Speelboerderij Elsenhove (Elsenhove Play Farm) is situated in the Elsenhove recreational area, on the edge of Amstelveen between Oranjebaan, the A9 and river Amstel. Young and old can become acquainted with farm animals here. If you are lucky, you can witness the birth of a lamb or calf. Or you may see a chicken or a duck with many little chicks. You can even play in the play garden, relax on the terrace with a drink or an ice cream. There are always things to do. You can have a look at the eggs of the various chickens. Or you may visit the Peat Barn to grab some of the peat history of Amstelveen. And children may also help feed the animals at 4 o’clock in the afternoon. In short: not only a great fun place, but informative as well!
Rare breeds
There are many very rare old-Dutch species that are hardly found these days: Dutch belted cows, North-Holland blue hens, Veluwe moorland sheep, curved-bill ducks and Dutch spotted goats. With the help of the search map ‘Rare Dutch Species’, visitors can go and find them. Thanks to the blossoming shrubs in the spring and the berries in the autumn, Elsenhove has a great biodiversity (the variety in plants and animals).
Volunteer jobs
Children from the age of 10 can come and help on a daily basis (after school) taking care of the animals and doing other useful jobs at the farm: jobs include feeding the rabbits, cleaning out the animal shelters and brushing the animals. Adults are welcome to help the Elsenhove Volunteers Foundation organise and carry out activities.
Good fun and ‘green’
Elsenhove is also a sustainable location: The Bean Goose (Rietgans) building is an example of sustainable building, it has solar panels and a great deal of inland wood has been used. A sustainable map about the Elsenhove Play Farm is available, complete with tips to be used at home. Children can enjoy the recently renovated play garden and the natural play location, laid out for children up to approximately the age of 12. The Elsenhove Play Farm Volunteers Foundation regularly organises activities.
Catering and children’s parties
As many local, organic and fair-trade products as possible are sold in the tearoom throughout the year. The tearoom is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays between 10 and 16:45 hrs; and on Sundays between 14:00 and 16:45 hrs.
You are of course free to have picnics at Elsenhove and bring your own food and drinks, except at the terrace in front of the tearoom ‘In den Pappot’ or inside. The Kota log cabin is particularly suitable for children’s parties. Please visit www.elsenhove.nl for further details.
Donors
The Elsenhove Play Farm Volunteers Foundation can be supported by becoming a donor. Please let us know and send an e-mail to elsenhove@amstelveen.nl A ‘pig’ is located at the door on the way out. If all the visitors make a small contribution in the pig, the farm can continue to be run on a high-quality level and the animal shelters can be improved.
Activities for schools
Groups are more than welcome to pay a free visit to the play farm. Please let us know and send an e-mail to elsenhove@amstelveen.nl An educational programme is available especially for primary schools, such as the lessons ‘Farmer is looking for Help’ and ‘Eating and being Eaten’ about products for and of animals. Bicycle rides are organised through the Middelpolder for secondary education, with assignments for research in the recreational area of Elsenhove. Please visit www.nmedichtbij.nl for both these target groups.
Opening hours
- Tuesdays to Saturdays 10:00 – 17:00 hrs
- Sundays 14:00 – 17:00 hrs
Closed
All Mondays (except for Easter Monday and Whit Monday), 1st January, King’s Day (Koningsdag), Ascension Day and the 25th and 26th of December.
Adress
- Speelboerderij Elsenhove
- Bankrasweg 1
- 1183 TP Amstelveen
T 020 – 545 71 66
Access
Elsenhove is situated in a rural area, an excellent operating base for walks and bicycle rides. Elsenhove Play Farm is located on the bicycle junction route (see www.fietseninnoordholland.nl) and the North-Holland path. There is ample parking space for bicycles and cars.