City tour with children

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Maastricht is a destination for all ages. As well as historic buildings, lovely shops and restaurants, the city boasts plenty of green spaces and child-friendly activities. You can easily stroll through and around the city centre, taking in all the lovely sights along the way. If you’re visiting Maastricht on business, why not bring your family along? We’d love to share a surprising walking route that will keep even the youngest children curious and active.

  • Stadspark (city park) Maastricht bridge

The Stadspark (city park) and the Tapijntuin

The city park is the ideal starting point for a walk with children. If you walk from Onze Lieve Vrouwenplein towards the Hoge Brug, simply carry straight on over the little bridge and into the park. Along the way, take a look at the city wall and the city’s cannons. The next lovely stop is the aviary with birds and a group of deer in the small field behind it.

Further on in the Tapijntuin, volunteers are working on an organic city garden. It is full of flowers, herbs, vegetables and fruit. There are also animals such as goats and chickens at the edge of the garden. This makes it a lovely place for both adults and children to explore. The garden aims to teach different groups about healthy food and its origins, whilst fostering a sense of community. During the gardening season, from March onwards, everyone is welcome to come and see, smell and taste the produce from Wednesday to Sunday afternoons. This spot is freely accessible and perfect for a quick escape into the greenery, right next to the hustle and bustle of the city.

You might also want to visit the ‘ berenkuil ’ (Bear Park) on the other side of the River Jeker. There you’ll find a statue of Jo the bear sitting on a bench, commemorating the last bear that lived in the ‘ berenkuil ’. Inside the fences of the circular mound ( berenkuil), you’ll also see a statue of a giraffe being stroked by a woman. According to the story behind the artwork, Jo the bear asked in a dream for his friend the giraffe to be placed in the pit. From here, you can walk back to the Hoge Brug.

Maastricht city park bear on bench Maastricht city park berenkuil fence

Across the Hoge Brug to Wyck

You can easily cross the River Meuse via the Hoge Brug. This modern structure is accessible only to pedestrians and cyclists, with both a flight of steps (including a cycle ramp) and a lift on either side. The striking design has become a recognisable feature of the cityscape and a popular photo hotspot. It’s ideal for crossing the water at a leisurely pace with children on foot and/or by bike or scooter, whilst enjoying the view along the way. Stop for a moment halfway across to watch the boats on the ‘ Meuse ’ or admire the city’s skyline. On one side you can see the historic centre, and on the other the Charles Eyck Park and the iconic tower of the ‘ Bonnefanten ’ museum. On the other side, you enter the Céramique district.

Centre Céramique and the Maastricht Museum

At the foot of the Hoge Brug, you’ll come to Plein 1992, a spacious square where children can play and where, as a parent, you can take a moment to relax on one of the many benches. The square has an open feel and is situated right next to ‘ Centre Céramique ’, the city’s library and cultural centre. Here you’ll find spacious reading corners, picture books, play tables and regular small exhibitions. There are also regular creative activities such as story-telling sessions, craft afternoons or workshops where children can make things themselves.

It also highlights music and culture. You might be able to catch a mini-concert, attend an interactive presentation or meet a local artist. Pop into the café for a locally brewed cup of coffee and treats from Blanche Dael.

In the same building is the Maastricht Museum, a compact space where the city’s history comes to life. You’ll discover how Maastricht has developed over the centuries, from a Roman settlement to a modern city. The collection comprises archaeological finds, historical objects, scale models and stories that are easy for children to understand.

There is plenty to do for young visitors. Every Wednesday, there is the ArcheoHotspot, a workshop where children are introduced to archaeology through play. They can touch real artefacts, ask questions and sometimes even take part in small activities that resemble the work of an archaeologist. In addition, there are regular temporary exhibitions exploring themes such as the Middle Ages, local legends or remarkable finds from the region. The museum is clearly laid out, making it ideal for families.

  • Maastricht Museum bones horses mass grave

The Groene Loper

If you haven’t had your fill of walking yet, head on over to the Groene Loper. From Maastricht station, it’s about a 15- to 20-minute walk to this long, green ribbon running through the city. Follow the ‘strolling path’ and explore the area at your children’s pace. The paths are wide, the surroundings are peaceful and there’s plenty of space for walking, scootering or cycling.

Along the way, you’ll pass Café Thuis aan de Loper, a lovely spot to settle down on the terrace or inside for a drink or a bite to eat. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner in French style. From yoghurt bowls to sandwiches, steak and Flammkuchen, there’s plenty to try here. Children can choose from a selection of smaller dishes. On the adjacent lawn, they can let off steam on the ‘Klimrex’ play structure, modelled on the skeleton of the marine reptile Mosasaurus, which was discovered in Maastricht in 1800. The atmosphere is relaxed and it feels like a living room where you can unwind for a while. An ideal way to round off your city walk.

  • Green Runner play rack restobar mama

Accessible exploration

This city tour is easy to follow and offers enough variety to keep children curious. Move from green spaces to water, from views to culture, and from play to relaxation. Along the way, you’ll find various rest stops and places to eat and drink where you can take a breather – which is a real bonus for parents. Discover the city through your children’s eyes and perhaps combine this trip with your partner’s business trip. That way, you can create lovely memories together.

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