Anticipatory behavior for a reward has been used to assess emotional state in some farm animals, but not yet in dairy calves. We measured anticipatory behavior of calves for access to an alternative environment. Calves were randomly assigned in pairs to 1 of 2 housing treatments (n = 8 each): basic (2 m² bedded with river stones, used by some New Zealand farms) or enriched (5 m² bedded with wood shavings, an automated calf brush, manila rope, straw). Within housing treatment, each pair accessed either a basic (n = 7) or enriched (n = 9) alternative pen, resulting in calves experiencing a similar or different environment to their home pen. Calves were conditioned to anticipate entry to the alternative pen via a light signal, then a 1 min interval before pen access; access was permitted once per day for 3 d. Anticipatory behaviors (frequency of behavioral transitions; that is, changing between behaviors; duration of looking at or touching the light/door) were compared before and after the signal. The effect of treatment on these behaviors was analyzed in a repeated measures mixed model; values are reported as back-transformed means and confidence intervals. When access to the alternative pen was signaled, all calves increased anticipation (P < 0.001) [(4.9 vs 10.7 no. of behavioral transitions (4.2–5.8, 9.1–12.6); duration looking at or touching the light/door: 1.7 vs 31.7 s (0.73–3.1, 26.8–37.1)]. Basic-housed calves that gained access to an enriched alternative pen showed more behavioral transitions than enriched-housed calves that gained access to a basic or enriched alternative pen (P = 0.05) [(12.6 vs 9.5 vs 9.8 no. of behavioral transitions (10.5–15.5, 7.6–11.7, 8.1–11.7, respectively)]. Basic-housed calves left their home pen quicker compared with enriched-housed calves, regardless of the quality of alternative pen [6.0 vs 17.4 s (4.8–7.4, 13.8–21.9; P < 0.01)]. Calves anticipated access to an alternative environment, even if it was of lower quality than their home environment. However, basic-housed calves showed increased anticipation for the opportunity to leave their home pen, especially if they gained access to the enriched pen. The level of anticipation for a rewarding experience relates to the affective state of calves housed in enriched and basic environments.