An animal-filled spring break for the entire family

Spring break is shaping up to get more adventurous than ever this year! Extend your stay at Maasmechelen Village with a trip to the Limburg animal kingdom: from a National Park Safari and ‘Cosmopolitan Chickens’ to an afternoon among dinosaurs. Yeeha!

Animal-filled adventure

Did you know that Belgium's only national park is located right next to Maasmechelen Village? Set off on a National Park Safari and discover the rugged nature of the Hoge Kempen National Park together with a ranger. During your tour, you will learn how to spot unique animals and how to make yourself invisible in the woods.

Did the safari tour awaken your inner adventurer? Continue your animal-filled journey with the brand-new 'Beestige Boel' walk in Kattevennen. This adventurous trail challenges hikers with lots of cool assignments along the way: sneak up on someone like a fox, hide like a wild boar, crawl like a salamander, ... Attention, mom and dad: it might not be the best idea to embark on this adventure with brand-new spring outfits. You’ll find the perfect boutiques to shop outdoor gear below.

Alpa-quality time

Looking for a gentler approach? Then a tête-à-tête with alpacas might just be your cup of tea. At the Alpaca farm in Bocholt, you can enjoy quality time with these lovely, extra fluffy animals. Take them on a one-hour walk, get trained as an alpaca farmer or just go with the half-hour cuddling session in the meadow.

From the ‘Cosmopolitan Chicken’ to the T-rex

At about fifteen minutes from Maasmechelen Village, you’ll find the city of Genk, home to both LABIOMISTA and the Cosmodrome: two amazing locations for a fun-filled day out with the entire family.

With LABIOMISTA, artist Koen Vanmechelen has created a unique art environment. On the former Zwartberg Zoo site, you will find his 'evolving work of art' about the mix of life, with the 'Cosmopolitan Chicken' as one of the site’s most famous projects. In the brand-new Audiokids tour, actor Tom Van Dyck and Koen Vanmechelen himself take kids on a journey through this wonderful fantasy world.

For those more into prehistoric animals, the Cosmodrome is the place to be. Travel back in time every Wednesday afternoon with the 'Dinosaur Workshop': build your own dinosaur in LEGO and watch the 'Dinosaur at Dusk' film in the 360° film room of the planetarium. Then, wrap up the afternoon with a stargazing session guided by a real astro ranger and learn how to look for other planets. Parent pro tip: kids (8-12 yrs) can participate in this workshop without supervision, which gives you some extra (shopping) time for yourself! ;)

Spectacular traditions

One of the most iconic open-air museums in the country, Bokrijk offers a unique look into Limburg’s artisan past. As you make your way across the museum grounds, you’ll spot goats, sheep, cattle, horses and other farm animals that played their part in the region’s rich history. If you pick your time right, you might even run into a goose fanfare – really! – or a real-life shepherd leading his sheep through the meadows with the help of his trusty sheepdogs. As the shepherd stops to let his sheep graze, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal. A truly unique experience! To find out when and where you can spot the shepherd and his sheep, check Bokrijk’s event calendar here.

Bokrijk open air museum near Maasmechelen Village

Cosy farm life

The perfect ending to your day? Spend the night at Boerderaaj B&B, a beautifully restored farmhouse in the heart of Bilzen and the relaxing Limburg countryside.

Prefer staying true to the animal theme? Consider staying on an active farm! At Hoevetoerisme Op 't Zand, you can spend the night among farm animals. Stroke calves, cuddle rabbits and brush ponies to your heart's content. And at the end of the day, just count the sheep and off you go ...

Shopping tips for a successful spring break

Fun-filled activities call for cool outfits, and where better to find them than at Maasmechelen Village? Shop sturdy footwear at GEOX, Timberland, New Balance and Skechers, among others. Crawling, clambering and romping around are best done in outfits that can take a beating. For weather- and clamber-proof looks, be sure to check out the Village’s outdoor boutique par excellence: The North Face.

Do you have furry friends in the family? They are very welcome to spend the day in the Village. Many of our boutiques even offer stylish accessories especially for pets!

We can’t wait to welcome you for a fun, adventurous, animal-filled spring break!