A plant-purified pool
Among Europe's first natural swimming pools — no chlorine, open in summer.
A small natural history museum in Boekenberg park in the Deurne district east of Antwerp. The collection is local in character: animals, birds, insects, shells, minerals and fossils from Belgium and the region, with sections on local habitats and how they have changed. This is a small living museum run by a local society rather than a national institution, and that sets its scale and ambition: a few rooms rather than great halls. But it works well with school-age children in particular, because the displays are at eye level and can be approached closely. The surrounding park is half the visit: a large public park with old trees, a lake, and one of Europe's first natural swimming pools — water purified by plants rather than chlorine, open in summer. This is a residential district off Antwerp's visitor route, reached by tram or bus in about fifteen minutes from the centre. Hours are limited and may be only a few days a week. Check before going.
Among Europe's first natural swimming pools — no chlorine, open in summer.
Animals, fossils and minerals from Belgium rather than global displays.
The displays are close and approachable — it works for school age.
Boekenberg park, Deurne, east of Antwerp
A pool whose water is purified by an adjoining planted zone acting as a biological filter instead of chemicals. The water passes through plant roots and gravel, removing contaminants naturally. This was among the first built in Europe; it operates in summer with a fee separate from the museum.
For anyone staying several days or with children, yes, as an option for a clear day in the park. On a short visit, no — Antwerp has the Rubens House, the MAS museum by the river, its cathedral and its central station, considered among Europe's finest, and those have the better claim.
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