The post-holiday slump is real, but Antwerp families are keeping busy this weekend with cozy theater and creative workshops. We're definitely hitting the Little Tales Storytime at Bib Permeke on Saturday morning before heading over to Stormkop for some muddy, artistic fun. If you want to stay dry, the photography workshop at FOMU is the place to be on Sunday—it's much better than just another trip to the playground!
Quick Picks
Little Tales Storytime
Bibliotheek Permeke
The ultimate Saturday morning local ritual with stories and puppets.
The Lie Laboratory Theatre Show
HetPaleis
A hilarious and clever performance that's perfect for escaping the Antwerp drizzle.
Toddler Cinema: Short Film Festival
Cinema Lumière
Short, sweet, and low-volume films for those who can't sit still for long.
· January 24
3LITTLE TALES STORYTIMEFREE : The best way to start the weekend. Local volunteers read the best new picture books with plenty of voices and sometimes a bit of dress-up. It's right in the heart of the library, so you can grab your own books after.It's the most authentic local Saturday morning activity for young families in Antwerp.
WINTER BIRD FEEDER WORKSHOP : Help our local feathered friends survive the January frost. Kids get to make their own sustainable bird seed snacks and learn which birds are currently hanging out in the city's gardens.A great hands-on way for city kids to connect with nature during the winter months.
THE LIE LABORATORY THEATRE SHOW : A high-energy performance exploring why we lie and if honesty is always the best policy. HetPaleis never talks down to kids, making this great for that tricky 'not-quite-a-teen' age group.HetPaleis is the gold standard for youth theater in Flanders, and this production is a seasonal highlight.
· January 25
4SUNDAY ARTIST STUDIO: CLICK-BOOM! : Ditch the boring museum walk. In this workshop, kids actually get to handle cameras and experiment with light and shadow to create their own 'explosive' portraits inspired by current exhibits.FOMU workshops are legendary among local parents for actually teaching real skills rather than just 'coloring in'.
STORMKOP CREATIVE SUNDAYFREE : The coolest, roughest spot in the harbor. This Sunday they're hosting an open atelier where kids can build sculptures from shipyard scrap and driftwood. Wear clothes that can get dirty!It’s the ultimate 'cool parent' hangout—raw, creative, and completely unpolished.
PRINTING WITH LETTERS WORKSHOP : Forget digital screens for a morning. Kids learn how to use a real historical printing press to make their own posters using lead letters. It’s hands-on history at its best.It's a one-off weekend session in a UNESCO site that feels like stepping back into a 16th-century workshop.
TODDLER CINEMA: SHORT FILM FESTIVAL : A specifically curated selection of dialogue-free short films. The lights stay slightly dimmed rather than dark, and the volume is lowered for sensitive little ears.The perfect introduction to the cinema experience for toddlers who can't handle a full-length feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a free activity for toddlers on Saturday morning?
Head to 'Little Tales Storytime' (Vertellementjes) at Bibliotheek Permeke at 11:00 AM. It’s completely free and a great way to meet other local parents.
Is there anything for older kids who like to be creative this weekend?
Yes! The 'Click-Boom!' photography workshop at FOMU on Sunday is perfect for 5-12 year olds, or the printing workshop at Museum Plantin-Moretus for those who like craft.
What's the best outdoor-adjacent activity if it's cold?
Stormkop on the Eilandje is great because it's a mix of indoor/outdoor harbor space. Otherwise, the bird feeder workshop at EcoHuis keeps you active but under a roof.