Visit a zoo in the fall

Autumn is a wonderful time to visit a zoo in the Netherlands. The colors of the falling leaves, the fresh air and the often slightly quieter parks make it an ideal time for a trip. But with the unpredictable Dutch weather, it can sometimes be helpful to know which zoos have good indoor or indoor enclosures. Here are some great options for a zoo visit in the fall!

Burgers’ Zoo Arnhem

Burgers’ Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the Netherlands and offers plenty of indoor activities that are perfect for a rainy autumn day.

• Bush: This immense indoor tropical rainforest hall offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in a lush jungle, complete with exotic plants, birds, and even butterflies flying freely. The humid warmth of the Bush is also a nice escape from the autumn chill.
• Ocean: This impressive underwater world is a must-see. The aquarium complex takes you from the coral reefs to the depths of the ocean, with giant aquariums full of colorful fish, sharks and sea turtles.
• Desert: This indoor area simulates the dry desert of North America and central Mexico. It is an interesting place to see animals such as cacti, snakes and desert foxes.
• Mangrove: Walk across the bridge through the mangrove forest at Burgers’ Zoo. Admire these special trees and look for crabs popping out of their burrows. Visit the manatees, enjoy the beautiful butterflies and bird species.

Ouwehands Zoo Rhenen

Ouwehands Dierenpark is perhaps best known for its giant pandas, but also offers other indoor attractions.

• Pandasia: This beautiful Asian enclosure is not only home to the giant pandas, but also offers a separate indoor enclosure in addition to the outdoor enclosure. This gives you a great view of these unique animals while sitting comfortably inside.
• Bonobo enclosure: After a long wait, the time has come! The doors of the indoor ‘Salonga’ enclosure have opened for the bonobos. The bonobo does not like cold and wet. Therefore, the animals have been given spacious indoor enclosures. The 450m² indoor enclosure is full of climbing equipment. Through large windows, visitors can look into the depths of the indoor enclosure or stand eye to eye with a bonobo.
• Indoor Play Jungle RavotAapia: For families with children, this indoor playground is a great success. While the children are having fun In this indoor play jungle of 4000 m² in size and 12 meters high, parents can enjoy a cup of coffee in the nearby seating areas.

Artis Amsterdam

Artis is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, located in the heart of Amsterdam and offers a number of indoor enclosures ideal for an autumn visit.

• Tropenkas: The Tropenkas offers visitors the chance to walk through a piece of tropical rainforest in the middle of Amsterdam. Located next to the Butterfly Pavilion, the greenhouse features a variety of plants and animals native to Southeast Asia.
• Small Mammal House: The Small Mammal House houses a variety of small mammals from different ecosystems, from deserts to rainforests. You can admire animals such as the fennec and the aardvark. Other residents include golden-collared monkeys and various types of rodents.
• Bird House: The bird house is a covered area where visitors find themselves among the birds, which fly around freely and display their natural behavior. The plants and waterfalls create a tropical atmosphere, and exotic birds such as toucans, ibises and parrots can be seen all around you.
• The Planetarium: The Planetarium’s domed space displays fascinating projections of stars, planets and distant galaxies, making you feel like you are floating through space. Through interactive presentations and films, you’ll learn all about the formation of stars, the movement of celestial bodies and the mysteries of black holes.
• Reptile House: This indoor enclosure houses various species of reptiles and amphibians, from snakes and turtles to frogs. It is a fascinating place to explore, especially when it is cold or wet outside.
• Micropia: Although not technically a zoo exhibit, this museum about microbes is located next to Artis and is well worth a visit. It offers a fascinating look at the invisible world of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms.

Wildlands Adventure Zoo – Emmen

Wildlands in Emmen is a relatively new zoo, but has quickly made a name for itself with its thematic design and adventure layout.

• Jungola: In this tropical indoor area, you will not only find animals such as elephants and butterflies, but also an adventurous rope bridge course. Jungola is perfect for warming up during a cold fall day.
• Serenga: While much of Serenga is outdoors, there are several indoor enclosures where you can view animals such as African prairie dogs. In addition, the indoor part of the park features interactive exhibits and play opportunities for children.

Blijdorp Zoo Rotterdam

Blijdorp is one of the oldest and most visited zoos in the Netherlands, and also has several indoor enclosures that are perfect for autumn.

• Oceanium: This huge aquarium takes you on a journey through the world’s oceans, from the coast of the Netherlands to the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. You can see sharks, sea turtles, and penguins here, among other things.
• Butterfly Greenhouse: Next to the giraffes you will find this indoor tropical greenhouse. It is home to beautiful butterflies and numerous tropical plants. You will also find the colorful, and often noisy, bird species from the Amazon.
• Riviera Hall: The Riviera Hall houses a large indoor enclosure with various exotic birds, reptiles and small mammals. There is also a nice play area for children, perfect for a rainy day.

The advantage of visiting the zoo in autumn is that it is a lot less crowded than in the summer months and you have more space to admire the animals. Always check the opening hours before your visit, though, as they may vary during the off-season.

Credits photos: Image banks Wildlands, ARTIS and Burgers’ Zoo, Canva.com and OpstapmetLisa