A lighter focus- recreation times in Brussels

When we first arrived I bemoaned the fact that there did not seem to be any playgrounds for children around.  All the websites spoke about how wonderful Brussels is for small children and families, and how there is so much to do. I was used to Brisbane, which I still think has the best playgrounds I have ever seen, where there is a playground on every street corner in full view... 

Well, it took a while to find them, but we did and they are NOT BAD AT ALL. In fact, I am quite pleased with the variety and volume of playgrounds around. In fact, I try and go to a new one for each outing so at the moment, the kids are unable to have a favourite as each new one becomes the new favourite. Here is a small selection of what we have been to: 

This is our local park- within easy walking distance. It is huge with an area for the little kids and the big kids, plus football area (of course. these kids are seriously GOOD at soccer) and dog poop area (a must in Brussels). And a bonus is that it is completely fenced. No worrying about children running away or accessing the busy roads. 

Sometimes they randomly decide to lock the park though, like I found out one weekend as they had deemed that it was "too windy".  Obviously, none of them have ever lived in Wellington. 

This is an enormous castle playground park near the centre of Brussels. The day we went in the school holidays, it was almost deserted. 

The kids have requested a similar playground to be built in our backyard when we finally settle. Of course dears :). We may need some help!

This is the view from the castle playground. Yep, a real live castle. Love it! It was deemed "boring" by my youngsters...sigh. 

This is the other playground that is within walking distance of our house, although, with tired little ones, I tend to take the bus/tram for 1 stop.  

One of the first parks we found when we arrived, close to our first apartment in Ixelles.

Then there are also lots of outdoor spaces and places to walk. Again deemed "boring" by the sprogs until they arrive and actually find it quite nice after all!  Botanique gardens - look at those posers...haha.

A forest walk on the other side of Brussels where the expats live. We heard a lot of english and other languages here :)

Here's a bit of a gross fact. THERE ARE NO PUBLIC FACILITIES AT ANY PARKS. Even the indoor play areas (see below) do not necessarily have baby change facilities, even though they are catering for toddlers - logical non?!  So this has been a bit of a problem for us and I polled a mums facebook group, and apparently toiletting in public IS a national pastime for the belgians/ french.  Eeeewww. I am still working on an acceptable solution for our family but I wish they just built toilets where small children could go.  

And there are a variety of indoor spaces and activities too as yes, it does apparently rain a lot in Brussels. Although, it seems to rain less than Auckland, and the rain is far far far (can I say this enough?) more pleasant than the torrential downpours that Brisbane gets during the monsoon-y season. 

Safety seems to be less of a concern here. Less helicopter parenting, kids more able to do more risky things. This was pretty high for a 7 and 9 year old. Proud of them for managing it by themselves! 

The little dude does not like his photo taken, but he does like to be the photographer. Here he is learning the ropes. 

And of course, we cannot forget the local peace keepers that patrol the streets and parks constantly. Obviously very dangerous places to be! They keep the kids in line and make sure they are not breaking any of the rules.  Also, they are quick to point out if I have left my bag unattended on a seat, even if there is  noone else around.

Occasionally we find good places to have a snack.  Here is D having a reasonable smoothie. Smoothie places are few and far between compared to down under.

 And normally I also have a coffee. But given that this is what a cappuccino looks like - I may give up ordering coffee altogether! I guess I should really convert to beer. The first time I ordered a coffee, I was shocked and could not understand why they had coated it with canned whipped cream.  Apparently, they think this is good coffee.... sigh.....

As we explore more places, I will try and take more photos.  The sun is out this week and we are having a heat wave, life is definitely looking up!