Nature parks

The Hoge Kempen National Park comprises 12 000 ha of prime nature within the triangle of Maaseik, Lanaken and Genk. The alternation of forests, vast heaths and shifting dunes is a dream for nature lovers. Terrils and impressive buildings bear witness to the region's mining history. Hikers can choose from more than 80 hiking loops, but cyclists, mountain bikers and horse riders will also find what they are looking for. The gateways are the ideal starting point for your visit and offer a variety of family activities.

Recreation park with (water)
playground. Adventure landscape park
with barefoot path
and watchtower. A vivid heritage park. Cycling, mini-golf,
little train, rowing boats, pedalos,
traffic park and
boules court. Hiking and
cycling routes. Indoor and outdoor pools
for recreational and
lane swimmers. 9-hole
golf course with driving range.
Sports centre including sports hall,
bmx track, high ropes course,
padel court and
team building activities.
MOLA, mill centre.

Come and relax in the Lys region in peaceful, child-friendly and green surroundings. On the banks of the Lys in Deinze, 27 hectares of nature and fun await you and your (grand)children. In the animal park, get to see mini-horses, among others, sheep and goats. Stretch your legs around the large pond and let young visitors romp around on the toddler and pre-school playground while you enjoy a drink in The Brielschuur. Would you like to find out more about the bees? Then get your smartphone out and follow the bee walk via the QR codes.

You rather prefer to do some sports? A street workout is waiting for you and a mini-golf course invites you to participate in a relaxing activity. Want to explore nature with your class? Then use one of our educational packages. The domain is easily accessible from the centre of Deinze and by public transport. For those arriving by car, there is ample parking space. A paved footpath makes the domain also accessible for people with strollers or wheelchairs.

Welcome to Bulskampveld! From 30 March 2024, you will be able to visit the castle and discover the revamped visitor centre. Visit the interactive exhibition and discover the wonderful collaboration between trees and fungi. A tip...the quieter you you are, the more you will see and hear. Do not forget to rummage around in the shop! Afterwards you can enjoy a refreshing walk in the castle park and the enchanted forest. Children can have have fun with cool nature assignments and games. Through playful treasure hunts you will learn lots of interesting facts about the forest.

Every season, the domain shows its most beautiful side. Bulskampveld welcomes you to the Landscape Park and is the ideal starting point to explore the green region. You will surely enjoy the beautiful scenery. Have a drink or enjoy a delicious forest dish in the Urban Café while the children are romping around the playground. Pay a visit to the extensive herb garden or go on an adventure with Expedition Bulskampveld. Experience a unique day in the forest!

The Mechelse Heide is one of the entrance gates to the Hoge Kempen National Park and is also the most beloved among hikers. Nowhere else is the landscape as varied as here: vast heathlands, forests, and abandoned sand quarries. A steep climb to the highest natural point of the national park is rewarded with stunning views. It is also the only Flemish heathland where you can enjoy such elevation changes.

From the free parking area, you can explore the Mechelse Heide on foot, by bike, mountain bike, or wheelchair. Follow one of the ten hiking loops, ranging from 1.5 to 8.5 km through the heathland. Keen hikers can extend the loops by connecting them through hiking swaps.

In the Beestige Boelbos, children get to know the animals of the Hoge Kempen National Park while walking and playing. There's also a dune where kids can play. From mid-August to mid-September, the heather blooms, coloring the landscape purple. Barely has the heather faded, and the first mushrooms appear. Thus, you experience each season in a different way.

Enjoyment for all: playgrounds, a petting zoo, fairytale house and maze, miniature golf, footpaths, a restaurant ... The biggest garden in the Antwerp metropolis regularly treats you to atmospheric events and educational activities. Fun for young and old!

Hasselt brings Japanese culture to your back door. Experience Japanese culture in all its facets. Dream away amidst beautifully blooming cherry blossoms in April, feed the koi fish with your children, or take a moment to meditate by the waterfall. There's always something happening in the Japanese Garden. Step into the largest Japanese Garden in Europe and forget about the daily hustle and bustle for a moment. For a day full of experiences, it's best to visit the garden during one of its monthly Japanese activities and events.

Drop by and visit the Duinenhuis for a true nature experience! Set off with a nature guide and let yourself be mesmerised by life in the North Sea, discoveries on the beach, mushrooms in the dunes and the lush green hinterland. On the unique roof terrace of the fantastic view of the Schipgatduinen, the sea and the stars.