It’s spring break and the weather is beautiful. Time to get out and about! Whether you want to soak up the first rays of spring sunshine or are looking for an indoor activity to shelter from the April showers, these five ErfgoedApp tours are sure to give your whole family a fun-filled day.
Turnhout: Child with ink stains
Meet Senne, an 11-year-old boy who, in 1892—like so many children of that era—works in one of Turnhout’s many printing shops. Life there is hard. But on an ordinary workday, Senne sets in motion a series of events that will have far-reaching consequences...
The walk 'Child with Ink Stains' brings Senne’s life to life in today’s city. You’ll walk past 10 impressive murals that transport you to the era when Turnhout flourished as an industrial city. Using the ErfgoedApp , you ErfgoedApp to stories that bring each mural to life.
The walk starts at the Playing Card Museum, which also hosts a variety of activities for children of all ages. The walk is about 4.5 km long, accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and takes about 2 hours.
© Turnhout Museums
Leuven: The Flight of the Kestrel
Want to go on a treasure hunt with the ErfgoedApp? At the University Library of Leuven, 'The Flight of the Kestrel' immerses you in a world of history and stories.
The iconic and imposing library building has a rich yet turbulent history: during the destruction of Leuven in 1914, the collection was almost entirely lost to the flames. Together with your guide, Etienne Van Klauwenbergh—the kestrel—you’ll explore the library and its history in a playful and interactive way. As the icing on the cake, you’ll end your journey with a visit to the tower, where you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of Leuven.
This activity is ideal for families with children ages 6 and up. On weekends and holidays , the library is open to visitors. For more information, please visit the University Library’s front desk.
Ghent: The Mysterious Disappearance of Hendrik Alijn
Panic at the House of Alijn in Ghent: Hendrik the ghost has disappeared. His best friend, Poes, is distraught and could really use your help.
Will you help Poes find Hendrik? Together, you’ll search for clues in the museum. As you move from room to room, you’ll discover what daily life was like in the 20th century. Step by step, you’ll get closer to Hendrik.
This fun scavenger hunt is an ideal family outing for families with children ages 5 to 12 and combines history and play in a fun, accessible way. An added bonus: you can also follow the activity in Flemish Sign Language via the ErfgoedApp.
© Huis van Alijn
Bruges: Julia's Little Stories
Travel back to 1920 with the audio story 'Julia's Little Stories'. At the Folklore Museum in Bruges, Julia takes you to her home, her school, her father’s workshop, the shop, and the garden. Along the way, she tells you ErfgoedApp about her daily life in the ErfgoedApp and challenges you with fun questions. So listen carefully!
At the Folklore Museum, it feels as though time has stood still. In an old classroom or the grocer’s shop, you can experience daily life in Bruges during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Children can have a blast at seven play stations, where they can try on hats or make calls on old telephones, for example. The activity lasts about 60 to 90 minutes, making it ideal for children ages 7 to 12.
Ronse: Hermes the Cat
Looking for a fun activity for young children? Then this ErfgoedApp tour in Ronse is highly recommended. The mischievous cat spirit Hermes takes you to the St. Hermes Crypt beneath the basilica of the same name.
The church building, whose origins date back to the 11th century, is dedicated to Saint Hermes and served for centuries as a place of pilgrimage for those seeking healing from mental illness. The crypt, one of the oldest of its kind, dates back to 1089 and is the basilica’s crowning glory.
During this interactive tour, Hermes—once the most famous cat in Ronse—will guide you on a scavenger hunt through the medieval crypt. A fun souvenir awaits you at the end of the tour. This family tour is best suited for families with children ages 5 to 8.
Check out the full selection for kids and families in the app or on the website (filter by kids/family):
