I haven't been to the zoo in a very, very long time, and my decision to visit this one was a bit of…read morea surprise. My plane arrived early in the day, so I got to my hotel well before the room was ready. I was able to stash my luggage in the housekeeping area until check-in, but what's to do with myself for five hours? Enter Artis. Located just had a block from my hotel, this was a natural choice. It's probably not exactly what you have in mind when you think of a zoo. Instead, it seems more like a giant, beautifully-maintained park full of gardens that happens to contain animal exhibits, a planetarium, playgrounds, and fun interactive things for kiddos and the young at heart. (I am DELIGHTED that the tulips are still going strong.) As soon as you enter the park, you pass through some absolutely lovely flowerbeds, complete with benches for basking in their beauty. From there, you have your choice: there are so many things to see and do! In addition to the habitats that have multiple layers of fencing (and/or moats, and/or electrical fences, and/or signs warning about sharp beaks, teeth, and claws--I'm looking at you, jaguar and griffin vulture), there are some habitats that let you get up close to the animals, too. There's a lemur zone, where the lemurs lounge in trees just next to the path. There are indoor areas where you can walk right through a primate habitat or bird habitat. There's a butterfly habitat! It's a real treat, and everywhere you go, there are helpful people ready to tell you the funny story about how a bad taxidermy job got the emperor tamirin its name or point out the adorable Pygmy marmoset hanging out right next to you. It really is a wonderful place, ideal for kids and adults, groups and singles, and anyone who loves nature. It's a really nice group of guests--everyone is kind, and people are happy to point out the bird that is hiding behind the bush or the frog that is in that rolled-up leaf, and the youngest guests get super excited when you point out the massive walking stick or the capybara that is taking a nap right next to the fence. I got lots of steps in and enjoyed every minute of it. Absolutely recommend.

Artis Zoo completely surprised me in the best way and ended up being one of my favorite experiences…read morein Amsterdam. From the moment you walk in, it feels less like a typical zoo and more like a beautifully designed park that just happens to be filled with animals. The grounds are stunning, with wide walking paths, old trees, and historic buildings that give it a really unique charm you don't usually get at zoos. The enclosures are thoughtfully done, and you can tell there's a real focus on animal care and creating natural environments. There's a great mix of animals too, from the big, iconic ones to smaller, more unique species that are just as interesting to watch. What really stood out was how peaceful it felt. Even with other visitors around, it never felt chaotic or overcrowded, which made it easy to take your time and actually enjoy each area. It's the kind of place where you can wander for hours without realizing how much time has passed. If you're visiting Amsterdam, I can't recommend Artis enough. It's the perfect mix of relaxing, interesting, and genuinely enjoyable -- whether you're into animals or just want a beautiful place to spend a few hours.

Really cool petting zoo and good-size park full of exciting outdoor activities, both physical and…read moreeducational. Access costs 7.50 euro for both adults and kids (under 2 years old is free) but if you live nearby a season ticket makes much more sense as it's cheaper after only 3 visits. There are obstacle courses (including one above shallow water), slides, swings, and boats to spend time on the lake. On the nature side, you can watch and pet a range of animals, there are beehives and an "insect hotel", and there are educational displays to learn about different plants. I found it closed a bit early (6 PM during summer time) while it won't get dark till much later. Still I'd highly recommend this place.

It has been quite a few years since we went to Zoo Parc Overloon. We liked it then, we were blown…read moreaway today. The walk is like before very pleasant and park-like like before. However, the upgrade in spectacular animal enclosures is remarkable. An enormous variety in animals in great settings with different viewpoints at different levels. Not the biggest zoo, but absolutely fantastic.

Opa's 80th birthday and we decided to go to Ouwehands Zoo. It was busy on a very sunny last day of…read morethe summer. Highlights for me were the colourful mandrills, the very active pandas, the red pandas, the sea lion show as well as the most spectacular bear and wolf enclosure I have ever seen. A very enjoyable visit.

You know what? I used to be perfectly fine with coming here as it was the only zoo in the country…read morewhere you could bring your dog. Since I'm not a huge fan of the zoo anyway, my dog provided me with some much needed entertainment. That being said, since we've had our son I can remember just one time that I actually enjoyed coming here. During the pregnancy and afterwards all our other visits have made me completely miserable. Staff here quite often seems to be incompetent, food is overpriced and the smoking policies really need to be changed to no smoking at all. For instance, last Sunday when we went, I was walking the dog through the enclosure where the birds fly, swim and walk freely. A new lookout had been built: great! Problem is that there was a group of eight or so people (I'm guessing all family) that were smoking there. IN AN ENCLOSURE!!! Of course no personnel to be found anywhere near there. I already feel like I'm doing something wrong when I walk through there with my mostly well behaved dog. Anyway, I've just learned that Amersfoort zoo now also welcomes dogs so when our subscription is up we definitely won't be renewing at Ouwehand. Amersfoort is much more interactive and child oriented anyway.

Dierenpark Amersfoort is great fot children. I have visited the zoo last year with friends and I…read morenoticed how they let children experience the zoo. With climbing routes children can climb between the animal residences and come closer then ever. For me the zoo was kind of average. Not awesome, just ok. However if you visit the zoo with kids I can imagine they have the time of their life. I was really looking forward to visit the dinosaurs at the dino park, but when I arrived I found out the dinosaurs were fake. That was kind of a bummer.

This zoo was so beautiful and green such a wonderful zoo to visit. I take it a point to go to zoos…read morein every city I can in the US and this one has got to be one of the best zoos I've ever visited. It's not too big and not too small and the atmosphere feels like you're right there walking with the animals. Also, there is a discount if you go after 2:00 and we still had plenty of time to spare!

My wife and I first learned about Apenheul on a nature show of some sort, and pledged that we would…read moresomeday visit. About five years after the fact, we found ourselves in Amsterdam and took the one hour train trip (and subsequent shorter bus ride) to one of the coolest places I've ever had the pleasure of seeing. Primates of all sorts roam freely through the park, allowing visitors to observe and interact with them in a way that goes well beyond what one could experience in a typical zoo. Admission is €19.50 for adults and €17.50 for children, and the park is open from the end of March through the end of October. For the not-so-adventurous, travel is fairly straightforward, with direct train service to Apeldoorn from Amsterdam Centraal in the morning, and back in the afternoon. Buses between the train station and the park run regularly, taking about fifteen minutes each way. For the tourist, with so much to see and do in Amsterdam, it might seem hard to justify spending a day looking at monkeys. It is, however, very rewarding and worthy of anyone's time.

Loved my time here. Upon entering, you will be lucky if a monkey chooses your presence and sits on…read moreyou! They are all very gentle, although I notice them inclined to dig through strollers the most. There are free bags to use that are monkey proof should you decide to grab one at the entrance. Tickets get cheaper if you buy them later in the day. We bought ours for a 230pm slot, but arrived earlier and had no issues. This makes me wonder if I can buy for the latest time slot, but just come earlier. This park is kid and family friendly- I don't think it's necessary to come at opening hours as you can enjoy what the park has to offer in 3-4 hours. Tickets are cheap too. Very worth it and I really love that the monkeys are free roaming compared to being in caged settings.

From the owner: Op zoek naar een ontspannend dagje uit met het gezin of naar een sfeervolle omgeving voor een…read moregroepsuitstap? Dan heeft de Olmense Zoo wat in petto voor u! Dankzij het wijds en natuurlijk karakter voelen zowel mens als dier zich hier thuis. In de nieuwe Tropenhal (2000 m) waan je jezelf 4 seizoenen lang in de tropen in een decor van waterpartijen in een tropisch decor met planten, pittoreske wandelpaadjes, vogels in vrije vlucht, landschildpadden, otters, rode vari's, enz. Droom je graag even weg in een stukje avontuurlijk Afrika? Wandel langs de Savanne met Afrikaanse olifanten (nieuw), giraffen, zebra's, struisvogels en verschillende antilopensoorten. Ook het Berenbos en de grote Wandelvolière zijn een must voor de ware natuurliefhebbers!

This is a little piece of paradise just north of Amsterdam and a great place to ride to when the…read moreweather is good. There is a number of great spots to relax and soak in the tranquillity.