I cycled through Belgium a few years ago, but mostly only know the cities well. Antwerp and Ghent are lovely, very relaxed with chill things to do. I remember the design museum in Ghent being really engaging, and might have something on to distract the kids.
Bruges is small - you only need a day there. Beautiful buildings and chocolate are the main events. Brussels is probably out of your way, but if you do go, ignore the city centre and stick to the south of the city. Great food and drinks scene in Ixelles & Saint Gilles, and the Bois is always good for impromtu child friendly fairs/concerts etc. The Eurostar is also 2hrs to Kings Cross from Brussels.
Calais, Dunkirk and Ostend are suuuper boring. Think Bognor Regis.
Don't rule out Middelburg, beautiful small city. And go see the "Deltawerken Neeltje Jans". The big waterworks built after the flooding in the 50s. They also have a museum where you go inside the dam and see the inner workings. Maybe a bit too overwhelming for a 2 and 3 year old though
I cycled through Belgium a few years ago, but mostly only know the cities well. Antwerp and Ghent are lovely, very relaxed with chill things to do. I remember the design museum in Ghent being really engaging, and might have something on to distract the kids.
Bruges is small - you only need a day there. Beautiful buildings and chocolate are the main events. Brussels is probably out of your way, but if you do go, ignore the city centre and stick to the south of the city. Great food and drinks scene in Ixelles & Saint Gilles, and the Bois is always good for impromtu child friendly fairs/concerts etc. The Eurostar is also 2hrs to Kings Cross from Brussels.
Calais, Dunkirk and Ostend are suuuper boring. Think Bognor Regis.