2. Indoor pools with outdoor solariums in Brussels
While Brussels does not have many permanent outdoor pools, several indoor pools feature outdoor solariums, offering a chance to relax in the sun after swimming.
Here’s the list of Brussels swimming pools with outdoor solariums:
These locations allow sunbathing close to aquatic facilities, making them excellent alternatives for those seeking a mix of swimming and relaxation in the sun.
Outdoor swimming options near Brussels
3. Nausicaa Pool in Waterloo
Approximately 10 kilometers south of Brussels, the Nausicaa Pool in Waterloo is a great outdoor swimming option thanks to its retractable roof. During sunny summer days, the roof opens, transforming the space into an open-air pool.
Features:
- Spacious outdoor area.
- A fun slide.
- Affordable entry fees.
This pool is a convenient choice for those looking to enjoy outdoor swimming close to Brussels.
4. Spray Park at Bois des Rêves
The Domaine Provincial du Bois des Rêves in Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve has transformed its former outdoor swimming pool into a Spray Park, an interactive water play area for children with 1,000 m² of open-air water play areas divided into two distinct zones for the little ones on the one hand, and the older ones on the other.
This change adds a new play dimension, with water jets and structures adapted for younger children.
The Spray Park replaces the classic outdoor pool, but remains a popular destination for families, thanks to its many other activities: forest walks, playground, fishing and even barbecues.
Admission to the aquatic area remains affordable, at €6 per adult or child.
5. Artificial Beaches Near Brussels
If you’re looking to cool off in the sun in a more spacious and green setting than a traditional swimming pool, several artificial beaches located less than an hour from Brussels offer an ideal summer experience. Built around landscaped bodies of water, they all feature a supervised swimming area, outdoor activities, and easy access by car, bike, or public transport. Here are four particularly popular spots:
- Hofstade in Zemst
A 650-meter beach along a vast lake, with swimming, pedal boats, a tavern, and children’s playgrounds. A natural and friendly domain, perfect for relaxing away from the city. - De Nekker in Mechelen
A family-friendly beach by a pond within a 65-hectare recreational domain. Supervised swimming, water games, a skatepark, indoor pools, and playgrounds make it perfect for a full family day out. - Claire-Fontaine in Godarville
Less known but equally charming, the Claire-Fontaine domain beach welcomes you around a natural lake with lifeguard supervision, offering pedal boats, a giant aquapark, water slides, mini-golf, and a playground. With its family-friendly vibe, varied facilities, and affordable prices, it’s an ideal spot for an active day in nature between Charleroi and La Louvière. - De Plas in Rotselaar
A fine sandy beach on the edge of an artificial lake, with a supervised swimming area, shaded lawns, beach volleyball, and a summer bar. Quiet, well-organized, and very accessible, it offers a real holiday atmosphere just a stone’s throw from Brussels.
Why these beaches?
Because they meet all the essential criteria mentioned above. These spots are still often unknown to Brussels-based families, even though they offer exceptional natural settings to cool off, relax, and have fun.
Other locations may be added to this page in the future, after verifying their safety standards, cleanliness, family-friendliness, and value for money.
Why have so many outdoor pools closed?
Over the past few years, several iconic outdoor swimming pools in Brussels and its surroundings have unfortunately shut down. These closures are the result of a combination of factors: high maintenance costs, aging infrastructure, increasingly strict health regulations, lack of profitability, or even political decisions to repurpose the spaces.
Some pools had not been renovated for decades and required substantial investments to remain operational. Others were replaced with projects considered more modern or family-friendly, such as aquaparks or water play zones. As a result, despite high demand during hot summers, the opportunities for outdoor swimming have significantly decreased.
Here are some notable examples of now-closed outdoor pools:
Conclusion: where to swim outdoors in Brussels?
Although Brussels lacks a permanent outdoor swimming pool, there are still plenty of ways to cool off and enjoy the sun. Whether through the solariums of local indoor pools, the semi-open pool in Waterloo, water play areas for kids, or artificial beaches surrounded by nature, each option offers a unique way to make the most of summer.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to swim, a fun spot for children, or simply a green space to relax by the water, Brussels and its surroundings offer a wide range of alternatives. And while the closure of FLOW marks the end of an era, it also highlights the importance of developing new accessible and sustainable public swimming areas in the years to come.
In the meantime, take advantage of these tried-and-tested locations to experience summer in Brussels in a refreshing, outdoor way!
