ZOO Planckendael: a wildlife world tour
If you’re looking for a real family outing that easily takes up several hours, ZOO Planckendael clearly ticks the right boxes. The park is built as a journey through different continents, which makes the visit more lively than a simple animal trail. We move from universe to universe, with very different atmospheres, large outdoor spaces and several highlights that really appeal to children.
In Asia, orangutans, gibbons and crested macaques can be seen, as well as rhinos and Indian elephants. In Africa, it’s time for bonobos and hyenas.
In Oceania, koalas are one of the great must-sees. This variety gives rhythm to the visit and avoids any impression of repetition.
Planckendael in 5 points
- The park is discovered as a journey across several continents, which makes the visit very fluid and more immersive for children.
- Asia is one of the great highlights, with orangutans, gibbons, crested macaques, but also rhinos and Indian elephants.
- Africa brings a different rhythm of visits, with bonobos and hyenas in particular.
- Oceania adds a real exotic touch, especially thanks to the koalas, which are eagerly awaited by the children.
- The playgrounds spread throughout the park are a real plus, especially to last a half day or a full day with children.
Why we like it
- A very complete outing, which combines walking, large animals and a change of scenery.
- A varied course, with real differences in atmosphere from one continent to another.
- Species that are very popular with children, such as orangutans, elephants, bonobos or koalas.
- Playgrounds throughout the visit, which make the day easier to live with the family.
The team’s opinion
It’s the kind of outing that we easily recommend when we want to please the whole family without asking too many questions. The setting is large, airy, exotic, and the construction of the park by continents works very well. You don’t feel like you’re always doing the same thing, which really helps kids stay hooked from start to finish.
We particularly like the balance between the large emblematic animals and the more playful moments thanks to the playgrounds.
Practical information
- Age : outing suitable for all ages.
- Duration : easily plan a big half day, and often the day if you really want to enjoy the park.
- Location : ZOO Planckendael, Leuvensesteenweg 582, 2812 Muizen.
- Access : The park can be reached by train via Mechelen station, with connection solutions provided from the station.
- Opening hours : the schedules and the program of the day are to be checked before the visit on the official dedicated page.
- Family : several playgrounds are dotted around the visit, which is very enjoyable with children.
Questions
The ZOO Planckendael is very suitable for a big half-day, but it is quite possible to spend the whole day there if you really want to enjoy the different worlds of the park.
Yes, definitely. The park works well with the family thanks to its very varied route, its large animals divided into areas and its play areas that allow you to punctuate the visit.
Yes. The park is connected to Mechelen station via solutions designed to facilitate arrival by transport.
Yes. The park has facilities for visitors with reduced mobility, and wheelchairs can be borrowed at the entrance upon presentation of an ID.
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ASIA:
It is one of the great highlights of the visit, along with orangutans, gibbons, crested macaques, but also rhinos and Indian elephants.
AFRICA :
A very striking universe to observe bonobos and hyenas, with a very different atmosphere from the rest of the route.
OCEANIA :
A very popular passage for families, especially to see the koalas and to further vary the experience throughout the day.
