Anyone in Brussels - just moved here any idea re activities for 3yr old

[michie40]

Moved into Woluwe Saint Lambert area of Brussels and all a bit new and confusing but people are very friendly. Trying to join the Brussels Childbirth Trust but not heard back yet. Just wondered if anyone happended to live or know this area and knows any good things to do with a 3yr old and 6month old. Also if anyone has placed there 3yr old in school whether they went for oen of the English schools or one of the French ones and which is the best. All advice gratefully recieved. Thanks
Mich

[MrsSchadenfreude]

Oh I'm so envious - we left Brussels a year ago. Brussels/Belgium is great for children. There is a good French language school at Joli Bois which is used to non-French speaking children. I think all of the English language schools are OK, but they are all very different - you need to decide whether you want a big school with fab facilities like BSB, a cosy school like BISB or a bit of a pre-prep type hothouse like BJAB.

Good things to do - obviously Woluwe Park, and Rouge Cloitre park is also good for children. The ice rink does children's skating on a Sunday afternoon (that's near you - can't think of its name at the moment, but there is a swimming pool in the same complex) with a closed off area and they give them mini zimmer frames to keep their balance.

Indoor play - Planet Kids at Wezembeek, they have a ball park bit for babies. Flying Kids at Wavre is better, but Wezembeek more convenient.

In the summer, try going to Kessel-Lo, near Leuven - huge adventure playgrounds, something for all ages, also a huuuuge outdoor pool there (go early - the Flems don't do anything till lunchtime and you'll have the place to yourself in the morning).

BCT is very helpful and a good way to meet people - you might also check out Xpats.com which is the website for expats - everything from lonely hearts to childcare and toys.

I can't think of anything else at the moment. We lived in Flanders for 5 years and really, really didn't want to leave.

[Emsy45]

Glad to see it's not just me. Am about to move to Brussels(overijse) in the next couple of weeks, with a 2 1/2 yr old and a 6 month old...am quite nervous so any tips you have to pass on would be gratefully received.

[MrsSchadenfreude]

I lived not far from Overijse. Lots of expats there, lots of big houses, woods, restaurants at Jezus Eik. Don't actually know Overijse that well, but if you join the Brussels Childbirth Trust, I'm sure you'll get to know lots of people there.

I am so envious of you going to Belgium. We had a fab almost 5 years there and really didn't want to leave.

[loucee]

Hi Michie40

I'm reading your post with interest as DH might have the chance of a 9-16month contract in Brussels from Feb next yr. If it happens we'll have a 2 yr old and an 8wk old (approx, baby is due in December)

[sprout]

The ice-rink MrsSchadenfreude mentioned is in the Poseidon swimming pool/sports complex. Think the nearest metro stop is Tomberg, but - unusually for Brussels - parking is not too bad.
I'm sure BCT will get back to you soon; they are usually brilliant and there will be a group local to you as well as the weekly activities for babies and toddlers out in Wezembeek.
My 2 dds went to the local French-speaking pre-school (maternelle), even though we don't speak French to them at home, and really loved it. Don't know if it's an issue for you, but there is a big price difference between local schools (more or less free from age 2 1/2) and English-language ones (comparable to UK private school fee levels). But of course, your schooling decision will also depend on how long you plan to stay in Brussels and how old your kids will be when and if you go back to the UK.
Good luck!