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Is there a zoo in Amsterdam? Yes and Artis Royal Zoo is it! Since Amsterdam is famous for its canals, museums, and vibrant neighbourhoods, it often flies under the radar.
If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam with kids and wondering whether the Artis Amsterdam Zoo is worth adding to your itinerary, let me save you some research time. It absolutely is.
We spent a full day exploring this incredible zoo with our family, and honestly, it completely exceeded our expectations. Unlike so many zoos that feel cramped and depressing with animals stuck behind thick glass or metal bars, Artis felt open, inviting, and surprisingly peaceful. And all this despite being right in the middle of a bustling city.
I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about visiting Artis Zoo in Amsterdam. You’ll learn what makes it special, practical tips like how long to spend there, what animals you’ll see, and whether it’s actually worth it when travelling with kids (spoiler: yes, it really is).
Whether you’re trying to decide if you should visit or you’ve already got your tickets and want to know what to prioritize, this guide has you covered. Ready to explore one of Amsterdam’s best-kept family-friendly secrets? Let’s get to it!
Where is Artis Royal Zoo?
Located in the Plantage neighbourhood, Artis is super accessible. You can easily reach it by tram, bike, or even on foot if you’re staying somewhere central.
The location means you’re not trekking out to the suburbs for a zoo day. You’re staying right in the heart of Amsterdam while still getting that escape-from-the-city vibe once you’re inside.
For families travelling to Amsterdam with kids, Artis is honestly a lifesaver. Museum fatigue is real, especially with little ones. Having an outdoor activity where they can run around and burn off energy while still learning makes all the difference.
What Makes Artis Royal Zoo Different from Other Zoos?
Here’s the thing about Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo that hit me the moment we walked through the gates. It doesn’t feel like a typical zoo. And I mean that in the best possible way.
Artis Royal Zoo Amsterdam is the oldest zoo in the Netherlands, established way back in 1838. That’s nearly 200 years of history, which you can actually feel as you wander through the beautifully landscaped grounds.
But don’t let the age fool you. This isn’t some outdated attraction clinging to the past. The zoo has evolved beautifully, focusing on conservation, education, and creating habitats that actually respect the animals.
What really stood out to us was how open everything felt. Many modern zoos still rely on cages and thick barriers that make you feel like you’re viewing animals in prison.
At Artis Zoo, many enclosures are designed with natural elements, lots of space, and viewing areas that don’t make you feel separated by three layers of security glass. You can actually see the animals behaving naturally (as possible in captivity).
The layout itself is lovely. Picture tree-lined pathways, historic buildings, ponds, and gardens throughout the animal exhibits.
Amsterdam Zoo Tickets: How to Get Them and What They Cost
Let’s talk logistics. Getting your Amsterdam zoo tickets is straightforward. I highly recommend buying them online in advance, especially during peak tourist season or on weekends.
You can purchase Artis Zoo Amsterdam tickets online. Buying ahead means you skip the ticket line and head straight in. Not standing in lines is always a win when you’ve got impatient kids in tow.
As for pricing, adult tickets are around €30 and kids 3-9 are about €26 (it’s free for children under 3).
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in Amsterdam, look into the I Amsterdam City Card. This card includes free entry to Artis Royal Zoo plus the Artis Micropia and Groote Museum (both of which are additional entry fees, not included in Artis Zoo tickets otherwise). Many other museums and public transport are also included.
We’ve found the I Amsterdam City Cards to be worth it when we’re doing a lot of sightseeing, though if Artis is your main zoo focus, a single-entry ticket works just fine.
How Long to Visit at Artis Zoo?
One of the most common questions I see is “How long should I spend at Artis Zoo?”. Honestly, it depends on your pace and your kids’ attention spans.
We spent about five hours at Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo, and that felt just right. We weren’t rushing, but we also weren’t lingering at every single exhibit (but definitely at some).
If you’ve got younger children who move slowly or want to revisit their favourite animals multiple times (guilty, our oldest made us go back to see monkey island three times), plan for five or even six hours. If your party is just adults or your a family with older children, four hours is probably about right.
That said, you could definitely do a quicker visit in around 2.5 to 3 hours if you’re short on time. Focus on the highlights like the savanna / elephant areas, the monkey exhibits, and aquariums if you want to maximize your experience without seeing absolutely everything.
Pro Tip
Arrive right when the zoo opens (usually 9 AM) if you want a quieter, less crowded experience, especially on weekends or school holidays.
How big is Amsterdam zoo, you ask? It’s about 14 hectares (roughly 35 acres), which is a decent size but not overwhelming. You won’t be walking for miles and miles like at some massive safari parks, but there’s still plenty to see and explore. The layout is compact enough that backtracking to grab a snack or revisit an exhibit doesn’t feel like a major hike.
What Animals Are at Amsterdam Zoo?
Alright, let’s get to what everyone really wants to know. What animals are at Artis Zoo Amsterdam?
Artis is home to over 900 species, which is pretty impressive. You’ll find everything from the classics like lions, elephants, and giraffes to more unusual creatures like the adorable red pandas, giant anteaters, and a whole aquarium full of marine life.
Here are some of the standout animals and exhibits we loved:
➤ Monkey Island
This was an impressive exhibit at Artis, and our oldest kept asking to go back multiple times throughout the day. Monkey Island is exactly what it sounds like. An actual island surrounded by water where spider monkeys swing, climb, and play completely free from bars or cages.
The monkeys have this entire little ecosystem to themselves, complete with ropes, trees, and climbing structures. You stand at the edge of the water and watch them interact with each other naturally. It’s an awesome sight.
They were jumping between branches, hanging upside down, and chasing each other around without any barriers making you feel like you’re watching them through a prison window. What we loved most is how close you can get without feeling like the animals are confined.
The island design gives them freedom while still keeping visitors safely separated. Our son stood there for probably 20 minutes just watching them play, completely absorbed in their antics.
➤ Gibbon Island and Ibex Rock
Right near Monkey Island, you’ll find Gibbon Island, which follows the same great concept. Gibbons swing through trees on their own island habitat, calling out to each other with those incredible howling sounds they’re known for. Again, no cages, no glass, just water separating you from them.
Then there’s Ibex Rock, where mountain goats (ibex) climb and balance on rocky outcroppings that look like they belong in the Swiss Alps. The whole setup is designed to mimic their natural mountainous habitat. Watching them scale near-vertical surfaces with zero fear is genuinely impressive.
These open-style exhibits set the tone for what makes Artis so special. The animals aren’t just sitting in boxes for you to stare at. They’re living in spaces that let them try to behave the way they would in the wild (on a small scale of course).
➤ The Sloth Exhibit
Oh my goodness, the sloths. If you have kids who are obsessed with sloths (and honestly, who isn’t?), this exhibit alone is worth the visit. The sloths are housed in a lush, tropical indoor area where they hang from branches right at eye level.
We literally stood there for 15 minutes just watching one slowly munch on leaves. It was adorable. It’s awesome anytime we’ve been able to spy one in Costa Rica, but here at least we could watch from just a few feet away.
➤ The Lions
The lion exhibit at Artis was also great. Instead of thick glass or heavy fencing, the viewing area uses a moat and low cement barrier to separate you from the big cats. You’re standing there, maybe 20 feet away, watching these massive lions lounge in the sun or pace around their habitat.
It feels so much more immersive than staring through scratched plexiglass. When a lion roared, we could actually hear it clearly, which sent shivers down my spine in the best way. The open design makes you respect these animals even more because you’re experiencing them in a way that feels real and immediate.
The large male lion even gave us an unexpected show. Right there in front of everyone, he squatted down and left behind what can only be described as a massive gift for his zookeepers. 💩 The kids absolutely lost it laughing, and honestly, it became one of the most memorable moments of our visit (because what little boys don’t like anything to do with 💩???).
➤ Walking Through the Savanna
This was probably my personal favourite part of the zoo. The African savanna exhibit is massive and nicely designed. Here you’ll find zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and antelope all coexisting in one large, open space. But the really cool part is that you actually walk through a portion of the habitat.
There’s a pathway that takes you right into the exhibit, with animals roaming freely on either side. We were maybe 10 feet away from zebras grazing and giraffes stretching their necks to reach leaves. The sense of immersion is incredible. You’re not just observing from outside a fence. You’re inside their world.
There’s also a raised viewing platform where you can look out over the whole habitat. It kinda felt like we were on safari rather than at a city zoo.
➤ Asian Elephants
The Asian elephant exhibit at Artis is another example of how much space and care goes into these habitats. It’s also one of the most thrilling parts of the zoo because of how close you get to these massive animals.
What makes it so unique? There’s a walkway that runs between the elephant enclosure and the savanna exhibit, and you’re actually walking below water level. On both sides of the path are moats that separate you from the animals (savanna on one side and elephants on the other).
The elephants have a huge outdoor area with a pool, mud wallows, and plenty of room to roam. They can easily access the water right next to the pathway.
As we walked through, I couldn’t help but think about how close we actually were. If an elephant decided to spend some time in the moat (I’m not sure how often they do, or exactly how deep it is), they could probably reach over the barrier without much effort.
They could definitely spray us if they felt like it. There’s something both exhilarating about being that close to an animal that massive with just a moat and low barrier between you.
The exhibit design incorporates lots of greenery and natural elements. It doesn’t feel sterile or as artificial as many we’ve experienced. You can walk along different viewing points that give you perspectives from multiple angles, but that sunken pathway experience is definitely the most memorable.
➤ Seals
The seal exhibit was a massive hit with our kids. There’s a large pool where the seals swim, dive, and play. You’ll also find multiple viewing areas including underwater windows where you can watch them zoom past you at incredible speeds.
We happened to catch feeding time, which turned into a total spectacle. The seals were doing tricks, catching fish mid-air, and putting on a show that had all the kids (and adults) entertained. Even outside of feeding time, the seals are super active and entertaining to watch.
➤ Walk-Through Exhibits
One of the coolest aspects of Artis Zoo is the walk-through exhibits where animals roam completely free around you. There’s a tropical bird aviary where you walk along elevated pathways with colourful parrots, toucans, and other exotic birds flying overhead and perching on branches right next to you.
But the absolute highlight for us was the Red Ruffed Lemur garden. You literally walk through their habitat while these gorgeous, fluffy lemurs leap from branch to branch, scamper across the ground, and sometimes even hang out on the pathways right next to you. There are no barriers, no glass, nothing separating you from these incredibly agile creatures except maybe a few feet of personal space (and that’s only if they decide to give it to you).
My kids were having a blast watching the lemurs jump between trees with their distinctive red and black fur catching the sunlight. They move so gracefully and seem completely unbothered by visitors walking through their territory.
It’s such a cool experience to be standing in a garden in the middle of Amsterdam with lemurs bounding around like you’ve somehow stepped into Madagascar.
Pro Tip
Keep a close eye on little ones in these walk-through areas. When lemurs are hopping around just feet away, the temptation to reach out and touch them is real.
It’s a tough concept when the animals are so close and adorable, but keeping that distance protects everyone and ensures the animals stay comfortable. This goes for any of the animals, unless at the petting zoo.
There’s also a butterfly pavilion where butterflies flutter all around you, sometimes landing on your shoulders or arms. My youngest was absolutely delighted when a bright blue butterfly perched on his hand. This may; however, be a seasonal exhibit so check ahead if it’s a must-see on your list.
➤ The Aquarium
Artis has one of the oldest zoo aquariums in the world, and it’s absolutely worth walking through. You’ll see everything from colourful tropical fish to jellyfish, sharks, and even a coral reef tank. The historic building itself is gorgeous, with classic architecture that adds to the charm.
➤ Other Notable Animals
Beyond these highlights, you’ll also find wolves, red pandas, penguins, flamingos, reptiles, birds of prey, and a whole insect house. There’s genuinely something for everyone, whether your kids are into the big, impressive animals or prefer the smaller, weirder creatures.
Is Artis Zoo Worth Visiting with Kids?
Short answer? Absolutely yes.
Visiting Artis Zoo Amsterdam with kids was one of the highlights of our entire Amsterdam trip. My boys (ages 1 and almost 3) had an amazing time. There were so many little touches that made it especially kid-friendly.
First, the layout is stroller-friendly, which is huge if you’re travelling with toddlers. The paths are wide, smooth, and easy to navigate. There are also plenty of benches and shaded areas where parents can take a breather while the kids recharge.
But here’s the thing that really made our oldest boy’s day. The pull-behind carts. These little wooden wagons are available throughout the zoo. Kids can be pulled around in them while exploring or pull themselves with their belongings in it. It’s such a simple thing, but a fun addition for little explorers.
There are also multiple playgrounds scattered throughout Artis, which is brilliant for when kids need to blow off some steam. We hit up the playground near the petting zoo area. It was the perfect stop before continuing our exploration.
The petting zoo itself is great for younger kids who want hands-on interaction with animals. They have goats, sheep, and other friendly farm animals that kids can touch and feed (there are food dispensers where you can purchase snacks for the animals).
The combination of walk-through exhibits, open habitats, and interactive elements like the pull carts means kids stay engaged instead of getting bored. Our oldest asking to go back to Monkey Island three different times tells you everything you need to know about how much he loved it.
5 Practical Tips for Visiting Artis Royal Zoo
Now that you’re sold on visiting (I hope!), let me share some practical tips to make your visit as smooth as possible.
1. Bring Snacks and Water
There are cafes and food stands inside Artis Zoo, but they can get pricey and crowded, especially around lunchtime. We brought a backpack with snacks and water, and it made a huge difference. There are plenty of picnic spots and benches where you can sit and refuel without spending a fortune.
That said, if you do want to grab food inside, the main restaurant near the entrance has decent options, including kid-friendly meals.
2. Dress Comfortably and Check the Weather
You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Remember that Amsterdam weather can be unpredictable. We always recommend layers and bringing a light rain jacket, even if it looks sunny when you leave your hotel.
3. Download the Artis App or Grab a Map
There’s an official Artis app that includes an interactive Amsterdam zoo map, feeding times, and information about all the animals. We used it to plan our route and make sure we didn’t miss any of the scheduled animal talks or feeding sessions.
If you’re not into apps, grab a paper map at the entrance. It’s easy to navigate, but having a plan helps, especially if you’re short on time. Make sure to check when the seal feeding happens because it’s genuinely worth timing your visit around.
4. Consider the Planetarium, Micropia, and Groote Museum
Artis Royal Zoo Amsterdam isn’t just about animals. The grounds also include a planetarium, Micropia (the world’s first museum dedicated to microbes) and the Groote Museum (interactive nature museum). The planetarium is included in your Artis tickets, but the Micropia and Groote Museums are extra unless using the I Amsterdam pass.
We didn’t get a chance to visit these, but have heard that they offer more fascinating and entertaining options for families. The planetarium shows are apparently really cool, as is Micropia’s giant projections of bacteria, while the Groote Museum explores fascinating ecosystem interactions (a degree in ecology was one of my educational pursuits so I was sad to have missed this!).
5. Plan for Bathroom Breaks
There are clean, well-maintained restrooms scattered throughout the zoo, plus baby changing facilities. We never had to search long for a bathroom, which is always a relief when travelling with kids.
Recap: Our Honest Review of Artis Royal Zoo
So, what are my thoughts on Artis Zoo after visiting?
Honestly, we can’t recommend it enough, especially if you’re visiting Amsterdam with kids. It’s one of those rare attractions that truly delivers on every level. Educational, entertaining, beautiful, and thoughtfully designed.
The open, naturalistic enclosures made us feel good about supporting a zoo that prioritizes animal welfare and conservation. From Monkey Island to the savanna walk-through to the lemur garden, many exhibits gave us the sense that zoo staff are doing their best to support these animals.
What also stood out was how Artis manages to feel both historic and modern at the same time. You get that old-world European charm with the classic architecture and mature trees, but the exhibits and educational messaging feel current and relevant.
Now, some people aren’t into zoos at all, and that’s fair. But if you do visit zoos, this one is genuinely amazing.
Another major plus is that the zoo isn’t massive to the point of being exhausting. The size felt manageable, and because everything is so well-designed and engaging, my kids stayed interested the whole time.
Our youngest child was one year old at the time, and was wide eyed with wonder and full of smiles. Our oldest was almost three and was running between exhibits, genuinely excited about what was around each corner.
If I had to nitpick, I’d say the food options could be slightly better, and prices for snacks and drinks inside are on the higher side. But that’s standard for pretty much any attraction, and it’s easily solved by packing your own.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Plan for at least half a day
- Arrive early to beat the crowds
- Check over the map to plan your route (saves back-tracking or aimless wondering)
- If time permits, check out the lesser-known spots like Micropia and the planetarium
- Bring snacks and water (food is expensive)
- Wear comfortable footwear and go prepared with a rain coat and/or umbrella
Amsterdam can sometimes feel like a whirlwind of museums, bike rides, and canal tours. Having a day at Artis Royal Zoo gives you a chance to relax and connect with your family in a really meaningful way.
We left feeling impressed. It’s rare to visit an attraction and feel like it exceeded expectations, but that was our experience here.
Final Verdict? Visit Amsterdam’s Artis Royal Zoo!
The Artis Royal Zoo is hands down one of the best family-friendly attractions in Amsterdam. We found it to be one of the best designed zoos we’ve visited.
From the open animal exhibits like Monkey Island and the savanna walk-through to the immersive experiences that kept our kids engaged all day, every detail contributed to an experience we won’t forget anytime soon. If you’re planning a trip to Amsterdam and wondering whether Artis is worth your time… It absolutely is.
Have you visited Artis Zoo or is it on your Amsterdam bucket list?
Ready to start planning your Amsterdam adventure? Check out our Travel Resources page for tools and recommendations to help you book flights, find accommodation, and prepare for your trip.
If you enjoyed this guide, please share it with someone you know who might be visiting Amsterdam with kids (or adults who love going to the zoo… who says they’re just for kids?). Enjoy!
If we can teach people about wildlife, they will be touched. Share my wildlife with me. Because humans want to save things that they love.
Steve Irwin
