Apenheul Primate Park
Walk among over 200 free-roaming primates in a beautiful forest setting. Experience unique treetop trails and a nocturnal house.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Apenheul Primate Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk among over 200 free-roaming primates in a beautiful forest setting. Experience unique treetop trails and a nocturnal house.
"You can walk among various monkey species freely, and it’s incredible how close you can get to them!"
🎒 Secure Your Belongings!
Primates are known to be curious thieves! Use the free anti-primate bags provided to keep your valuables safe.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the park.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Free-Roaming Monkey Encounters
Throughout the park
Walk among diverse monkey species as they freely explore their naturalistic habitat. Get incredibly close to these fascinating creatures!
+1
Treetop Trail Adventure
Above the forest floor
Experience the park from a new perspective on elevated walkways, offering unique views of the primates and the surrounding forest.
Nocturnal Monkey House
Indoor exhibit
Discover the fascinating world of nocturnal primates and observe their behaviors in a specially designed, dimly lit environment.
Gorilla Feeding Presentation
Gorilla enclosure
Witness the impressive gorillas during their feeding sessions and learn fascinating facts from the park's knowledgeable keepers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Free-Roaming Primates
Plan for a Full Day of Discovery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Secure Your Belongings!
Primates are known to be curious thieves! Use the free anti-primate bags provided to keep your valuables safe.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the park.
☀️ Stay Sun Protected
The park offers plenty of natural shade, but sunscreen dispensers are available for extra protection.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone to snap incredible photos of the primates in their naturalistic environment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Secure Your Belongings!
Primates are known to be curious thieves! Use the free anti-primate bags provided to keep your valuables safe.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrain. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring the park.
☀️ Stay Sun Protected
The park offers plenty of natural shade, but sunscreen dispensers are available for extra protection.
📸 Capture the Moments
Bring your camera or phone to snap incredible photos of the primates in their naturalistic environment.
💧 Stay Hydrated
There are restaurants and toilets, but bringing your own water bottle is always a good idea.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible experience of walking among free-roaming primates, highlighting the close encounters and naturalistic environment. The park is praised for its family-friendly amenities, educational value, and well-maintained grounds. Some minor points of improvement include language inclusivity for presentations.
"Apenheul is a beautiful park with great visibility of the monkeys and superb, friendly staff. The landscaping is lovely, and the whole place feels clean and well-kept. The only downside: the paper maps often end up soggy in the water, which makes things messy — a digital app or clearer route signs would be a big improvement.
Avoid going in the summer break — it’s just too crowded and very loud. For children who get easily overstimulated, a weekday in low season is a much better choice. The food is below average, even though there are plenty of food squares to choose from.
The park also has several playgrounds that are both challenging and fun for younger kids, which is a real plus for families. The walk through the park is long but very scenic if you enjoy nature. Parking looks like it could be chaotic on busy days, but thanks to the staff’s excellent handling and clear protocols, there’s really no room for chaos — they keep everything moving smoothly.
One tip: don’t bring small items in your pockets (sunglasses, phones, etc.). Consider adding a small travel lock to your bag, otherwise you’ll be required to carry one of the free Apenheul monkey-proof bags. They’re big enough, but when packed too heavy, they can become a real strain on your shoulders.
All in all, a beautifully maintained park with wonderful staff and a unique experience — best enjoyed outside peak season."
S Leander
"Amazing experience. If you have a stroller, they will get on the stroller. They provide free anti-primate bags to put your stuff in. You get to be so close to the animals! There are activities throughout the park to keep kids entertained and engaged. As well as fun facts and other educational things along the way."
Ashlee Crawford
"Apenheul – Where the Monkeys Are Better Behaved Than Some Visitors
Apenheul was pure magic. The park (and the nearby public park) is spotless, beautifully kept, and just a short walk from a spacious parking area. The real highlight? Dozens of monkey species roaming free, completely at ease – it’s like stepping into their world instead of peering at them from behind glass.
At the entrance, you get a free monkey-proof bag to protect your belongings from curious little hands. You can skip it if you’ve already made your own “thief-proof” setup (think carabiners locking your zippers) – but trust me, the monkeys will test your security system.
Friendly staff are everywhere, making sure both monkeys and humans stay safe – a small miracle considering there are still the occasional unsupervised kids and the inevitable wheeled trailers people insist on dragging along.
The feeding sessions are a must. Check the website or park guide for times – you’ll learn a lot and it’s a joy to watch. Huge applause for the staff, who clearly care deeply for the animals and create an experience that feels respectful, educational, and unforgettable."
Laura Forro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Apenheul is located in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. You can reach it by car, with parking available on-site (fee applies). Public transport options include taking a train to Apeldoorn Central Station and then a bus or taxi to the park.
Yes, Apenheul is about an hour's drive from Amsterdam. You can also take a train from Amsterdam to Apeldoorn, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Apenheul offers parking facilities for visitors. There is a fee for parking, typically charged per 20 minutes.
Absolutely! You can take a train to Apeldoorn and then catch a local bus that stops near the park. Check local public transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, Apenheul is very stroller-friendly, making it easy for families with young children to navigate the park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official Apenheul website for the most current pricing and to book in advance, especially during peak season.
While tickets are often available at the entrance, booking online in advance is advisable to guarantee entry and potentially secure better rates.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or groups. It's best to check the Apenheul website for any ongoing promotions or special offers.
Apenheul is a seasonal park, and its opening hours vary throughout the year. Always check the official website for the most accurate and up-to-date opening times before your visit.
During busy periods, it might be necessary to book a specific time slot to manage visitor numbers. Check the booking process on the Apenheul website when purchasing your tickets.
🎫 🐒 Onsite Experience
The best way is to explore the park at your own pace, allowing the free-roaming primates to approach you. Keep an eye out for feeding times and keeper talks for more insights.
No, feeding the animals is strictly prohibited to ensure their health and well-being. Stick to the designated feeding times with keeper presentations.
Yes, Apenheul is very family-friendly with numerous play areas, interactive exhibits, and educational activities designed to engage children.
Be vigilant and use the provided anti-primate bags for your belongings. If a monkey does grab something, remain calm and alert a park staff member.
Apenheul is generally accessible, with paved paths and ramps. However, some areas might have uneven terrain. It's advisable to check their website for specific accessibility information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Apenheul has restaurants and snack bars where you can purchase food and drinks. You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy in designated areas.
The park offers a variety of options, typically including sandwiches, snacks, meals, and beverages.
Picnics are welcome at Apenheul. There are designated areas where you can enjoy your own food and drinks.
While specific menus can change, most park restaurants offer a selection of options. It's a good idea to inquire directly at the food outlets for current vegetarian or vegan choices.
The park has several dining spots. The main restaurant often offers a good range of choices. Enjoying a meal amidst the park's atmosphere is part of the experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere you can get close to the free-roaming primates! The treetop trail also offers unique vantage points. Be patient and wait for those perfect moments.
It's generally best to avoid using flash photography, especially in the nocturnal house or when animals are resting, as it can disturb them.
A camera with good zoom capabilities is ideal for capturing primates from a respectful distance. However, even a smartphone can capture great shots.
While general photography is allowed, be mindful of the animals' comfort and avoid intrusive behavior. Some specific exhibits might have temporary restrictions.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light and more active animals. Golden hour can be magical for capturing atmospheric shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to utilize the free anti-primate bags to keep your belongings secure from curious little hands.
💑 Couples and Adults
+1 The treetop trail offers stunning views and a sense of adventure. Beyond the primate encounters, the park's beautifully landscaped grounds and shaded paths create a pleasant atmosphere for a relaxed day. Enjoy a picnic lunch or grab a bite at one of the park's eateries.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Nature Enthusiasts
+1 You can spend hours observing their social interactions and natural movements without the barriers of traditional enclosures. Take advantage of the educational talks to deepen your understanding of primate conservation efforts.
It's a place to connect with nature and wildlife on a profound level. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Apenheul Experience: Free-Roaming Primates
+1This freedom allows the animals to exhibit more natural behaviors, offering visitors a unique glimpse into their lives. The park provides visitors with special 'anti-primate bags' to store personal belongings, a crucial tip as these curious primates are known to playfully snatch items!
Beyond the free-roaming areas, Apenheul also features a nocturnal house for observing night-active species and an elevated treetop trail that offers a different perspective on the park and its inhabitants.
The park's commitment to education is evident through informative signage and keeper talks, making it an enriching experience for all ages. Conservation and Education at Apenheul
Educational initiatives are at the core of Apenheul's mission. Through engaging presentations, informative displays, and the very design of the park, visitors learn about the challenges primates face in the wild, such as habitat loss and illegal trade. The goal is to foster a greater understanding and respect for these animals and inspire action towards their protection.
Visitors can learn about specific species, their diets, social structures, and conservation status. The park's dedication to providing a naturalistic environment for its animals also serves as a living laboratory for researchers and a powerful educational tool for the public.
Navigating Apenheul with Families
The park is well-equipped for families, featuring numerous play areas where children can climb, jump, and burn off energy.
Beyond the sheer joy of seeing monkeys, Apenheul provides educational opportunities through interactive exhibits and keeper talks, making the visit both entertaining and informative. The 'anti-primate bags' are a fun, practical tip that kids often find amusing while ensuring their belongings are safe.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit