The Complete Guide to Exploring Zurich Zoo’s for Families

Zurich, Family Activities / By /

Are you searching for a family-friendly destination that combines entertainment, adventure, and education all in one? Look no further than Zurich Zoo! As parents, we constantly strive to provide enriching experiences for our children, and Zurich Zoo offers the perfect solution. With its wide array of fascinating animal species, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, this article will guide you on how to make the most of your visit, ensuring a memorable family adventure that sparks curiosity and lifelong learning in your little ones. Located just a few kilometers from the city center, this zoological park is home to over 4,000 animals from more than 400 species. Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, the zoo is a must-visit destination that’s sure to entertain and educate visitors of all ages.

Table of Contents

Getting to the Zoo

The Zurich Zoo is easily accessible by public transportation, making it an ideal destination for visitors who don’t want to worry about driving and parking. You can take a tram or bus to the zoo from the Zurich Main Station, or any other major stop in the city. From the city center, it takes about 10 minutes to reach the zoo by tram. If you’re driving, there’s a large parking lot right next to the zoo where you can park your car for a reasonable fee.
 
However, it’s worth noting that parking spaces can fill up quickly, especially during weekends and holidays, so arriving early is advisable. You might have to use
 

Ticket Costs and Planning Your Visit

Zurich Zoo offers different ticket types to suit your needs. General admission tickets cost CHF 28 for adults, CHF 19 for teenagers aged 16-25, and CHF 14 for children aged 6-15. If you’re planning to visit the zoo with a group of friends or family, you can purchase group tickets for a discounted rate.
 
Before you visit the zoo, it’s a good idea to check the zoo’s website for the latest information on opening hours, special events, and animal exhibits. You can also purchase your tickets online in advance, which will save you time and hassle at the entrance.
 
Zurich Zoo encompasses a vast expanse of captivating exhibits and diverse animal habitats, offering a rich and immersive experience for visitors. To fully explore and appreciate all that the zoo has to offer, you might wonder how much time you should plan on going for.
 
On average, it can take approximately four to six hours to see the majority of the zoo at a leisurely pace. However, families with young children may prefer to allocate a full day to allow for breaks, meals, and ample time to engage with interactive exhibits and playgrounds. By dedicating a substantial amount of time to your visit, you can ensure a relaxed and enjoyable experience, enabling you to delve into the remarkable world of wildlife at Zurich Zoo.

Stroller-Friendly Pathways

Zurich Zoo takes into consideration the needs of families with young children, providing stroller-friendly pathways throughout the park. The pathways are well-maintained, smooth, and spacious, allowing you to maneuver your stroller effortlessly from one exhibit to another.

Playgrounds

For families with young children, the Zurich Zoo offers several playgrounds scattered throughout the park. These playgrounds are designed to provide kids with a fun and safe place to play while parents take a break or explore the exhibits. There’s also a petting zoo where kids can interact with farm animals such as goats and sheep.

 

Zurich Zoo Stroller Safety
It's safe to leave your stroller unattended
Zuirch zoo playgrounds
The playgrounds are incredible

When to Go: Seasonal Highlights and Events

Zurich Zoo offers unique experiences and delights throughout the changing seasons. Whether you visit in spring, summer, autumn, or winter, each time of year brings its own highlights. We’ve been zoo members for years so we go throughout the year. I can honestly say I don’t have a favorite season because they all have their own unique benefits.

Spring

With spring comes rain but don’t let that stop you from spending a day at the Zurich Zoo. There are a lot of great indoor activities and okay areas to take advantage of. The spring also offers cooler temperatures so you can walk the entire zoo without getting over heated.
Summer

Take advantage of longer daylight hours to attend informative animal feedings, interactive shows, and educational talks. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and take breaks in shaded areas to keep your little ones cool and comfortable. Some areas of the zoo have limited shade so we try and avoid outdoor exhibits  from 12-3pm.

Autumn

Fall is a perfect time to appreciate the beauty of wildlife and witness animals adapting to the changing season.

Winter & The Penguin Parade
Winter is a truly magical time at Zurich Zoo, where you can experience the unique spectacle of the famous Penguin Parade. As temperatures drop and snow blankets the ground, the adorable penguins take center stage. Watch in awe as they waddle in their endearing manner, marching through the snow in a delightful parade. This heartwarming tradition, where the penguins explore beyond their habitats, is a must-see experience that will surely put a smile on your face and warm your heart during the winter season.

 

Zurich Penguin Parade
The penguin parade
 
Additionally, winter at Zurich Zoo offers an array of other cold-climate animal encounters. From observing snow leopards in their snow-dusted enclosures to discovering how arctic foxes thrive in the chilly environment, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the remarkable adaptations of these resilient creatures.
 

Remember to check the zoo’s official website for specific dates and timings of seasonal events and experiences, ensuring you don’t miss out on any of these incredible highlights! 

Where to Eat

When you need a break from exploring the exhibits, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the zoo’s many restaurants and snack bars. The restaurant “Masoala Rainforest” offers delicious food with an exotic atmosphere. Our family’s favorite is the Pantanal located right at the main zoo entrance. You can sit outside to eat and there is a great playground located right at the restaurant. There’s also a café and ice cream stand where you can enjoy a refreshing snack. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food and have a picnic in the park.

Popular Exhibits

The Zurich Zoo has a wide variety of animal exhibits, each one designed to replicate the animal’s natural habitat as closely as possible. Some of the most popular exhibits include:

The Masoala Rainforest

This indoor exhibit is home to various species of lemurs, birds, and reptiles, as well as a replica of a Madagascar village.

The Elephant Park

This exhibit is home to a herd of Asian elephants and provides visitors with the opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close.

The Australian Outback

This exhibit features a variety of native Australian animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, and emus.

Lewa  Savanna

The captivating new exhibit at Zurich Zoo, opened its doors to visitors in early 2022. This expansive area replicates the African savanna environment, providing a naturalistic home for various species, including the majestic giraffes. As you explore the Savanna, you’ll witness these elegant creatures gracefully navigating the landscape, alongside other fascinating wildlife that call this habitat their home. From observing the giraffes’ distinctive patterns and gentle demeanor to encountering other native species, the Savanna offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of the African savanna ecosystem right in the heart of Zurich Zoo.

Lewa Savanna Zurich Zoo
The giraffes are a huge hit with little ones

In conclusion, Zurich Zoo stands as a remarkable destination for families seeking an unforgettable adventure filled with awe-inspiring wildlife, educational experiences, and quality time together. From the mesmerizing exhibits that bring you face-to-face with extraordinary animals to the engaging programs designed to ignite curiosity and foster a love for conservation, this zoo truly offers something for everyone. As you bid farewell to the zoo, take with you cherished memories of animal encounters, laughter-filled moments, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

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