These are the best zoos in the Netherlands for children

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From Diergaarde Blijdorp, Burgers’ Zoo and Artis to the Apenheul: zoos always provide a lot of entertainment. Here you will find the best of our country in a row.

Be well prepared if you go out for a day with your child. For example, bring a jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen and don’t forget the snacks. With this handy checklist you can be sure that you don’t forget anything.

1. Blijdorp Zoo – Rotterdam

Still the most popular animal park in the Netherlands. You will find all kinds of animals there and with a bit of luck the youngest offspring will also come out: animals are born regularly.

2. Burgers’ Zoo – Arnhem

One of the largest parks in Europe with more than 10,000 (!) animals. There are several themes, but our favorite is the Burgers Bush. Here you have the feeling that you are really walking through the jungle. Also nice: Burgers’ Zoo has a lot of sea creatures: mangrove jellyfish, batfish, cow nose rays, a Napoleon fish, a leopard shark, an orange-spotted wrasse, large reticulated moray eels and a king snapper.

3. Artis – Amsterdam

Numerous animals can also be admired in this animal park (which is located in the heart of Amsterdam). Fun fact: it is the oldest zoo in our country and also one of the oldest in Europe.

4. GaiaZOO – Limburg

Well worth a visit. In GaiaZOO you travel all over the world in one day: on the African Savannah you come face to face with gorillas, rhinoceroses, giraffes, cheetahs and lions.

Also read – These are the best outings with plants and animals >

5. Apenheul – Apeldoorn

One of the most special zoos in the country, because there are monkeys to be found and (and that’s really hysterical) they run loose. So watch out for your bags.

6. Amersfoort Zoo

There is plenty to do for children here: you can walk through the exciting Dino Forest, admire nocturnal animals, sail among the monkeys and admire animals such as elephants, zebras, giraffes, wolves and badgers.

7. WILDLANDS Adventure Zoo – Emmen

This park is the successor of the well-known Emmen Zoo. In a new location you will explore three different worlds with different climates. Jungola is the jungle, Serenga is the savanna. In Nortica, the cold nature takes over and polar bears and penguins swim around.

Also read – Crafting animals: 7 fun ideas >

8. Safari Park Beekse Bergen

Here you can drive around by car among the wild animals, but you can also take a bus if you don’t dare to get behind the wheel yourself. In any case, it is an experience that you will undoubtedly not soon forget.

9. Ouwehands Zoo – Rhenen

Great for children, because here you will find the largest play jungle in Europe. Of course there are also beautiful animals (tigers, white lions, polar bears, monkeys, bears and wolves) to see.

10. ZooParc – Overloon

Like a true explorer, you and your little one will explore the areas where monkeys, cheetahs, meerkats and many more species live. That will keep you busy for a day. In addition, they often organize fun events such as a twilight tour or a luxurious dinner at the zoo.

You will find an overview of all zoos in the Netherlands here.

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