Utrecht Natuurlijk is an organization with five city farms and six city gardens in Utrecht, open year-round. They offer a variety of activities and educational programs focused on nature, biodiversity, and sustainable living for all ages. Visitors can enjoy animals, participate in gardening, play, learn, and shop at farm stores and cafes.
Here’s what the different locations of Utrecht Natuurlijk offer:
- Farm Stores and Cafes: Many locations sell fresh, local products. They provide coffee, lunch and homemade pastries. Some even provide vegetables, eggs and honey.
- Animals: Most farms have farm animals, where visitors can interact with pigs, cows, goats, chickens, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, birds and cats. They also house rare farm animal species.
- Playgrounds: Some locations have playgrounds, where kids can climb, build, and experiment with water.
Here’s what the different gardens of Utrecht Natuurlijk offer:
- Various gardens: Each garden offers different activities, from picking flowers to volunteering in the common gardens. The city gardens are all aimed at sustainability.
- Harvest gardens: Several gardens have ““harvest”” gardens, where visitors can pick the fruits and vegetables they want and buy them for a small price.
- Flower gardens: Several gardens have self picking flower gardens.
- Food forests: Several gardens house food forests, which are new. Visitors are allowed to join this growing process.
What visitors say
This charming urban farm is a delightful destination for families, offering a wide range of activities and attractions for children of all ages. Visitors consistently praise the variety of friendly animals, including cows, sheep, goats, rabbits, and even peacocks, many of which can be petted. The farm boasts a well-maintained playground, complete with bikes, scooters, and a water play area, ensuring hours of entertainment. There is also a small shop with local products.
Parents appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to enjoy quality coffee, homemade cakes, and light lunches at the café, though some find the prices a bit steep. The staff is consistently described as friendly and helpful. The farm also caters to children with special needs. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, it’s a great spot year-round. Though some reviewers mentioned that the place is not well-kept hygienically and suggest bringing hand sanitizer. Also, a missing slide was noted. Overall, this urban farm is considered a gem, providing a pleasant and engaging experience for both children and adults.