Visiting Wildpark Pforzheim in Germany with a Toddler

Visiting Wildpark Pforzheim in Germany with a Toddler

The Wildpark in Pforzheim, located in south-western Germany, is billed as one of the most popular attractions in the region. The car park was certainly busy when we stopped by on a sunny Monday afternoon in spring. But the park itself was easily big enough to accommodate the number of visitors. This is my guide to visiting Wildpark Pforzheim in Germany with a toddler.

Visiting Wildpark Pforzheim in Germany with a Toddler

More than 500,000 people visit the Wildpark Pforzheim annually. Probably because it is free to visit. It looked very popular with local families. The Wildpark Pforzheim started more than 40 years ago with a wild boar. It has grown to include 70 animal species on a 17 hectare site in the forest. The focus in on recreating near-nature enclosures to house Central European wild animals in social groups. The development of the wildpark is reliant on donations, but they weren’t at all pushy about this.

There are a wide range of animals, from otters and raccoons to lynxes and bison. There are animals to pet, such as African dwarf goats and alpaca, which is a great attraction for youngsters. The little farm section with animals like rabbits and miniature ponies was also fun for a toddler. The paths were smooth and easy to negotiate for a toddler. They would also be very accessible with a buggy. The wildpark is set in a forest, so even on a hot summers day there would be pleasant shade for strolling around.

Apart from the animals, there are also play areas dotted around, including a large children’s playground with equipment suitable for a toddler. And being Germany, there is also a large beer garden! You can pick up snacks and drinks here and there are baby-changing facilities. We took advantage of one of the quiet corners to have a picnic lunch, before spending some time wandering about. It was a great place to stop off to stretch our legs on our road trip. We could easily have spent a good half day here exploring the whole site.

Visiting Wildpark Pforzheim in Germany with a Toddler: Information

The admission to the Wildpark Pforzheim is free of charge.

You do have to pay parking fees, but these are only 3 euros per car for 3 hours (Monday to Friday), or 5 euros on Saturdays / Sundays / holidays. Remember to display the parking ticket in your car window!

There are lots of parking spaces spread over 3 car parks – even so, we had to do two laps before we found a spot. On a Monday. I’m guessing that it would be even busier at the weekend. If you are local to the area, it might be best to travel by bus – the bus stop is opposite car park 1 on Tiefenbronner StraรŸe, served by bus line number 5.

Opening times: daily from 07:00 to 20:00.

A map of the site can be used to plan your visit.

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15 thoughts on “Visiting Wildpark Pforzheim in Germany with a Toddler

  1. How amazing that this attraction is free and yet they manage to replicate natural habitats as much as possible. Some zoos that charge a fortune to get in could learn so much from them. Thanks so much for linking up to #FamilyTravelTips.
    Nat.x

    1. I was amazed at how good it was – as you say, I have been to worse wildlife parks and had to pay to get in

  2. We have a few places like this in the Netherlands and they are basically the most perfect place ever to bring little kids. If I’m ever in the area I plan to check this one out on your recommendation. #MondayEscapes

    1. And I will have to check out the ones in the Netherlands next time we are over there

  3. I love how there are so many free Wildparks in Germany! There was even one in the small Bavarian town I lived in – it had a moose family and lots of birds (my favorite). This certainly looks like a nice park!

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