Bobbejaanland Bans Flip-Flops on Attractions After Incidents

Bobbejaanland, the popular theme park in Lichtaart (Kasterlee, Antwerp), has begun strictly enforcing a longstanding ban on flip-flops and loose footwear in all attractions following several safety incidents triggered by a July heatwave. Visitors wearing flip-flops may still enter the park grounds, but they will be denied access to rides unless they change into closed-toe shoes.

Context: An Existing Rule Now Enforced

The footwear policy is not new. It is codified in Article 6 of the park’s regulations, which explicitly prohibits sandals, slippers, and any footwear not firmly attached to the foot. However, as Het Laatste Nieuws reports, the rule was rarely enforced until a July 2026 heatwave swept across Belgium, prompting a surge of visitors arriving in summer footwear.

“The rule has always been in effect,” said Peggy Verelst, Marketing Director of Bobbejaanland, in an interview with VRT NWS. “But due to the recent heatwave, there are many more people with flip-flops in the park, which occasionally led to incidents.”

Safety Incidents Drive Stricter Enforcement

The decision to tighten enforcement follows several incidents in early to mid-July in which visitors’ flip-flops fell off during rides and landed in areas inaccessible to both guests and staff. According to Looopings, some visitors were directed to Shopping Park Olen to purchase new footwear, while others received free parking tickets and were allowed to leave without entering the attractions.

Verelst explained the safety rationale to HLN: “Flip-flops on attractions sometimes create difficult conditions. Slippers fall off and end up everywhere, including places that are not accessible to visitors.” She also highlighted evacuation risks: “Suppose there needs to be an evacuation. Then wearing flip-flops is asking for trouble. For the same reason, visitors are also not allowed to go barefoot on an attraction.”

The ban applies to all attractions, though the risk level varies by ride type. Park staff also check that backpacks are properly stored and sunglasses remain secure.

Practical Advice for Visitors

While visitors wearing flip-flops can still wander the park, they cannot board any attractions. Verelst offered practical advice: “If you absolutely want to wear flip-flops, it’s best to put closed shoes in your backpack to change at the entrance of each attraction.”

Speaking to VRT NWS, she emphasized the park’s priority: “In principle, people come to a theme park to have a wonderful, but above all safe day. Flip-flops create unsafe situations at certain moments. We want to avoid those, both for guests and for our staff.”

Broader Implications

While the policy may inconvenience visitors during the ongoing heatwave, public reaction in Flemish media has been largely supportive, with many commenters endorsing the safety-first approach. The stricter enforcement may become a permanent fixture, particularly as climate change increases the frequency of heatwaves in Belgium.

Bobbejaanland, founded in 1961 by entertainer Bobbejaan Schoepen, features over 35 attractions and themed zones. The park is also preparing for a new Nickelodeon-themed zone opening in 2027.

What to Watch For

As the summer heatwave continues, visitors are advised to bring closed-toe footwear or prepare to change shoes at attraction entrances. The park has indicated that the problem will likely subside naturally when temperatures drop, but the stricter enforcement could become a long-term policy depending on visitor compliance and future incidents.