DierenPark Amersfoort
Explore DierenPark Amersfoort, a zoo offering immersive animal encounters, thrilling adventure paths, and a beloved Dino Forest.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
DierenPark Amersfoort
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore DierenPark Amersfoort, a zoo offering immersive animal encounters, thrilling adventure paths, and a beloved Dino Forest.
"A fantastic zoo with a great mix of experiences for families, dog owners, and animal lovers."
🗺️ Use the Free Map
The park's adventure paths can be disorienting. Grab a free map to navigate and ensure you don't miss any key animal enclosures.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing! Prioritize comfort for a full day of exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chimpanzee Valley
Chimpanzee enclosure
Get up close with chimpanzees and climb alongside them on interactive ropes and structures. A truly unique experience!
Dino Forest
Dinosaur exhibit
Step back in time with life-sized dinosaur replicas, perfect for little paleontologists and a fun, educational adventure.
Bear Pit Rope Bridge
Bear enclosure
Walk above the bears on a thrilling rope bridge, offering a unique vantage point and an adrenaline rush.
Animal Kitchen
Near the tiger enclosure
Peek into the fascinating world of animal nutrition and see how meals are prepared for the zoo's diverse inhabitants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Adventure Paths
Pack Smart for Little Explorers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Use the Free Map
The park's adventure paths can be disorienting. Grab a free map to navigate and ensure you don't miss any key animal enclosures.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing! Prioritize comfort for a full day of exploration.
🐶 Dogs Welcome!
Bring your furry friend along! DierenPark Amersfoort is dog-friendly, allowing them to enjoy the day too.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Food options can be limited to fried items. Bringing your own lunch ensures healthier and more varied choices.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Use the Free Map
The park's adventure paths can be disorienting. Grab a free map to navigate and ensure you don't miss any key animal enclosures.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing! Prioritize comfort for a full day of exploration.
🐶 Dogs Welcome!
Bring your furry friend along! DierenPark Amersfoort is dog-friendly, allowing them to enjoy the day too.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Food options can be limited to fried items. Bringing your own lunch ensures healthier and more varied choices.
🚂 Ride the Zoo Train
A fun way to get around the park, especially for younger children or when little legs get tired.
🧸 Lost & Found
Lost something? The zoo has found hundreds of items in its Expeditie-rivier. Check their website for found items.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise DierenPark Amersfoort for its immersive animal encounters, engaging adventure paths, and extensive family-friendly activities. The zoo's design makes you feel close to the animals, and attractions like the Chimpanzee Valley and Dino Forest are major highlights. However, some guests note that the food quality could be improved, and the park's winding paths can be disorienting without a map.
"(August 2025) One of the best zoos that I have visited. All the animals looked content and happy, the housing settlements looked fun, with plenty of food and no pacing, or balding spots on the animals. Lots of fun little things for the kids, like slides, and tunnels, plus little activities throughout. The park was clean and had a lovely vibe 💜 I highly recommend this place (Cost me 30 euros to get in) and I spent 5 hours here - there were also suncream dispensers! some little rides and a boating activity as well to do, including walking over a rope bridge to see the bears which was cool. I had a very pleasant visit 💜"
Victoria Fenix
"It's a great place for a family outing, with a large playground for both toddlers and children.
There are many animals that appear to be well-maintained and in good condition.
It's easily accessible and has plenty of parking.
The interior is shady and full of trees beautiful natural. There are chairs to sit and rest and clean bathrooms."
soso haha!
"Underneath a canopy you can admire a large selection of the animal kingdom. The zoo offers a great mix of experiences for families, dog owners, animal lovers and even dino enthusiasts. My family loves it every time.
Many animal pens have add on activities, like a climbing track at the bear pen. The experience of being surrounded by howling wolves is second to none. The playgrounds could use some love, but they are safe and fun. The food could be more nutritious. The theme integration is fun too, like a gladiator at the lions."
Vincent Huijts
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
DierenPark Amersfoort is easily accessible by car and public transport. If driving, there is ample parking available for a fee. 
Yes, there is a parking lot available for visitors. The parking fee is around €9.50 per car.
Absolutely! DierenPark Amersfoort is a dog-friendly zoo, allowing you to bring your canine companion along for the day.
Yes, it's a popular day trip destination from Amsterdam. The drive is manageable, and the zoo offers a full day of activities.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official DierenPark Amersfoort website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but expect around €27.00 per person for entry. Children under 3 often get in for free. Parking is an additional cost.
It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance. This often saves time at the entrance and can sometimes offer discounts.
Keep an eye out for promotions and giveaways, especially on social media. Sometimes, special offers are available for families or during specific seasons.
Visiting on weekdays, especially during off-peak seasons, will significantly reduce wait times. Arriving early in the morning is also a good strategy.
Children under 3 years old typically have free admission to DierenPark Amersfoort.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Chimpanzee Valley for an immersive experience, the playful meerkats, and the majestic tigers. The dinosaur section is also a huge hit with families.
Yes, the zoo features several large playgrounds with climbing frames, slides, and other fun activities, making it very kid-friendly.
While direct petting is limited, the Chimpanzee Valley allows for close observation and interactive climbing experiences. Some adventure paths also bring you very close to certain animals.
The Dino Forest is a popular attraction featuring life-sized dinosaur replicas, offering an exciting prehistoric adventure for all ages.
Yes, a small train operates within the park, offering a fun way to travel between different areas, especially for younger visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The park offers various dining options, including a large restaurant with sandwiches and snacks. However, many reviews suggest the food can be heavily fried and less nutritious.
Yes, bringing your own packed lunch and drinks is a common and recommended practice, especially if you prefer healthier options or want to save money.
While specific options aren't detailed, it's advisable to check with the food vendors on-site for current vegetarian or vegan choices. The focus seems to be on more traditional park fare.
Yes, there are several kiosks and a main restaurant where you can purchase coffee, snacks, and light meals throughout the park.
The Animal Kitchen is an exhibit where you can see how food is prepared for the zoo's animals, offering a unique glimpse into their care.
📸 📸 Photography
The Chimpanzee Valley offers dynamic shots, while the themed enclosures like the Roman colosseum for lions and Indian Palace for tigers provide unique backdrops. The Dino Forest also makes for dramatic photos.
Many enclosures are designed to bring visitors close to the animals, allowing for excellent photographic opportunities. The adventure paths often provide unobstructed views.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be mindful of any specific signage or instructions near animal enclosures.
Lighting varies throughout the park. Shaded areas and dense foliage can be challenging, so consider bringing a lens with good low-light performance or visiting on a bright, sunny day.
The rope bridge over the bear pit and the interactive elements in the Chimpanzee Valley offer unique perspectives for memorable photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the Chimpanzee Valley, where kids can climb and play alongside the chimps, creating unforgettable memories.
The zoo's design encourages active participation, making it more than just a viewing experience. With so much to see and do, a full day is needed to truly enjoy everything this zoo has to offer for families.🐶 Dog Owners
This means you don't have to leave your furry companion behind when planning a day out. Your dog can explore the park with you, enjoying the fresh air and new sights. While dogs are allowed, it's always a good idea to keep them on a leash and be mindful of other visitors and the animals. Ensure your dog is comfortable in busy environments and around other animals. It's a fantastic opportunity for a shared adventure!
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
The biggest saving can be made by packing your own lunch and drinks, as food options within the park can be pricey and often limited to fried items. +1While there are paid activities like the zoo train, many of the park's main attractions, including the playgrounds and adventure paths, are included in the admission price. Focusing on these free activities will ensure a fun-filled day without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique 'Adventure Paths'
These paths are particularly engaging for children, turning a zoo visit into an active exploration. For instance, the Chimpanzee Valley allows visitors to climb and play on structures alongside the chimps, creating a shared experience.
The design encourages a sense of discovery, often leading visitors to less obvious viewpoints and a deeper appreciation for the animals' habitats. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as some paths involve more physical activity. Navigating these paths can sometimes be disorienting, as they are intentionally winding and less direct than traditional zoo layouts. This is where the park's free map becomes invaluable.
A Haven for Families and Kids
Adding to the fun are attractions like a carousel and a small train that chugs through the zoo, providing a delightful way for little ones to see the sights.
The 'adventure paths' mentioned earlier are a huge draw for kids, allowing them to actively participate in the zoo experience by climbing and exploring. The Dino Forest is another major highlight, offering a prehistoric adventure that captivates young imaginations. While the playgrounds might benefit from some updates, they are safe and provide plenty of fun.
Celebrating 75 Years of Wildlife
The zoo has a rich history, starting with just four employees and growing into a beloved institution that houses around 150 different species. Over the decades, the park has seen its share of triumphs and challenges, but it continues to evolve. Recent developments include the highly acclaimed Chimpanzee Valley, which offers an immersive experience for visitors.
+1 The park also focuses on creating naturalistic and engaging enclosures for its animals, ensuring they appear content and healthy, with ample space and enrichment. The zoo's longevity is also attributed to its unique approach, blending traditional zoo experiences with interactive elements and themed areas like the Dino Forest. This dedication to innovation and visitor engagement has cemented its place as a top attraction in the Netherlands.
Social
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