1. Spot Scottish Highland cattle in Huis ter Heide
Right in the middle of nature, and suddenly you find yourself face to face with a Scottish Highland cow. In the nature reserve Huis ter Heide near De Moer, it can happen just like that. The large grazers roam freely in the area and help keep the landscape open.
But did you know that many more unique animals live here? Various animals call the area around the ponds home, such as the moor frog, crested newt, natterjack toad, and palmate newt.
Of course, the chances of spotting all these animals on a single walk are slim—some aren’t so easy to spot. But that’s exactly what makes wildlife spotting here so much fun. Take a good look around, listen to the birds in the woods, and keep an eye out for tracks along the way. Who knows what you might discover!
Tip: If you come across a Scottish Highland cow, admire it from a safe distance. They are still large grazers, and you are a guest in their habitat.
Read more about the Scottish Highland Cattle
2. Out and about with an alpaca at De Smulhoeve
Spotting an alpaca is fun, but going for a walk with one is, of course, even more fun! At De Smulhoeve in Kaatsheuvel, everything revolves around animals and the outdoors. You’ll find alpacas, ponies, horses, goats, and rabbits, among other animals.
Want to make Animal Day truly special? Then head out together on an alpaca hike. While you enjoy the surroundings, your fluffy companion will happily walk alongside you. Especially for children, De Smulhoeve is a fun place not only to see animals but also to get to know them up close.
Want more information? Click here!
3. Go wildlife spotting in the Western Langstraat
For this tip, you’ll need to keep your eyes and ears wide open. In this nature reserve, the Westelijke Langstraat near Waalwijk, wildlife spotting is really all about tracking.
The area is home to roe deer and foxes, among other animals. Whether you’ll actually spot them, of course, remains a surprise. Birdwatchers also have plenty to discover here. You might spot the kingfisher, bluethroat, and hobby, among others.
Bring your binoculars and find a quiet spot. At the De Dullaard birdwatching hut, for example, you can gaze out over the nature reserve undisturbed. Who knows what might appear in front of your lens!
Discover the hiking trails!
4. Check out the Vossenberg Animal Pasture
From wildlife, we’re moving on to animals a little closer to home. In Kaatsheuvel, you’ll find Dierenweide Vossenberg: a lovely spot to stop by during a walk and see the animals.
Especially with young children, a petting zoo is a wonderfully simple outing. No elaborate itinerary or long hike—just getting outside together, seeing what animals are around, and enjoying the fresh air for a while.
Combine your visit with a walk through the area, for example, and you’ll have a relaxing day out with animals close to home!
Check out these tips for a day trip!
5. Meet the animals at Dorpsboerderij Waspik
There are plenty of four-legged friends waiting for you in Waspik, too. The Waspik village farm is home to a colorful collection of animals. Think Dutch landrace goats, dwarf goats, Göttingen pigs, mini donkeys, rabbits, and guinea pigs! And bird lovers are in for a treat, too—there are chickens and quails, among others.
The village farm is a fun place for children to get acquainted with different animals in a casual, accessible way.
Which one is your favorite?
Hiking in Waspik
6. Meet the animal family at Kinderboerderij 't Erf
We’ll wrap up our animal scavenger hunt in Waalwijk. At Kinderboerderij 't Erf it’s a lively menagerie. Among the animals living here are a Lakenvelder cow, miniature donkeys, Kunekune pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, and peacocks.
So there’s plenty to see. Take your time walking past the different enclosures and discover all the animals that live there. For children, it’s a fun way to see various farm animals up close.
Discover the nature reserves
Large herbivores in the wild, an alpaca as a hiking companion, or goats, pigs, and donkeys at the petting zoo: you don’t have to leave De Langstraat to meet animals.
Which animals will you visit first?
