Located in Aathal, Switzerland, the Dinosaur Museum (Sauriermuseum) is a must-visit destination for families fascinated by dinosaurs and natural history. This museum offers an immersive experience with its extensive collection of fossils and interactive exhibits. I recommend spending 2-3 hours here, depending on how enthusiastic your children are about dinosaurs.
The museum features original and replica dinosaur skeletons from the Jurassic period, including giant diplodocus and stegosaurus. My son loved seeing all his favorite dinosaurs, such as allosaurus and archaeopteryx. The museum is laid out over two floors with multiple connected rooms, but be aware that there are stairs, so it’s not ideal for strollers.
A highlight for kids is the outdoor playground, complete with a sand pit where they can excavate bones, slides, and large dinosaur replicas. There’s also a short walking path and picnic tables where you can enjoy a snack.
Inside, there’s a cozy museum café offering light meals, snacks, and drinks, with a dining area overlooking the dinosaur exhibits. Additionally, the Dino Beiz’li restaurant is located in the adjacent building, offering sit-down meals and coloring activities for kids.
The museum has an excellent gift shop that my son always looks forward to visiting, conveniently located right next to the ticket counter. The museum is easily accessible by car, just 20 minutes from Zurich, although the parking lot can get crowded on weekends, so arriving early is a good idea. It’s also a short walk (~10 minutes) from Aathal train station.
The Aathal Dinosaur Museum is an unforgettable experience for families, with engaging exhibits that are perfect for anyone interested in dinosaurs. Whether you’re a seasoned paleontology enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of dinosaurs, this museum has something for everyone.