An ideal guide to occupy the 104 days of weekends that make up a year.
“A year of micro-adventures in Belgium: 24 ideas for nature outings to break the routine and get away with the family”, Aurélie Raigné, Kennes Éditions, €22.