Sashuis (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Sashuis?
What makes it 70% Kids-Friendly: Children can try free folk games and spot sluice mechanics, yet parents must supervise near water and note the absence of toilets, café, or seating; best as a short 30-minute stop.
Positives:
- Free Entry: Entry to the lock house and folk-games area is free for all ages.
- Interactive Experiences: Kids can play historic games and follow a craft trail to stay engaged.
Challenges:
- No On-Site Restrooms: The Sashuis has no public toilets. Plan bathroom stops nearby.
- Limited Indoor Space: Narrow corridors make strollers hard to maneuver. Leave bulky strollers behind.
What is Sashuis?
- A 16th-century sluice gate house on the Minnewater canal, originally serving as the lock-keeper’s residence and water-control facility
- A preserved example of medieval hydraulic engineering, featuring original brick-and-timber drive mechanisms and reservoir openings
- A listed heritage monument repurposed as a curated craft exhibition space and artisan shop showcasing local handcrafts
What is so special about Sashuis for with kids?
- Free entry to a 16th-century lock-keeper’s house.
- Hands-on folk games station runs in spring.
- City-wide craft trail turns a walk into a treasure hunt.
- Safe canal-side photo spot and swan watching.
- Shop for small art kits and toys perfect for kids.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to explore the lock house, try folk games and browse crafts without rushing kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Sashuis
Folk Games Station:
Kids try historic Belgian games inside the Sashuis.
Tip: Open April–June. Kids run and throw safely under staff supervision.
Explore Lock-Keeper’s House:
See original reservoir openings and imagine medieval water control.
Tip: Point out brick, wood and metal openings to spark kids' curiosity.
Craft Trail Treasure Hunt:
Follow the Handmade in Brugge map to collect stamps at stops across Bruges.
Tip: Let kids mark each stop on the paper guide or app to stay engaged.
Canal Photo Spot:
Take family photos by the Minnewater canal and watch swans.
Tip: Visit early morning for calm water and soft light.
Kid-Friendly Crafts:
Browse small toys and art kits at the craft shop.
Tip: Set a budget of €5–€10 per child for easy take-home souvenirs.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sashuis
- Combine with Minnewater Park: After the Sashuis, walk into the nearby park for a picnic by the swans.
- Use the Craft Trail App: Download the Handmade in Brugge app to unlock digital stamps and extra info.
Reviews of Sashuis
Henri Salmi (Henkka)
A beautiful building with beautiful views to the river/canal. With my very, very, very rudimentary knowledge (or rather understanding) of Flemish I came to the conclusion that it was the house of the person who was in charge of the nearby sluice in the canal.
Dave M
Absolutely a delightful trip, really worth it to see the city from the water. Most of the boats seem to be electric which so suits the quiet of the beautiful canals. If you miss this experience you've lost a lot,
Ngọc Trần
Beautiful and peaceful scenery. They have some benches for wanderer to take a break.
D G
I proposed here, and it was beautiful, along with the city of brugge. I highly recommend “phototourbrugge” if you’d like to do the same here. It was so worth it.
Chanon
It is a nice park where it is a good place to sit and relax during summer. There is some wind around this area. However, the river is not clear enough and I do not know that when the water I will be cleared. Around this time, many people can sit and lay down in the ground and reading their novels satisfactorily.
When is the best time to visit Sashuis (Bruges, Belgium)?
From early April to early June, the free folk-games station runs inside. Check the website for workshop dates and rotating exhibitions. In rainy weather, stay inside to explore crafts.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry | EUR 0 |
| Folk-games Station | EUR 0 |
| Craft Trail Guide | EUR 0 |
| Kid-Friendly Crafts | EUR 30 |
| Optional Workshop Fee | EUR 20 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 50 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Sashuis
Address: Begijnhof, 8000 Brugge, Belgium
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