If you’re looking for a fun family outing near Zurich, the Knie Kinderzoo in Rapperswil, Switzerland is a great choice. Just south of Zurich along Lake Zurich, this medium-sized zoo was founded by the famous Swiss Knie circus family. Unlike larger zoos, Knie Kinderzoo offers not only a variety of animal exhibits but also many interactive activities for children such as pony rides, animal feedings, and imaginative playgrounds. It’s the kind of family attraction where kids can be hands-on, making it a memorable half-day adventure (plan about 4–5 hours).
Animal Exhibits
We loved strolling through the zoo and seeing the variety of animals. Some of our favorites were the giraffes and elephants. The lemur exhibit was especially entertaining as we watched them move between their indoor and outdoor areas through a long mesh tunnel suspended above us. The flamingo lagoon, complete with a large pirate ship, was another highlight—the kids loved climbing aboard. The entire zoo is stroller-friendly, with smooth paths and good accessibility, which made exploring easy with younger children.
Interactive Experiences
Although smaller than Zoo Zurich, Knie Kinderzoo truly shines with its animal encounters. Families can choose from elephant, camel, or pony rides, and we opted for the ponies, which were a huge hit with the kids. Helmets are provided for safety. We also enjoyed the charming Rösslitram horse-drawn carriage ride through the park, which gave us all a chance to relax. Another highlight was feeding the goats—you can purchase special food, though some of the larger goats can be a little pushy, so I made sure the kids fed them carefully. There’s even a pig petting area. One activity we especially loved was sitting down to paint Trauffer wooden animals, an iconic Swiss brand, which made for the perfect keepsake to bring home. Keep in mind that these activities aren’t included in the base ticket price, but both cash and TWINT are accepted for easy payment.
Playgrounds and Play Areas
Another advantage for families is the variety of playgrounds and water play zones scattered throughout the park. The kids especially loved the playground with a giant whale that sprays water—fantastic for cooling off on a warm day. We spent quite a lot of time at the playground near the flamingos, where they enjoyed climbing on the large structures and speeding down the tall slide. With opportunities to run, splash, and climb, these playgrounds gave the kids plenty of ways to burn energy in between the animal exhibits.
Food Options
When it was time for lunch, we chose Restaurant Tiergarten, one of the self-service restaurants on-site. The menu offers traditional Swiss dishes like schnitzel and sausage, as well as a children’s menu with pasta and chicken nuggets—so there’s something for every taste. We managed to find a shaded table with a relaxing view over the flamingos. Alternatively, there are many picnic tables around the park, so families can bring their own food if they prefer.
Tickets and Special Experiences
Tickets for Knie Kinderzoo can be purchased either online in advance or directly at the entrance. Admission prices are lower compared to Zoo Zurich, but you should plan for some extra spending on animal experiences (rides, feedings, activities). If you’re looking for something truly special, the zoo also offers the Giraffen Lodge, an overnight stay next to the giraffe enclosure.
Arrival and Parking
We arrived close to opening time and were able to park at the main paid parking lot directly across from the entrance, which was very convenient. There are several overflow parking lots available when it gets busier. For those traveling by public transportation, Knie Kinderzoo is easy to reach with the bus stop “Rapperswil, Kinderzoo” located right at the entrance.
Conclusion
We had such a lovely family day exploring Knie Kinderzoo in Rapperswil. From pony rides to feeding the goats, from painting our own Trauffer animals to playing on the imaginative playgrounds, there was something for every age. The zoo’s manageable size makes it ideal for families with younger children, while still keeping things exciting and varied. Visiting this unique Swiss zoo was not only fun but also memorable. We recommend adding Knie Kinderzoo to your list of family-friendly things to do near Zurich when traveling with kids.