Animal & Nature Activities in Amsterdam

14 locations
Ages 0–12

Locations

Greenhouse filled with different varieties of palmsMetal catwalk through tropical greenhousePath through arid greenhouse with cacti and succulentsThree greenhouses on winter day with pathways and plants outsideButterfly with glass wings and blue accents on leaf

Hortus Botanicus

Botanical Garden · Ages 3+

Historic 17th-century botanical garden showcasing 6,000+ plant species across lush outdoor gardens and multiple greenhouses. Marvel at the Victorian palm house, tropical hothouse with three distinct climate zones, and a butterfly greenhouse with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Interactive activities like winter bingo cards engage younger visitors while the serene atmosphere appeals to all ages.

Entrance to Amsterdam's Artis Zoo with a gate and golden eagles on top of the fence in the foreground and people queuing in the ticket line beyondInside a greenhouse with lush vegetation and vines overheadThree giraffes eating from a feeder at the zooParents and kids watch a sea lion swimming underwater in a dark room with a green glow coming from the aquarium

ARTIS

Zoo · All Ages

One of Europe's oldest zoos dating to 1838, featuring over 700 animal species with natural enclosures and botanical gardens throughout. Interactive experiences include a Planetarium, Aquarium, Insectarium, Butterfly Pavilion, and two museums—Micropia (microbe museum) and ARTIS-Groote Museum exploring humanity's connection to nature. Several cafes and playgrounds throughout the grounds.

Brown and white woolly sheep at an urban children's farmColorful hand-painted sign with animals at the entrance to a children's farmA grey and black goat rest in the sunshine on hayChildren's playground with wooden play house with slide and several bikes and toys around

Stichting De Dierencapel

Children's Farm · Ages 1–12

A beloved volunteer-run children's farm in Amsterdam's Westelijke Eilanden offering direct contact with farm animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, goats, and sheep. Visitors can pet, brush, and feed the animals in this small cozy space. The site includes a small playground and garden, with arts classes and special activities organized regularly.

Historic riding hall with horses, dirt floor, vaulted ceiling and white walls with ornate detailsTable set for high tea on balcony overlooking historic horse riding hallGirl watching horse riding class at the edge of the hallGirl interacting with white horse in stables with white ornate gates

Hollandsche Manege

Horse Riding · Ages 2+

Historic 1882 riding school and museum blending living horses with grandeur. Kids can observe horse riding classes and performances in traditional costumes, pet horses, explore ornate stables and riding halls, and enjoy tea from the elevated café. Active equestrian training continues daily and is visible from viewing balconies. Horse riding classes available for children ages 2 and up.

Large wooden barn with entrance doors open and tree with pink blossomsGoats grazing near a small shack on a children's farm with fence lined with white-bloom treesLarge black pig sleeps in the sun on a children's farmToddler in a green hat points at black, brown, and white guinea pigs in their enclosuring

Zimmerhoeve Kinderboerderij

Children's Farm · Ages 1–12

A green oasis in Amsterdam Oud-West with various farm animals including goats, sheep, pigs, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens that children can pet and feed. Adjacent wooden playground with a pirate ship theme, sandbox and water table offers hours of play. Located on the banks of the Kostverlorenvaart canal with plenty of green space, picnic tables and peaceful natural surroundings.

Barns at children's farm painted in a bright red and black with a few chairs outsideChicken coop with white and brown chickens inside

Boerderij Westerpark

Children's Farm · Ages 1–12

A working children's farm in Amsterdam's Westerpark with goats, sheep, pigs, cows, ponies, rabbits, birds and exotic animals like an eagle owl and lizards. Children can pet and interact with the animals, explore the stables and meadows, and enjoy a small playground with pedal cars and bicycles. A cozy on-site cafe serves tea, coffee, juice and light snacks.

Two brown and white donkies eat hay from a trough

Wijkboerderij Wachterlied

Children's Farm · Ages 1–12

A working farm in the green Wachterliedplantsoen where children discover farm animals including goats, sheep, and chickens alongside sustainable practices. Features vegetable gardens and durable facilities powered by solar energy and wind. Regular workshops and activities encourage hands-on learning about nature, water conservation, and circular economy.

Girl in pink coat walking garden path with pink flowers and green leaves all aroundMulched garden bath with purple flowers, leafy green tree and other plantsCafe with low hedge English garden and people on the sunny terraceGreenhouses and lawn with people lounging in the sun in folding chairsSunny greenhouse with a variety of cacti and succulents

Zuidas Botanical Garden

Botanical Garden · Ages 3+

A varied botanical garden with outdoor spaces and greenhouse complex featuring a large collection of trees and permanent plants. Small cafe selling drinks, snacks, and plants with lots of picnic tables and lounge chairs around the garden.

Two wooly sheep with black faces and curved horns on a sunny, grassy lawnBrown farm building with green door and shutters with brick terrace, picnic tables, and mature treesBrown goat and long-haired black and white goat grazing in front of farm buildings on a sunny dayTan alpaca laying on brick walkway next to green fence and with shed and grassy lawn behindBrightly colored birds in an outdoor enclosure with a hay barn behind

Kinderboerderij Het Sloterpark

Children's Farm · Ages 1–12

A petting zoo in Sloterpark offering hands-on interaction with goats, pigs, alpacas, ponies, sheep, chickens and exotic birds. Children can pet animals and play freely on the farm's lawn, with an adjoining nature playground featuring climbing structures and water features.

Save your favorites

Sign in to save specific locations to your account.