Wild things! Five free animal parks and attractions in and around Brussels

Belgium has no shortage of award-winning zoos and animal parks, with Antwerp, Plankendael and Pairi Daiza to name just three. But they can be pricey days out, so read on to find five free fauna gems in or near the capital.

Unlike its European neighbours, Brussels lacks a big animal draw, although it briefly had a zoo at Parc Léopold from 1851 to 1878, before animal deaths, bad conditions and falling numbers forced it to close.

Today, it offers more modest but delightful free alternatives, such as farms. In addition to the two featured below, Jette children’s farm in Baudouin park and ‘the little farm of Uccle’ near Fond ‘Roy, boasting sheep, goats, donkeys and smaller animals, are other excellent options.

Brussels City Farm

Although a move nearer to Tour & Taxis is in the pipeline, the magical Maximilien nature and animal park can be found near Yser metro. This is a lovely site in which to wander and see sheep, goats, rabbits, even stags and peacocks. The beautiful green space is also peppered with pond life, which you discover when following the farm’s self-guided walk over bridges and along streams. The farm organises birthdays, school holiday workshops and extra activities including donkey rides. With an ecological bent, boasting a vegetable garden, solar panels and water-saving devices, the Maximilien also offers compost workshops. Quai du Batelage 2 (Brussels)

Nos Pilifs

This wonderful farm is a delightful place to spot myriad farmyard animals such as pigs, chickens, sheep and goats, as well as donkeys and ponies. At five hectares, it is considerably bigger than the Maximilien and comes complete with a bustling brasserie, well stocked farm shop and plant nursery. Equally environmentally conscious, Nos Pilifs offers school holiday activities and workshops on breadmaking, bees or simply on how to care for the animals. Icing on the cake, its birthday parties feature horseback rides that transport adults and kids to a magnificent tea in the meadows. Trassersweg 347 (Neder-Over-Heembeek)

Roodebeek park

This hidden gem conceals an amazing aviary with canaries, parrots and other winged things, along with sheep, goats, rabbits even donkeys and a llama or two, not to mention geese around a well goldfish-stocked pond. Now classified, the park, dating from 1948, neighbours a fascinating forest of trees and an arboretum. There is also a charming local museum, which hosts occasional contemporary art exhibitions. Children will also love the family friendly cafe that provides toys galore to play with inside, while parents relax on the terrace. A decent playground for younger kids is a bonus. Chaussée de Roodebeek 314 (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert)

Tivoli Park

Just outside Mechelen city centre – in walking distance from the station – lies the recreational mecca that is Tivoli Park. The petting zoo, open all year round apart from winter weekends, oozes sheep, goats and hens, even a bee colony. In the cuddle corner (a meadow where dwarf goats and donkeys are kept) kids can get acquainted with various tactile animals, from rabbits to pet rats at set times and year-round on Wednesdays from 15.00 to 16.00. Birthday parties are also possible for a treat. The site boasts playgrounds and sandpits, a tree climbing course, nature trail, highly-scented rose and herb gardens and a cafe. Antwerpsesteenweg 94 (Mechelen)

Huizingen domain

On sunny days, this 91-hectare provincial domain is paradise on earth with woods for walking, boating and fishing lakes, an arboretum and flower gardens. A mini zoo harbours a variety of birds, including pheasants, parrots and – watch the wings – peacocks. Sporting activities include tennis courts, football and mini-golf. Children will love the mini cars, mini train and endless all-age playgrounds, not forgetting trampolining, bungee jump and carousel ride opportunities. Up the hill wander sheep, goats, rabbits, donkeys and adorable Bambi-style deer. While the domain is free in low season (1 October to 31 March), in high season, entry prices are €4 for adults (€2.50 for Beersel residents) and €1.50 for children. Henry Torleylaan 100 (Beersel)