Blaarmeersen Park & Lake - a view on the picturesque lake
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Blaarmeersen Park & Lake

4.3
·2k reviews·Gent, Belgium

A vibrant lakeside park with thrilling slides, adventure forest, and clean swimming waters, perfect for family fun and budget-friendly escapes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Blaarmeersen Park & Lake - a view on the picturesque lake

Blaarmeersen Park & Lake

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant lakeside park with thrilling slides, adventure forest, and clean swimming waters, perfect for family fun and budget-friendly escapes.

4.3
(2k reviews)

"Absolutely great place to spend a hot summer day with fantastic slides and lifeguards!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save money and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets online in advance. It's significantly cheaper!

☀️ Limited Shade

Bring your own umbrella or blanket for shade, as it can be scarce on sunny days.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lake Swimming & Slides

Lake Swimming & Slides

Main lake area

Enjoy clean, warm, non-salty water with dedicated swimming lanes and thrilling slides for all ages.

Adventure Forest & Maze

Adventure Forest & Maze

North of the lake

Explore a fun adventure forest with a challenging hedge maze, perfect for active exploration.

Kids' Play Equipment

Kids' Play Equipment

Near the beach

Dedicated play areas with equipment designed for younger children to enjoy.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Heat & the Crowds

For a refreshing dip and family fun, book your tickets online in advance! It's a steal at just 1€, but spots can fill up, especially on hot summer days. Arrive early for the best shade and to make the most of the slides and sandy beach.

Pack Smart for a Perfect Day

While the park offers fantastic slides and swimming, shade is limited. Bring your own umbrella or picnic blanket. Don't forget snacks and drinks, as bringing your own food is recommended to maximize your enjoyment and budget.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays, late afternoon
Why
Fewer families, still warm
Crowd
Medium
When
Midnight swims (off-season)
Why
Unique, quiet experience
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

3 weeks in Gent with kids

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save money and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets online in advance. It's significantly cheaper! Reddit

☀️ Limited Shade

Bring your own umbrella or blanket for shade, as it can be scarce on sunny days. Reddit

reddit.com

Cool parks to walk in Ghent? I just know citadelpark

reddit.com

Open water swimming spot

🍎 Pack Your Own Food

Bringing your own snacks and drinks is highly recommended for a better experience. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Open Water Swimming

Enjoy the clean, warm lake water. SCUBA diving is also permitted in designated areas. Reddit

reddit.com

Park / yard (outdoor place) for working out

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save money and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets online in advance. It's significantly cheaper! Reddit

☀️ Limited Shade

Bring your own umbrella or blanket for shade, as it can be scarce on sunny days. Reddit

🍎 Pack Your Own Food

Bringing your own snacks and drinks is highly recommended for a better experience. Reddit

🏊‍♀️ Open Water Swimming

Enjoy the clean, warm lake water. SCUBA diving is also permitted in designated areas. Reddit

🤸‍♀️ Sports Activities

Beyond swimming, enjoy beach volleyball, soccer, and an outdoor gym. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Blaarmeersen Park & Lake as a fantastic, affordable spot for a summer day out, especially for families. The clean lake water, fun slides, and various sports facilities are major draws. While shade can be limited and bringing your own food is recommended, the low entry fee makes it an exceptional value.

"Cute little place with clean warm not salty water. Outside of season they forbid bathing in the beach. I did anyways, at midnight."

Franz MeladOro Luxury Food Expert (meladoro_fra)

"Absolutely great place to spend a hot summer day. Shade is limited and it is recommend you buy tickets ahead of time, because it only costs 1€! The slides definitely made it a great experience for my kids."

Patrick J. Peake

"Quite fun. The open water swimming is a quite restricted area but good. Advise buy advance tickets online to save 80%!"

Steve Jones

What People Like

Affordable entry fee
Clean lake water
Fun water slides

What People Dislike

Limited shade
Bring own food recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Blaarmeersen Park is easily accessible by public transport in Ghent. You can take various bus lines that stop nearby. If driving, there is parking available, though it can get busy during peak season. Reddit

Yes, Blaarmeersen Park & Lake makes for a great day trip from Brussels. The train journey to Ghent is short, and from the station, you can easily reach the park via public transport. Reddit

There are parking facilities available at Blaarmeersen Park. However, during peak summer days, these can fill up quickly, so arriving early is advised. Reddit

Ghent is a very bike-friendly city, and Blaarmeersen Park is accessible via cycling paths. There are usually bike racks available for secure parking. Reddit

Yes, there is a small entrance fee, but purchasing tickets online in advance is significantly cheaper and recommended to secure your spot. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is very affordable, often around 1€ when purchased online in advance. It's highly recommended to buy tickets online to save money and ensure entry. Reddit

While tickets might be available at the entrance, it's strongly advised to buy them online beforehand. This is not only cheaper but also guarantees your access, especially on busy days. Reddit

Opening hours vary by season. During the summer, the park is typically open daily, with specific hours for swimming and other activities. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Official bathing is restricted outside the season, but some visitors have reported swimming at their own risk during off-peak times. However, it's best to adhere to the official guidelines for safety. Reddit

Generally, there's a single, low-cost admission fee that grants access to the park's main recreational areas, including the lake and slides. Reddit

🎫 🏊‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Blaarmeersen offers a wide range of activities including swimming in the lake, water slides (for different age groups), an adventure forest, a hedge maze, beach volleyball, beach soccer, and an outdoor gym. Reddit

The lake water is described as clean and warm, with dedicated swimming lanes. Lifeguards are present during operational hours for safety. Reddit

Yes, there are separate slides designed for older children and a dedicated set for younger ones, ensuring fun for all ages. Reddit

Shade can be limited, especially on the sandy beach areas. Visitors are advised to bring their own umbrellas or blankets for comfort on sunny days. Reddit

Yes, SCUBA diving is permissible in designated areas of the lake, adding another dimension to the recreational offerings. Reddit

🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining

While there might be some limited concessions, it is highly recommended to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy at the park. This is a common tip from visitors. Reddit

Absolutely! Blaarmeersen Park is a great spot for picnics. There are plenty of areas where you can set up your blanket and enjoy your own food. Reddit

Information on specific restaurants or cafes is scarce, but the general advice is to pack your own food. This suggests that dedicated dining facilities might be limited or not the primary focus. Reddit

Bring easy-to-eat picnic items like sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and plenty of water. Consider items that are good for a hot day. Reddit

There is no specific mention of BBQ facilities, so it's safer to assume you should bring pre-prepared food for your picnic. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lake itself offers beautiful reflections, especially during sunrise or sunset. The adventure forest and maze provide unique, playful backdrops. Don't forget to capture the kids enjoying the slides! Reddit

There are no specific regulations mentioned regarding drones, but always be mindful of other visitors and local drone laws. The open spaces might offer good aerial views. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing serene lake shots or playful family moments. Reddit

Always be respectful of privacy. If you plan to photograph other visitors, it's best to ask for their permission first. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, for commercial purposes or if photographing specific facilities, it's wise to check with park management. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Blaarmeersen Park is a dream for families! The kids' play equipment and separate water slides for different age groups are huge hits. The clean, warm lake water is perfect for little ones to splash around in safely, with lifeguards on duty. Reddit

Don't forget to explore the adventure forest and hedge maze for some active fun. Packing your own snacks and drinks is key to keeping everyone happy and on budget. Booking tickets online in advance is also a must to save money and guarantee entry. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This is your spot! Blaarmeersen offers incredible value with an entrance fee as low as 1€ when booked online. It's one of the most affordable recreational areas in Ghent. Reddit

Maximize savings by packing a picnic – it's highly recommended and significantly cuts down on costs. The sheer amount of activities available for such a low price makes it a top pick for budget-conscious visitors looking for a full day of fun. Reddit

☀️ Summer Day-Trippers

Looking for a cool escape on a hot summer day? Blaarmeersen Park & Lake is ideal. The lake swimming and thrilling slides are perfect for beating the heat. Arrive early to snag a spot with some shade, as it can get limited. Reddit

Booking tickets online is crucial for summer visits to avoid queues and secure your entry. Bringing your own food and drinks means you can spend the whole day enjoying the water and park facilities without needing to leave for meals. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Family Fun at Blaarmeersen

Blaarmeersen Park & Lake is a fantastic destination for families with young children, offering a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. The dedicated kids' play equipment provides a safe space for toddlers and younger ones to explore and have fun. The park's clean, warm lake water is perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day, and the separate slides for younger children ensure they can enjoy the water attractions safely. Reddit

Beyond the water, the adventure forest and hedge maze offer exciting opportunities for exploration and imaginative play. These areas encourage physical activity and problem-solving, making them a hit with kids who love to run around and discover. The sandy beach area is also great for building sandcastles or simply relaxing. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as this is a common recommendation from families who visit. Reddit

For parents, the park's affordability, especially when booking tickets online, makes it an attractive option for a budget-friendly family outing. The presence of lifeguards during operational hours adds an extra layer of security, allowing parents to relax a bit more while their children play. It’s a well-rounded recreational complex designed to cater to the needs and enjoyment of families. Reddit

Making the Most of the Lake

The centerpiece of Blaarmeersen Park is its large, inviting lake. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the clean, warm, non-salty water, with designated lanes ensuring a more organized experience. The lake is a major draw during the summer months, providing a welcome respite from the heat. Reddit

For those seeking aquatic thrills, the park features impressive slides. There are separate slides catering to older children and adults, as well as a dedicated set for younger visitors, ensuring fun for all ages. Beyond casual swimming and sliding, the lake also accommodates SCUBA diving in specific zones, offering a unique activity for certified divers. Reddit

While the lake is a highlight, it's worth noting that shade around the immediate swimming areas can be limited. Visitors often recommend bringing personal umbrellas or blankets to create their own shaded spots. The open water swimming area is well-maintained and supervised, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Reddit

Budget-Friendly Fun

Blaarmeersen Park & Lake is renowned for its incredible value, making it a top choice for budget-conscious travelers and families. The entrance fee is remarkably low, especially when tickets are purchased online in advance – often as little as 1€! This affordability makes it accessible for extended visits or for those looking to enjoy a full day of recreation without breaking the bank. Reddit

Visitors consistently highlight the cost-effectiveness of the park. The advice to bring your own food and drinks further enhances the budget-friendly aspect, allowing you to control your spending on refreshments. This practical tip is echoed across many reviews and discussions, emphasizing that a well-prepared picnic can significantly reduce overall costs for a day out. Reddit

Combined with the wide array of activities available – from swimming and slides to sports courts and play areas – Blaarmeersen offers a high return on investment for your leisure time. It’s a place where you can have a full day of entertainment and relaxation without a hefty price tag, a rare find in many tourist destinations. Reddit

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