Schönbrunn Zoo for Families: The World's Oldest Zoo
Pandas, elephants and animal tales from imperial times
FamilyWien- Duration
- 2.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
This private family tour of Schönbrunn Zoo combines animal encounters with stories from the imperial age. Kids explore the world's oldest zoo still in operation, right in the palace park.
Schönbrunn Zoo was founded in 1752 and is considered the oldest zoo still operating in the world. Emperor Francis Stephen, husband of Maria Theresa, created it as an imperial menagerie. At its center still stands the baroque Imperial Pavilion, from which the court watched the animals.
Today animals from every continent live here, from elephants and giraffes to penguins and giant pandas. The rainforest house is warm and humid like the tropics, and in the Polarium penguins and seals dive.
Your guide tells how the first giraffe arrived in Vienna and became a fashion craze, asks questions to guess along and shows how modern zoos protect species today. The route adapts to the kids' pace.
Highlights
- The world's oldest zoo still in operation
- Giant pandas, elephants and giraffes
- The baroque Imperial Pavilion
- Rainforest house and Polarium
- Riddles and animal stories for kids
The route
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1Main entrance
Start with the founding of the imperial menagerie.
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2Imperial Pavilion
The baroque heart of the zoo.
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3Elephant park
The zoo's biggest residents.
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4Rainforest house
A slice of the tropics in Vienna.
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5Polarium
Finale with penguins and seals.
Who this tour is for
For families with kids from about six and all animal lovers.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees are never included in the tour price. When you book, we are happy to tell you which admissions apply to your group.
How is the price calculated?
This is a private tour for your group only. The price is per group, not per person, which makes it great value for families and friends traveling together.
When is the best time to visit the zoo?
In the morning many animals are especially active and it is often quieter. In summer we recommend an early start, in winter the warm animal houses are inviting.
