Apenheul in Brief
Apenheul is a primate park on the western edge of Apeldoorn, in the woods of the Berg en Bos park. It opened in 1971 and became known for letting some monkey species roam freely through the areas where visitors walk. Today it keeps around 35 primate species, from squirrel monkeys and lemurs to gorillas, bonobos and orangutans, in a woodland setting.
This guide focuses on planning the day: when to go, how to book, where to eat and how to make it work with children. For the animals themselves, the park's own signs and staff are the best source on the day.
When to Go and How to Book
Apenheul is open seasonally. In 2026 it is open daily from 20 March to 8 November, with hours that generally start at 10:00 and end between 16:00 and 18:00 depending on the period.
Visitors need a timed entry reservation through the official webshop. Standard 2026 prices are listed at about €30.50 for ages 13 and over and €27.50 for children aged 3 to 12, with under-3s free; online prices vary by date and time slot, so booking ahead can be cheaper. Parking costs around €11. Weekends and Dutch school holidays are busiest; a weekday in spring or early autumn is calmer.
Getting There
From Apeldoorn station, bus line 1 reaches the Apenheul stop in about 15 minutes. Apeldoorn has direct intercity trains from Amsterdam and Amersfoort. If driving, the park is signposted from the motorways around Apeldoorn.
Eating at Apenheul
The park has several places to eat, including the restaurants De Apegaap, Wildebras and De Waaghals, plus pop-up kiosks in busier periods. Staff at these outlets can advise on allergies and dietary needs, though the park says gluten-free food cannot be guaranteed. Check the current rules on the official website if you plan to bring your own picnic.
Wherever you eat, keep food out of sight in the free-roaming monkey areas. The animals recognise packaging and are quick to investigate. Eat in the restaurant areas or outside the free-roaming zones.
Planning the Day With Children
- Arrive at opening time. Primates are often more active in the cooler morning, and paths are quieter.
- Use the monkey-proof bag. The park lends visitors a bag designed to keep monkeys out; lockers at the entrance take a refundable euro coin.
- Strollers are welcome throughout the park, including the free-roaming zones.
- No pets. Dogs are not allowed.
- Pace it. Allow at least half a day, and plan breaks; small children tire on the woodland paths, some of which slope.
- Go back for a second look. Free-roaming animals move around, so an area that was quiet in the morning may be busy in the afternoon.
A simple plan that works for many families is to head straight for the free-roaming areas after opening, while the monkeys are lively and the paths are calm, then visit the great apes before lunch. Eat early to avoid the midday rush at the restaurants, and use the afternoon to revisit favourite areas at a slower pace before leaving.
What to Wear and Bring
The park is mostly outdoors under trees. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a waterproof layer in spring and autumn, and sun protection in summer. Leave loose items such as sunglasses on straps or dangling keyrings in your bag in the monkey areas. A camera with a quick shutter helps with fast-moving squirrel monkeys; flash photography is best avoided.
Nearby in Apeldoorn
Apenheul sits within Berg en Bos, a large wooded park with walking paths, which is pleasant for a stroll before or after your visit. Paleis Het Loo, the former royal palace on the north side of Apeldoorn, has restored formal gardens and a museum and makes a good second outing. To the west, Hoge Veluwe National Park, with free white bicycles and the Kröller-Müller Museum, is a short drive away and works well for another day.
