Our family’s recent visit to the Meier Garten Center in Dürnten (Zurich Canton) was far more than a typical stop at a garden shop. This sprawling center offers much more than just plants and seeds—it’s a destination in itself, featuring a magical butterfly house (open in summer), a family-friendly treasure hunt, an indoor playground, a daycare center, and even a self-service restaurant. With so much to discover, we recommend planning at least 1–2 hours to make the most of your visit.
The Butterfly House
The highlight of our visit was the butterfly house, tucked away in the heart of the garden store. Entry is completely free, and during summertime the space comes alive with butterflies in a dazzling variety of colors and sizes. Benches inside invite you to sit and watch these beautiful insects flutter past. My kids were thrilled to spot so many different butterflies—my son was especially fascinated by the array of chrysalises and caterpillars, each with its own unique shape and color. The atmosphere was both calming and mesmerizing. Note: The butterfly house is only open in summer—check the Meier Garten Center website for exact dates before you go.
Treasure Hunt
Beyond the butterfly house, Meier Garten Center offers a delightful treasure hunt for children. Pick up a map and pencil next to the indoor playground and set off on an adventure to locate 10 themed stations scattered throughout the property. Each station features a question, and we loved reading the clues and learning something new at every stop. The instructions are in German, but Google Translate made them easy to understand. After finishing the hunt, my son proudly handed in his map at reception and received a coloring page, a packet of seeds, and a cheerful frog-shaped gummy. It was a sweet, engaging activity that kept him entertained while my husband browsed the store.
Family-Friendly Amenities
The garden center is clearly designed with families in mind. The indoor playground offers climbing structures and seating where parents can relax. For children aged 3–7, Meier provides the Spielgarten daycare area, where kids can be dropped off for up to 1.5 hours under supervision—perfect for stress-free shopping. The daycare was closed during our visit, but its hours are listed on the website. Adjacent to the Spielgarten on the second floor is a self-service restaurant, giving families a convenient spot to enjoy lunch, snacks, drinks, or desserts.
Arrival and Nearby Activities
Meier Garten Center is located about 30 minutes southeast of Zurich and close to Rapperswil. Parking is available in both covered and uncovered paid lots. If you’d like to extend your day, Rapperswil is just a 10-minute drive away, offering lakeside charm, a beautiful rose garden, and scenic activity trails. For more information on a family day trip to Rapperswil, click here. Alternatively, Jucker Farm Bachlihof is another excellent nearby destination, with a playground, farm shop, and regular events—making it a perfect complement to your visit to Meier. For more information on Jucker Farm, click here.
Our family left Meier Garten Center with big smiles. With its one-of-a-kind butterfly house, engaging children’s activities, and thoughtful family amenities, it’s an ideal spot for a morning or afternoon outing in Zurich Canton. Whether you’re a plant lover or just looking for a fun family day trip, Meier Garten Center has something special for everyone.