9 unique zoos in North Brabant
Want a fun and educational day out in North Brabant? In North Brabant, you come face to face with wild animals, walk among colourful butterflies and discover the world of snakes and reptiles. From big safari adventures to smaller, more personal zoos, these are the best places for a day out surrounded by animals.
1. ZooParc Overloon
Go on an expedition at ZooParc Overloon and discover animals from different continents. You walk through the animals’ natural habitats along adventurous pathways, discovering something new at every turn!
What makes this zoo special is the combination of adventure and education. During the feeding presentations, the zookeepers tell you all about the animals and their behaviour.
The animals in the park are ambassadors for their species in nature, many of which face challenges in their natural habitats. Alongside other European zoos, ZooParc Overloon is committed to the conservation of these species.
‘It’s also a great place for children’s parties. Go on an adventure together and enjoy a day filled with animals and fun.’
2. Safaripark Beekse Bergen, Hilvarenbeek
Discover the animals on foot, by car, by boat or by bus. At Safaripark Beekse Bergen in Hilvarenbeek, you can do it all. Here, you can discover more than 150 animal species. Come face to face with zebras and other wild animals — it’s just like being on safari in Africa!
The animals live in spacious, natural enclosures, and you can experience the safari park in your own way. As you explore, you learn more about nature and the animals. Nature conservation plays a major role here, and the zoo is actively committed to protecting animal species and their habitats.
‘Would you like to make a full day of it? Combine your visit with Speelland (indoor and outdoor playgrounds) for even more fun or even stay overnight. Here, you can literally sleep among the animals. How amazing is that?’
Unique overnight stays
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Safari Hotel Beekse Bergen
Safari Hotel Beekse Bergen
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Lake Resort Beekse Bergen
Lake Resort Beekse Bergen
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Beekse Bergen Safari Resort
Beekse Bergen Safari Resort
3. Eindhoven Zoo
Climbing and clambering among the chimpanzees
Climbing and clambering among the chimpanzees
Discover the animal kingdom from a unique perspective at Eindhoven Zoo in Nuenen, near Eindhoven. Step into the story behind each animal species. The zoo is not too big and not too small — it’s just right! As well as spotting the animals, there’s plenty more to do. There’s a large playground where you can climb and clamber among the chimpanzees and a water playground beside the polar bears and tigers.
Take a break at restaurant De Waterplaats with views of the rhinoceros enclosure. There are also feeding presentations and the ‘Toer de Voer’ (Feeding Tour), when the zookeepers tell you all about the animals.
4. Reptile House De Aarde, Breda
Step into the world of reptiles and amphibians at Reptile House De Aarde in Breda. Discover tropical snakes, lizards and other exceptional animals up close at this small-scale indoor zoo.
During demonstrations (several times a day), you learn more about the animals, you can sometimes touch them, and you can ask the zookeepers any questions you have. For true daredevils, you can even hold an animal under supervision. How exciting is that?
5. Dierenpark ZiE-ZOO, Volkel
Zie-ZOO (See Zoo): is not just about looking, but truly seeing what makes animals so special. This small-scale zoo is the first ‘care zoo’ in the Netherlands, combining a zoo with daytime activities for people with autism.
Here, you discover amazing animals that you do not encounter everywhere, such as binturongs (also known as bearcats) and the clouded leopard. Many animals have a unique story and have been given a second chance in a safe environment. The personal atmosphere makes it even more special: you get close to the animals and learn more about animal rescue, care and nature conservation.
‘Have you ever dreamed of becoming a zookeeper? You can experience it for a day here! Go behind the scenes and help care for the animals.’
6. Zoo Veldhoven
Great fun: you can feed some of the animals yourself, including the parrots!
Great fun: you can feed some of the animals yourself, including the parrots!
Walk among parrots? You can do that at Zoo Veldhoven! This zoo near Eindhoven once started as a parrot sanctuary, and you can still notice that when you walk in. Many of the animals come from private owners and are given a second chance here in a safe and suitable habitat. The park has since grown into a versatile zoo that also includes birds of prey, flamingos, pelicans, zebras and ring-tailed lemurs. Children can also enjoy the play areas, including a large indoor playground.
7. Vlindersafari Gemert
Experience the tropics in Gemert! Go on a butterfly safari and encounter the most extraordinary butterflies from all over the world: small butterflies, large butterflies, strikingly colourful butterflies and butterflies with fearsome false eyes.
Here, you wander among hundreds of butterflies and discover up close how versatile and impressive these insects are. During your visit, you’ll explore the life cycle of butterflies, learn about biodiversity and the importance of insects to nature in a playful way. This makes a visit not only a relaxing outing but also an educational experience for young and old.
‘Good to know: Vlindersafari Gemert is seasonal and open from May to October.’
8. BestZOO, Best
A fun and clearly laid-out zoo for the whole family? BestZOO is the place to be. At this small-scale zoo in Best, you discover animals from across the world up close.
For children, there is a fun treasure hunt that takes you past fascinating animals, such as fox squirrels, wombats and tamanduas. There is also plenty of space to play, with a playground, petting zoo and indoor playground. The social approach here makes it unique: through BestZOO Zorg(t), people who need additional support help out in the park, including taking care of the animals.
9. Dierenpark de Oliemeulen, Tilburg
Are you brave enough? Dierenpark De Oliemeulen in Tilburg is also known as ‘the strangest zoo in the Netherlands’. It is where you can encounter more than 150 unique animal species such as snakes, spiders and other reptiles.
Inside, you will discover terrariums housing lizards, snakes and crocodiles, and outside you will encounter monkeys, birds of prey and members of the cat family. Thanks to the combination of indoor and outdoor animal enclosures, the zoo can be visited throughout the year. There are also options for children’s parties, school visits and group outings.
‘The demonstrations are a real highlight: at the snake and spider show, you can sometimes hold the animals, and during the birds of prey display, they fly right over your head.’
