Rotterdam Zoo (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Rotterdam Zoo?
What makes it 95% Kids-Friendly: Kids up to 12 enjoy petting zoo, huge Oewanja playground, feeding sessions and treasure hunts; flat paths suit strollers, yet animals are spread out so plan breaks to avoid fatigue.
Positives:
- Stroller-friendly paths: Wide, paved walkways make navigating with a stroller easy.
- Interactive app: Download the free app for games and easy navigation.
Challenges:
- Weekend crowds: The zoo can get busy on weekends; lines at petting areas grow long.
- Variable weather: Outdoor play areas offer little shade; bring sun protection or rain gear.
What is Rotterdam Zoo?
- A zoological park in Rotterdam, founded in 1857 and occupying 28 hectares of landscaped grounds
- A conservation institution exhibiting Asian, African and Arctic wildlife in diverse, climate-controlled habitats
- A complex that incorporates the Oceanium aquatic pavilion and specialized indoor biotope enclosures
What is so special about Rotterdam Zoo for with kids?
- Hands-on petting zoo and farm animals
- Playground zones for toddlers and older kids
- Interactive Playmobil treasure hunt
- Scheduled feeding shows for marine and land animals
- Underwater tunnel in the Oceanium
Recommended visit duration: 1-3 hours
Why 1-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to see major animal areas and let kids play without overtiring.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Rotterdam Zoo
Children’s Zoo & Petting Corner:
Touch and feed goats, sheep and pigs in a supervised area.
Tip: Go early to avoid mid-day crowds and lines.
Oewanja Kinderjungle Playground:
Sliding towers, nets and swings for ages 3–12.
Tip: Toddlers stay safe in the separate younger kids section.
Playmobil Treasure Hunt Trail:
Follow clues to find life-sized Playmobil figures across the zoo.
Tip: Pick up your free activity booklet at the main entrance.
Feeding Times:
Watch keepers feed sea lions, penguins and giraffes.
Tip: Check the app schedule to catch the most popular shows.
Oceanium Underwater Tunnel:
Walk through the tunnel among sharks, rays and fish.
Tip: Visit during lunch hour when the tunnel is less busy.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Rotterdam Zoo
- Arrive early: Enter at opening time to explore animal areas before crowds arrive.
- Bring refillable bottles: Get a discount on hot drinks and refill water for free at stations.
Reviews of Rotterdam Zoo
Priyanka Ruiz
This zoo is super big and beautiful. Very very clean. You can use lockers at the entrance for 0.50€. At the Oceanium you can refill your bottle of water (I believe is the only place). The prices in the restaurants/bars are very high. 3,70€ approx for a bottle of water. Due to the price of the entrance, you would spend couple of hours inside, so you should consider to bring your own food/drinks, sp...
Mihai - Alexandru Popescu
Rotterdam Zoo (Diergaarde Blijdorp) covers a vast surface and is one of the oldest zoos in the Netherlands. Founded in 1857, it is home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species from all continents. The zoo is famous for its Oceanium aquarium, spacious naturalistic enclosures, botanical richness, and its active role in international research and wildlife conservation programs. În su...
Aswini Karki
An absolutely amazing experience at Blijdorp Zoo! 🐘 The zoo has so much to offer it’s large in size, beautifully maintained and full of gorgeous animals surrounded by nature. You can easily spend the whole day here with kids or family. I totally recommend visiting here it’s such a wonderful place!
Irma Yunita
Diergaarde Blijdorp offers a truly remarkable experience for animal lovers and families alike, standing out as an exceptionally clean zoo with a palpable commitment to its inhabitants. From the moment we entered, the well-kept paths and immaculate grounds made for a pleasant day of exploration. Excellent Habitats and Animal Health The overall impression of animal care was overwhelmingly positive....
Asad Zamir
Main attraction was red panada to which we come to see and actually end up seeing was very cute to see in natural. The other cute anaimal was volpus artic fox. The zoo has many animals and eating facilities and areas for the children to play. I would recommend a visit, perfect for a family day out
When is the best time to visit Rotterdam Zoo (Rotterdam, Netherlands)?
From June to early September pick up the free Playmobil trail booklet. In August attend ZOOmer evenings for live music and keeper talks. Check zoo website for exact dates.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 adult tickets | EUR 50 |
| 2 child tickets (3–12) | EUR 38 |
| Snacks and drinks | EUR 20 |
| Souvenirs | EUR 15 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 123 |
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 Rotterdam Zoo
Address: Blijdorplaan 8, 3041 JJ Rotterdam, Netherlands
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About Rotterdam Zoo
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+31 10 443 1495Explore Popular Things to Do
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