Pairi Daiza With Kids: Europe’s Most Beautiful Zoo

Over the years, we’ve visited quite a few amazing zoos, so our bar is set high. Still, Pairi Daiza had been on our bucket list for a while to visit with our kids. We had high expectations—but could it really live up to them?

From the moment we walked through the entrance, we could tell this park was next level. Not just because of the animals, but because of how beautifully everything is designed. It truly feels like traveling the world without ever leaving the park.

We visited Pairi Daiza during the autumn break, partly over the Halloween weekend, with our daughters Nina (6) and Puck (3). And now we totally understand why this park has been named Europe’s most beautiful zoo multiple times. Keep reading for our full experience.

Why Pairi Daiza Is, in Our Opinion, the Most Beautiful Zoo in Europe

It might sound like a bold statement, but once you walk through the gates of Pairi Daiza, you’ll understand right away. Every single detail has been thought through, and nothing feels random. Not just the animal enclosures, but also the paths, bridges, buildings and even the music all fit perfectly with the theme. You literally walk from one continent to another, yet it never feels fake or over the top.

What makes Pairi Daiza truly special is how much it feels like the animals come first. The enclosures are spacious, green and natural, so you can often see the animals up close. No bare cages or busy fences, but carefully designed spaces that surprise you as a visitor too. Each area matches the animals’ natural habitat and country of origin. The red pandas live among Chinese temples, the brown bears have their own river (we even saw one catching a fish), and the tigers sneak through Asian ruins.

The atmosphere is unlike any other zoo we’ve visited. Every zone has its own style and even its own scent, and the cafés and shops blend in perfectly. Whether you’re walking through the Chinese area with the pandas, watching hippos in Africa, or suddenly standing eye to eye with a polar bear in the Russian section, everywhere you feel the same attention to detail.

For us, Pairi Daiza isn’t just a day out, it’s an experience you completely sink into. It’s the only zoo where, at the end of the day, we thought: we’d actually love to come back tomorrow.

How to Get to Pairi Daiza

Pairi Daiza is located in Brugelette (Cambron-Casteau), in Wallonia, near the French border. From central Limburg it’s about a 2.5-hour drive, and from Utrecht around three hours. It’s perfect for a weekend trip, but a bit far for a quick day visit. If you’re traveling with kids, staying overnight nearby is definitely worth it.

The route is easy, even though the park is a bit in the middle of nowhere. That might sound inconvenient, but it actually means there’s plenty of space for nature and expansion.

By Car to Pairi Daiza

Most visitors arrive by car, and that’s also the easiest way. From the Netherlands, you mainly drive along highways towards Mons, then follow smaller country roads to Cambron-Casteau. The roads are clearly marked and the last stretch is quiet but easy to follow.

Parking at Pairi Daiza

Parking is available right next to the entrance, with thousands of spacious spots. A parking ticket costs €12 per day. You can buy it at the entrance, at the ticket machines when leaving, or online in advance.

By Public Transport to Pairi Daiza

Prefer to come by train? That’s possible too. Cambron-Casteau station is about 1.2 kilometers from the entrance (around a 20-minute walk). There’s no shuttle bus, but the walking route is clearly marked.

Through the Pairi Daiza website, you can also get 40% off your NMBS train ticket, and kids under 12 travel for free (up to four per paying adult).

How Many Days Do You Need for Pairi Daiza With Kids

We already had a feeling one day would not be enough, and we were right. Pairi Daiza is huge. If you want to explore everything, watch a few shows, let the kids play, and take your time, one day simply is not enough.

We visited Pairi Daiza with our daughters on a Friday and Saturday during the autumn break. The first day, without the Halloween event, was calm and peaceful, and we probably saw only half of the park. On Saturday we went back to see the rest and enjoy the Halloween program with extra shows, lights, and longer opening hours. The atmosphere was fantastic, although definitely busier. Ticket prices are a bit higher during events like this, but it is absolutely worth it.

For families with young kids, two days is ideal. You will have time to see everything without rushing, plus enough moments for ice cream, playgrounds, and little discoveries.

If you only have one day, that is fine too, but plan ahead and choose which themed areas you really want to see. The park is big and the distances between sections are longer than you might expect, so a bit of planning helps.

Our Tip: Turn It Into a Weekend Trip

If you want to experience everything at a relaxed pace, including shows, feeding times, and a few quiet breaks, book a stay in or near Pairi Daiza and turn it into a weekend getaway. Especially if you are coming from the Netherlands, it is much nicer than trying to do it all in one day.

And here is something exciting: Pairi Daiza keeps expanding. In early 2026 a new indoor themed area will open, followed later that year by a large tropical swimming complex where you can even interact with animals. Just one more reason to stay a little longer.

Where to Stay Near Pairi Daiza

If you want to turn your visit to Pairi Daiza into a weekend trip, you have two great options: stay inside the park itself or book a hotel nearby. Both come with their own charm and benefits.

Sleeping Among the Animals

Pairi Daiza offers unique lodges where you literally sleep next to the animals. Imagine waking up to a view of polar bears, wolves, or sea lions. At night you might hear them moving around, and in the morning you can watch them wake up just meters away. It is an unforgettable experience, especially for kids.

These lodges are extremely popular, so they sell out fast, especially during school holidays. Prices are on the higher side too, so if you want to experience this once, make sure to book early.
👉 Check availability at the Pairi Daiza Resort

Hotels and Apartments Near Pairi Daiza

The park is located in Brugelette (Cambron-Casteau), not exactly next to a major city. Most nearby hotels are around a 25 to 30 minute drive away. That might sound a bit far, but the route is easy and scenic.

We stayed at Orange Hôtel in La Louvière, about half an hour from the park. It is a modern hotel with spacious family rooms and a great breakfast, and we can definitely recommend it if you are traveling with kids.

If you prefer to stay a little closer, Mons and Ath are both good alternatives. You will find nice hotels and apartments there, often with more dining options nearby.

Other Options

If you want to combine your visit with a city trip, consider staying in Brussels or Lille, just across the border in France. Both are about an hour’s drive from the park, making it easy to mix nature and city life.

There are also a few smaller B&Bs and apartments around the park itself, although we found those a bit less charming.

Special Events at Pairi Daiza

Throughout the year, Pairi Daiza hosts seasonal events that make the park feel extra special. From spring festivals to magical winter lights, every season has its own atmosphere.

We visited during Halloween at Pairi Daiza, and it was truly amazing. The park was filled with pumpkins, spider webs, and creative decorations. As soon as the sun began to set, everything came to life with dance shows, live music, costumed performers, and even an impressive horse and bird show near the entrance. Nina and Puck loved dressing up, and kids even received candy when entering the park.

In winter, the park transforms completely for Christmas Time at Pairi Daiza. Think thousands of twinkling lights, crackling fires, Christmas market stalls, and even a few special winter animals you can only see during this season. In spring, the Spring Festival focuses on blossoms and newborn animals.

No matter when you visit, spring, summer, autumn, or winter, Pairi Daiza always feels different. That’s exactly why it’s worth coming back in another season.

The Worlds and Themed Areas of Pairi Daiza

What makes Pairi Daiza truly unique are its themed worlds. Each area is designed in incredible detail, so much so that you sometimes forget you’re still in Belgium. From Chinese temples to icy Arctic landscapes, it feels like a world trip in one park.

• Cambron Abbey: The oldest part of the park, featuring historical buildings, tropical birds, a giant aviary, and a lovely petting zoo.
• Cambron-by-the-Sea: An impressive aquarium filled with sharks, sea turtles, jellyfish, and colorful tropical fish.
• The Middle Kingdom (China): Home to giant pandas, surrounded by bamboo forests, temples, and red pandas roaming between the pagodas.
• The Kingdom of Ganesha (Indonesia): White tigers, elephants, and Komodo dragons among tropical temples and stone carvings.
• The Land of Origins (Africa): Lions, giraffes, gorillas, and hippos living among sand-colored rocks and savanna grass.
• Southern Cape (Oceania): Kangaroos, wallabies, and other wildlife from the southern hemisphere.
• The Last Frontier (North America): Bears, moose, and sea lions in a rugged landscape of wooden bridges and rivers.
• The Land of the Cold: Polar bears, penguins, and wolves in a frozen world of glaciers and rocks.
• The Islands of the Rising Sun (Japan): A peaceful area where you can pet friendly deer among Japanese gates and gardens.
• Dino Zone: Life-sized dinosaurs, a favorite of Guus (yes, an adult man😉) and proud Jurassic Park fan.

Food and Drinks in Pairi Daiza

Pairi Daiza has several restaurants and cafés, often with great views of the animals. Most places are beautifully themed and fit perfectly within each world. Still, we had hoped for a few more small food stalls scattered around the park. Don’t get us wrong, they exist, just not many.

The larger restaurants are nicely designed and ideal if you want to sit down for a proper meal, but they take more time. For families with young kids, a quick bite can sometimes be easier. A few extra themed food stands would make the park even better in our opinion.

The nice thing is that you can bring your own food and drinks. It saves money and waiting time. We brought our own lunch and snacks on both days. On the way to Pairi Daiza you’ll pass several supermarkets, so it’s easy to grab something fresh. On our second day we stopped for croissants and a few extra snacks for later.

Our Experience at Pairi Daiza with Kids

We visited Pairi Daiza during the autumn break, right on Halloween weekend, with our daughters Nina (6) and Puck (3). From the moment we arrived, we understood why this park has been named the most beautiful zoo in Europe multiple times.

The entrance alone is impressive. Even before seeing a single animal, you already know this park is on another level. Massive gates, ponds, statues, and background music set the mood right away.

Day 1: Exploring Without the Crowds

We arrived around 11:30 AM, and the park was calm, perfect for a first visit. We started in the aquarium, which looks like a cave system filled with light projections, sharks, sea turtles, and colorful fish. From there we headed to China, where we saw giant pandas for the first time. Definitely a bucket list moment.

Next, we explored Africa and Indonesia, home to lions, gorillas, and white tigers. Each area felt completely different, as if we were stepping into a new world every time. By closing time, we had seen only about half of the park, but that was fine. We knew we’d be back the next day.

Day 2: Halloween

Saturday was busier, which made sense, as it was the first day of Halloween at Pairi Daiza. Still, it never felt overcrowded because the park is huge and people spread out easily.

We started in Cambron Abbey and the tropical greenhouse, then moved on to Canada with bears, moose, and sea lions, and finally to the Dino Zone, where Guus felt like a kid again (Jurassic Park fan 😉). We ended the day in the Land of the Cold, with polar bears and penguins.

Throughout the day, the park was filled with a cozy Halloween vibe. Pumpkins, spiderwebs, and decorations were everywhere, and costumed actors roamed between the themed zones. As evening fell, the park became even more atmospheric, with live shows, music, and lights scattered across the paths. Nina and Puck loved dressing up and getting attention from everyone.

What Stood Out for Us as a Family

Pairi Daiza is extremely family-friendly. The paths are wide, there are plenty of resting spots, and there’s even a big playground in the middle of the park. Everything is stroller- and wagon-friendly.

A small tip: there are many restaurants but not that many small snack stands. Bringing your own food worked perfectly for us. You’ll also find plenty of supermarkets along the way if you want to pick up fresh snacks or sandwiches.

After two days, we were tired but completely thrilled. Pairi Daiza truly felt like a mini world trip without ever getting on a plane.

How Much Does a Visit to Pairi Daiza Cost?

A day at Pairi Daiza with kids isn’t the cheapest outing, but it’s absolutely worth it. The prices vary by day and season, so here’s a quick overview of the current rates.

You can buy your tickets online through the official Pairi Daiza website. It’s usually a bit cheaper than buying at the gate, and it saves you time when entering the park.

Good to Know Before You Go

• If you plan to visit more than two or three days a year, an annual pass quickly pays off.
• Kids under three get in for free, but you’ll need to show proof of age.
• Visitors with disabilities receive a discount when showing valid ID.
• Parking costs €12 per day. There are thousands of spaces right next to the entrance, so you’ll always find a spot.
• Online tickets are usually cheaper and save you from waiting in line.
• Food inside the park is a bit pricey, and quick snacks are limited. Bringing your own lunch is allowed and saves both time and money.

Want to make the experience extra special? Stay overnight in one of the themed lodges or nearby hotels so you can explore the park at your own pace.

Conclusion: Is Pairi Daiza Worth Visiting With Kids?

Absolutely. Pairi Daiza is without a doubt the most beautiful zoo in Europe, and maybe even the most impressive one we’ve ever visited. Everything just fits perfectly: the themed areas, the animal habitats, the atmosphere, the details. Even after two full days, we still hadn’t seen everything.

What makes the park truly special is that it feels more like a journey than a zoo. You walk from Chinese temples to African savannas, and from Canadian forests to the icy world of polar animals. Kids are amazed at every turn, and honestly, so were we.

Yes, it’s a bit of a splurge. But it’s also one of those experiences you’ll never forget. Whether you visit for one day or make it a full weekend, Pairi Daiza is a place you’ll keep talking about long after you leave.

Plan Your Trip to Pairi Daiza

Feeling inspired to experience this world trip in one park?
👉 Buy your tickets and check out the accommodations at the Pairi Daiza Resort

Prefer to stay nearby and save a bit?
👉 Find the best hotels near Pairi Daiza on Booking.com

Want more fun things to do in Belgium?
👉 Visit our Belgium page for more inspiration.

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