The Zoological Museum at the University of Zurich has more than 1,500 species on show. Everything from the large, such as the narwhale, to the tiny, such as the bed bug. There are also animal and bird noises to listen to and movies to watch. I visited with my 16 month old and here is what she found…
Zoological Museum at the University of Zurich – Main Room
Inside the entrance you are greeted by a giant sloth, which you can actually stroke, which is unusual for a museum. Large and small animals are displayed, both stuffed and in skeleton form. There are microscopes to view even smaller creatures, such as insects. On this floor there is a reading corner, complete with books for kids. And there are jigsaws to play with.
Also in this area you will find a few tables where you can sit and eat your own snacks. This is really useful, particularly in winter, as you can have a nice indoor picnic and save a few Euros.
There is also a very handy cloakroom for stashing all your outdoor layers if you are visiting in winter. The toilets are just outside the museum but do have baby changing facilities.
Zoological Museum at the University of Zurich – Downstairs
My toddler loved the wooden staircase between the two floors. On to the real exhibits, on the lower floor there are yet more animals on display, providing another area that is great for a toddler to explore. There were certainly a large number of parents with pre-schoolers on this rainy day; it is clearly a popular entertainment choice for locals. There were also a number of teenagers sketching the exhibits, so there is appeal for all ages.
Zoological Museum at the University of Zurich – Woodland Room
My toddler enjoyed wandering through this sensory area. I liked it too; I thought it made a nice change from traditional display cases. There are booths for listening to different bird songs in this area. But to be honest, my toddler preferred just playing with the headphones.
We had a great hour or two having a look around here, and could have spent much longer here if we had more time.
Zoological Museum at the University of Zurich – Getting There
The nearest tram stop is ETH/Universitätsspital.
It is open from 9.00 – 17.00 Tuesday to Friday and 10.00 – 17.00 Saturday and Sunday. It is closed on Mondays.
There is no admission fee.
For more information see the Zoological Museum at the University of Zurich website.
The Paleontological Museum is at the same location, featuring a collection of ammonite fossils. My toddler was more interested in the Zoological section, but you are free to wander between the two.
Zoological Museums, always popular. I like the touching opportunities here (*I* would like it, I think, never mind the kids) – and that woodland room looks fantastic.
The Woodland room there looks magical! And so nice to have an indoor picnic. And yes, my toddler often also enjoys the stairs!
I liked the woodland area, it made a nice change from the normal display cases.
How fantastic that you can actually touch the sloth! I like the look of the giant toadstools, too. #citytripping
I do like museums where kids can touch things.
Zurich is on our list of place to visit – I’ll have to take a note of this museum. Our kids would love it!
It definitely looked popular with kids of all ages.
The sensory area looks amazing. Always good to find somewhere which has something for all ages. I must get to Zurich sometime. Thanks for linking #citytripping
I had passed through Zurich airport and station so many times – it was nice to finally see some of the city!