Malmedy With Kids: A Relaxed Family Weekend In The Ardennes

A Good Family Rule

Plan Less, Enjoy More

The Ardennes are made for unhurried family time. You do not need a new attraction every few hours to make the weekend memorable. Children usually enjoy the parts adults are tempted to rush past: a forest path, a playground stop, choosing pastries in town or warming up together after being outside.

Start by choosing one main activity for the day. If the weather is bright, make it an easy walk or a day out in the wider area. If the weather turns, switch to an indoor cultural visit or a slower morning in Malmedy. Building this flexibility into the plan keeps expectations realistic, particularly with younger children.

It also means parents get to enjoy the break. A family weekend should not require military-level planning. A comfortable base, a few practical ideas and space to change your mind on the day are often all you need.

A Gentle First Adventure

Walk Xhoffraix En Famille

For a simple family walk, MDY04 Xhoffraix en famille is one of the strongest local options. The official Malmedy Tourism route is 3.4 km long, has only 9 metres of positive elevation and is classified as very easy. It is specifically listed for families and as accessible with a pushchair.

That matters when you are walking with children: the route is short enough to feel achievable, without turning the day into an endurance test. Start in Xhoffraix, take water and something small to eat, and let the walk take as long as it takes. There is no need to chase a finishing time.

Before leaving, check the official route page for the current map, downloadable information and any local alerts.

For A Bigger Day Out

Plopsaland Ardennes At Coo

Plopsaland Ardennes, at the Coo waterfalls in Stavelot, is a good option when your family wants a more energetic day. The park combines family attractions with a natural setting, and its newer Mayaland area includes six attractions. The official park site also highlights family tickets and publishes its opening calendar by date.

This is best treated as the main plan for the day, rather than something to squeeze in around other activities. Check the calendar, ticket conditions and height requirements for individual attractions before you travel. That small bit of preparation is especially useful for families with children of different ages.

Check Plopsaland Ardennes opening dates, tickets and attractions →

Recent visitor feedback published by the park particularly highlights the mix of rides for younger children, Studio 100 characters, the chairlift and views of the Coo waterfalls. As with any outdoor attraction, weather and seasonal opening hours can shape the experience, so confirm the practical details when you book.

For A Rainy Morning Or Slower Day

Discover The Malmundarium

The Malmundarium is a useful option when you want to stay in Malmedy itself or the weather calls for an indoor plan. The restored building brings together local history, art and culture, with spaces dedicated to the region’s former tanning industry and the Cwarmê carnival tradition.

The carnival section is particularly worth considering with school-age children. It includes traditional masks and costumes, while the wider museum experience uses sounds, textures and displays to make local history more tangible. Visitor feedback has also praised the experience for families with children, especially the carnival rooms and the ability to take the visit at an easy pace.

The Malmundarium is normally open from 10 am to 5 pm and is closed on Mondays, with extended daily hours in July and August. Check the latest practical information before visiting, especially around public holidays or special events.

Check Malmundarium opening information →

Summer Family Time

Keep Mon Repos In Mind

During the outdoor swimming season, Mon Repos is another practical family option in Malmedy. The open-air pool is set in a natural, quiet location and includes a water slide, while the wider site has space for volleyball and pétanque.

The pool’s latest published 2026 season ran from 16 June to 30 August, so it is one to keep in mind for a summer stay rather than an all-year plan. Current family feedback also points to its appeal for younger children, with a smaller pool and water-play options alongside the main pool.

Check the current opening period and weather before adding it to your itinerary. It works particularly well as a relaxed afternoon after a walk, or as a plan B when the children need a change of pace.

Check Mon Repos pool information →

For Older Children

Choose An Activity That Fits Their Age

Choose The Right Family Base

Space To Play, Rest And Be Together

A Simple Family Weekend

How To Plan It

1. Choose one main activity for Saturday, based on the children’s ages and the weather forecast.
2. Keep Friday evening simple: arrive, unpack and share an easy meal at the house.
3. Plan a short walk or time outdoors in the morning, when children usually have the most energy.
4. Have one indoor alternative ready, such as the Malmundarium, in case the weather changes.
5. Leave time after every outing to return to the house, rest and eat without rushing.
6. On Sunday, choose one gentle final plan, such as breakfast together and a short stop in Malmedy, rather than trying to fit in another full day out.