Nature and discovery around the university gardens

Why go

Families with curious children can make a varied day from this compact southern cluster. Kina: House starts with fossils, minerals and animals. Walk to GUM for exhibits about how people investigate the world, then continue to the Botanical Garden for living collections. Citadelpark gives everyone a less structured finish under the trees. These are four essential stops, but adjust museum time to your group’s energy. On Sundays, check both museum and glasshouse hours before committing to this order; the outdoor garden is a useful fallback if the glasshouses close before you arrive. Confirm museum and garden access for your date.

The route, stop by stop

World itinerary estimate: 185–345 min

1. 01

   Main stop · 60–75 min

   Kina: House

   Kina: House at Sint-Pietersplein 14 packs minerals, fossils, birds and interactive nature displays into a family museum. It is a specific indoor visit, separate from Kina: Garden at Berouw.

   Explore

2. Walk · 11 min · Estimated

   02

   Main stop · 55–75 min

   Ghent University Museum (GUM)

   GUM is a science museum about the work behind knowledge: doubt, trial, imagination and debate. Its permanent displays and changing exhibition offer a substantial indoor visit beside the separate botanical garden.

   Explore

3. Walk · 2 min · Estimated

   03

   Main stop · 40–60 min

   Ghent University Botanical Garden

   Walk from the arboretum into warm greenhouses to compare Ghent University’s living plant collections. The changing flowers and foliage make this a different visit each season.

   Explore

4. Walk · 6 min · Estimated

   04

   Main stop · 30–45 min

   Citadelpark

   Spend time under mature trees between Ghent’s main art museums and the station area. The park creates a green link between the fine arts museums and nearby university garden.

   Explore