Our family loves exploring local animal parks, and visiting Zoo Zürich with family remains one of our absolute favorite things to do. Home to over 4,000 animals across modern indoor and outdoor exhibits, it is consistently our top pick for family fun in the city. Because of its massive indoor spaces—like the lush Masoala Rainforest—it makes an ideal rainy-day activity. On sunny days, the zoo is just as wonderful to explore, thanks to its shaded walking paths and multiple outdoor playgrounds. Best of all, Zoo Zürich is only minutes from the city center: a quick 10-minute drive or a straightforward 20-minute ride on Tram 6 from Zurich main station (HB). With ongoing renovations and regular habitat expansions, every visit feels like a brand-new adventure.
Buying Zoo Zürich Tickets
Purchase your tickets online in advance through the official website or the Zoo Zürich app. Lines at the ticket counters back up quickly, especially on weekends and Swiss school holidays.
- Family Tip: If the front entrance is crowded, head to the Masoala Rainforest entrance rather than the main gate, as lines there are often considerably shorter.
How to Navigate the Zoo with Kids
Zoo Zürich spans substantial acreage. To keep visits enjoyable, we usually focus on exploring just one or two sections at a time rather than rushing through the entire park.
- Bring a stroller: Strollers or wagons are lifesavers when navigating the large grounds and inclines with little kids.
- Take the zoo tram: During the summer months, the internal Masoala tram helps save little legs when crossing the park.
- Our family highlights: My son loves reptiles, so the climate-controlled Masoala Rainforest hall is always our first stop to search for free-roaming chameleons, lizards, monkeys, and birds. My daughter heads straight for the penguins and the aquarium, which also houses monkeys and aquatic reptiles.
Daily Feedings, Events, and Interactive Experiences
Zoo Zürich offers a busy daily schedule of keeper talks, feedings, and animal presentations. Because schedules change seasonally, check the zoo app or website on the morning of your visit for that day’s specific timings. Here are our tips for visiting Zoo Zürich with family.
The Winter Penguin Parade
If you visit Zurich in winter (typically November to February), the King Penguin Parade is a must-see. Whenever the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F), the penguins leave their enclosure for a guided stroll through the zoo grounds. Zoo staff members guide the route and remind visitors to stand still as the penguins waddle past. Arrive 5 to 10 minutes early for a front-row view, or wait until the second lap when crowds naturally thin out. Just be mindful of your footwear directly along the path, as the walk can get a bit messy.
Giraffe and Porcupine Feedings
For hands-on animal experiences, kids can participate in supervised feeding sessions. Tickets cost 2 CHF (supporting the Lewa Conservation Project) and must be purchased early at the main ticket desk or the Übele Kiosk due to limited numbers.
- Giraffe Feeding: Each ticket includes one branch to feed the giraffes. A queue forms before the session, and zoo staff will guide guests onto the platform one at a time. Don’t worry if you find yourself near the end of the line—the giraffes have healthy appetites and stay eager throughout. Keep in mind that they pull surprisingly hard on the foliage, so parents will want to help younger children maintain a firm grip on the branch.
- Porcupine Feeding: Each ticket includes five vegetable sticks. Keepers give a brief safety overview, and once the starting bell rings, kids can feed the porcupines right at the barrier.
Dining Options and Picnics
- Masoala Restaurant: Offers indoor dining with large picture windows overlooking the rainforest hall. We even spotted a chameleon right from our dining table once!
- Restaurant Pantanal: Located near the entrance, featuring indoor and outdoor tables, a straightforward family menu, high chairs, and an adjacent playground.
- Food Stalls & Picnics: Casual kiosks serving sausages, fries, churros, and ice cream are scattered throughout the grounds. You are also welcome to bring your own food and use any of the designated picnic benches.
Getting There and Parking
- Public Transit: The easiest way to get there. Take Tram 6 from Zurich HB directly to the Zoo Zürich terminus.
- Driving & Parking: Parking lots directly outside the zoo fill up early on sunny weekends. When these lots are full, digital signs redirect traffic to overflow parking areas served by dedicated zoo shuttle buses.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Zoo Zürich with Family
With modern habitats and a strong commitment to global conservation, Zoo Zürich remains our top choice for an educational, family-friendly day out in Zurich. The variety of exhibits is fantastic, and the kids always love the up-close animal encounters.
For more family travel guides and animal adventures across Switzerland, explore our other blog posts!