Ever wondered where Aalsmeer’s animals find their haven? It’s at Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd. Right here, just outside a quiet residential area in Hornmeer Park. Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd is a unique collaboration. It’s between Ons Tweede Thuis and Stichting Kinderboerderij Aalsmeer.
Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd looks like a real farm. Several buildings and stables dot the landscape. There is a “Barn” for storage and a “Boerentas”. This is a separate barn. It has a few stalls and storage space. The Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd even has a shop. Visitors can buy packaged foods. Or enjoy an ice cream, soft drink, coffee, or tea.
Animals roam freely in their paddocks. You’ll see sheep, chickens, and goats. Inside, rabbits and guinea pigs await cuddles. There’s even a reading corner. Shady trees surround Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd. Next to it, there’s a spacious playground.
Volunteers organize many activities. Egg hunts at Easter are popular. So are birthday parties and school lessons. Some volunteers do repairs. On weekends, they ensure everything runs smoothly.
What happens at Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd daily? Animals get fed and cared for. The grounds are swept and cleaned. Stables and pens are maintained. There are also household tasks. This includes cleaning the canteen and toilets. Staff assist visitors. They help with selling animal feed. They also work at the kiosk. Some brush the animals. Others tame them. Guinea pigs and rabbits even stay here when their owners are on vacation. Spring is busy. Many lambs are born then. Nice weather and school vacations bring many visitors.
Ons Tweede Thuis has its own building here. It contains an office and the canteen. Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd is closed to the public on Mondays. But work continues. From Tuesday to Sunday, the farm welcomes everyone.
Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd is more than just a petting zoo. It also functions as a work project. It is for people needing daytime activities. They love working outdoors with animals. They also do light physical work. They don’t mind getting dirty sometimes. Cleaning pens and the grounds is part of the job. Clients can work alone or with others. They can work without direct supervision. They can handle varied tasks. It’s important to interact well with the public. Many clients have mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. Some have acquired brain injuries. Others are young people needing support. Special education students can do internships here. Clients bring their own lunch. Coffee, tea, or milk is provided. Work clothes are provided too. T-shirts, sweatshirts, and work shoes are available.
A supervisor is always present with the clients. The supervisors have pedagogical training. They also have animal care training. A location manager and a behavioral expert support them.
Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd is the most fun children’s farm in North Holland. It boasts the largest playground in the area. The SKBA owns Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd. This foundation began in the early 1990s. It has developed into an educational and recreational organization.
The Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd in Hornmeer Park has a healthy animal group. You’ll find goats, sheep, rabbits and guinea pigs. There are also chickens, ducks, peacocks, turkeys, and three donkeys. All animals have suitable accommodations. You can look at the animals, pet them, and learn about them.
Boerenvreugd’s large playground has equipment for all ages. Parents can watch their children from a cozy terrace. The shop offers delicious coffee. You can also get ice cream, sweets, toasties, and poffertjes.
Come craft and play games at events. Mini-exhibitions in the “stolp” teach about farm life. A reading corner offers books about the farm and animals. The farm offers much to volunteers and businesses.
At Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd, children can use all their senses. In springtime, it’s like a nursery with baby animals. It is a touching sight when they go outside for the first time.
You won’t find old playground equipment. It has the largest, safest, and cleanest outdoor playground in Aalsmeer. The Kinderboerderij Boerenvreugd is a unique location. Thousands of people enjoy it every year.