Butterflies at the Vliet — Attraction in Leidschendam-Voorburg

We had been told by a local that is not worth the visit if we could do something else instead but because our 5-month-old hates being in a car we tried it out as it was only a 7 min ride. And yes it was small but in a cutesie way and had a certain other-worldly feel to it with all these "hidden" paths to walk and feel like you were all alone in a forest. And I'm saying this even after we had visited the Rotterdam Zoo the day before and had a great time there. But the butterfly park in the zoo had so many broken windows that had been replaced with loud snapping plastic that was very distracting and with loud kids it was a completely different feeling. At the butterfly park, there were house rules that the staff made an effort to enforce to create the best experience for all involved.

I thought a bit about how we could get so close to her butterflies as they had put these feeding places close to the paths, and that the crocodile resting place was designed to be close to the window so we could experience things up close was designed or just because of lack of space but I was happy because, at the Rotterdam zoo, they often could hide away from the public and even feeding happened on the side instead of allowing the public to see.

The 5-month-old was supposed to be taking a nap but she kept on forcing herself to keep her eyes open because she was so fascinated by the environment and the butterflies. But they finally fell asleep listening to a calming waterfall that put even me, mr stress, at ease.

We could have spent more time there (40 min) but hadn't planned for more but could have used it as a place for relaxing a bit during the stressful days.

Clever that they offer people to use the price of their ticket as a downpayment for a year card as most places I have been too don't give that option.

I might not make a trip to see it but if you're in the area or it's on your way between places then I found it to...

This is a little hidden gem! It's not huge, but there is plenty to see and explore. The little "wild" paths going through the jungle, the small benches where you can sit and enjoy the butterflies dancing around in the sunlight is truly magical. Also, you can feed the fish and the ducks around the greenhouse. There are also birds roaming around, and if you search for a while you will find all sorts of animals! From lizards to zebra finches to leaf insects and catterpillars, you can take your time to explore it all. A few helpful tips for others: Wheelchair friendly parking, entrance, and paths! If it gets too hot, you can take a break outside and cool down before going back in! If you want to feed the ducks or fish, bring 50 and 20 cent coins! please dress for the climate! Even if it's 15 degrees outside, it will be nearly 30 inside the greenhouse. There are cold drinks available, but pack some extra so you don't dehydrate! Truly take your time to look under leaves and up in the trees and bushes! Some butterflies hide or there are...

The place itself is lovely. It is filled with beautiful alive butterflies flying here and there. Be careful though you might be over dressed for the occasion. Because the place imitates the tropical environment, it's really is warm. If you pay the full price, I think €9 is too much for like a 15 minute tour in such small a place. However, if you think about the maintenance and utilities that they have to pay, maybe that is the right price to pay. It also depends on what you like, my daughter enjoyed more the few aquaria with colorful fishes than the butterflies, she is only 3 and still get startled when a butterfly is flying around.

Aside from the butterflies, you can enjoy looking at fish, turtles, crocodiles, and around her some loose walking chickens.

Of course, if you arrive to the place cycling, you may enjoy the animals like horses, chickens, and sheep grazing around the area. You may also enjoy the view along the Vliet canal if you have cycle along that way, which in our...