Visit a small zoo, too!

Of course, we know all the larger zoos in our country. Everyone has been to Artis, Blijdorp and Safaripark Beekse Bergen at least once. But did you know that there are also a lot of smaller, unknown zoos in the Netherlands? They are at least as much fun as their bigger brothers, so visit a small zoo too!

Small zoos in South Holland

Zuid-Holland has a number of small hidden gems that both kids and parents can really enjoy.

Sea Life Scheveningen

Sea Life Scheveningen is a cozy and small-scale sea aquarium that does have everything under one roof. There is the feeling pool, where children can actually pet the animals, the North Sea aquarium and a magical underwater tunnel. Personally, I can spend hours looking at seahorses, penguins and otters. During summer vacation, children can enjoy Pirates and Mermaids Weeks. An added benefit to Sea Life is that your ticket is valid all day. So you can leave in between, take a walk on the beach, and come back again. Just with an old-fashioned stamp on your hand. Ideal!

Butterflies on the Vliet

Leidschendam is home to a beautiful butterfly garden. At Vlinders aan de Vliet, besides at least 1500 tropical butterflies, you can also find fish, turtles and reptiles. And the habitat of the animals is beautiful, you can clearly see that a lot of attention has been paid to the zoo. The butterfly garden is open through Oct. 28. So you still have some time to enjoy this fun zoo!

Avonturia the Bird Cellar

This zoo in The Hague is special because it is also a pet store. There is plenty to see and discover for children and fun shows are organized regularly. Avonturia de Vogelkelder has birds, reptiles, fish and all kinds of activities such as a scavenger hunt, a sand excavation and the new attraction Expedition Bombay. This zoo is not too big so you won’t spend the whole day immediately.

Turtle Center Alphen aan den Rijn

This small zoo in Alphen aan den Rijn is an educational sanctuary of discarded land and marsh turtles. People often do not realize when buying a turtle that such an animal can become very old. The Turtle Center Alphen aan den Rijn takes in animals whose owners are no longer able or willing to care for them. Since 2003, the shelter has been an official zoo. You can also buy an information package there for possible talks!

Small zoos in North Holland

Special, small zoos can also be found in North Holland.

Micropia Amsterdam

Micropia Amsterdam is part of Artis, but can be visited separately. Nowhere will you find more animals in a zoo than here! Micropia is the only microbe museum in the world, making it unique. In addition, this museum in Amsterdam is also very educational. In fact, all kinds of activities are organized that are interesting for young and old. You can easily combine your visit to this small zoo with a visit to Artis.

Sea aquarium Bergen aan Zee

Also fun to visit in North Holland is the Bergen aan Zeeaquarium. The sea aquarium was recently renovated and is home to more than 300 different species of fish. These fish can be found in their own habitats. For example, there is the Amazon jungle theme, the Atlantic Ocean, fish from tropical waters and life in the Mediterranean Sea. What is also very impressive is the skeleton of a huge sperm whale that you can see from all sides.

Monkey Islands and Monkey Tour

Monkeys are always very entertaining to watch, and recognizable too! In Almere you can enjoy these animals for free and entirely on your own at De Apeneilanden and Rondje Aap. This small zoo is part of the AAP Foundation and everyone is welcome. Monkey talks are also held where keepers tell the public a little more about these special animals. You can even get a guided tour of over 1.5 hours!

Small zoos in Zeeland

You can also visit non-obvious zoos in Zeeland. We have at least two for you!

Reptile zoo Iguana

In Vlissingen you can visit Reptile Zoo Iguana. This sanctuary aims to release discarded and confiscated animals back into the wild. If that fails, they are housed at another zoo. For animals for which there is no destination, there is a place at Iguana. For example, there are snakes, iguanas and other lizards and tarantulas. Run out of things to do at the museum? Then complete your day out in cozy Vlissingen, where there is also plenty to do.

Ostrich farm Monnikenwerve

You have to drive for a while, but in Zeeland Flanders, visiting ostrich farm Monnikenwerve is truly an experience! The emphasis is on ostriches, but these animals are so fascinating that you won’t miss other animals. The tour is given by the ostrich farmer himself and he does it so nicely that you leave completely happy. You also get to get very close to the animals making your visit to this small zoo truly unforgettable.

Small zoo in other provinces

You can also find nice, small zoos in other provinces. They are a perfect base when you are on a weekend getaway, but it is also fun to get to know a new province!

See-Zoo in Volkel

Zie-Zoo zoo in North Brabant is the first care zoo in the Netherlands and is full of special animals. After all, have you ever heard of the Kowari, the Binturong, the Primal Sun, the Tayra or the Vicuña? Neither have I! The animals are divided for the different continents, making the park orderly and very well cared for. The care zoo employs people with autism, among others, and is therefore also very socially responsible! Moreover, this small zoo was voted the most fun outing of the year in 2017!

Zoo Bizar in Orvelte

Drenthe is home to even the smallest zoo in the Netherlands! In Zoo Bizar you stand eye to eye with the most bizarre animals of the animal world such as a snake, a bearded dragon, a naked rat and a tarantula! This small zoo is located on part of an old Saxon farm in the middle of Museum Village Orvelte. The Museum Village itself gives you a good idea of former life in Drenthe. In addition, the little zoo is close to Westerbork and Beilen, so the perfect recipe for a fun day out!

AquaZoo Friesland

Years ago I visited AquaZoo Friesland. This is a really nice little zoo. Enormously organized and there are also all kinds of fun presentations like the Penguin Herring Bite Fest, sea lion presentations and a real seal safari. The park is beautifully landscaped with lots of water, of course. There are many water birds and other aquatic animals, polar bears, otters you name it. Scattered throughout the park you will find many playgrounds making it truly a family park. The owl in the picture made a huge impression on me!

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