It’s the last weekend of February, and Brussels has a vibrant mix of carnival fun, cultural immersion, and creative workshops! Don't miss the Carnaval de Saint-Gilles parade on Saturday, or catch the very last day of the LUMINISCENCE light show. We also have great options for younger explorers at the Coudenberg Palace and the Musée des enfants.
See our top picks
Coderdojo Dilbeek
Westrand - Cultural Dilbeek
A free morning session dedicated to teaching kids how to code on Saturday.
Anima Festival (Animated Cinema)
Flagey, Marni, and Cinematek
A whole festival dedicated to animated film screenings and workshops indoors.
The Circus at the Children's Museum
Musée des enfants
An immersive circus-themed day with dress-up and creative workshops for ages 3-12.
· February 28
3SAINT-GILLES CARNIVAL : The streets of Saint-Gilles come alive with the 27th edition of the Carnival! Expect costumes, fanfares, and percussion during a cheerful procession. Stick around for the finale at Place Bethléem where there will be food stalls and activities for kids.It's the main neighbourhood street celebration happening only on Saturday.
: Let your little ones become explorers in the palace ruins! This underground treasure hunt is designed specifically for children aged 5 to 8, keeping them engaged while learning history.It’s a tailored, educational activity specifically aimed at younger primary school children.
FREE : A free coding club session happening Saturday morning in Dilbeek. Perfect for kids interested in learning basic programming or game design.It's a great, free educational opportunity available only on Saturday morning.
· March 1
6: Brussels celebrates animated cinema for families during the school break! Catch screenings, meet filmmakers, and join creative workshops throughout the weekend.It runs until Sunday and is explicitly geared towards families during the school break.
: The giant pop culture festival is back at Brussels Expo for the mid-term break. Dive into the universe of manga, anime, and video games—great for older kids and teens.This massive pop culture event runs throughout the entire targeted weekend.
: Help the museum reconstruct a stolen garland by solving enigmas related to Belgian carnival traditions. Great interactive fun focused on national culture.It's a focused, family-friendly mission set inside a major museum, running right up to Sunday.
: Step right up! The Children's Museum is hosting a circus theme complete with dressing up as a clown in the theater and creative baking workshops. Perfect for younger kids this Sunday.This event closes Sunday and is designed specifically for the 3-12 age bracket.
FLIGHT EXHIBITION : Discover the secrets of flight through nature and technology, featuring fossils, taxidermied birds, and model airplanes. Great for kids aged 10+ interested in science.It’s an excellent science-focused exhibition running all weekend.
MINI-GOLF D'HIVER : Enjoy a game of winter mini-golf in Saint-Gilles. It’s a fun, low-pressure activity perfect for families with kids aged 5 and up, running until early March.This limited-run winter activity covers the entire weekend and targets primary-aged kids.
Also On· anytime this weekend
4: This is your absolute last chance to see the monumental video-mapping show illuminating the Gothic architecture of the Cathedral. It’s an immersive experience mixing narration and music.This popular limited-run event closes its doors forever on Saturday.
: Turn your outing into a real-life video game! Teams navigate 7 rooms filled with physical and mental missions involving lasers and sensors. Perfect for older kids ready for a challenge.This is an exciting, high-energy activity perfect for family bonding over the weekend.
: This exhibit blends design principles with the world of comics, offering a unique visual experience before it closes Sunday. Worth checking out if you are near Laeken.It’s one of several excellent exhibitions closing on Sunday.
: Explore this innovative exhibition at Tour & Taxis that looks ahead at what zoos and conservation might look like in the future. It’s running well into the summer but is open this Sunday.It's a major exhibition running during the target weekend at a central location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Brussels this weekend?
The best free option found for this weekend is Coderdojo Dilbeek on Saturday morning. Additionally, the Nekkersdal Neighbourhood Kitchen is listed as recurring, but specific free entry details for families this weekend are not provided.
Which major family events are ending this weekend?
You only have until Sunday to catch the closing of the Anima Festival (animation), Design and Comics: Living in a Box, and the spectacular LUMINISCENCE sound and light show at the Cathedral (Saturday only).
Are there any outdoor activities planned for Saturday?
Yes! The highlight is the vibrant Carnaval de Saint-Gilles starting in the afternoon. If you prefer something calmer, the Mini-Golf d'Hiver in Saint-Gilles is also running.
