9 fun farm and countryside outings with children in the Utrecht region
Picking apples, feeding goats, wandering through a maize maze or canoeing through the polder: you don’t have to look far for fun days out with children in the Utrecht region. There’s plenty to do on farms, at forts and in the heart of nature. Meanwhile, children learn through play where our food comes from, which animals live on and around the farmyard, and who looks after the countryside. Put on your wellies and set off on an adventure together!
1. Help the farmer at Hoeve Ravenstein
What’s it like to be a farmer yourself? At Hoeve Ravenstein, children can roll up their sleeves and get stuck in on the farmyard during ‘An Hour Helping the Farmer’. But there’s more to do: go on a farm treasure hunt, play clog golf or take part in the ‘Ravenstein Circuit’, a sort of life-size Game of the Goose with questions and tasks. All sorts of seasonal activities are also organised throughout the year, from treasure hunts and crafts to picking flowers in the picking garden. Had enough? Then it’s time for a tasty treat in the farm café. 
2. Pick apples and get lost at Nieuw Slagmaat
At Nieuw Slagmaat, you can easily while away a few hours during the picking season. During the apple-picking days, you can pick your own apples, pears, kiwi berries and pumpkins, and discover how the fruit is grown in the orchard. Afterwards, head into the maize maze with its observation tower, take a ride on a covered wagon or let off steam at the farm boot camp. Children can also dig for coins and play in the playground. Feel free to take a stroll along the cow track to have a look at the animals. And via the clog path, you’ll even reach a ferry. So there’s plenty to discover!
3. Go on an adventure in the polder at De Boerinn Farm
At Boerderij De Boerinn, sitting still isn’t really an option. With the Adventure Book, children aged 4 and over can set off on a journey of discovery past the animals, the water, the watchtower and the tractors – and of course, mud and poo are part of the fun too. Prefer a bit more action? Go canoeing or try ‘poldersport’, where you have to make your way across the ditch using ropes, bridges and other obstacles. There are also farm games and clog golf. So make sure to wear old clothes, as there’s no guarantee you’ll come home dry and clean.
4. Feed the goats at Geertjes Hoeve
At Geertjes Hoeve, children can experience farm life up close. Feed the goats, go for a pony ride or, in season, bottle-feed a lamb. There’s plenty of space to play, and during the holidays there are regular extra activities. Do pop into the cheese dairy and the farm shop to discover all the produce the farm has to offer. And afterwards? A pancake tastes even better after an afternoon outdoors, of course.
5. Stroll amongst the alpacas at Alpaca Langeslag
Fancy meeting an alpaca up close? You can at Alpaca Langeslag. During various alpaca activities, you’ll get to mingle with the animals, feed them and learn more about these curious creatures. From mid-April to the end of September, you can also go for a stroll through the polder with an alpaca. There are also special activities for children, such as a treasure hunt amongst the alpacas. Do plan ahead, though: Alpaca Langeslag operates by appointment only. 
6. Climb and get messy at Speelbos Nieuw Wulven
Looking for a free outdoor outing with children in Utrecht? At Speelbos Nieuw Wulven, nature is one big playground. Children can climb and scramble by the water, pump water themselves using the water pump and swing on car tyres. There’s also a large play fort, with a nod to the Romans and the Dutch Water Line. Take the animal guide with you and see which woodland creatures you can spot along the way.
7. Go on a treasure hunt at Fort Jutphaas with ‘Bij de Fortwachter’
Simply wandering around a real fort makes a visit to Bij de Fortwachter an exciting experience. Take a stroll through the leafy Fort Jutphaas in Nieuwegein, have a look at the bee colonies and let the children climb, scramble and slide in the play area. There are also regular treasure hunts, walks, workshops and other children’s activities. Afterwards, it’s nice to settle down at the Fortwachter for a tasty treat.
8. Take a peek behind the barn doors at Boerderij het Binnenveld
What is a typical day like on a real farm? At Boerderij het Binnenveld in Rhenen, children can see for themselves. On Wednesday afternoons, the farm is open especially for children. Walk around the farmyard, peek behind the barn doors and discover how the animals are looked after. From the ‘skybox’, you can also watch the dairy cows in the barn. This way, children can see up close where milk, cheese and other farm produce come from.
9. See the Lopikerwaard from the water at Recreatie Landschap Rosenboom
At Recreatie Landschap Rosenboom, you can discover the Utrecht countryside in a different way: from the water. Hire a canoe or electric boat and paddle together through the ditches and waterways of the Lopikerwaard. Prefer to have solid ground under your feet? Take a walk through the farmland and have a look at the cows, calves and chickens around the farm. Another highlight is the observation tower on the site, which you can climb by arrangement to enjoy views over the polders. And if you’re not ready to head home just yet, you can stay the night at the farm campsite.
Tip: some activities are seasonal or only available on certain days and require booking in advance. So always check the venue’s current calendar before you set off.
