Dierenrijk | Maki's en vari's
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Dierenrijk Mierlo

4.4
·8k reviews·Nuenen, Netherlands

A family-friendly zoo near Eindhoven with diverse animals, engaging playgrounds, and exciting themed events like Dino Weeks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
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Dierenrijk | Maki's en vari's

Dierenrijk Mierlo

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, cooler temps

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A family-friendly zoo near Eindhoven with diverse animals, engaging playgrounds, and exciting themed events like Dino Weeks.

4.4
(8k reviews)

"Kids will adore the water playground and sandpit areas, providing hours of entertainment and a refreshing break."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Dino Weeks are a Hit!

Don't miss the Dino Weeks for an extra dose of prehistoric fun with rangers and activities!

💧 Water Playground Fun

Pack swim gear for the water playground; it's a huge hit with kids!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dino Weeks Adventure

Dino Weeks Adventure

Throughout the park

Experience over twenty life-sized dinosaurs, including impressive herbivores, during special themed weeks. A must-see for dinosaur enthusiasts!

Close-Up Animal Encounters

Close-Up Animal Encounters

Various enclosures

Enjoy unique opportunities to see animals like tigers and chimpanzees up close, sometimes without cages, offering an immersive experience.

Interactive Playgrounds

Interactive Playgrounds

Designated play areas

Kids will adore the water playground and sandpit areas, providing hours of entertainment and a refreshing break.

New Tiger Habitat

New Tiger Habitat

Tiger enclosure

Explore the recently updated tiger habitat, designed to be more naturalistic and provide better viewing opportunities for visitors.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

Visit on weekdays during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and milder weather. Weekends and holidays, especially during summer, can get very busy and hot, impacting animal visibility and visitor comfort. Arrive early to make the most of cooler mornings and before peak times.

Plan for Playtime Fun

Dierenrijk is designed with families in mind, featuring excellent playgrounds that kids often love more than the animals! Consider dedicating a significant portion of your visit to these areas, especially if traveling with younger children. Pack accordingly for water play if visiting the water playground.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Crowd
Low
When
Spring/Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends/Holidays
Why
Peak season, busy
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

PAS OP: dinosauriërs nemen Dierenrijk over! 🦖 Meer dan twintig levensechte dinosauriërs keren terug naar Dierenrijk voor de derde editie van de Dino Weken. Van vrijdag 29 maart tot en met zondag 26 mei zijn de oeroude dieren te bewonderen. De plantenetende Wuerhosaurus en Omeisaurus zijn deze editie de hoogtepunten: de dinosauriërs zijn meer dan vier meter hoog! 🦕 General manager van Dierenrijk ...
eindhovenzoo
149 likes • 5.8K views

🎯 Dino Weeks are a Hit!

Don't miss the Dino Weeks for an extra dose of prehistoric fun with rangers and activities! Instagram+1

💧 Water Playground Fun

Pack swim gear for the water playground; it's a huge hit with kids! Reddit

📍Dierenrijk Mierlo #dierenrijk #dinoexperience #dierenrijkmierlo #dierentuin #dinos #zoonetherlands #dinosaurslover #wildworldlife #lovedinos #zoolife #zoovideo
seashesees
42 likes • 238 views
📍 🇳🇱 Dierenrijk zoo, Heiderschoor 24, 5731 RG Mierlo (near Eindhoven) @dierenrijkmierlo 🌳 outdoor zoo 👦👧 from 2 years 💵 free until the age of 2, from 3 years - 22,50 Euro 🕑 at least 2 hours (half a day to discover everything and enjoy the playgrounds)
kelguru
59 likes • 1.6K views

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the zoo and playgrounds. Instagram

⏰ Arrive Early

Beat the heat and crowds by arriving at opening time, especially in summer. Instagram

Promotie video-foto's dierenrijk mierlo met mijn knapperd
nicolebrandon6
12 likes • 455 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Dino Weeks are a Hit!

Don't miss the Dino Weeks for an extra dose of prehistoric fun with rangers and activities! Instagram+1

💧 Water Playground Fun

Pack swim gear for the water playground; it's a huge hit with kids! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the zoo and playgrounds. Instagram

⏰ Arrive Early

Beat the heat and crowds by arriving at opening time, especially in summer. Instagram

🦁 Check Feeding Times

Animal feedings are great, but check schedules as they might not be in English. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Dierenrijk Mierlo is praised as a great family-friendly zoo with excellent playgrounds and unique animal viewing opportunities, including immersive Dino Weeks. However, some visitors find the ticket prices high for the number of animals and note that food options are basic.

"The best zoo I’ve ever visited!
It’s not too big, which makes it perfect for a relaxing walk without having to walk long distances. The whole area is beautifully green, making it a lovely place for a stroll while enjoying the animals. There are lots of animals, and most of them are very easy to see. One of the best things is that you can enter some of the animal areas and watch them without cages or bars, which is amazing. It’s also a great place for kids, with plenty of attractions for them. I highly recommend it!"

Paulina M

"A great day with the family but it’s a very hot day, few animal feedings during the day, but none of it in English so kids lost interested. Couldn’t see a few animals like red pandas as it’s hidden somewhere. Food is very basic with chips, fish cake & sausages. There is indoor playground, some sand pitch to play. Good enough for the family. Gift shop is not much impressive."

Day Day Play

"Honestly, I expected more from Zoo Eindhoven. The ticket price is way too high for the small number of animals and limited attractions. It just didn’t feel worth it. On the bright side, the parking area is big and easy to find. But overall, I wouldn’t go back."

Anna

What People Like

Excellent playgrounds
Close-up animal viewing
Dino Weeks events

What People Dislike

High ticket prices
Basic food options
Limited animal variety

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Dierenrijk Mierlo is located at Heiderschoor 24, 5731 RG Mierlo, near Eindhoven. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options include bus routes from nearby towns, though driving is generally more convenient. Instagram

Yes, there is a large and easy-to-find parking area. Note that parking tickets may incur an additional cost. Reddit

While public transport is an option, it might involve multiple transfers and longer travel times. Check local bus schedules for routes serving Mierlo. Instagram

Absolutely! Dierenrijk Mierlo is a popular day trip destination from Eindhoven, easily reachable by car in a short amount of time. Instagram

Use your GPS and input the address: Heiderschoor 24, 5731 RG Mierlo. The zoo is well-signposted in the local area. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, but expect to pay around €22.50 for visitors aged 3 and up. Children under 3 are typically free. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing. InstagramReddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or special events like Dino Weeks, to guarantee entry and potentially save time. Instagram

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Dierenrijk Mierlo website for the most up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times. Instagram

Discounts may be available through specific promotions, family passes, or partnerships. Keep an eye on their website or social media for any offers. Instagram

Yes, parking is often an additional cost on top of the admission ticket. Some reviews mention needing an exit ticket as well, which is unusual. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Dierenrijk Mierlo features a variety of animals including tigers, lions, chimpanzees, penguins, rhinos, and more. They also host special events like the popular Dino Weeks. Instagram+3

Yes, Dierenrijk is highly recommended for families with children. It boasts excellent playgrounds, including a water playground, and offers interactive experiences. InstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! Dierenrijk has fantastic playgrounds, including a water playground and sandpit, which are often a major highlight for younger visitors. Reddit+2

Some enclosures allow for very close viewing, with opportunities to see animals without cages or bars, creating an immersive experience. Reddit

A visit typically takes at least 2 hours, but many families spend half a day or more, especially if enjoying the playgrounds. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Food options are generally basic, often including fries, fish cakes, and sausages. You might want to pack snacks or plan for a simple meal. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, bringing your own snacks and drinks is usually permitted in Dutch zoos, which can be a budget-friendly option. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's best to inquire upon arrival or consider bringing your own food if you have specific dietary needs. Reddit

Yes, there are food facilities available, offering typical zoo fare. Reddit

Food prices are typical for a zoo attraction, which can be on the higher side. Packing your own snacks can help manage costs. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Look for areas with good natural light and clear views of the animals. The updated tiger habitat and enclosures with open viewing areas offer great photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed throughout the zoo. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography or protected areas. Instagram

A camera with good zoom capabilities is helpful for capturing distant animals. A smartphone with a decent camera will also suffice for most visitors. Instagram

Drone usage is typically prohibited in zoos to avoid disturbing the animals and for safety reasons. Always check the zoo's official policy. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide softer light and more active animals, making them ideal for photography. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Dierenrijk Mierlo is a fantastic choice for families! The playgrounds, especially the water playground, are a huge hit and can keep kids entertained for hours. Reddit+1 Plan to spend a good chunk of your day here. You'll also find a variety of animals, and the Dino Weeks offer a special, exciting experience with interactive activities. Instagram

Consider packing swim gear for the water play and comfortable shoes for everyone. While animal feedings are available, note that they might not be in English, so focus on the visual experience and the fun of the playgrounds. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Dierenrijk Mierlo offers a good family experience, some reviews suggest the ticket price can be on the higher side for the number of animals. Reddit To manage costs, consider packing your own snacks and drinks, as food options inside can be basic and pricey. Reddit Visiting on weekdays might offer a slightly less crowded experience, though prices are generally consistent. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Dierenrijk Mierlo offers opportunities to capture unique shots, especially with its close-up viewing areas and the immersive Dino Weeks. InstagramReddit The new tiger enclosure and other improved habitats provide more naturalistic backdrops. Instagram Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best light and potentially more active animals. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Dino Weeks Experience

Dierenrijk Mierlo frequently hosts its popular Dino Weeks, transforming the zoo into a prehistoric wonderland. During this event, over twenty life-sized dinosaur models are scattered throughout the park, offering an exciting adventure for visitors of all ages. Highlights often include impressive herbivores like the Wuerhosaurus and Omeisaurus. Instagram+2

Beyond just viewing the models, the Dino Weeks often feature interactive activities. Visitors can join dino rangers on expeditions, participate in bone digs, and learn fascinating facts about the dinosaur era. Completing these activities can even earn you a dino ranger diploma, making the experience even more memorable for kids. Instagram

It's important to note that the Dino Weeks are a special event, typically running for a limited time, often during spring holidays like Easter and the May holidays. Checking the Dierenrijk Mierlo website for specific dates and any additional event-related ticket information is highly recommended to plan your visit accordingly. Instagram

Family Fun & Playgrounds

Dierenrijk Mierlo is exceptionally well-suited for families, with a strong emphasis on child-friendly attractions. Beyond the animal encounters, the zoo boasts impressive playgrounds that are often a major draw for younger visitors. The water playground is a particular hit, offering a refreshing and fun way for children to cool down, especially on warmer days. Reddit+1

Many reviews highlight that children can spend a significant amount of time enjoying these play areas, sometimes even preferring them over exploring the animal exhibits. This makes Dierenrijk a great option for families with diverse interests, ensuring that all children can find something to enjoy. The presence of sandpit areas further adds to the play opportunities. Reddit+1

When planning your visit, it's wise to allocate ample time for playground fun. Packing appropriate clothing, such as swimwear and a towel for the water playground, is advisable. This focus on interactive play alongside animal viewing makes Dierenrijk a well-rounded destination for a family day out. InstagramReddit

Animal Viewing & Enclosures

The zoo aims to provide an engaging experience with its animal inhabitants. Visitors can expect to see a variety of species, including tigers, lions, chimpanzees, and penguins. A notable aspect of Dierenrijk is that some enclosures are designed to allow for close-up viewing, with certain areas offering opportunities to observe animals without traditional cages or bars. InstagramReddit+1

While many animals are easily visible, some reviews mention that certain species, like red pandas, can be elusive or hidden. The zoo has also invested in improving habitats, such as the new tiger enclosure and a new water playground area, aiming to create more naturalistic environments and enhance visitor viewing. InstagramReddit

It's worth noting that some visitors have expressed a desire for larger enclosures for certain animals, suggesting that space can sometimes appear limited. However, the overall impression from many reviews is that the animals are well-kept, clean, and cared for, contributing to a positive viewing experience. Reddit

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