A trip abroad with a child is usually characterised by a full programme of excursions. That's why it's so important to take a break from actively exploring the cultural treasures of another country and spend some time in nature. While you are in Düsseldorf, treat yourself and the children to a walk through the beautiful Wildlife Park.
This park — actually a forest — is part of The Aaper Wald National Forest, which stretches from Hilden to Duisburg. It covers an area of around 40 hectares, which is large enough to ensure that walkers and wildlife can coexist peacefully in such an area.
In fact, the main attraction at Grafenberger Wildpark is the open-air zoo, which is also free to enter. It is home to around 100 species of animals. Deer, mouflon and roe deer wander peacefully among the trees, raccoons and ferrets flit around the huts, pheasants and partridges peck at the grass.
At a distance of 3 km is the indoor entertainment center Bobolino Kinderwelt, which we recommend to visit with children.
More dangerous animals such as wild boar, foxes and wild cats are kept in spacious aviaries where you can observe their habits. To get close to the animals, you can prepare raw vegetables and fruit — carrots, potatoes, apples — for a trip into the park; and wild boar treats, acorns and berries, can be picked on the spot.
Grafenberg Forest also has an apiary and huge anthills. Although observing nature is interesting in itself, children are always attracted by the opportunity to play. The park has a large playground and rides for the little ones. If you bring your own food and drink, you can have a picnic on the grass or at the tables set up for the occasion. It's also nice to take a walk around the lake.
And hunters can learn something new at the stands set up throughout Grafenberg Game Park — a kind of "forest school" where you can learn about the flora and fauna of the reserve. A visit to the park is a pleasure at any time of the year. It is particularly exciting when the animals are breeding and the colourful cubs are playing or seeking their mother's attention.
