A day out at bird park Avifauna

A little while ago we had a family celebration. It was my father’s birthday and he was turning 65. And of course that needs to be celebrated. My mother wanted to do something fun with the children and grandchildren, but the big question was; what to do! Our family consists of 2 families. Grandparents, 4 adult children and 4 grandchildren. What is there to do, where everyone has a good time and also everyone can actively participate?

An activity that is fun for everyone

Several ideas were suggested. From something active on the beach (but preferably not too active for grandpa and grandma) to a nice boat trip (but the youngest don’t have a swimming certificate yet) to a day at the zoo (but we are all season ticket holders). Until my mom came up with the idea of going to Avifauna for my dad’s birthday.

Avifauna bird park

Avifauna is a bird park in Alphen aan den Rijn. The park is spacious and has different themes, gardens and greenhouses. Through the main entrance you come directly past the Van der Valk restaurant which is linked to the park. In the garden near the restaurant you will already find a beautiful group of Flamingos, which you can also admire through the window from your table in the restaurant.

Next you pass a beautiful piece of garden with several water birds. Behind it is the grandstand where several times a day beautiful bird shows are given. Around it you will find several greenhouses and gardens with the most exotic and diverse birds and other animals such as monkeys and raccoons.

In one place you can admire the birds through the aviary and read on the information boards where they come from and how they live, and in another place you walk through a piece of their own habitat.

Letting birds drink from your hand

There is also a greenhouse where you can give the little birds their own drinks. Of course, we did that too. At the beginning of the greenhouse you can get a small cup with sugar water and if you hold it in your hands, the little birds will automatically come to you.

The kids found that a little exciting at first, but once they got a little used to the birds they loved the little birds drinking from their hands or trying to eat their hair in the meantime. And of course, grandparents were standing around enjoying the fun of their grandchildren.

The bird show

After feeding the little birds, we took our seats on the stand for the bird show. The keepers told in a very nice way where the birds came from, how they eat, where they build their nests and how they interact with each other. This while the caretaker signaled the critters to come to her, or conversely to present themselves to the audience by flying around above our heads. This was supported by matching sounds and music, making this show a wonderful spectacle for everyone.

Rioting in the playground

Of course, we also grabbed a drink at the playground’s food and beverage service. This way we could chat with each other about the beautiful birds and show we saw, while the children could expend their energy in the playground. Our visit to Avifauna was thus a great success for everyone and certainly worth repeating.