Jyllands Park Zoo

A countryside zoo with a distinctly Danish charm

Jyllands Park Zoo sits amid fields and low hills outside Videbæk, giving it the feel of a rural outing as much as a classic animal park. Established in 1969 and still family-run, it has grown from a small local menagerie into a full-scale zoo, while keeping an intimate, almost nostalgic atmosphere. Wide gravel paths loop through lawns and stands of trees, linking animal areas with playgrounds and picnic spots so the day naturally alternates between watching, playing and simply unwinding. Spread over a large, gently undulating site, the park is easy to navigate and rarely feels rushed. Enclosures are arranged in loose clusters rather than rigid zones, so you might move from farm animals to big cats to a lakeside viewpoint in just a few minutes. Wooden fences, flower beds and small shelters give it more the feeling of a country park than a concrete attraction, especially on sunny days when families spread out on the grass.

Animal encounters from lions to curious goats

The zoo is home to roughly 350 animals representing more than 70 species from several continents. Many visitors are drawn first to the charismatic crowd-pleasers: tall giraffes surveying the park, striped zebras, and lions dozing or pacing in their habitat. Elsewhere, meerkats stand sentry on sandy mounds, sea bears and other aquatic mammals slip through their pools, while smaller residents such as rainforest frogs, exotic birds and rodents occupy terrariums and aviaries. Close contact is a defining feature here. Selected species can be hand-fed at set times, and in the petting areas goats and other domestic animals wander among visitors, especially popular with younger children. Keeper presentations and feeding sessions, typically scheduled through the day in high season, add a layer of insight into behaviour and care, turning a stroll through the park into a more educational experience without feeling formal.

Playgrounds, Tivoli rides and the giant bouncy pillow

Beyond the animals, Jyllands Park Zoo doubles as a compact amusement park. A small Tivoli section offers classic fairground pleasures: family-friendly carousels, miniature cars and other gentle rides aimed at younger children. A little train circles part of the park, giving tired legs a break and offering a different perspective on the enclosures and gardens. Water and motion are part of the fun. On the lake, small boats glide back and forth in season, while a pony ride area introduces children to life in the saddle at a very relaxed pace. Scattered across the grounds are multiple playgrounds with swings, climbing frames and sandpits, plus a miniature “town” of playhouses. The standout feature for many families is the vast inflatable bouncy cushion, a colourful rectangle of canvas where kids burn off their last reserves of energy before heading home.

Food, picnics and practical comforts

Food is well integrated into the experience. Kiosks and cafés sell hot dishes, snacks, sweets, coffee, soft drinks and plenty of ice cream for warm days. For those who prefer to bring their own supplies, there are numerous picnic tables and designated grilling areas where you can cook your own meal on fixed barbecues. This do-it-yourself option is part of the park’s laid-back ethos and makes it easy to keep a full day visit affordable. Practicalities are designed with families in mind. Parking near the entrance is free, and there are trolleys and strollers available to rent in large numbers. Paths are broadly level and wheelchair-friendly, and standard wheelchairs can be borrowed without charge while electric versions can be rented. Clearly signposted smoking zones sit away from the main play and animal areas, reinforcing a mostly smoke-free environment that suits children and those sensitive to smoke.

Seasons, atmosphere and how long to stay

The zoo operates a defined season, typically from spring through early autumn, with varying opening hours as daylight lengthens and then shortens. In the height of summer, the later closing times allow for long, lazy afternoons when the light softens over the lake and enclosures, while shoulder-season days feel quieter and more contemplative as you wander between habitats. Most visitors find that half a day is the bare minimum, with many easily spending a full six hours moving between animals, shows, rides and play areas. The park’s compact yet varied layout encourages unhurried exploration: you might pause for an impromptu picnic, linger at the giraffes a little longer, or let children cycle repeatedly between the bouncy pillow and a favourite playground. By the time you leave, the combination of close-up animal encounters, fresh air and old-fashioned funfair charm tends to blend into one long, satisfying day out in central Jutland.