Zurich consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world, but families don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. While many attractions come with a hefty price tag, there are also wonderful free, family-friendly hidden gems scattered throughout the city. From peaceful gardens like the Zurich Botanical Garden and Chinagarten to interactive museums such as the Zoological Museum and focusTerra—and even an open-air zoo at the Langenberg Wildlife Park south of Zurich—there are plenty of opportunities to experience the city on a budget with kids.
Zurich Botanical Garden
Part of the University of Zurich and located south of the old city, the Zurich Botanical Garden is a great spot for families to spend 1–2 hours. Inside its three glass-domed tropical greenhouses, you’ll find over 7,000 plant species representing tropical, desert, and temperate climates. The tropical greenhouse even has a jungle-like atmosphere with a viewing platform and exotic plants such as cocoa trees. Strollers must be left outside due to stairs, but children can freely explore the open outdoor spaces. The pond area is especially lovely for a picnic, and wide meadows invite kids to run and play.
Chinagarten Zurich
Just a 20-minute walk from the Botanical Garden, the China Garden is a smaller space perfect for a 30-minute to 1-hour visit. A gift from Zurich’s sister city Kunming, this temple-style garden opened in 1994 and is one of the most authentic Chinese gardens outside China. At its heart lies a peaceful pond filled with koi fish and a tiny island, while traditional pavilions surround it. Conveniently, a large lakeside playground sits right next door, making it easy to extend your family stop with more outdoor fun.
Zoological Museum Zurich
The Zoological Museum at the University of Zurich is a must for families interested in animals and natural history. Located near the old town, it’s free and easy to reach. With over 1,500 animal specimens and 1,000 fossils, the museum can keep kids engaged for 1–2 hours. Highlights include dinosaur skeletons, ammonites, and a woolly mammoth skeleton. Children especially love the microscope station for observing insects up close. Stroller storage and a cloakroom are located at the entrance, and a small shop sells real fossils as souvenirs. For an added treat, ride the iconic red Polybahn funicular from the city center to reach the museum with a view of Zurich.
focusTerra – Earth & Science Discovery Center
Just a 5-minute walk from the Zoological Museum, focusTerra is another free, family-friendly museum at ETH Zurich. This Earth and science center features interactive exhibitions on geology, volcanoes, earthquakes, and climate change—perfect for curious children. Families usually spend around an hour here, with kids particularly enjoying the earthquake simulator available on Sundays (ages 5+ with an accompanying adult). Exhibits are in both German and English, making them accessible to international visitors. The museum is stroller-friendly, with stroller parking and baby-changing facilities. Note that it’s closed on Saturdays but open the rest of the week, and it’s easily reached again via the Polybahn funicular.
Langenberg Wildlife Park
For a nature-filled day trip outside the city, the Langenberg Wildlife Park (part of Wildnispark Zurich) is an excellent choice. Located 25 minutes by car or 45 minutes by public transportation south of Zurich, this free park showcases around 20 species of native and formerly native animals. Brown bears, wolves, elk, wild boar, and wild horses roam expansive enclosures. Plan at least 2–3 hours to explore the trails and spot wildlife. The park is family-friendly, with thoughtful amenities: Restaurant Langenberg, located beside the bear habitat, offers terrace seating, a playground, baby chairs, and changing facilities. Just before reaching the restaurant, kids can enjoy a large outdoor playground featuring a climbing area and zip line. Parking is available for 10 CHF per day.
Conclusion
Zurich may be expensive, but families don’t have to break the bank to enjoy it. Free attractions such as the Botanical Garden, Chinagarten, Zoological Museum, focusTerra, and the Langenberg Wildlife Park offer fun and educational experiences for children of all ages. To stretch your budget further, consider purchasing the Swiss Coupon Pass for discounts on popular spots like Alpamare Water Park, guided Old Town tours, and the FIFA Museum. Families can also take a break at Lindenhof Park, where the kids can play freely while you enjoy beautiful views of the Limmat River and the city. Exploring Zurich with children can be rewarding, memorable, and surprisingly affordable.