Discovering Hasselt: A Family Adventure

When I first heard about the Hasselt e-Scavenger Hunt and its promise of a unique city exploration, I was intrigued. As a family travel writer, I’m always on the lookout for activities that can engage both adults and children, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. So, I packed up my family and headed to Hasselt, Belgium, ready to embark on a self-guided city adventure.

The day started with a sense of excitement as we logged into the city game app on our smartphones. The app was user-friendly, and the instructions were clear, making it easy for us to dive right into the experience. The best part? We were in control of our own pace. With three kids in tow, this flexibility was a blessing. We could pause for snacks, take breaks at charming cafes, or linger at a site that particularly caught our interest.

Our first stop was the Jenevermuseum, a fascinating place that offered a glimpse into the history of gin. While the kids were more interested in the interactive exhibits, my husband and I enjoyed learning about the distillation process. It was a great start to our adventure, setting the tone for a day filled with discovery and fun.

Exploring Hasselt’s Hidden Gems

As we continued our journey, the app guided us to various landmarks, each with its own set of questions and challenges. The Virga Jesse Basiliek was a highlight, with its stunning architecture and rich history. The kids were captivated by the story of Mary of Jesse, and it was a wonderful opportunity to teach them about the cultural significance of the basilica.

The St. Quentin Cathedral was another stop that left us in awe. The grandeur of the cathedral was breathtaking, and the kids enjoyed exploring the nooks and crannies of this historic site. The app’s questions encouraged us to look closer and appreciate the details we might have otherwise missed.

One of the most delightful aspects of the scavenger hunt was the chance to discover places we might have skipped on a typical tourist itinerary. The Modemuseum Hasselt, housed in a seventeenth-century building, was a hidden gem. The fashion exhibits were a hit with my eldest daughter, who dreams of becoming a designer one day.

A Day to Remember

The day flew by as we navigated through Hasselt, each stop offering a new adventure. The Japanese Garden was a serene escape, and we took a moment to relax and enjoy the beauty of the largest Japanese garden in Europe. It was a peaceful interlude in our otherwise bustling day.

As the sun began to set, we found ourselves at the Grote Markt, surrounded by cozy restaurants and shops. It was the perfect place to end our day, with a delicious meal and a chance to reflect on our experiences. The kids were already talking about their favorite parts of the day, and my husband and I were thrilled to have shared such a memorable experience with them.

The Hasselt e-Scavenger Hunt was more than just a game; it was an opportunity to connect with my family and explore a city in a way we never had before. It’s an activity I would recommend to any family looking for a fun and engaging way to discover a new place. Hasselt, with its rich history and vibrant culture, was the perfect backdrop for our adventure, and I can’t wait to try similar experiences in other cities.