Looking for a way to entertain little animal lovers? How about a trip to one of Amsterdam’s many city farms? Pull on your wellies, pack a picnic, and go meet the animals!

Kinderboerderijen can be found all over the city and provide fantastic opportunities for children to learn how to care for and interact with a variety of animals. Many also have playgrounds and sell refreshments which makes them perfect places to go to escape the noise and bustle of the city’s streets for a few hours.

Centrum

De Dierencapel Kinderboerderij  

Bickersgracht 207 

Located within walking distance of Central Station and the Haarlemmerstraat, Kinderboerderij De Dierencapel can be found tucked away amongst the canal houses of the charming Westelijke Eilanden. Situated on a lovely spot overlooking the water, this special little city farm is home to a friendly troop of animals, most of whom roam around freely in search of food and cuddles. The residents include two large pigs as well as three goats, three sheep and a variety of rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, and geese. Open Tuesday – Sunday between 09:00 – 17:00.

Kinderboerderij Westerpark

Overbrakerpad 10

In the heart of the much-loved Westerpark is a popular city farm with a good variety of animals including goats, sheep, ponies, and a large cow, as well as birds, rabbits and guinea pigs. Visitors can walk freely amongst most of the animals, enjoy the small playground and relax with a refreshment from the kiosk. The kinderboerderij organises various seasonal activities as well as hosting children’s birthday parties. 

Nieuw-West

Kinderboerderij de Strohalm 

Cort van de Lindekade 5 

Situated on the corner of de Cort van de Lindenkade en de Van Karnebeekstraat, Kinderboerderij de Strohalm is home to a variety of animals as well as some snakes and lizards. It is possible to buy refreshments on site. 

Kinderboerderij het Sloterpark 

President Allendelaan 2 

Located in the Sloterpark opposite the Sloterparkbad, this city farm has goats, sheep, rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens as well as a variety of exotic birds. There is a small playground and a shop. 

Stadsboerderij Osdorp

Botteskerksingel 30B

Located in a residential area in Osdorp, the Stadsboerderij Osdorp has chickens, rabbits, and goats as well as two bee hives. The farm also has a garden where children can learn to grow their own flowers and vegetables. It organises weekly activities. 

Noord

Dierenpark De Buiktuin

Noordhol Kanaaldijk 19

Dierenpark De Buiktuin is a city farm with a long history. Founded by local residents in 1972, it was officially opened as a kinderboerderij in 1975 and has been run exclusively by volunteers ever since. The farm has two donkeys and four pigs, as well as sheep, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and a variety of different birds including some peacocks. There is also a small playground for young children to enjoy. Check the website for visiting hours; they can vary.

Kinderboerderij De Bokkesprong

Heggerankweg 87a 

A small city farm in the North of Amsterdam offering local children the opportunity to interact with animals. Its current residents include goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and a pony. 

‘t Dierendok Kinderboerderij 

Tegenhouderstraat 92 

Located next to a playground in a residential area of North Amsterdam, the Dierendok is a small farm with goats, chickens, sheep, pigs, and a pony as well as a variety of smaller animals. 

Oost

Kinderboerderij De Werf

Archimedeslaan 59  

Situated in a residential area within walking distance of the Science Park train station, this city farm in Watergraafsmeer houses over 50 animals including sheep, goats, a pig, and a pony. Set up by local residents in 1991, it quickly developed into a professional organisation which has been recognised by the Dierenbescherming Amsterdam as providing a particularly high level of care for its animals. The farm organises various seasonal activities such as a sheep shearing demonstration. 

West

Kinderboerderij Uylenburg

Staalmeesterlaan 420 

Kinderboerderij Uylenburg is one of the oldest city farms in Amsterdam. Located in the Rembrandtpark in Amsterdam West, the farm has been running for more than 35 years and provides visitors with the opportunity to interact with a variety of different animals including sheep, goats, a donkey, and a pig. It has a nice playground as well as a little shop which sells drinks and snacks. The farm is currently undergoing a major renovation project so please call ahead if you are planning a visit. 

Kinderboerderij Zimmerhoeve

Schimmelstraat 44 

Started in the early 1990a with just a few goats and chickens, this city farm quickly expanded and now houses a much larger variety of animals and insects including pigs, sheep, bees, and even a couple of rats. It has a friendly and welcoming atmosphere which, together with its pleasant location in a small park in Amsterdam’s Bellamybuurt, makes it a popular place to visit for those seeking a bit of nature in the Old West area of the city. The Kinderboerderij is situated next to a couple of playgrounds. It organises various activities for children including a garden club during which they can learn how to grow their own fruit and vegetables. 

Zuid

De Pijp Kinderboerderij

L. Ansinghstraat 82 

Hidden away in the middle of the densely populated Old South Area of Amsterdam, Kinderboerderij De Pijp can be found located next to the Okura Hotel. It is home to a variety of animals including sheep, goats, chickens, and a pony and has a nice playground for smaller children to enjoy. On Wednesdays the farm organises craft workshops and offers pony rides. 

Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve

Nieuwe Meerlaan 4

Arguably Amsterdam’s most loved city farm, the Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve boasts an unbeatable location in the heart of the beautiful Amsterdamse Bos. Although certainly centred around the care and welfare of its large herd of goats, the farm also houses chickens, pigs, cows, and even a horse. This special spot has a lot to offer. Not only is it possible to feed and interact with the animals, the Ridammerhoeve also has a nice playground, a maze, a cafe, and a farm shop selling a good range of fresh homemade products.

Zuidoost

Bijlmerweide Kinderboerderij

Provincialeweg 46a

The Bijmerweide is a large city farm which is home to a large variety of animals including donkeys, cows, pigs, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and bees. It has an extensive playground as well as a kiosk which sells the farm’s own eggs and honey in addition to soft drinks, crisps, and snacks. 

De Gliphoeve Kinderboerderij

Ganzenhoef 8

Hailed to be one of Amsterdam’s best social initiatives, De Gliphoeve Kinderboerderij is a special little place which offers a welcoming oasis of green amongst the high-rise buildings of Amsterdam’s Bijmer. Founded 35 years ago with just one chicken, the farm now houses ponies, sheep, chickens, goats, pigs, rabbits, and guinea pigs as well as birds and even a lizard. As well as providing the chance for local children to interact with animals, the farm also acts as a social meeting place. It organises several activities including pony rides, craft workshops, lessons about animals, pancake making classes, and a yearly table tennis tournament. It also has a playground, kiosk, and small library. 

‘t Brinkie Kinderboerderij

Meerkerkdreef 27 

Located in the middle of Amsterdam South East, Kinderboerderij ‘t Brinkie is home to ponies, donkeys, pigs, and sheep as well as several smaller animals. The farm organises various activities including a yearly sheep shearing display during which children can learn how to spin wool. There is a small shop selling drinks, snacks, and fresh chicken eggs. 

Hazel West

Hazel West is a writer, yoga teacher and proud mother of four who has been living in a small Dutch village in The Netherlands with her Irish partner since 2004. Her work has been published on The Tribe Magazine and Mamalode as well as on her blog www.sixbelowsealevel.com.