Your children are begging you to do something and you are itching to get out of the house: well, somewhat handily, the Charleroi Metropolitan Area is just bursting with activities for families! Whether they are young intrepid adventurers, science boffins, or lovers of the arts or nature, there is bound to be something for everyone. We have picked out six activities that will keep you busy for one hour or more during the holidays or at the weekend, come rain or shine!

OTEMUS TREASURE HUNT – MOMIGNIES

Enjoy a change of scene with this stroll along the French border that combines treasure hunting and geocaching. Geocaching consists of hiding “geocaches” using GPS positioning. You will need a smartphone and a data connection to be able to embark upon your adventure. You then have a series of riddles to solve whilst discovering the rich heritage of Momignies. You can expect to learn about its turbulent history, from the Middle Ages to the Second World War. Other Totemus walks are also available in Mariembourg, Walcourt and even in the centre of Charleroi. Make the most of new smartphone technology to see your surroundings in a new light.

WALKS IN THE NORTH OF THE METROPOLIS – FRASNES-LEZ-GOSSELIES, OBAIX, MELLET…

The south of the Metropolis is not the only area that is green. Head north, just past Gosselies, and discover the thousand and one paths that criss-cross the woods and fields, linking Frasnes-Lez-Gosselies, Obaix, Buzet, Viesville, Liberchies, Luttre… Hours of potential walks, on foot or by bike, in the midst of nature, villages and signs of the region’s rich history; a crossroads between provinces. Lace up your shoes, pack a picnic and you are on your way to a great family experience!

CENTRE FOR SCIENTIFIC CULTURE – ULB – COUILLET

Nestled among the heights of Couillet, the Centre for Scientific Culture aims to bring science to wider audiences. It welcomes school groups and individual visitors and offers them (guided) tours of accessible science exhibitions or practical workshops so that you can really adopt a hands-on approach to science. It regularly organises courses and events for the general public, so don’t hesitate to have a look at their website where you will find the full programme. Indoors or outdoors (a 20-hectare park), take your family on this journey and discover all the secrets of science and nature!

AUX PAS DE L’ÂNE – COUVIN

Discover nature and its riches accompanied by a donkey! What you can expect: forestry workshops, nature activities, guided walks, foraging and cooking, nature walks through the forest, pottery workshops, wood turning, games, stories about the forest, etc. Accompanied by Philippe and Annabelle, who are passionate about both the animal and the region, you will roam the woods and forests at the pace of the “equus asinus”, which has a reputation for being stubborn but which actually proves to be the ideal companion for embarking upon this adventure.

Other donkey walks are also available in Walcourt and Philippeville.

CITY-SAFARI – CHARLEROI

If you’re looking for an activity that is more up your teenagers’ alley, why not pay a visit to Charleroi and debunk the persistent myths surrounding it? This City-Safari, to be taken with a pinch of salt, has caused the city to be talked about all over the world and remains one of the region’s “musts”. Why trust us on this? Because visiting the industrial wastelands or some of the “most depressing” places also reveals the full potential of the Black Country capital. Nicolas Buissart, the creator and moderator of this unique tour, is unrivalled when it comes to adding a healthy dose of humour to this real-life safari, which is sure to delight all participants.

ANOTHER WORLD – CHARLEROI

If your teens (from age 12 and upwards) are fans of technology, you can be sure that they will love this virtual adventure that will plunge you into many different worlds. Another World brings virtual reality (or VR) to the masses. You have 44 minutes to solve a puzzle. The puzzle is set in a world that you have chosen beforehand. You will then be catapulted into different eras, atmospheres, landscapes, environments, panoramas, surrounded by various characters, animals or objects. Requiring skill and reflection, this activity will keep you on your toes from start to finish.

The examples we have selected show you some of the things that are right on your doorstep when looking for new ways to discover the Charleroi Metropolitan Area and take your children along on the adventure. Keep going on your journey of discovery, there are plenty of other surprises in store!