Stadsboerderij de Houthoeve

Imagine a quiet and welcoming rural corner, located just a few steps away from the city rhythm. City Farm De Houthoeve (Stadsboerderij de Houthoeve) is a charming children's farm that offers residents of Amsterdam and guests of the Netherlands a unique opportunity to connect with the world of domestic animals.

This location combines the functions of a petting zoo and an educational center. Here, visitors can not only observe the daily lives of the inhabitants but also learn many interesting facts about animal husbandry and agriculture in an urban environment. The farm is highly valued for its cozy atmosphere and is an ideal place for a family getaway in nature.

Situated in a green zone, De Houthoeve is considered one of the region's best free attractions. Although the site is located in Haarlem, it is closely linked to the capital's tourist infrastructure, attracting thousands of people looking to spend time in harmony with nature and animals.

To plan your visit, you can use the following contact information:

At the farm, a hands-on experience with a wide variety of domestic animals awaits you. Children and adults can pet and feed cows, fluffy rabbits, pigs, and chickens. This is a great opportunity to see up close the animals we usually only encounter in books and to observe how the farm staff cares for them.

The grounds are perfect for picnics and peaceful walks in the fresh air. While children play in the safe green area, adults can enjoy the tranquility. The farm's educational elements help young explorers understand where the food on our table comes from and how rural life is organized.

On sunny days, informal events aimed at bringing people and nature closer together are often held here. You can watch the feeding process or participate in simple farm chores, turning a regular stroll into an educational and interactive experience.

Getting to this picturesque spot from the center of Amsterdam is quite simple. The most popular way is to take a train to Haarlem railway station. The journey is short, and from the station, you can reach the farm by bus or taxi in about 15–20 minutes.

If you prefer to drive, head from central Amsterdam via the A9 or A10 highways, transitioning to the N202 road toward Haarlem. The entire trip will take between 20 and 30 minutes, and parking is available near the site. Outdoor enthusiasts can make the trip by bicycle — excellent cycle paths lead from Amsterdam, and the distance is approximately 30 km.

For those already in the center of Haarlem, the walk to the farm takes about 20–30 minutes. The route passes through pleasant green spaces, making the walk part of an enjoyable outdoor experience.

City Farm De Houthoeve was founded in 1982. Its creation was the result of a municipal initiative to establish accessible public spaces in residential areas. Initially, the project was envisioned as an educational platform designed to bridge the gap between urban residents and nature.

Over the decades of its existence, the farm has evolved into a significant social and cultural hub for the Geuzenveld-Slotermeer district. It has become a place where children raised among stone and asphalt can see a cow for the first time or feed a rabbit, learning the basics of ecology and agriculture in a fun, interactive way.

The development of the site has always been supported by local authorities and active groups of volunteers. Thanks to their efforts, De Houthoeve constantly expands its educational programs and cares for a variety of resident animals, welcoming thousands of guests from across the region every year.

A standard tour of City Farm De Houthoeve usually takes about 1–2 hours. This is plenty of time to leisurely meet all the inhabitants, pet the animals, and stroll through the grounds.

If you are planning a trip with children, it's worth setting aside 2–3 hours for the visit. This allows time to relax in the green zone, have a small picnic, and get more involved in farm life, turning the visit into a full-scale daytime adventure.

Typically, City Farm De Houthoeve is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. Guests are welcome from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Monday is the farm's traditional day off.

Please note that the site may currently be temporarily closed. Before your trip, it is highly recommended to check the current operating schedule on official resources to ensure a successful visit.

Exploring the surrounding area after visiting the farm can significantly enrich your trip. The region offers many attractions, especially for families with children and fans of active leisure.