For many parents, the zoo is one of their favourite places to spend time with their children. It's a unique world where we can get closer to nature and its inhabitants, where you can see in one place how diverse the fauna of our planet is. It is an excellent opportunity to introduce children to our little brothers and show them, better than any book illustration, what a long neck a giraffe has or a beautiful tail a peacock has...
Here are 10 of the best zoos in Europe, where a visit will be a real holiday for all your family members.
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1. London Zoo (United Kingdom)
The zoo is not only one of the finest in Europe but also one of the oldest in Europe, founded in 1828 by the Zoological Society of London. Initially, it was used for scientific research, but 1847 it opened its doors to the public. Today the zoo is home to some 755 species of animals, numbering more than 16,000.
The zoo was a pioneer in many ways. It had the first aquarium, a serpentarium and a 'children's zoo' where children could get close to their pets and participate in exciting lessons. Today you can find these sections in almost every good zoo.
London Zoo is an enjoyable and comfortable place to walk around and get to know its inhabitants. With a minimum of cages and nets, spacious enclosures and pavilions where you can get up close and personal with non-dangerous animals, and exciting educational programmes and performances, the famous London Zoo is all this and more.
Not to be missed: the B.U.G.S. (Biodiversity Underpinning Global Survival) pavilion with various exciting insects and small animals; elephant bathing, penguin feeding, aquarium, and butterfly world.
Address:Outer Circle, Regent's Park London, NW1 4RY
London Zoo's official website:: https://www.londonzoo.org/
2. Berlin Zoological Garden (Germany)
It is Germany's oldest and largest zoo (in terms of area and number of animals), opened in 1844 on the site of a former royal pheasant court in Berlin's Tiergarten. It covers 35 hectares and is home to 1,500 species (around 17,000 animals).
It is one of the most popular attractions for both locals and tourists. In addition to the interestingly decorated and easily accessible enclosures, visitors can find a wealth of figures and scientific information on the stands next to the animals.
The three-storey building next to the park houses the aquarium with three exhibitions: a marine world, a terrarium and insects. As the Berlin Zoo is enormous, you can hire a special buggy for your child, which makes it much easier to get around.
Not to be missed: the children's area where you can feed the goats and sheep, the nocturnal animal pavilion, the monkey pavilion, the bull-elephant, and the aquarium.
Address: Hardenbergplatz 8, 10787 Berlin
Berlin Zoo's official website: https://www.zoo-berlin.de
3. Vienna Zoo (Austria)
Vienna Zoo is located on the grounds of Schönbrunn Palace and is one of the oldest zoos in the world. The history of this Vienna attraction dates back to 1752 when Emperor Franz I ordered a menagerie to be built on the grounds of the residence.
Despite its respectable age, the park is considered one of the most modern in terms of technology and the best in terms of accommodation, which is as close as possible to the animal's natural habitat. In addition to these advantages, the zoo, as well as the entire park of the palace, is well-maintained and of imperial beauty.
Schönbrunn Zoo now has a collection of more than 600 species. It is one of the few zoos where you can see pandas in captivity. You can take a tour train around the zoo and hire a handy mini-trolley for young children.
Not to be missed: the koala feeding and weighing, the sea lion show and the menagerie's star attraction — the panda family.
Find out more about the Vienna Zoo on our website.
Address: Schönbrunner Tiergarten, Maxingstraße 13b, 1130 Vienna
Vienna Zoo's official website: https://www.zoovienna.at/
4. Prague Zoo (Czech Republic)
It's no surprise that you can visit one of the best zoos in Europe, if not the world, in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Prague Zoo is located in a picturesque part of the city, in Troja Park. Next door are the Botanical Gardens and the Troja Chateau. The zoo first opened its doors to the public in 1931. The park has 113 mammals, 159 species of birds, 34 species of reptiles and about 300 species of plants.
As you enter the Prague Zoo, look at the local Walk of Fame, where you can see the footprints of the zoo's most famous residents throughout its history. The Prague Zoo covers an area of 60 hectares, 50 of which are occupied by animals. The zoo's structure is unusual, as it is divided into two levels connected by a funicular railway.
The Prague Zoo specialises in restoring endangered species so that you can see representatives of rare species listed in the Red Book. The living conditions of the animals are very natural, there are practically no cages (except for the birds of prey), and the aviaries are mostly equipped with glass panels. It allows maximum contact with the zoo's inhabitants, making a visit to the zoo even more enjoyable.
The management of the Prague Zoo pays a lot of attention to its youngest visitors. Don't forget to take them to the Children's Zoo, where they can feed, ride some animals, and watch one of the free animal shows. There are also plenty of playgrounds and a children's railway.
Not to be missed: the unique Indonesian jungle pavilion, gorilla show, hyena show, children's zoo, African panorama, polar bear pavilion with waterfall and underwater viewing.
Address: U Trojského zámku 3/120, 171 00 Praha 7
Prague Zoo's official website: https://www.zoopraha.cz
5. Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden (Germany)
Wilhelma Zoo is a harmonious combination of flora and fauna in one place. The zoo, the botanical gardens and the elegant palace and park complex are all located in the same area, making for exciting walks through the picturesque countryside and many positive impressions. The Zoo Botanical Garden, with its many greenhouses and pavilions, was laid out in the mid-19th century on the orders of King William I.
Visiting here is exciting in the warmer months when the whole park is a riot of colour and scent. Today the zoo is home to around 9,000 animals, including camels, a waddling hippopotamus, colourful parrots, penguins, rhinos, giraffes and zebras — the most interesting specimens.
A large pond with various aquatic plants, frolicking fish and free-ranging herons add to the charm of Wilhelma. The zoo is popular with locals and tourists, with around 2.4 million visitors annually.
Not to be missed: Rainforest with butterflies, aquarium, greenhouse with exotic plants.
Address: Wilhelma 13, 70376 Stuttgart
Wilhelma Zoo's official website: https://www.wilhelma.de/
6. Zoo Basel (Switzerland)
The Basel Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world and Europe. Despite its relatively small size (the park area is about 11 hectares, the number of animal species represented is 600, and the number of individuals is about 6000), you can see many fascinating animals living in pretty comfortable conditions, as evidenced by their peaceful and contented appearance.
The Zolli (as the zoo is known locally) is one of the city's main attractions and a great place to take the kids. Every year, the Zolli hosts an open-air night where visitors can learn and see many exciting things about the nocturnal behaviour of the animals.
Not to be missed: sea lion feeding, elephant bathing, aviary, monkey house, vivarium.
Address: Binningerstrasse 40, Basel
Basel Zoo's official website: https://www.zoobasel.ch
7. Zurich Zoo (Switzerland)
Another nature park that is a must-visit for children. Situated in a very picturesque area, visiting at any time of the year is pleasant. The animals at Zurich Zoo are divided into several zones that best represent each habitat's natural and climatic conditions. They are housed in spacious enclosures suitable for living in and viewing. The zoo has around 2,000 animals of 300 (mostly exotic) species.
The jewel in the zoo's crown is the 11,000 square metre Masoala Tropical Forest Reserve, which fully recreates the climate of Madagascar's national park. Visitors can experience the tropical atmosphere and see the world in all its glory thanks to the 'aerial trails' — a system of viewing platforms up to 20 metres high.
Not to be missed: the Oceanarium and the Amazonica Tropical Butterfly House. Masoala Tropical Forest with aerial trails, Zoolino pet farm, and Royal Penguins.
Address: Zürichbergstrasse 221, 8044 Zürich
Zurich Zoo's official website: https://www.zoo.ch
8. Rotterdam Zoo (Netherlands)
Holland's oldest zoo on the city's outskirts will impress even the most discerning and experienced tourist. In 2007, Bleedorp Zoo celebrated its 150th anniversary, three years after being declared a national monument. There are hardly any cages here — all the animals live in spacious enclosures surrounded by greenery, and every effort is made to ensure the park's inhabitants feel comfortable and natural.
The 17-hectare Bleedorp site is divided into sections that allow you to take a short, fascinating trip around all the world's continents in just a few hours. Along the way, you will come across many species of animals from Asia, Africa, South and North America and Europe. You can even visit a natural ice cave, the home of a polar bear.
The zoo is also rich in rare animals, including the Amur leopard, Galapagos, Egyptian tortoises, and Komodo dragons. Rotterdam Zoo is also very proud of its vast oceanarium with a chic gallery of many aquariums.
The zoo offers plenty of entertainment for children through playgrounds, steam trains and rides.
Not to be missed: the Oceanarium and the Amazonica Tropical Butterfly House. the Oceanarium and the Amazonica Tropical Butterfly House.
Address: Blijdorplaan 8 3041 JG Rotterdam, Nederland
Rotterdam Zoo's official website: https://www.diergaardeblijdorp.nl/
9. Copenhagen Zoo (Denmark)
Copenhagen Zoo is located on the city's outskirts, in the small town of Frederiksberg. It was founded in 1850 by the Danish ornithologist Niels Kjerbelling in the garden of the former royal residence. Despite its age, the zoo is considered one of the most modern and well-equipped in the world. More than 3,000 animals live on 11 hectares. In recent years, the zoo has removed almost all of its cages, creating comfortable but safe enclosures that allow you to get up close and personal with the animals.
The zoo boasts a comfortable and spacious 'elephant house', designed in 2008 by renowned British architect Norman Foster. Thanks to its unusual glass-domed structure, the space where these animals live is bright and very comfortable.
The Ring of the Arctic is another fascinating place. A visit to this area takes you through a tunnel with a 360-degree view of the pools where polar bears swim. In the Children's Zoo, young visitors can pet and feed animals, ride ponies and visit Rabbit Town.
Not to be missed: the butterfly pavilion, the Arctic Ring, the elephant house, feeding sea lions and chimpanzees, and the Børnezoo Kids' Corner.
Address: Roskildevej 32, 2000 Frederiksberg
Copenhagen Zoo's official website: https://www.zoo.dk
10. Barcelona Zoo (Spain)
The zoo will celebrate its 130th anniversary in 2022. Throughout its long history, the Barcelona Zoo has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for children in Barcelona and a major tourist attraction. Located practically in the city's centre, in the Parc de la Ciutadella, it delights and impresses visitors with its variety of flora and fauna from all corners of the planet.
Over 12 hectares, there are 400 different species of animals: tamarins, gorillas, tigers and cheetahs, ostriches, penguins, lions, Madagascar lemurs, African hoofed animals and marine life. There are also many flamingos at the Barcelona Zoo, which are grouped in several ponds. Sadly, the zoo's landmark Snowball, a snow-white albino gorilla who lived to be 40 and attracted thousands of visitors over the years, is no longer alive. You can still buy a souvenir in his memory.
Barcelona Zoo has one of the best terrariums in Europe, with around 500 amphibians and reptiles. Like any good zoo, most of the enclosures at Barcelona Zoo are designed to make it easy for visitors to watch and observe the animals. There is usually a moat or small fence between the animals and people. To get around the zoo more efficiently, you can hire a small electric car or use the services of a steam train.
Not to be missed: Terrarium, Aviary Birds House, Komodo dragons, baby panda, 'children's zoo', dolphin show.
Address: Parc de la Ciutadella, Barcelona
Barcelona Zoo's official website: https://www.zoobarcelona.cat/
Zoos are just a tiny part of what you can take your child on holiday. Learn more about the other family attractions in our Kidpassage collection to make your holiday fun and educational. On our Kidpassage pages, we have collected only the best places and activities for children: water parks, theme parks, rides, oceanariums, aquariums and many other exciting places worldwide. Read on to find things to do with the kids, and you won't be bored on your holiday!
