Five Top Activities for Young and Kids in Leuven
Leuven is a city brimming with vibrant culture, history, and activities for all ages. Whether you're a local looking for something new or a visitor exploring its charms, this guide highlights some of the city's most exciting spots and events.
From the bustling Leuven Fair and thrilling skate parks to creative spaces like SpeelOdroom and Circus in Motion, there's something for everyone. Dive into Leuven's rich history at Herbert Hooverplein or embrace its youthful energy—this city has it all.
1. Leuven Fair: A Classic Celebration of Fun and Tradition
The Leuven Fair, held annually in September at Ladeuzeplein and Herbert Hooverplein, is a beloved event that brings generations together. With classic attractions like bumper cars, carousels, and games where you can fish for ducks, it's a colorful and lively spectacle. Visitors can also indulge in traditional treats like smoutebollen (fried doughnuts), waffles, and cotton candy. Whether you’re a child or a grown-up, the Leuven Fair offers something for everyone!
2. Skate Parks: Thrills for All Ages
Leuven is home to several top-notch skate parks that cater to both beginners and seasoned skaters. The outdoor skate park near Sportoase and the city cemetery has been a go-to spot for locals of all ages. Since 2018, skaters have also enjoyed Stelplaats, an indoor skate park located at the former De Lijn site. Stelplaats is not just for skating—it's a vibrant hub for youth culture, featuring a bar, restaurant, nightclub, screen printing studio, and more.
For a refreshing upgrade, check out the skate park in the 't Fort district with its newly designed track and colorful basketball court. Traditional skate parks can also be found at Kessel-Lo, both in the Casablanca district and along Diestsesteenweg near the Boudewijn Stadium.
(Check out stelplaats.be and minleuven.be for more info from the Leuven Youth Service.)
3. SpeelOdroom: Play and Grow Together
SpeelOdroom at Ravenstraat 69 is a unique play space designed for children under four years old. Based on the maison verte concept by French psychoanalyst Françoise Dolto, this meeting place encourages young parents to share experiences while their children play in a relaxed, multilingual environment. The space is furnished with baby toys, balance bikes, books, and more, making it a perfect transition from home to daycare or school.
Open on Tuesday and Friday mornings (and every first Saturday of the month), SpeelOdroom is part of the Huis van het Kind network, working with volunteers to create a welcoming atmosphere.
4. Circus in Motion: A Leap into Fun
Established in 1993, Circus in Motion has grown into one of the largest educational circus schools in Europe. With a history spanning 30 years, the circus offers lessons, workshops, and performances to over 1,000 members. The annual CIRKL festival takes place in May, and the circus school itself, located at Erasme Ruelensvest 127, is housed in a beautifully restored building from 1937, blending art deco and modernist styles.
Generations of Leuven’s children have passed through its doors, learning the art of circus performance in a fun, acrobatic environment. Don’t miss the youth circus festival CirkOOH! CirKAAH!, a key event in Leuven’s cultural calendar.
5. The Fountain at Herbert Hooverplein: A Splash of History
On hot summer days, the fountain at Herbert Hooverplein provides refreshing relief while offering a fascinating glimpse into Leuven’s past. The fountain’s stone design incorporates the city map drawn by the Dutch cartographer Jacob van Deventer in 1550. It has an 18-meter diameter and is illuminated at night, adding a magical touch to the square.
Sensors adjust the fountain’s spray based on the number of people in the square, creating a dynamic water display. The fountain is also part of a project to highlight Leuven’s historic city walls, built around 1160 with 31 towers, remnants of which can still be seen in the city park, Handbooghof, and the Hertogensite.
Looking to remember your trip to Leuven? Explore our unique souvenir collection here
Source: MIN, Eric, LEUVEN ,( Een gids voor thuisblijvers en passanten), Luster, 2023.
Photos by Aslı Tezcan
