Ostend at Anchor with children

Ostend at Anchor is an ideal outing to introduce children to the wonders of the sea and shipping. A visit to one of the large ships immediately captures the imagination, but there is also a lot to do to give the smallest visitors a fascinating day. We would like to give some tips for the little sailors.

Maritime Passport

For young explorers, there’s the Maritime Passport — a playful quest that takes children on an adventure across the entire festival. At ten different stops, kids complete fun tasks that immerse them in the life of a sailor. They’ll discover signal flags, learn how to tie knots, recognize fish, test their sea legs, and even climb into a windmill. At the end, they’ll be awarded an official Maritime Passport — proof that they’re now little sailors in the making. It’s educational and fun, without ever feeling like school.

Participation: €3 per child

Wim Opbrouck and Captain Winokio

"Ahoy ahoy, hello hello
We are Wim Opbrouck and Captain Winokio

Two jolly mates, bearded and bold
With whale-sized values and hearts of gold

A love for the sea, a passion for song
Together we’re a tune machine all day long

Come to Ostend, where the seaside gleams
We sing sea shanties and musical dreams!"

Captain Winokio and Wim Opbrouck perform together on Saturday at 1:00 PM at Sint-Petrus- en -Paulusplein.

Discover the crafts together

At Jan Piersplein (next to the Mercator), you’ll find numerous craftspeople at work throughout the festival. It’s the perfect spot for children who want to see how, for example, a blacksmith worked in the old days.

Rescue Techniques Demonstration

RelyOn Belgium presents a daily demonstration of rescue techniques and survival skills at 2:00 PM in the Montgomery Dock.

RelyOn Belgium is the world’s leading provider of safety training at various organizational levels, focused on survival and the skills required for it. The company has a training center in the Port of Ostend.

Scubabinaci

An Autobianchi transformed into a driving aquarium, filled with goldfish… and a man you probably shouldn’t trust.

Scubabianchi roams among the audience on Saturday, surprising and delighting with wonder and curiosity.

Vliegende Hollander

Magic can be found everywhere, in every corner of the world.
That’s why Runewold has sailed all the world’s oceans aboard his Vliegende Hollander.
He has recorded the most wondrous tales from his travels to share with the public.
His journey never truly ends.

You might encounter him on the Oostende voor Anker site on Thursday and Friday.

Zeeheksen

Unapologetically cheeky they are, our SEAWITCHES. At home and abroad they are welcome guests at maritime events. WEIRD????? They are not weird, they are just reallyyyyyyyyy special!

Viswijven

Are they women?

Or are they fish?

They are our fishwives!

Always in for a good catch.

Who shall we hook this time?

Family Walk Ahoy, Shipmate!

Do you love fish? Of course, you do! It’s so tasty and healthy! And the fact that fresh fish ends up on your plate, you owe it first and foremost to the fishermen. If you want to learn more about it, Oostende is the place to be. Take the whole family on a fascinating walk along the Fishermen's Quay with our guide. You’ll get your very own sailor’s booklet. Who knows, maybe you’ll be the helmsman or even the captain! Through fun tasks, you’ll learn all about the fishing industry and the fish brought ashore here.

You can join the family walk on Saturday and Sunday.

Captain Pannekazak: Your Maritime Guide to Ostend

071This city guide is available all year round, but it can definitely add extra fun for your kids during Oostende voor Anker. Together with his two shipmates, a bow mussel and a maritime know-it-all, Captain Pannekazak will take you on a unique audio tour, showing you the most beautiful and interesting spots in the city. Dive into a sound story by Het Geluidshuisthat reveals Oostende in a whole new way — especially through what you can hear.

Captain Pannekazak is perfect for sailors aged 8 to 12. The app can be downloaded via the App Store or Google Play. Unlock the tour through a purchase in the App Store for €5.49.