Amsterdam authorities will close several streets surrounding Artis zoo on Friday, June 5, 2026, for the annual KinderBeestFeest convoy.
The event uses emergency vehicles to bring children with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or special care needs to the zoo for an exclusive evening.
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Traffic restrictions will be in effect from 4:00 p. m.
to 11:00 p. m.
The closures affect Plantage Middenlaan, Plantage Kerklaan, Plantage Doklaan, Henri Polaklaan, and a section of Plantage Muidergracht between Roetersstraat and Alexanderplein.
A parking ban will also be enforced to accommodate emergency vehicles.
Public Transport Adjustments
Public transportation routes will be adjusted starting at 4:00 p. m.
GVB tram lines 7, 14, and 5 will operate on altered routes. Tram line 5 will bypass its regular stops near the zoo during event hours.
The zoo will open exclusively for registered guests, with specially arranged activities.
Emergency personnel will use police cars, fire engines, rescue boats, and ambulances to transport children to the venue.
"Dierentuin ARTIS gaat speciaal voor onze gasten een avond exclusief open. Er worden dan allemaal bijzondere activiteiten georganiseerd.
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Maar dat is niet alles, want alle kinderen worden met politieauto's, brandweerwagens, vaartuigen van de reddingsbrigade en ambulances naar het feest gebracht," explained Koco, mascot of Kinderbeestfeest, and Anke Bos, marketing & communication.
The first guests are scheduled to arrive at the zoo at approximately 5:15 p. m.
Transport vehicles will begin departing at 9:00 p. m.
, with the event concluding by 11:00 p. m.
"De kinderen reageren eigenlijk heel erg enthousiast. Dat is erg leuk.
Dat ze deze avond even vergeten wat voor sores ze allemaal meemaken, dus je ziet eigenlijk alleen maar hele blije en ontspannen gezichtjes.
Dat is onbeschrijfelijk, zo leuk om te zien," said Maayan, a firefighter.
Local emergency services noted that the large volume of sirens and flashing lights signifies a celebratory tradition rather than an active hazard.
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Residents are advised to clear the roads for the passing convoy.
