Activities

The 10 best petting zoos in the Netherlands

22 February 2022

The combination of being outside, cuddling with the cute animals and having fun playing will put a smile on everyone's face.

A visit to the petting zoo, or kinderboerderij (children's farm) in Dutch, is always fun no matter how old you are! So go ahead with the goat, and pay a visit to one of these super fun farms!

1. Amsterdam - Ridammerhoeve Goat Farm

Ridammerhoeve Goat Farm is located in the middle of the Amsterdamse Bos. This is the best petting zoo in Amsterdam. You'll find almost 100 goats here during your visit! They also have chickens, pigs, cows and horses. There's a great playground where the kids can have a great time, and the possibility to have a cup of coffee! In addition, they sell various fresh products in the farm shop, including goat ice cream. Do you dare to taste it?

Another great thing is that on this farm it's possible to participate in goat yoga. You do yoga between the goats, and they jump on top of you. Very funny to try with a group of friends. Combine this fun activity with a weekend in Amsterdam and stay at Stayokay Vondelpark!

2. Arnhem – City Farm Presikhaaf

At Stadsboerderij Presikhaaf, they believe it's very important to preserve rare Dutch breeds of farm animals. They breed with this, which is why you can see old breeds of cattle such as Lakenvelders and Blaarkoppen at this city farm.

The chickens, goats, sheep, rabbits and ducks are also of increasingly rare breeds! On the farmyard you'll find a farm shop where you can buy meat and eggs. They also sell regional products and nice gifts.

Right next to the farmyard is the most beautiful heemtuin in the Netherlands. What's a heemtuin? We had to ask too 😉 It's a botanical garden where you only find plants that are originally Dutch and that belong here. Here you can take a nice walk and enjoy the peace and quiet. Visit it and combine it with a night at Stayokay Arnhem!

3. Berlicum – Camel Dairy Smits

As the name already says Kamelenmelkerij Smits is a camel dairy and that's something special. In fact, this is the only camel dairy in Europe!

There's a lot to do and to experience at this unique place. You can taste the camel's milk, take a guided tour, feed the camels, sit on a camel and milk the calves. Of course, you'll also learn a lot about the camels during this experience.

The camel dairy is also suitable for groups. For example, an outing with the class. Or your children's party, you can also come and celebrate at the dairy!

4. Drachten - The Naturij

At The Naturij in Drachten, they do not only have the standard animals that you come across at a petting zoo. They have an African porcupine! It's also possible to take a ride on a pony. How cool is that?

The Naturij is so much more than just a petting zoo. They have a Reptile House where you can see all sorts of exotic animals. A play forest where you can walk the barefoot path, hike the Water Experience Route or go from the cable car!

There are also indoor and outdoor play areas. The indoor playground consists of trampolines, a ball pit and all kinds of climbing equipment. The outdoor play park isn't just a playground, but you can also ride the go-karts in the traffic garden, cool off in the Spartelbad or challenge each other to a game of miniature golf. A day ticket to enjoy all this costs €5.95 per person.

5. Maastricht - De Heeg Children's Farm

In Maastricht, you'll find De Heeg Children's Farm. This isn't just a petting zoo, but also a care farm. On this petting zoo you can cuddle all the farm animals and also get lessons in riding a pony.

You can also celebrate your children's party on this petting zoo!

They also have special babysitting afternoons. On these afternoons, you bring the kids to the farm and while they are having fun you can do something else!

6. Middelburg – Klepperhoeve Children's Farm

Klepperhoeve Children's Farm has lots of animals. They have horses, cows, sheep and chickens. But they also have lots of rodents, birds and even fish! They also have a fun farm stand where you can buy fresh eggs, different vegetables and cool crafts.

Almost your birthday? Then celebrate your children's party at petting farm de Klepperhoeve. You can choose from various themes such as horses, fairytales, cowboys and pirates. It's also possible to put together your own children's party just the way you want it.

7. Nijmegen – Petting Zoo De Goffert

De Goffert Petting Zoo in Nijmegen considers it important to bring people into contact with animals, nature and the environment. On this petting zoo, that's certainly the case!

Besides the animals on the farm, children can also use up their energy on the playground.

Throughout the year, there are different activities and events on the farm. At Easter you can look for Easter eggs and at Christmas there's a show about the Christmas fairy tale. Great fun for the children.

8. Rotterdam – De Kraal Children's Farm

At Petting Farm De Kraal, you can meet the peacocks, pigs, goats and rodents and learn a lot about them. At this fun petting zoo in Rotterdam there are information boards everywhere with the most interesting facts about the animals. On the petting zoo there's enough opportunity for children to play. It's also possible to get a hot drink or a healthy snack.

Another good thing to know is that De Kraal petting zoo regularly organises fun (free) activities!

9. Sassenheim - Alpaca Farm Klinkenberg

Alpacahoeven Klinkenberg is an alpaca breeding farm. Alpacas are not only inquisitive, but also very social. That's why you can meet these unique animals at this farm! They call this the 'meet & feed'. During this meeting you can feed, stroke and cuddle the alpacas.

It's also possible to take a walk with an alpaca as your companion, or to follow a yoga class among the alpacas!

You can book one of the activities via the website. It's also possible to purchase a gift voucher, so that you can give one of these unique experiences as a present. We are fans!

10. Texel – Texel Sheep Farm

Are you staying on the Wadden Islands? For example at Stayokay Texel? Then a visit to a petting zoo is not to be missed! At the Texel Sheep Farm you can cuddle lambs all year round, and let's be honest. Who doesn't want that?

On the farm you can get to know many different sheep breeds. But the usual petting zoo animals live here too! Of course, there's a playground for the children and at the coffee corner you can eat delicious Texel cakes.

There's also a farm shop where you can buy various products made from the wool of the sheep on the farm.

Tickets are for sale from €5,- per person.