Utrecht Natuurlijk operates a network of five city farms and six city gardens across Utrecht, designed to connect the community with nature, sustainable food production, and ecological practices. These lively locations offer a diverse range of activities for all ages, including interaction with farm animals, engaging playgrounds, educational workshops, and nature-themed courses.
Visitors have opportunities for direct harvesting experiences, varying by location and season. At several sites, such as Eilandsteede, Kasteeltuin Nijevelt, Stadstuin Food for Good, Stadstuin Klopvaart, Stadstuin Zuilen, and Steede Hoge Woerd, flowers are available for self-picking, often for a small fee, allowing guests to create their own bouquets.
Herbs can be picked or used by visitors at locations like Eilandsteede and Stadstuin Kanaalweg, sometimes requiring a small charge or prior inquiry. Stadstuin Plutodreef may also allow herb harvesting upon request.
For fresh produce, Stadstuin Zuilen dedicates specific Friday mornings during the growing season for visitors to self-harvest vegetables. Self-picking vegetables and fruit are also possible at Stadstuin Food for Good and Kasteeltuin Nijevelt by inquiring with staff. Steede Hoge Woerd features a self-service “harvest cabinet” where seasonal vegetables, herbs, and fruit can be selected and purchased directly. Additionally, farm shops at various locations offer local products like fresh eggs and honey.
The farms and gardens are generally open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 17:00, with some extending hours to include Mondays during specific school holidays. Most locations are designed to be wheelchair accessible, with ongoing efforts to ensure inclusive play areas.
What visitors say
This popular city farm and park in Utrecht, known as Griftstede, is widely praised as an exceptional destination for families, particularly those with young children. Visitors consistently highlight the diverse array of friendly and approachable animals, including cows, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice, with many opportunities for direct interaction, such as petting or walking in the animal enclosures.
Beyond the animal encounters, the farm boasts an extensive and well-maintained playground, featuring a variety of equipment suitable for toddlers through primary school-aged children. This includes sand and water play areas, bikes, scooters, and in the warmer months, a splash pool. For colder or wetter days, an indoor play area offers additional activities like dress-up, painting, and crafts. The serene, green environment provides a peaceful escape within the city, often hosting educational activities, workshops (like beekeeping and candle making), and events.
The staff and volunteers are frequently described as welcoming, friendly, and helpful, contributing to the pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. A cafe or kiosk on-site offers refreshments such as coffee, tea, and pastries, enhancing the visitor experience. While the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, some minor concerns are occasionally raised, including the high cost of parking in the vicinity, the disappointment over certain large playground slides being closed for safety, and the fact that some farm animals are raised for slaughter. Despite these few points, the farm is celebrated as a clean, well-organized, and stimulating environment where children can learn about nature and enjoy hours of play.