When you’re in the mood for some fresh air with the family, you’ll often hop on your bike and head to Amsterdam’s famous parks. But on a day off, you’ll quickly find yourself surrounded by crowded walking paths, dogs running around, and busy playgrounds.
Are you looking for a relaxing alternative where the kids really have plenty of space? Then a visit to the petting zoo is the perfect solution. Here, you can swap the hustle and bustle of the city for the tranquility of farm life—right in your own neighborhood.
Whether you’re out with young animal lovers who want to brush the goats, or simply want to enjoy a cup of coffee while the kids have fun: these are the best urban farms in Amsterdam for a successful family outing.
Right in the middle of the Amsterdamse Bos, at this organic farm, you can pet goats, bottle-feed baby goats, and play in the large wooden playground. While the kids are having fun, you can enjoy a fresh lunch, homemade goat cheese, and artisanal goat’s milk ice cream on the spacious terrace.
- Hours: Wed–Mon from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed Tuesdays)
Tucked away by the water on picturesque Bickerseiland, you’ll find this small-scale, low-traffic urban farm near Central Station. It’s the ideal spot for a relaxing family outing, where kids can wander among the animals and discover visual delights. Among others, you’ll meet adorable guinea pigs, cheerful chickens, the famous pigs Kevin and Olivia, and curious goats.
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed Mondays)
Right in the heart of the lively De Pijp neighborhood, you’ll find De Pijp Children’s Farm: a surprisingly spacious urban farm that offers a pleasant retreat for families in the city. Children will be amazed by the ponies, donkeys, goats, pigs, turtles, and birds in the aviary. In addition to petting the animals, they can go on an adventure in the botanical garden, search for insects in the insect garden, or play in the playground out back.
- Hours: Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. (closed Sundays)
In the beautiful Amstelpark, you’ll find this spacious urban farm where chickens, goats, pot-bellied pigs, miniature horses, guinea pigs, and rabbits live. Around the park, you’ll also spot impressive Scottish Highland cattle, a stork’s nest, and black swans by the pond. On Wednesday afternoons, kids can cuddle with the animals, which makes a visit even more special.
- Hours: Monday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Right in the heart of bustling Westerpark lies this charming city farm where animal welfare and professional care are top priorities. You’ll find sheep, chickens, golden pheasants, pigeons, and the farm’s own cat, among other animals. It’s a wonderfully peaceful spot to stop by the terrace for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake during a walk through the park .
- Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (closed Mondays; food and beverage service closed on weekends)
Tucked away along the Kostverlorenvaart in Oud-West, you’ll find the Zimmerhoeve, a cozy urban farm surrounded by greenery. It’s a wonderful place to relax in a busy neighborhood where kids can visit guinea pigs, rabbits, goats, sheep, and pigs. Parents and kids can fully enjoy the animals and the charming neighborhood meadow here.
- Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed Mondays)
On the outskirts of Watergraafsmeer in Amsterdam-East lies De Werf Petting Zoo, a charming gathering place for young and old. Here, children can meet horses, donkeys, pigs, goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even visit the zoo’s own animal hotel. There’s also a lovely community garden and outdoor area where little ones can play to their hearts’ content.
- Hours: Open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Located in Amsterdam-Noord is Kinderboerderij De Buiktuin, one of the city’s oldest urban farms, which has been run by dedicated volunteers since 1975 . The grounds are known for their rolling hills and spacious meadows where animals can peacefully spend their twilight years. Here, children can wander around at their leisure, learn all about animal care, and get to know sheep, goats, and birds.
- Hours: Monday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Right in the heart of Gaasperdam in Southeast Amsterdam , you ’ll find ‘t Brinkie: a versatile petting zoo where children can learn about farm life in a playful way. There, you’ll meet unique Kune Kune pigs, large Nubian goats with floppy ears, donkeys, cows, peacocks, and colorful sheep.
In addition to the animal pastures and educational lessons, there’s a fun playground with a large sandbox, a cozy thrift store, and even the “Boekenhok” for book lovers.
- Hours: Monday 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM, Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM (note: closed between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM), Sunday 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM (closed on Tuesdays).
In the heart of the Bijlmer, surrounded by high-rises, the Gliphoeve Neighborhood Farm is a true green paradise and a welcoming gathering place for the entire neighborhood. Children can enjoy watching the animals, playing, and indulging in a fresh pancake at Gansi restaurant. You’ll also find a small-scale thrift store and a weekly Repair Café on the grounds.
- Hours: Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
