This place is wonderful. For youngsters and olders. You'll have lot of fun and will learn tons of interesting stuff, not to mention - most of the monkeys look adorable. One more thing - small monkeys will walk/run/hide around you, so make sure to protect your backpack - this little crazy but cute creatures know how to get everywhere!
we took our kids here years ago and were really looking forward to taking our grandchildren aged 3.5 and almost 2. We weren't disappointed. Apenheul is still a wonderful place both for adults and children, the children were enchanted with how close they could be with the little monkeys and it is also wonderful to see how very large the area is that the various primates can roam in. The children also really enjoyed the petting area where they could touch sheep, goats and pigs. We're so glad we went back and it was more than worth the journey from where we stayed and the entry fee.
You don't hear much about this outdoor monkey zoo, but it is really great if you have kids. The little monkeys will climb on you.
The Apenheul is the monkey Zoo of Holland. They only have monkey's in this zoo. You would think that, that would be boring but that's so not true! We enjoyed every seccond and stayed till the parc closed!Before you step in to the parc you get a bag to put in yout bab... The monkey's who are walking around are verry clever and before you know it there in your bag and stealing your wallet/candy/botlle of wat...When you step into the parc there are litlle squirrel monkey's who are jumping around. And if you're lucky they jump on your lap or climb into your jacket. There is a huge variaty of monkey's big and small ones. Some walk around and some are kept on Islands. At the entrence you get a feeding scedule so you can visit the animals while there being fed. The zookeeper tell something about the specific specie and you can also ask questions.
I strongly dislike zoos, seeing animals in cages makes me sad. We decided to make an exception as we read such nice things about Apenheul. I was very pleased with the visit. There is a very long walk from the parking lot to the actual park. Admission is not cheap, but nothing in Netherlands is. Upon entering we were advised numerous times to put all belonging in a monkey free bag. Good thing we did because once we crossed a bridge we were surrounded by dozens on tiny little pick pocketing monkeys. They jumped on my daughters head, they stuck their hand in my back pocket and then jumped onto someone else's stroller and started going through her bags. I decided the fee for the park was worth it after 5 minutes. Another highlight was the lemurs who walk up to you and investigate you. There was one part where you walk through an area that had two large beautiful silver monkeys in it. One of them suddenly jumped up and came running at me, he went around me and jumped on the woman behind me, slapped her in the face and kept going. It was hysterical and frightening. We quickly moved on from that area. I highly recommend that people visit here. I would also suggest you go during a week when the masses are in school so it is calmer. Also go first thing in the morning when the monkeys are out and about.
We have a family subscription to the Apenheul and go there quite regularly. The location and atmosphere are very nice and the kids love to go here.
Located in Apeldoorn in a beautifull, small "hilly" forest.I hadn't been at the Apenheul for a long time, a lot of improvement and I loved our visite.You'll find many different species of primates. Cute sqirrel monkeys are roaming free. They interact with people, hoping to find some (forbidden!) food. Gorillas and Orang oetans are living on islands and can be observed very well.
Both to kids and grown-ups this is a wonderfull experience.... The monkeys are treated with respect and with good care. Of course it is the best to see them in the wild, but that is'nt given to everybody. For people who want to learn more about monkeys, or for those who want to have fun this is a good day spend.Also the area of the royal woods and the park Berg and Bos in which the apenheul is located are worth the visit
The monkeys are eating from your hands. What can be better then that.Unfortunatly, the presentations are only in Dutch, so English visitors are kept behind.
Not a cage in sight. Great variety of primates including magnificent great Apes (Gorillas, Orang Utans and Bonobos). Enclosures are very spacious islands with natural water barriers. Some smaller species are free to roam among visitors. Excellent facilities and learning centers, good for visitors of every age. Well worth a visit if you're in the Netherlands and fancy a day away from Amsterdam.