Antwerp Zoo (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Antwerp Zoo?
What makes it 92% Kids-Friendly: Children 3–11 get reduced tickets, playground, penguin and elephant feedings, picnic lawns and educational talks, with flat paths for strollers; only limited indoor play on rainy days.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly paths: Wide paved paths let you navigate easily with a stroller or small kids.
- Daily keeper talks: Multiple animal feedings and talks are free and entertaining for children.
- On-site playground: Play area near the restaurant gives kids a fun break at no extra cost.
Challenges:
- Large grounds: The 26-acre zoo can tire kids; plan breaks to avoid meltdowns.
- Food prices: Meals and snacks inside can be expensive; consider bringing packed food.
- Peak crowd times: Major feedings draw crowds; arrive early to secure good spots.
What is Antwerp Zoo?
- A zoological garden opened in 1843 in Antwerp’s city center and ranking among the world’s oldest urban zoos
- A living collection of more than 6,000 animals representing over 950 species, from mammals and birds to reptiles and fish
- A protected heritage site featuring 19th-century pavilions such as the Egyptian Temple and Moorish Temple set within 26 acres of landscaped gardens
What is so special about Antwerp Zoo for with kids?
- Daily penguin and sea lion feedings entertain kids
- On-site playground near Savanne offers free playtime
- Historic pavilions and Reptile House add educational variety
- Flat, stroller-friendly paths make exploring easy
- Picnic areas help families save on food
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for key animal feedings, playground breaks, and indoor exhibits without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Antwerp Zoo
Penguin Feeding:
Watch African penguins get fed at their pool.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early and stand front row for the best view.
Sea Lion Show:
Enjoy the sea lion demonstration by the pond.
Tip: Check the daily schedule and sit near the fence to stay dry.
Savanne Playground:
Let kids play in the sandbox and wooden structures near the Savanne restaurant.
Tip: Bring a change of clothes and wipes for easy cleanup.
Historic Pavilions Tour:
Explore the Egyptian and Moor temples and learn about zoo history.
Tip: Scan the QR codes for a free audio guide to keep kids engaged.
Reptile House Exploration:
See snakes, turtles, and tropical plants in the Winter Garden.
Tip: Visit first if rain is in the forecast to stay dry.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Antwerp Zoo
- Buy tickets online: Book on the zoo website to skip entry lines and receive e-tickets.
- Plan the feeding schedule: Pick up or view the daily programme to time your visit around kid favorites.
- Use picnic areas: Bring snacks and use lawn benches to save money and rest between exhibits.
- Download the map: Use the zoo map app or printed map to plan your route and reduce backtracking.
Reviews of Antwerp Zoo
Jovana Vlahovic
This zoo looks very nice, animals have a lot of space for a zoo in the city center. It is a great place to spend a day in nature in the city as the zoo looks like a big garden. You can see koalas!
Diana Sap
We had such a great time at this zoo! At first, I thought it would be just another boring zoo, but it turned out to be a really fun experience. We loved seeing all the different animals and fish, and the park itself is very clean and well maintained. It also made for a lovely date with my husband. I’d definitely recommend this place as a date spot.
Romeo
Beautiful zoo within the city centre of Antwerpen. Few of the zoo buildings have beautiful historic architecture which makes the zoo unique. Lots of healthy and well taken care of animals. They have the typical big four of a safari. They have different theme on each location and a well thought out sequence of path to follow. The butterfly sanctuary is one the most beautiful I've seen and within a ...
Sjaan
Absolutely wonderful zoo! I had a ton of fun, the animals are beautiful. I took over 500 photos, luckily I brought an extra battery for my phone! I’d suggest that you bring your own food, it’s a bit overpriced imo, but I’m not super familiar with Belgian prices, so maybe it’s okay.
S (Supalert Dog)
Beautifully maintained zoo with happy animals who are the closest ive ever seen of any zoo in the world. Kids and adults will equally enjoy this place and it should not take more than 2-3 hrs to fully complete. It's right next to the must see train station and across the chocolate nation museum. Together it's a full day of fun!
When is the best time to visit Antwerp Zoo (Antwerp, Belgium)?
Spring brings newborn animals in the nursery; summer mornings are cooler for outdoor feedings; October–January features the Magic Ocean light festival (separate ticket).
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult tickets | EUR 68 |
| 2 Child tickets (3–11 yrs) | EUR 50 |
| Snacks and drinks | EUR 15 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 133 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Antwerp Zoo
Address: Koningin Astridplein 20-26, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
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