What Makes Apenheul Different
Apenheul is a primate park in the wooded Berg en Bos area on the west side of Apeldoorn, in Gelderland. When it opened on 12 July 1971, it was the first zoo in the world where monkeys could move freely through the forest among visitors. Several species, including squirrel monkeys and lemurs, still roam freely in parts of the park, while gorillas, orangutans, bonobos and other apes live on large islands and in enclosures. It is a popular family day out, and with a little planning it does not have to be an expensive one.
When It Is Open
Apenheul is a seasonal park. In 2026 it opened on 20 March and stays open daily until 8 November. Opening hours are generally 10:00 to 17:00, extended to 18:00 in high summer. The park is closed in winter. Spring and autumn weekdays outside school holidays are the quietest times, and the animals are often more active in cooler weather.
Saving on Tickets
Ticket prices at the gate in 2026 are about €30.50 for visitors aged 13 and over and €27.50 for children aged 3 to 12. Children under 3 enter free. The most important saving tips:
- Buy online in advance. Online prices are lower than gate prices and vary by date, so booking early for a quiet day is usually cheapest.
- Reserve a time slot. In addition to a ticket, you need a free timed-entry slot, booked through Apenheul's webshop.
- Watch for promotions. Discounted tickets are sometimes sold through Dutch supermarkets, discount sites and partner programmes. Only buy from recognised sellers.
- Consider a season pass if you live nearby or plan to return in the same year.
- Combine with the season. Early and late season dates are often among the cheapest online.
Food and Drink
Restaurants and kiosks in the park are convenient but add up for a family. You can bring your own snacks and lunch, but the park's rules ask visitors not to eat in the areas where primates roam freely, so plan to eat in the designated areas. Bring refillable water bottles.
Never feed the animals. Human food, including fruit, nuts and sweets, can make primates seriously ill. Keep bags closed and zipped where monkeys roam; curious squirrel monkeys are quick to investigate loose items, and staff may ask you to store bags at certain points.
Getting There Without Spending Much
- By train and bus. Apeldoorn station has direct trains from Amsterdam, Utrecht and other cities. From the station, local buses run towards Berg en Bos and Apenheul; plan the connection with the 9292 app, as routes and frequencies change by season.
- By bike. The park is about 3 to 4 kilometres from the station, and Apeldoorn is good cycling country.
- By car. There is a large car park at the entrance, which charges a fee per car per day, around €11 in 2026. Sharing a car with another family halves that cost.
Free and Cheap Extras Nearby
- Berg en Bos park. The wooded park around Apenheul has walking trails and is free to visit. It is a good place for a picnic before or after the zoo.
- Paleis Het Loo. The former royal palace and its formal baroque gardens are on the north side of Apeldoorn. Entry is paid, so it is a splurge rather than a budget extra, but the woods around Apeldoorn are free to walk.
- The Veluwe. The large forest and heathland area around Apeldoorn has free walking and cycling routes; the Hoge Veluwe National Park, a little further away, charges admission.
Tips for a Good Day
- Arrive at opening time. Many feeding moments and talks happen in the morning, and paths are less crowded.
- Check the daily programme on arrival for keeper talks and feeding times, which are free with entry.
- Dress for the weather. Much of the park is outdoors and paths can be muddy after rain.
- Pushchairs are fine on the main paths, but some areas have slopes and bridges.
- Allow four to five hours to see the park at a relaxed pace with children.
