7x the best animal outings for children

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Is your child a real animal lover? Check out these best animal outings that we have listed for you.

Aquarium

Always fun: a visit to an aquarium. Our country has plenty of them, just check this list. Sea Life in Scheveningen is one of the largest aquariums. You can spot hundreds of fish there, but also roll up your sleeves: for example, help with water tests in the laboratory. And who dares to swim among the sharks?

Zoo

Hoppa: in the zoo you immediately have the nicest animals under one roof. Well-known zoos in the Netherlands are Burgers’ Zoo (Arnhem), Artis in the capital and DierenPark Amersfoort. The newest zoo can be found in the north: two years ago, Dierenpark Emmen was transformed into Wildlands Adventure Zoo. You will explore three different worlds with different climates: the jungle, savanna and the arctic. Find out here which zoos you can visit with your child.

Unknown zoo

Have you been to Blijdorp and Artis dozens of times? Then go to one of the unknown zoos in our country. Just think of an owl park or a sanctuary for reptiles and amphibians. And how about a zoo, playground and museum in one? Something different and your child will be amazed. Oh, and extra fun: usually you can get a little closer to the animals in the lesser-known, small zoos.

Also read: These are the best outings with plants and animals

petting zoo

Simple, but just as fun: a visit to the petting zoo. It will save you a lot of money compared to the zoo and your child can often pet or help feed animals. Many petting zoos have a playground and regularly organize activities for children, such as a sheep shearing party or a bat excursion. Check out the list of the nicest petting zoos in our country here.

Camping at the farmer

Can’t get enough of the petting zoo and is he still hugging the sheep just before closing time? Then spend the night at the farmer’s house. On many farms, children are often allowed to lend a hand and your child will not be told that a second time. For example, take care of a ‘loan rabbit’ during your stay, collect the eggs and go on the tractor with the farmer.

alpaca farm

They come from South America and look like a mini camel: alpacas are amazing. No wonder that the alpaca farms in the Netherlands are sprouting like mushrooms. Go for a walk with the animals, give them a big hug or play a game of alpaca golf (yes, it really exists).

bird park

You don’t think about it quickly, but a bird park is a lot of fun. You will find birds from small to large, with the coolest colors. The most famous bird park is Avifauna in Alphen aan den Rijn, but our country has many more.