Visiting petting zoos can be a delightful experience for people of all ages.
These charming places provide a unique opportunity to connect with animals in a way that traditional zoos do not.
You get to touch, feed, and interact with various friendly creatures, making it a memorable outing for families and animal lovers.
The Netherlands boasts numerous petting zoos that offer a wide range of animal encounters.
From goats and sheep to more exotic animals, you will find no shortage of places to visit.
Whether you are living in the country or just visiting, exploring these popular petting zoos can provide endless fun and educational experiences.
1. Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park
You will love visiting Dutch Creek Farm Animal Park in Shipshewana, IN. This charming park is great for families and animal lovers. You can see a wide variety of animals up close, which makes the experience really exciting.
You have multiple ways to enjoy the park. You can take a wagon tour, drive through in your own car, or just walk around. Each option has different prices, so you have flexibility based on your budget and how you want to explore.
If you opt for the wagon tour, it costs $16 for adults and seniors, and $11 for children. Driving through in your car is slightly cheaper, but remember to keep your windows up to stay safe. Walk-through tickets cost $13 for adults and seniors, and $10 for kids.
Don’t forget to follow the park rules to keep things safe and fun for everyone. The park accepts cash and major credit cards. No feeding the animals is allowed, and you should not litter or bring your own animal feed.
Rating: 4.6 (809 reviews)
Location: 6255 N 1000 W, Shipshewana, IN 46565
Contact: (260) 768-4416
Website: Visit Website
2. Dutch Country Safari Park
At Dutch Country Safari Park, you can enjoy a day with animals in Horse Cave, Kentucky. The park is just a short drive from Mammoth Cave National Park. After reopening for the 2024 season on March 27, it’s ready to welcome you for a fun-filled visit.
Here, you can take a 3/4 mile wagon ride through the safari, where you’ll have the chance to feed smaller animals. The park offers a variety of animal encounters, making it an exciting place for people of all ages. Group rates and field trips are also available, so everyone can join in on the adventure.
The animals at Dutch Country Safari Park are waiting to meet you. Whether you’re looking for an adventure with friends or planning a fun family outing, this park has something for everyone. Spend your day with the animals and create unforgettable memories.
Rating: 4.8 (172 reviews)
Location: 2125 L and N Turnpike Rd, Horse Cave, KY 42749
Contact: (270) 925-4417
Website: Visit Website
3. Zoo Animal Farm
When you step into Zoo Animal Farm, you feel an immediate sense of warmth and welcome. This charming spot used to be a simple petting farm but has grown into a full-fledged zoo. You will love exploring the place, where you can get close to a variety of animals.
One of the best things about Zoo Animal Farm is that it’s free to enter. This makes it a perfect destination for a family day out. You can find peace and quiet while learning about animals, plants, and the environment here.
The zoo is aware of the important relationship between humans, animals, and nature. They work hard to improve the zoo for everyone who visits and for all the animals living there. Your visit will not only be fun but also educational.
Rating: 4.3 (483 reviews)
Location: Willem-Alexanderplantsoen, Luxemburglaan 4, 1946 SJ Beverwijk, Netherlands
Contact: +31 6 14997387
Website: Visit Website
4. Winchester Creek Farm
Winchester Creek Farm is a delightful spot to visit in Waynesville, NC. As you stroll through the 20-acre farm, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.
You will find alpacas, llamas, and miniature farm animals like horses, cows, donkeys, goats, sheep, and pigs. The tours are 45 minutes and give you the chance to meet and learn about the animals.
Make sure to arrive 15 minutes early for your tour. There’s a picnic area and a pavilion for private parties, making it a great spot for families and groups.
You can also visit their gift shop for alpaca goods and fun items. Don’t miss out on their Alpaca Yoga classes for a unique experience. Enjoy your visit to this charming farm!
Rating: 4.7 (134 reviews)
Location: 386 Walker Rd, Waynesville, NC 28786
Contact: (828) 246-9486
Website: Visit Website
5. BestZoo
When you visit BestZoo, you’ll feel like you’re in the heart of nature right in the middle of the Netherlands. The new entrance building is a welcoming sight, featuring a restaurant with fresh daily products, a large indoor playground, and a souvenir shop.
BestZoo is perfect for young children. It’s a small, cozy park where you can get close to the animals and see them clearly. There’s a big playground and a petting farm where kids can play and interact with the animals.
You’ll love seeing animals from all over the world! From South American monkeys to Australian marsupials, and even Asian leopards. BestZoo is home to some rare species not found in other Dutch zoos, like tamanduas and wallaroos.
Rating: 4.2 (1500 reviews)
Location: Broekdijk 5, 5681 PG Best, Netherlands
Contact: +31 499 371 706
Website: Visit Website
6. GaiaZOO
GaiaZOO offers an amazing experience for visitors of all ages. You can explore different areas like Taiga, Limburg, Rainforest, and Savanna. These zones house over 150 unique and endangered species. Imagine standing face-to-face with lions, giraffes, gorillas, rhinos, and red pandas.
The zoo provides more than just animal exhibits. There are exciting rope bridges and climbing towers that make for hours of fun. The wonderfully themed lodges offer delicious international dishes. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, you’ll find something to enjoy.
GaiaZOO isn’t just a zoo; it’s a place for special events and gatherings. The stunning Gaia Event Center, located next to the red panda enclosure, is perfect for weddings, business meetings, and parties. Picture yourself tying the knot surrounded by nature and exotic animals!
You can also indulge in team-building activities arranged by Gaia’s expert guides. Meeting in this lively, green environment inspires fresh ideas. Take a break from work and stroll through the zoo for a unique, refreshing experience.
Rating: 4.5 (16000 reviews)
Location: Gaiaboulevard 1, 6468 PH Kerkrade, Netherlands
Contact: +31 45 567 6070
Website: Visit Website
7. Wildlands
At Wildlands, you can explore and interact with a variety of animals. It’s not just a petting zoo; it’s an adventure park where you can meet animals from different parts of the world. The park is a great place for families, offering a mix of educational and fun activities.
You’ll find various themed areas within the park, each offering unique experiences. Whether you’re feeding goats or learning about exotic species, there’s always something interesting to do. The environments are designed to mimic the animals’ natural habitats, enhancing your visit.
The facilities are modern and well-maintained. You can easily spend a whole day here without running out of things to do. There are plenty of spots to relax and enjoy a meal, making it a pleasant outing for all ages.
Rating: 4.3 (28000 reviews)
Location: Raadhuisplein 99, 7811 AP Emmen, Netherlands
Contact: +31 591 850 855
Website: Visit Website
8. ARTIS
When you visit ARTIS, you’re in for a treat. This zoo in Amsterdam not only has many animals to see but also offers a lot of hands-on activities. Saturdays in July and August, you can join the special summer evenings, or Zoomeravonden, which have unique programs for visitors.
You can explore the different parts of ARTIS, like the Zoo, the Aquarium, and Micropia. Especially exciting is Micropia, where you discover the invisible life of microbes. The Aquarium has been recently restored and showcases marine wonders that are fascinating to kids and adults alike.
ARTIS also has a museum, the ARTIS-Groote Museum, where you can engage in various activities. The zoo is always buzzing with events and programs, making it a great place to visit often. They offer an array of activities that are both educational and entertaining for everyone in the family.
Rating: 4.5 (32,000 reviews)
Location: Plantage Kerklaan 38-40, 1018 CZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Contact: +31 20 523 3670
Website: Visit Website
9. ZooParc Overloon
ZooParc Overloon offers an adventurous day out. You can explore seven different expedition areas on a world tour through the zoo. Cheetahs, anteaters, tamanduas, and Brazza monkeys are just some of the unique animals you can see up close.
If you love animals, you’ll enjoy learning fun facts about them. Details about each species are displayed so you can learn while you walk. It’s a great mix of fun and education.
ZooParc Overloon is also a fantastic place for kids. They can celebrate birthdays by helping take care of animals. There are also school trips where children can have an educational yet exciting experience.
For larger groups, the zoo offers discounts. You can even get special tours or lunch packages. If you come often, consider a yearly membership. It allows unlimited visits and other perks. ZooParc Overloon is not just a one-time visit; it’s a place you’ll want to come back to.
Rating: 4.6 (8400 reviews)
Location: Stevensbeekseweg 21, 5825 JB Overloon, Netherlands
Contact: +31 478 640 046
Website: Visit Website
10. The Vechtse Hoeve Petting Farm
When you visit The Vechtse Hoeve Petting Farm, you’ll find a delightful spot for kids. There are many animals including guinea pigs, goats, sheep, and even horses. Your little ones can enjoy the playground with various slides and swings, or drive around in loop cars and bikes. The bouncy castle is a big hit, ensuring loads of fun.
At the café, you can relax on the lovely terrace while enjoying a toasty sandwich or some delicious apple pie. The staff is always friendly and willing to help. Your kids will love the inside play area with a Lego table, making it a great spot even on cold days. It’s not just a petting farm but also a place to unwind with family.
The new main building adds to the appeal, making the farm neat and welcoming. You’ll often find it a bit messy, but that’s part of its charm, especially for kids who love the freedom to explore. The farm is a perfect destination for a half-day of outdoor fun.
Rating: 4.6 (415 reviews)
Location: Van Lingelaan 1A, 3602 PA Maarssen, Netherlands
Contact: +31 6 17080149
Website: Visit Website
