Hidrodoe
Interactive water centre in Herentals with more than 100 experiments, a 4D film and a Blue Water Garden, an initiative of Pidpa.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Hidrodoe is a water experience centre in the Netepark in Herentals. It was founded by Pidpa, the drinking water company of the province of Antwerp, and opened to the public on 23 March 2003, World Water Day. The idea is that visitors get to work themselves: almost everything may be touched and tried out, so that step by step you become a water expert.
In the Waterwereld (Water World), the heart of the centre, there are more than 100 experiments, games and challenges. In the Watermaker you discover where tap water comes from and which route it takes before it flows out of the tap. The 4D film Teruggespoeld with the figures Drip and Drup also takes place there. Outside lies the Blue Water Garden, a zone where children play with water and discover things for themselves.
Hidrodoe also has a Watercafé with a terrace and a Waterwinkel with educational toys, books and gadgets. Schools can come with programmes adapted to nursery, primary and secondary education. The centre carries the Green Key eco-label, which it obtained for the fifteenth time in 2026.
Highlights
- Waterwereld with more than 100 experiments to try out yourself
- Watermaker: the journey of water to the tap
- 4D film Teruggespoeld with Drip and Drup
- Blue Water Garden, an outdoor zone for playing with water
- Watercafé with terrace and play boat
- Waterwinkel with educational toys and gadgets
Permanent exhibitions
- Waterwereld – The heart of Hidrodoe: here you may touch and try out almost everything, with more than 100 experiments, games and challenges indoors and outdoors.
- Watermaker – Discover where tap water comes from and which route it takes before it flows out of the tap; with a film room where you put on 3D glasses, and the 4D film Teruggespoeld.
- Blauwe Watertuin – An outdoor zone where children play and experiment with water themselves.
- Founded
- 2003
- Operated by
- Pidpa
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €15 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €12Children aged 3 to 12, seniors aged 60 and over, and people with a disability |
| Children & teens | €12free up to age 2 · Children aged 0 to 2 are free; children aged 3 to 12 pay €12 at the box office. |
| Seniors | €12From 60 years. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €12companion free · One carer may come in free. |
| Groups (15+ people) | €12 per personFrom 15 paying people (maximum 60) and only by reservation: €12 for adults (13 to 59 years), €10 for seniors and people with a disability, and €9 for children (3 to 12 years). For every 15 paying people, one carer is free. |
| Groups: all-in package (adults from 12 years) | €16Children aged 3 to 12 pay €12.50. For every 15 paying people one carer is free and pays only for the Hidrodoe cup (€1.60). |
| School visit (per pupil) | €7Teachers are free. A lunch costs €1.60 per person, including tap water in the Hidrodoe cup. |
| Annual pass (adult) | €45Children aged 3 to 12, seniors aged 60 and over and people with a disability pay €36. Only available at the box office; the ticket for that day is deducted. With 10% discount in the Waterwinkel and the Watercafé. |
| Birthday party (per child, without food) | €12.50With party donut €14, with two hot dogs €15.50; always at least 8 children. |
Online tickets cost €1 less than at the box office (€14 for adults and €11 for children, seniors and people with a disability). At the box office only a limited number of tickets are available on the day itself. Teachers enter free on presentation of a teacher card. If you have a small budget, you can book the trip via Iedereen verdient vakantie or the Rap op stap office.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Hidrodoe is fully wheelchair-accessible: next to every staircase there is a ramp, and you can borrow a wheelchair free of charge at the box office. There are adapted toilets, lockers at wheelchair height and a bed in the first-aid room. You can ask for ear protection, a reading glass or a sensory bag. Next to the text panels are QR codes with which you can have the text read aloud or translated; the visitor leaflet is also available in English. Parking spaces for people with a disability are located at the entrance.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 2 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 2 |
- Hands-on stations
- Playground / play area
- Kids’ birthday parties
Hidrodoe is meant for the whole family, from 3 to 103 years old. In the Blue Water Garden children play with water themselves; bring spare clothes or swimwear. In the Watercafé children can play on the play boat. Children's parties are held for children aged 7 to 12 (at least 8 children) on Sundays, public holidays and during school holidays, in two time slots of three hours; one adult accompanies the children for free.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Netepark · 25-min walk
From Herentals station you can walk about 2 km along the Kleine Nete, or hire a Blue-bike on platform 1 and cycle to Peertsbosstraat. Several bus lines stop at the Netepark; from there it is about 25 minutes' walk. Where no bus runs, De Lijn Flex offers transport on request.
By car
Parking available · 800 m to the entrance
The official Hidrodoe car park is at Sport Vlaanderen; from there it is about 800 metres (around 1,000 steps) on foot along a winding forest path. You can also drive up to Hidrodoe to drop someone off (Kiss & Ride) and then park on the Vorselaarsebaan. Parking spaces for people with a disability are located at the entrance.
- Accessible parking
Enter Vorselaarsebaan in your satnav. Hidrodoe is in a cycling area; you can charge electric bicycles there.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
- Lockers
The Watercafé serves drinks, snacks and a locally brewed house beer, and has a terrace with a play boat. In the Waterwinkel you will find educational toys, science games, books, gadgets and Hidrodoe honey.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Allow 2 to 3 hours. The 4D film in the Watermaker runs on the half hour. Buy tickets online or at the box office; groups and schools book in advance. |
