This network of urban farms and gardens across Utrecht offers a variety of green experiences for visitors of all ages. It features five city farms and six city gardens, each contributing to a greener, healthier, and more sustainable city environment.
Visitors can enjoy interacting with farm animals such as pigs, goats, sheep, cows, chickens, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, birds, and cats. Some locations host rare agricultural breeds like Frisian dairy sheep and Blaarkop cattle. The sites also provide natural playgrounds for children to explore, climb, and engage in imaginative play, some even equipped with accessible features. Educational programs and workshops focus on nature, gardening, sustainable food production, and animal welfare.
Many locations include farm shops or cafes where guests can purchase fresh, local, and seasonal products. These offerings often include fresh eggs and honey from local beekeepers.
For those interested in gathering their own produce, several city gardens offer self-picking opportunities:
- Flowers are available for picking at designated flower gardens, particularly during the summer and picking season (typically mid-June to late October), including at Eilandsteede, Kasteeltuin Nijevelt, Stadstuin Food for Good, Stadstuin Kanaalweg, Stadstuin Klopvaart, Stadstuin Zuilen, and Steede Hoge Woerd. Visitors can often pick their own bouquets for a fee.
- Vegetables and herbs can be self-harvested at Stadstuin Zuilen every Friday during the growing season (May to October). At Kasteeltuin Nijevelt, Stadstuin Food for Good, Stadstuin Klopvaart, and Stadstuin Plutodreef, it may also be possible to gather your own seasonal vegetables and herbs by inquiring with the staff.
- Fruit is harvested from orchards at locations like Koppelsteede, where visitors can sometimes help with the autumn harvest of apples for juice. Kasteeltuin Nijevelt also mentions fruit as part of its available harvest.
The farms and gardens are generally open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00, with extended hours on Mondays during certain school holidays. They aim to be largely wheelchair accessible and offer diverse activities, often free of charge or with discounts for low-income residents.
What visitors say
This popular city farm and its expansive park consistently receive high praise from visitors, establishing itself as a cherished destination for families across generations. It offers a delightful experience for children of all ages, from toddlers to older kids, making it a favorite for parents and grandparents alike.
Central to its appeal is a large, meticulously maintained petting zoo, home to a diverse array of friendly animals including goats, sheep, guinea pigs, rabbits, ponies, and horses. Children are encouraged to interact with the animals, a highlight often facilitated by the enthusiastic and welcoming staff who provide educational insights, particularly during the popular 3:30 PM feeding session.
Adjacent to the animal enclosures, an extensive and well-equipped playground provides ample entertainment. Featuring everything from slides and a cable car to a spacious sandpit, it is designed for easy supervision, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. During summer, a shallow paddling pool is a popular addition for younger visitors.
The surrounding park serves as a beautiful and tranquil natural escape within the city, ideal for leisurely walks, cycling, and picnics amidst its vibrant flower gardens, especially in spring. It also includes a unique hill, a jogging track, and connects to other scenic areas like the Vecht river and the historic Fort aan de Klop. This verdant haven is widely appreciated as a refreshing break from urban life.
Overall, the atmosphere is described as inviting and well-cared-for, thanks in part to the dedicated and friendly staff and volunteers. While a few visitors mentioned minor areas for improvement, such as the cleanliness of toilets, occasional inaccessible fields, or the desire for a more substantial dining option, these points are largely overshadowed by the overwhelmingly positive sentiment regarding the farm’s engaging activities, educational opportunities, and its role as a vibrant community hub.