As Dutch travelers from the Limburg region in the Netherlands, we end up in Belgian Limburg quite often. So we thought we already knew the area pretty well. Turns out, not entirely. There was one place we hadn’t really explored with our kids yet: Tongeren-Borgloon.
During a weekend here, we quickly noticed how fun and varied it is. Rolling hills, endless fruit orchards, and plenty of family-friendly things to do. It’s especially beautiful during blossom season, but in summer and autumn this is simply a really nice region to visit too.
From interactive museums to relaxed places to eat where kids can play, it’s easy to fill a weekend or longer without constantly wondering what to do next.
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Why Belgian Limburg Is A Great Destination With Kids
In our experience, Belgian Limburg is one of those regions that has way more to offer than you might expect. We’ve been coming here for years, and every time we visit, we discover something new. From cities like Genk and Hasselt to places like Bokrijk, Hoge Kempen National Park, and Domein Pietersheim, you can easily fill multiple weekends here.
If you’re traveling with kids, this region just works. Think of a visit to Plopsa Indoor Hasselt, biking through water at Cycling Through Water Bokrijk, exploring C-mine, or visiting the cozy Christmas market in Hasselt during winter. Honestly, there’s almost too much to choose from.
And maybe the biggest plus: everything is close together. You can easily drive from one place to another, and you’re almost always surrounded by nature or heading towards a fun activity. That’s exactly why we think Belgian Limburg is such a great destination for a short family vacation or road trip.
Still, there was one area we hadn’t really explored yet. And that’s exactly where we’re taking you in this article: Tongeren-Borgloon.
How We Spent 48 Hours In Tongeren-Borgloon
We arrived in Borgloon on Friday afternoon, and right away it felt like this was going to be a good weekend. Rolling hills, fruit trees, and that calm, quiet vibe. It kind of feels like a small version of Tuscany in Belgium, but without the long drive.
We stayed at Spoor 23, a holiday home that just works when you’re traveling with kids. There’s a playroom, a garden, and everything you need. The girls disappeared almost instantly to explore. In the fridge, there was an apple pie made with local Loon apples waiting for us, one of those small details that instantly sets the tone. That evening, we kept it easy, explored the house, and watched a movie together.
The next morning started slow, with breakfast delivered to the house. After that, we visited GRAAF, an interactive museum that’s actually fun for kids too. But the highlight of the day was without a doubt the Bambino Tour with an Ape Calessino via Vespatoerist. We drove through Haspengouw, past endless fruit orchards, and stopped at a few beautiful spots along the way. People waving and smiling everywhere, and us waving right back. This was one of those experiences you don’t forget. In the evening, we had dinner at Bistro de Pastorie. Good food, a relaxed terrace, and a playground where kids can burn off some energy.
On Sunday, we headed out into nature and walked through the orchards towards the Belevingsboomgaard. Along the way, we passed the well-known Reading Between the Lines Church, a spot you’ve probably seen before. We wrapped up the weekend with lunch at Chateau de Looz and a quick stop at the local syrup factory, where we of course picked up some Loon syrup to take home.
This weekend was a big yes for us. And honestly, we’d come back in a heartbeat, because it still feels like we’ve only seen a small part of what this region has to offer.
Things To Do In Tongeren-Borgloon With Kids
Curious what to do in Tongeren-Borgloon with kids? Below we share our favorite activities in the region, from a unique Bambino Tour through the fruit orchards to interactive museums and easy walks in nature.
The Bambino Tour In Tongeren-Borgloon
If we had to pick one activity you really shouldn’t miss in Tongeren-Borgloon with kids, it’s the Bambino Tour. We booked ours through Vespatoerist and instead of a Vespa, we went for the Ape Calessino. This iconic three-wheeled vehicle instantly stands out and just makes you smile. Even better, there are only a few of them around, so it really feels like a unique experience.
After a short introduction, you head out on your own and follow a route through Haspengouw. We did a route of about 60 kilometers, passing fruit orchards, castles, and scenic viewpoints. Along the way, there are plenty of spots to stop for a drink or a short walk. You’re out for a few hours and get to explore the region in a really fun and different way. People waving everywhere, and us happily waving back.
This is also very doable with kids. On a regular Vespa, children can join from age 3 (with a safety belt), but they mostly end up staring at your back. Especially with younger kids, we found the Ape much nicer. You sit together as a family, no helmets needed, and it all feels a bit more relaxed.
Practical Information:
- Choice between a Vespa (50cc or 125cc, a motorcycle license is required for 125cc) or an Ape Calessino
- Half-day or full-day rentals available
Prices (indicative):
- Vespa from €50 (half day) and €70 (full day)
- Ape Calessino from €150 (half day) and €180 (full day)
➜ Tip: book in advance, especially on weekends, during school holidays, and when the weather is nice. Both the Vespas and the Ape are popular and sell out quickly
Visiting GRAAF Borgloon With Kids
GRAAF is not your typical museum where you just walk around and look at things. It’s set up in a very interactive way, which makes it a fun stop when visiting Tongeren-Borgloon with kids. You’re taken through the history of the County of Loon using stories, visuals, and hands-on elements. It almost feels like you become part of the story for a moment, like stepping back in time.
Our oldest especially loved the interactive parts combined with the audio tour. For our youngest, it was a bit harder to follow everything, but she still had a great time exploring and discovering things along the way.
What also stood out to us is the design. Nice illustrations, clear routes, and enough variation to keep it interesting, so it never feels like a “classic museum.”
Practical Information:
- Open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Admission: €8 for adults. Children from age 4: €1, with optional kids trail (ages 6–12): €2
The See-Through Church (Reading Between The Lines) In Borgloon
The see-through church, officially called Reading Between The Lines, is one of the best-known spots in the region and sits right between the fruit orchards near Borgloon. There’s a good chance you’ve already seen it on Instagram.
The artwork is made of thin steel plates, which makes it look slightly different from every angle. From a distance, it looks like a closed church, but as you get closer, you can literally see straight through it. The view keeps changing as you move around it, which makes it such a fun place to explore.
You can reach the church via one of the walking routes through the orchards in this area, or from a nearby parking area. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the church. So it’s not a long walk, but it is a nice place to stop, look around, and take a few photos.
With kids, this is also a great stop. They can walk around it and through it, and they’ll usually enjoy peeking outside through the steel “lines.” We’d definitely recommend combining it with a walk in the area, because that’s when you get the most out of your visit.
Walking In And Around Borgloon With Kids
Around Borgloon, you’ll find several beautiful walking routes through rolling hills and fruit orchards. Starting from Grootloon, you can choose between different trails, from short loops to longer hikes.
We chose the blue route of 6.6 kilometers, which felt just right with kids. The paths are easy to follow, and there’s plenty of variety along the way, from orchards to open fields and scenic viewpoints.
What makes these walks extra fun is that you pass a few well-known spots along the way. You’ll come across the Reading Between the Lines Church and also the Belevingsboomgaard. Both are great places to take a break while the kids run around and explore.
You can choose a distance that fits your day and your kids’ energy levels:
- 4,9 km (green)
- 6,6 km (blue)
- 9,3 km (orange)
- 13 km (yellow)
Visiting The Fruit Experience Center Stroopfabriek With Kids
Fruitbelevingscentrum Stroopfabriek in Borgloon is a fun and educational place to visit with kids. Here, you’ll discover how the famous local Loon syrup is made, from fruit to final product. During the interactive experience, you’re guided step by step through the process, which makes it interesting for children as well. There’s even a scavenger hunt, so it’s not just about watching and listening, but really about doing.
We didn’t have enough time ourselves to do the full experience, but even a quick stop at the shop was worth it. It’s filled with local products, from different types of syrup to other fruit-based specialties from the region. And yes, leaving without a few jars of syrup is pretty hard.
Practical Information:
- Admission: €8 for adults, €1 for children (ages 4–18), free for kids up to 3 years.
- Open daily from April to September (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM). In winter, closed on Mondays (except during holidays and public holidays). Last entry at 3:30 PM.
- Good to know: fully wheelchair accessible.
Cycling Through Haspengouw With Kids
Haspengouw is known as one of the most beautiful cycling regions in Belgium. You’ll find well-maintained bike paths everywhere, and the junction network makes it easy to create your own route.
You’ll cycle through a landscape of fruit orchards, rolling hills, and small villages. Along the way, there are plenty of spots to stop, whether it’s for a drink, a playground, or a scenic viewpoint.
There are also plenty of routes that are suitable with kids. You can make it as short or long as you like, and the terrain is never too challenging. If you go for a shorter route, this is definitely doable as a family activity.
We didn’t get the chance to do this ourselves, but it’s high on our list for next time. For more inspiration and cycling routes, check the website of Visit Tongeren-Borgloon.
Restaurants In Borgloon With Kids: Our Tips
In and around Borgloon, you’ll find several great places to eat, from a relaxed lunch spot to an easy stop during your day. These are the places we tried ourselves and would recommend.
Bistro de Pastorie With Playground
Bistro de Pastorie is a great place to eat with kids. They serve good Italian dishes and have a separate kids’ menu. We visited in the evening during spring, when it got dark quite early, so we didn’t get to use the playground.
During the day, that’s actually a big plus. The terrace has a playground where kids can play while you stay seated a bit longer. That makes it a really nice spot, especially after a full day out.
Lunch At Château de Looz
Château de Looz is a really nice spot to stop for lunch. The terrace sits among greenery, right next to a large pond, a calm place to take a break. In spring, with the blossom trees in bloom, it’s even better.
The menu is varied, from solid lunch dishes to something sweet on the side, and everything looks well presented. A great stop during your day in Tongeren-Borgloon.
Château de la Motte As A Relaxed Stop
Château de la Motte is a nice place to stop during your tour through Haspengouw, whether you’re traveling by car, bike, or Vespa. It’s surrounded by greenery and has a quiet terrace where you can grab a drink or a small bite.
We stopped here during the Bambino Tour for a drink and some snacks. A short break, a nice view over the surroundings, and then back on the road. Not a full lunch spot, but perfect as a stop along the way.
Where To Stay In Tongeren-Borgloon With Kids
In and around Tongeren-Borgloon, you’ll mainly find holiday homes and small-scale stays, which are perfect when traveling with kids. It really fits the vibe of the region, and there are surprisingly many beautiful places to stay.
Staying At Holiday Home Spoor 23
If you’re looking for a place that’s truly designed for families, Spoor 23 is a great choice. This holiday home is spacious, fully equipped, and especially kid-friendly. Think of a separate playroom, a foosball table, a garden with play equipment, and a kitchen with everything you need. The kids were busy exploring right away, which also gives you, as a parent, a bit of well-deserved downtime.
What we also really liked is that it’s not just a place to sleep, it’s a place where you actually want to spend time. Slow breakfasts, relaxing in the garden, watching a movie in the evening, this is one of those stays you truly enjoy.
With a rating of 9.4 on Booking.com, it’s clear we’re not the only ones who love this place.
Holiday Home Spoor 23
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9,4 on Booking.com
Price range: €€€ (higher segment)
Spacious and family-friendly holiday home in Borgloon, with a playroom, garden, and everything you need for a relaxed stay with kids.
➜ Check availability
More Family-Friendly Accommodations In Tongeren-Borgloon
No availability at Spoor 23 or just looking for something different? In and around Tongeren-Borgloon, you’ll find plenty of great places to stay, from small-scale B&Bs to hotels and holiday homes.
De Verborgen Parel B&B
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 8,9 on Booking.com
Price range: €€ (mid-range)
A cozy and peaceful B&B surrounded by nature, with spacious rooms and a warm, personal welcome. Guests especially love the extensive breakfast and the rooms with a jacuzzi.
➜ Check availability
De Pastorie
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 8,9 on Booking.com
Price range: €€€ (higher segment)
A small-scale B&B in a quiet setting with friendly staff and a generous breakfast featuring local products. The rooms are a bit more compact but clean and well-equipped. We had dinner here ourselves and the Italian menu was really good. The terrace with a playground also makes this a great spot with kids.
➜ Check availability
Het Kloosterzicht
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 9,4 on Booking.com
Price range: € (budget)
A cozy and fully equipped holiday home in a quiet area, with everything you need for a comfortable stay. Guests especially appreciate the location, the homely feel, and the facilities.
➜ Check availability
Château de Looz
⭑⭑⭑⭑ 8,1 on Booking.com
Price range: €€ (mid-range)
Always wanted to stay in a real château? This is your chance. You’ll stay surrounded by greenery, with a calm atmosphere and a generous breakfast that guests love. We had lunch here ourselves and especially liked the setting and overall vibe.
➜ Check availability
Practical Tips For Your Visit
Planning a trip to Tongeren-Borgloon with or without kids? These tips will help you make the most of your visit.
How To Get To Tongeren-Borgloon
Tongeren-Borgloon is located in Belgian Limburg and is easy to reach from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany. From cities like Maastricht, Hasselt, and Liège, you’ll be there in no time.
Having a car is the easiest option, as most places are spread out across the region. Distances are short, and you’ll be driving through the scenic landscape of Haspengouw the whole time, which makes getting around part of the experience.
Best Time To Visit Tongeren-Borgloon
You can visit Tongeren-Borgloon all year round, but the landscape changes with the seasons.
- Spring (March to May): blossom season, with fruit trees slowly coming into bloom.
- Summer: lots of greenery and perfect for outdoor activities.
- Autumn: quieter, with beautiful scenery and mild temperatures.
We visited at the start of spring, when the first blossoms were just appearing. In April and May, the region is at its best.
Good To Know When Visiting With Kids
What makes Tongeren-Borgloon such a great destination with kids is how close everything is and the variety of activities.
- Short distances between activities.
- A good mix of outdoor (walking, cycling) and indoor (museums, syrup factory).
- Several restaurants with playgrounds or space for kids to play.
Because of this, it’s easy to plan your day without overthinking it. Even if the weather changes, you can quickly switch plans and keep things relaxed.
Is Tongeren-Borgloon Worth Visiting With Kids?
If you ask us, definitely. This is one of those places we’ll keep coming back to, especially since it’s not even that far for us.
Not just because of the landscape, but mainly because it’s simply easy with kids. Everything is close together, and there’s enough variety to fill a full weekend without it ever feeling crowded or overwhelming.
For a short road trip or weekend getaway, this is exactly the kind of destination where you don’t have to plan much, but still feel like you’ve truly been away.
Maybe not the first place that comes to mind when you think of Belgium, but that’s exactly what makes it feel like a hidden gem.
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