It is challenging for foreigners to decide which zoo in The Netherlands to visit because there are many Dutch zoos. I have lived in the Netherlands my entire life and visited many Dutch zoos with my family.
Discover the best zoo in The Netherlands
I also interviewed dozens of fellow Dutchmen about their favorite zoos and reviewed the 25 best zoos in The Netherlands.
Best Zoo In The Netherlands
I prepared a brief review of each zoo to help you decide if a particular zoo will be fun for your family. I also added the price of admissions for each zoo in 2023.
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo is Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attraction
1. ARTIS Amsterdam
In the center of Amsterdam lies ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo, one of the oldest and biggest Dutch zoos. ARTIS Amsterdam has over 900 animal species, so you will have enough animals to watch.
ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo is Amsterdam’s most popular tourist attraction with more than 1 million visitors annually. That should assure you that taking your family to Artis will be fun.
We needed 3-4 hours to see everything in ARTIS when we were there with two children. Without children, it would take 2-3 hours to see the whole of ARTIS.
Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam
2. Apenheul In Apeldoorn
Apenheul is the best day out between monkeys and a zoo where you can walk in between the (smaller) monkeys. That is fun, and it is no surprise that Apenheul is a top-rated attraction in The Netherlands.
It will be an unforgettable experience for the children (and the parents). Don’t worry about safety because the bigger monkeys cannot walk around freely. I revisited Apenheul last year and loved it. Super interesting!
Ticket prices: Order your tickets online here.
Address: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam
3. Aqua Zoo Leeuwarden In Leeuwarden
Aqua Zoo Leeuwarden is a zoo in Leeuwarden that focuses on animals that live in or near water. These days they have a broader focus and a wider variety of animals.
They have also extended their playground facilities because they have understood that a combination of watching rare animals with a (large) playground is a beautiful combination for families with younger children.
The fact that the number of visitors has doubled over the last five years shows that Aqua Zoo Leeuwarden has become an attractive family day.
Address: De Groene Ster 2, 8926 XE Leeuwarden
4. Blijdorp, The Most Popular Zoo in the Netherlands.
Blijdorp in Rotterdam is the most popular zoo in the Netherlands, with more than 1,5 mln visitors/year.
I described Blijdorp in another post as one of the top attractions of Rotterdam. You should read that post to learn more about Blijdorp and other attractions in Rotterdam that may be fun for your family.
Address: Blijdorplaan 8, 3041 JG Rotterdam
5. Burgers’ Zoo, The Zoo Of Arnhem
Burgers’ Zoo is located in Arnhem and Burgers’ Zoo is the second-largest zoo in The Netherlands. Last year, I visited Burgers’ Zoo and was impressed by the zoo’s size and design.
The most impressive and truly unique thing in this zoo is the largest Butterfly Hall in Europe. That is quite an experience.
The park consists of several parts, the Safari part, the Bush part, the Dessert part, and a Sea part. Burgers’ zoo is a beautiful modern zoo.
Address: Antoon van Hooffplein 1, 6816 SH Arnhem
Ticket prices: You can get a € 1 discount per ticket if you order your tickets online.
Burgers’ Zoo is the second-largest zoo in The Netherlands
6. Amersfoort Zoo in Amersfoort
Amersfoort Zoo distinguishes itself by allowing you to watch the animals from above and below. That is a rather original setup, and the kids will love it. Another innovative concept is the DinoPark, with models of dinosaurs at their original size.
The house for animals active during the night is also an original idea. This zoo also has plenty of playgrounds for younger children.
Amersfoort Zoo is an excellent innovative zoo.
Address: Barchman Wuytierslaan 224 3819 AC Amersfoort
7. Dierenrijk In Eindhoven
The zoo in Eindhoven is a charming midsize zoo in a green environment with plenty of possibilities for younger children to play in the playgrounds.
This zoo has 96 different animal species, including lions, elephants, and rhinoceros. There are many playgrounds for younger children to play in, and they top it off with many birds flying around.
Address: Baroniehei 1, 5731 RG Mierlo
The zoo in Eindhoven is a charming midsize zoo in a green environment
8. Dolfinarium In Harderwijk
Address: Zuiderzeeboulevard 22, 3841 WB Harderwijk
Dolfinarium is a household name in the Netherlands and one of the most popular attractions in the country. I highly recommend the shows where dolphins perform all kinds of tricks.
Recently, an outdoor water park with lots of slides has been built to show your skills in the water. Please, check in advance if the water park is open because it is an outdoor water park and will not be open all year round.
9. GaiaZOO In Kerkrade
Gaiazoo has been selected four times by the public as” the most beautiful zoo in the Netherlands,” and that should tell you enough. This zoo has existed relatively briefly (15 years), and the facilities are new and very modern.
GaiaZOO is an excellent choice if you stay in the southern part of The Netherlands or come from Germany or Belgium. GaiaZOO is one of the most exciting zoos in The Netherlands and is worth considering a day out with your family.
Address: Baroniehei 1, 5731 RG Mierlo
Ouwehands Dierenpark has much more to offer than just these Chinese pandas
10. Ouwehands Dierenpark In Rhenen
Ouwehands Dierenpark is one of the midsize zoos in the Netherlands with a rich history. Ouwehands Dierenpark uses its Chinese giant panda couple to distinguish itself from other zoos and has built an entire Chinese concept around these pandas.
However, Ouwehands Dierenpark has much more to offer than just these Chinese pandas, and a lot of their offering is also indoors, which is not bad given the climate in The Netherlands.
Address: Grebbeweg 111, 3911 AV Rhenen
Tickets: Ouwehands Dierenpark
11. Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Beekse Bergen
Safaripark Beekse Bergen is one of the most special zoos in the Netherlands because animals do not live in cages but walk around freely. But don’t worry; it is safe if you abide by the park’s rules.
Safaripark Beekse Bergen is by far the largest zoo in The Netherlands. It is so big that you can take a boat to the other side of the park or drive around in your car to watch the animals from nearby, making Safaripark Beekse Bergen a unique zoo in The Netherlands.
You can even sleep between the animals because the safari park has a resort in the middle of the Zoo. I love the cottages between the treetops in particular.
Safaripark Beekse Bergen and its resort offer a unique experience.
You can find more information and purchase online tickets with a discount on its website.
Safaripark Beekse Bergen is by far the largest zoo in The Netherlands
12. ZooParc Overloon In Overloon
Zooparc Overloon is a midsize zoo located in Overloon. ZooParc Overloon is built on the concept of going on an expedition to make the visit to the zoo more adventurous for children.
They have many playgrounds to keep the children busy and are reasonably priced. That makes this zoo attractive for a day out with the family.
Address: Stevensbeekseweg 21, 5825 JB Overloon
13. Avifauna In Alphen A/D Rijn
Avifauna is a bird park located in Alphen a/d Rijn. Avifauna is, as the name says, a zoo focusing on birds. Besides the fact that you can see many birds, this zoo also has many bird shows.
The feeding of the birds is also a fun and popular activity.
Address: Hoorn 65, 2404 HG Alphen aan den Rijn
Tickets: order your tickets online.
14. Wildlands In Emmen.
Wildlands is a zoo located in Emmen. Wildlands is the largest zoo in the north of the Netherlands.
The zoo has recently moved to a new area outside the city center, becoming a vast zoo. The zoo is separated into four parts (of the world) to let you take a tour around the world.
They also have great attractions like safari trucks, indoor boat trips, and roller coasters. These are excellent additions to a zoo and make Wildlands an outstanding zoo.
Address: Raadhuisplein 99, 7811 AP Emmen
15. Berkenhof Tropical Zoo
Berkenhof Tropical Zoo is an award-winning midsize zoo located in Zeeland.
Berkenhof is ideally situated for those visiting the beaches in Zeeland and looking for an alternative to the beach when the weather may not be as lovely.
Berkenhof Tropical Zoo is, not surprisingly, focused on tropical animals. They also have a fossil mine, where mammoths and saber-toothed tigers can be seen.
Finally, they have a dinosaur exhibition, where you can see models of several dinosaurs.
Address: Langeweegje 10-A, 4434 NE Kwadendamme
Tickets: You can order your online tickets here.
Berkenhof Tropical Zoo is an award-winning midsize zoo located in Zeeland
16. BestZOO In Best
BestZOO is a small cozy zoo located in Best. BestZOO prides itself on two rare animal species, the tamanduas and the wallaroos, found nowhere else in The Netherlands.
However, BestZOO can better pride itself as a charming small zoo with a petting farm, many playgrounds for young children, and a reasonable ticket price.
Address: Broekdijk 15, 5681 PG Best
Tickets: You can order your online tickets here.
17. De Oliemeulen in Tilburg
De Oliemeulen is a small zoo that started 30 years ago as a reptile house, and reptiles are still a zoo’s focus. There are daily shows and demonstrations where visitors can touch animals like snakes and spiders (if they dare).
Small (non-dangerous) animals walk around freely, making De Oliemeulen a friendly, educational, charming, and reasonably-priced zoo.
Address: Reitse Hoevenstraat 30, 5042 EH Tilburg
Tickets: You can buy your online tickets here.
18. DoeZoo in Leens
Address: Wierde 17, 9965 TA Leens
The Doezoo is built on the idea that you should “do” something in a zoo rather than watch animals. Therefore, the tours are highly appreciated, and visitors can touch the animals (if they dare to do this). There is also a petting zoo and a playground for the younger children. Add a reasonable price to this, and the entire family can have a lovely afternoon with the kids in this zoo.
The Doezoo is built on the idea that you should “do” something in a zoo rather than watch animals
19. Eekhoorn Experience in Etten-Leur
Address: Bredaseweg 287, 4872 LA Etten-Leur
The Eekhoorn Express is a small park with 15 different types of squirrels. The nice part is that you can feed them with healthy food that you can purchase for a very reasonable price (€ 0,50 / portion) in the park.
The Eekhoorn Express is attractive because the cost of admission is precisely € 0, and parking is also free.
Ticket prices: Tickets = € 0
20. Plaswijckpark In Rotterdam
We described Plaswijkparck in another post and suggest you read the other post to obtain more information about Plaswijkparck.
I like Plaswijckpark because it combines a zoo with a playground/attraction park.
That perfect combination makes Plaswijkparck an attractive destination for a family trip.
Address: Ringdijk 20, 3053 KS Rotterdam
The Reptile House in Breda is a zoo dedicated to reptiles
21. Reptile House in Breda
The Reptile House in Breda is a zoo dedicated to reptiles. There are many reptiles (snakes, lizards, crocodiles), amphibians (frogs, toads, salamanders), and arthropods (spiders and scorpions).
You should not expect elephants, rhinos, monkeys, or spectacular lions.
It is a relatively small zoo compared to other zoos, but no zoo has more reptiles than the Reptile House in Breda.
Address: Aardenhoek 26a, 4817 NE Breda
Ticket prices: You can purchase tickets online here.
22. Seal Rehabilitation Center In Pietersburen
The Seal Rehabilitation Center in Pietersburen is another household name in The Netherlands. Sick seals found in the Wadden Sea are treated here and returned to the Wadden Sea once cured.
Visitors can see the seals and what veterinarians do to heal the animals. Very educational and undoubtedly worth a visit if you are visiting the Wadden Sea region.
Address: Hoofdstraat 94a, 9968 AG Pieterburen
23. Sea Aquarium In Bergen Aan Zee
The Sea Aquarium in Bergen aan Zee has been renovated and expanded recently and is home to over 300 fish species. You can walk over a bridge above the piranhas and stand face-to-face with giant sharks and poisonous lionfish.
For those looking for a less adventurous experience, you can also watch the seals outside in their newly renovated pool.
Address: Van der Wijckplein 16, 1865 AP Bergen aan Zee
Tickets: You can purchase your tickets online here.
24. Sea Life In Scheveningen
Sea Life is an aqua zoo located in Scheveningen in the heart of the beach resort. Sea Life faces the sea and is less than a minute’s walk from the beach.
That makes it a lovely opportunity to visit Sea Life to hide from the sun for a few hours or, possibly in The Netherlands, to hide from the rain.
Address: Strandweg 13, 2586 JK DEN HAAG
Sea Life faces the sea and is less than a minute’s walk from the beach
25. The Orchid Farm In Luttelgeest
Address: Oosterringweg 34, 8315 PV Luttelgeest
The Orchid Farm in Luttelgeest is entirely indoors and consists of several greenhouses. The greenhouses contain colorful gardens, orchids, butterflies, and fish.
The Orchid Farm is a lovely and surprising concept and deserves consideration as a family activity.
Address: Oosterringweg 34, 8315 PV Luttelgeest
Ticket prices: you can order your tickets online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Biggest Zoo In The Netherlands?
An often-asked question is which zoo in the Netherlands is the biggest.
Safaripark Beekse Bergen is the biggest zoo in the Netherlands, with ± 120 hectares. Burgers’ Zoo is the second biggest zoo in the Netherlands (45 ha), and Diergaarde Blijdorp is in third place with an area of 25 ha.
Safaripark Beekse Bergen is the biggest zoo in The Netherlands because the animals do not live in cages but roam freely. On the other hand, in Burgers’ Zoo and Blijdorp, the animals live in cages, making these zoos much smaller.
Blijdorp Zoo is the largest zoo in the Netherlands regarding the number of visitors, with ± 1.5 million visitors per year.
Safaripark Beekse Bergen is the biggest zoo in The Netherlands because the animals do not live in cages but roam freely
Table of 25 Best Zoos in the Netherlands
You can find an overview of the 25 best Dutch zoos in the table below.
| Nr. | Zoo | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ARTIS | Amsterdam |
| 2 | Apenheul | Amersfoort |
| 3 | Aqua Zoo Leeuwarden | Leeuwarden |
| 4 | Blijdorp | Rotterdam |
| 5 | Burgers Zoo | Arnhem |
| 6 | Amersfoort Zoo | Amersfoort |
| 7 | Dierenrijk | Nuenen |
| 8 | Dolphinarium | Harderwijk |
| 9 | GaiaZoo | Kerkrade |
| 10 | Ouwehands Dierenpark | Rhenen |
| 11 | Safaripark Beekse Bergen | Beekse Bergen |
| 12 | Avifauna | Alphen a/d Rijn |
| 13 | Wildlands Emmen | Emmen |
| 14 | Zoopark Overloon | Overloon |
| 15 | Berkenhof Tropical Zoo | Kwadendamme |
| 16 | BestZOO | Best |
| 17 | Zoo de Oliemeulen | Tilburg |
| 18 | Doezoo | Leens |
| 19 | Eekhoorn Experience | Etten-Leur |
| 20 | Plaswijckpark | Rotterdam |
| 21 | Reptile House Earth | Breda |
| 22 | Seal Rehabilitation Center | Pieterburen |
| 23 | Sea Aquarium | Bergen aan Zee |
| 24 | Sea Life | Scheveningen |
| 25 | The Orchid Farm | Luttelgeest |
Map Of The 25 Best Zoos In The Netherlands?
I created a map to help you quickly find the 25 Best Zoos in The Netherlands.
Click on the top right corner of the map to enlarge it.
If you click on the numbers on the map below, you will find links to the English websites of these Dutch zoos.
