Knie’s Kinderzoo (in German Knies Kinderzoo) is a children’s zoo located in Rapperswil, St. Gallen, Switzerland. This zoo is geared toward children, especially those in pre-school and elementary school.
Knie’s Kinderzoo was built in 1962 by Fredy and Rolf Knie. It is a privately owned zoo. Knie’s Kinderzoo is a great place to visit with family and friends.
| Age Group | All ages |
| Category | Animals |
| Expected Duration | Half day, Whole day |
| Cost | * Adults - CHF 29 * Students / AVS / AI - CHF 25 * Children (6-15 years) - CHF 19 * Happy hour starting at 5:00 PM - CHF 10 * Children under 6 years old - Free |
| Address | Oberseestrasse 36, 8640 Rapperswil-Jona, Switzerland |
| Website | https://www.knieskinderzoo.ch/ |
| Opening Hours | Daily from February 5, 2022 |
| Public Transport | Rapperswil SG (Train) Rapperswil SG, Kinder Zoo (Bus) |
Knie Family Dynasty
The Knie family built the zoo, as mentioned previously. The Knie family roots go back to Innsbruck, Austria, in 1803. Friedrich Knie founded a company made up of various artists. The family spent a decade traveling through Germany, Austria, and Switzerland before settling in Switzerland.
Over the next two centuries, the family with a long circus and artist tradition grew their company.
The family is best known for the Children’s Zoo in Rapperswil as well as the Circus Knie (in German Zirkus Knie), which tours Switzerland for several months every year.
Elephants have been housed at the Himmapan Lodge since 2015. There are seven elephants living here.
Knie’s Kinderzoo: An Honest Review
Animal Variety at Knie’s Kinderzoo
The zoo does have a variety of animals. You’ll find elephants, giraffes, camels, monkeys, penguins, zebras, and rabbits. Elephants are kept at Himmapan Lodge, which has a savanna ecosystem like the grasslands in Africa. In case the kids want to pet the animals, there’s a small petting area.
Knie’s Kinderzoo’s got animal rides. You can ride the elephants, the camels, and the small ponies. Some animal activists might not like this, but kids love it and will wait in line just to ride on the animals. There’ll be an extra charge if you want to ride the animals.
Bird Show at the Zauberhut
They used to have a swimming pool at Kinderzoo where they did sea lion shows. Now they don’t have that anymore. You can now see a bird show at the Zauberhut (Magic Hut). This bird show is fun. They’ll also let kids take pictures with the parrots after the show for a small fee.
This Zauberhut can also be rented for private events if that is your wish.
Eating Areas at Knie’s Kinderzoo
As you walk further up the Himmapan Lodge, you’ll reach a Thai restaurant. You will also have a great view of the elephants below and see them all together. For me, this is the best restaurant of all three – it’s nicely decorated and serves good food.
There’s also an indoor-outdoor restaurant called Restaurant Wintergarten right next to Zauberhut serving french fries, hotdogs, burgers, and sausages. Directly after the entrance area is another restaurant called Restaurant Tiergarten that serves food similar to Wintergarten.
Play Areasat Knie’s Kinderzoo
Knie’s Kinderzoo renovated their play areas. There used to be a slide and bridge near the Zauberhut and Wintergarten, but now there are swings. There’s also a new playground behind the Zauberhut.
There is a pirate ship but it is not available to play with. It is reserved for birthday parties.
Review ofKnie’s Kinderzoo
Knie’s Kinderzoo is so fun for the kids. It’s great for younger children ages 2-6.
Since it’s not as big as Zoo Zürich, it’s great for younger kids, like toddlers and pre-schoolers since the area is easy to navigate. And it’s cheaper too! Even though older kids will still like Knie’s Kinderzoo, I think they’ll have a better time at the bigger zoos. Larger zoos like Zoo Zürich, Zoo Basel, and Tierpark Goldau are better for older children.
If you enjoy it and live near Rapperswil, I suggest buying a yearly pass.
They seem to take good care of the animals. They look healthy and they have a lot of room. Also, the zoo is clean and well organized. The toilets are also well-maintained.
How To Get To Knie’s Kinderzoo
The Knie’s Kinderzoo is easy to reach. It is within walking distance from the Rapperswil train station.
There is no need to travel by bus, but you could do it if that is what you wish. The bus stop is called Rapperswil SG, Kinder Zoo.
Final Thoughts:Knie’s Kinderzoo
Knie’s Kinderzoo is definitely one I would recommend anyone around the area of Zurich to visit.
While it might be small and compact, there are enough animals, play areas, eating areas, and a variety of activities to fill at least half a day. It is compact and lovely. I would suggest the bigger zoos of Zurich and Arth Goldau for older kids, just in case Knie’s Kinderzoo is already too small.
For a lot of adults, Knie evokes the same feelings that Disney does. A name synonymous with fun – whether it’s at the Kinderzoo or the circus. They do birthday parties and school tours too. This is an iconic name in Switzerland.
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