Fancy a date with ... Wiske meadowlark, Mr mason bee, Mrs coot? Then you must come to Provincial Domain Het Vinne. Enjoy a unique nature walk or a
fascinating individual, family or group activity.
Discover the nature of Meetjesland in all its facets! Provincial domain Het Leen is a forest covering over 285 hectares straddling the border between Eeklo and Lievegem. Its more than 30 km of hiking trails make the forest easily accessible. A large section is paved, so even those with reduced mobility can enjoy a wonderful forest experience. Up for a brisk walk, or just looking to stretch your legs after a big lunch? Several mapped out walks, of varying lengths, depart from the forest information centre, including paved and unpaved paths. Looking to explore the forest with your family? Then grab a gear bag and carry out the assignments. Young ramblers can become certified forest gnomes, or discover the world through the eyes of a fairy, while slightly more mature forest adventurers can set out on scientific explorations.
Be sure to visit the arboretum. This 6-hectare tree and shrub museum introduces you to more than 8,000 plants that are sure to leaf an impression. The extensive collections of Camellia, Magnolia, Rhododendron, and Viburnum make a visit to the arboretum especially worthwhile. The platform of the 20-meter-high lookout tower offers a magnificent view of the treetops. At the foot of the tower, near the front desk of the forest information centre, the nature shop is sure to hold a nice and sustainable souvenir of your forest excursion. 285 ha of East Flemish forest fun...
A getaway park for families with young children. Free access and with plenty of facilities. Large and small playground, water playground, rowing boats
and pedalos, pedal boats, mini-golf, heated paddling pool, traffic park, skate park, cycling trail and beehive.
Prinsenpark is a 215ha green oasis of tranquillity with 6 mapped out walking routes along ponds, viewing huts, benches and picnic tables. Joggers, cyclists and wheelchair users are welcome! Children can come and ramp about in great new play areas. Dogs on a leash are allowed, there is also a wooded dog walking area. Groups can request guided walks. For schools there are free walks. Kastelsedijk 5, 2470
The Averegten is a unique and varied walking forest of 100 ha with 5 signposted footpaths. The red path is wheelchair-friendly, on the red and orange footpath dogs are allowed on a leash. Farm animals, the botanical garden, play forests, a beehive and the cool playground at Taverne Boshuis complete the picture. For schools and groups, there are guided walks.
Discover the Sea Change exhibition on life in and around the sea. Dive to the bottom of the North Sea and marvel at the mammoth fossils. Become a lab technician and examine the cause of death of a minke whale. Visitors are confronted with climate change and the possible effects of a rise in sea levels on our coast. Enter the control room to discover what the maritime zoning of the North Sea looks like, and take matters into your own hands. A literal high point is the panorama tower with its commanding view and factoids about the region. Our sun terrace among an oasis of green is a real showstopper. Taste the traditional ice creams, deliciously fair juices, organic lemonades, and local beers.
Daredevils as well as the youngest of whippersnappers can go all out on our playground. Our dune garden is accessible to wheelchair users and strollers. Look for the Maxi animals and earn your treat! Can you also find the missing sea animal in the silhouette search? Or come have a look around in our North Sea aquarium! You might discover some secrets of the sea! Grab your chest wader and your push net, and head out into the sea. Discuss your findings with the nature guide as you're fishing. Duinpanne is the ideal departure or resting point for your hike or bike ride. Grab a free hiking map or buy a mapped out route in our green shop. Good for hours of walking, cycling, and play!
On the edge of the wooded Provincial Domain Palingbeek the visitor centre is the perfect meeting place for the Palingbeek Rangers, the Environmental Farm
with farm animals and ecological vegetable garden, the ponds surrounded by play forest, the apiary, the public observatory Astrolab and so much more. Enter the Ranger hut or take part in one of the family tours. Participate in one of the organised activities or book your activity with your group.
De Nekker is a beautiful domain on the outskirts of Mechelen where you can swim, relax, play and sport, both indoor and outdoor. On the 65ha green you will find not only a pond with swimming area and beach, but also playgrounds, an educational water playground, extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities, an indoor playground and a large indoor swimming pool. Moreover, you can also enjoy the available catering facilities or stay overnight in the lodgings.
De Gavers is the largest nature domain in the south of West Flanders. This place is all about nature. Unsurprisingly, it enjoys widespread renown among lovers of nature. After a nice walk, families with children are sure to find their way to the renovated nature playground. On sunny days, the play stream offers a splash of cooling. Feeling adventurous? During the summer months you can swim, kayak, or monkey around on the ropes course or the climbing wall.
Come and have a walk in a 'Feel Good Garden' and discover highlights in every season. In spring, blossom clouds of cherry and apple trees welcome you and play a soft play of colours with the beautifully blooming magnolias. They are followed by the rhododendrons, Japanese and Ghent azaleas, and the freshly budding leaves of the maples. The rose garden spreads its scent in late spring and immediately announces summer. Autumn is a true Indian Summer. An ideal time, too, to take a closer look at the leaf shapes of the brightly coloured autumn leaves and enjoy seed pods, bottling plants and tree fruits. During Christmas time the conifers that are the backbone of the historic garden come into the spotlight. Surprisingly, the winter months guarantee the fine play of colours and scents of the witch-hazels, Hamamelis. Nowhere in Europe will you find a larger collection. Together with many other winter flowers, the garden is enchanting and invites you to have a pleasant winter walk. More information on other activities, such as plant days, can be found on the website. Botanical paradise since 1856.
