The Natural History Museum at the University of Zurich is a fun, educational, and budget-friendly destination for families. Our family loves this free museum in Zurich, which features fascinating exhibits on insects, dinosaurs, animals, plants, and even the Ice Age. It’s an ideal indoor activity for families—especially when the weather is poor or you’re looking for a break from sightseeing. Plan to spend about one to two hours exploring.
What to See Inside the Natural History Museum
There’s an impressive amount to explore across the museum’s well-curated exhibits. Signage is available in both German and English, making it easy for international visitors to navigate. Highlights include the diverse collection of dinosaur skeletons, ancient ammonites, and the massive woolly mammoth display. Additionally, the animal exhibit is a favorite, where kids can search for their favorite creatures such as flamingos, lions, narwhals, and polar bears. Another one of our favorite spots is the interactive station equipped with microscopes, allowing visitors to examine the intricate details of various insects.
During our recent visit, we also explored the new “Plants Talk” exhibit, which features sensory stations where kids can smell different flowers—even the famous corpse flower! Don’t miss the Ice Age exhibit, a multimedia show combining animation, storytelling, and real artifacts. The show runs continuously with three rotating themes and is presented in German with English subtitles.
Museum Facilities and Accessibility
At the entrance, you’ll find a cloakroom and stroller storage, which makes visiting with young children convenient. Note that the lower-level animal exhibits are accessible by stairs. Before you leave, stop by the museum shop near the entrance—you can even purchase real fossils as unique souvenirs.
How to Get There
The University of Zurich sits on a hill overlooking the city, offering scenic views. For a memorable journey, take the red Polybahn funicular from the city center up to the university. The short ride is a fun experience for kids and provides beautiful views of Zurich. If you’re driving, parking is available at Parkhaus Urania or Parkhaus Promenade. The museum is also easy to reach by public transport, with trams and buses stopping nearby.
Why Families Love the Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum Zurich offers an educational experience for the entire family. Its diverse exhibits, interactive displays, and family-friendly facilities make it one of the best things to do in Zurich with kids. We especially appreciate that it’s free, centrally located, and close to many other family-friendly activities and restaurants in Zurich. For more ideas on family-friendly attractions and places to eat in Zurich, browse through our other blog posts.