Lodz Zoo with children is a great family travel idea. It is one of the largest zoos in Poland and also one of the most modern zoos in Europe. If you are looking for a perfect family adventure in Poland and planning your travel route, make sure to include Lodz Zoo. It is a place that will impress both children and adults. We spent a wonderful half day here with our family, and we are sharing our recommendations and tips that we believe will make your visit even more enjoyable.
Lodz Zoo with children is truly a TOP place that you should visit in Poland. The city of Lodz invests a lot to become attractive to tourists, and it clearly pays off. In our opinion, it is one of the most interesting and fun cities to visit with children. There are many attractions and also plenty of interesting places to see. Moreover, Lodz is in a very convenient location. It is easy to reach by car. In addition, it works perfectly as a stop when traveling to Zakopane, the Polish mountains, or further into Europe.
In Lodz, we especially like:
- The fantastic Fala water park
- Hopa Lupa, an amusement park in Lodz, Poland
- An impressive science center
- One of the best science exhibitions for younger children
- Thermal pools
- Mandoria, the largest indoor amusement park in Europe
Lodz Zoo with children
Lodz Zoo is currently the largest zoo in Poland and one of the largest zoos in Europe. After the reconstruction of the zoo and the Orientarium was completed at the end of 2023, it became the most modern zoo in Europe.
Lodz Zoo is home to 3,350 animals and as many as 554 different species. Here you can see elephants, sharks, bears, rays, very rare lions, Sumatran orangutans, and crocodiles.
The pride of the zoo is the Orientarium, which makes the zoo one of the most modern in Europe. Although we have visited many zoos around the world, the Lodz Orientarium left a very strong impression on us. It is divided into four parts. The first part is dedicated to elephants. The second part features otters, tapirs, and macaques. The third part is the Oceania zone. The fourth part is dedicated to crocodiles, orangutans, gibbons, and many other animal species.
The Orientarium impressed us not only because of the animals, but also because of the plants and greenery. Most importantly, it allows visitors to observe animals not only at eye level, but also from above on the second floor and from below. You can watch crocodiles swimming underwater. You can also see elephants bathing and swimming. The experience is truly unique.
The Orientarium also features the longest underwater tunnel in Poland, measuring 26 meters. Inside, you can see more than 1,300 different fish species, as well as sharks, rays, and other impressive fish. There is also a huge panoramic aquarium glass wall. You can easily spend hours watching life inside the aquarium. Nearby, children can enjoy a fun slide.
Educational activities and entertainment
The zoo itself is very modern. In many areas, you will find tablets, interactive educational stands, and interactive floors.
The zoo offers special educational programs that allow children to learn more about animals and their natural environment. We took part in a guided tour, where the guides shared interesting stories about animal habits and behavior.
In addition, you can see how elephants are fed and bathed. You can also watch penguins being fed or sharks being fed.
Impressive animals and education
As soon as we entered Lodz Zoo with children, exotic birds, impressive mammals, and curious monkeys greeted us. The children admired the giant African elephants, playful sea lions, and colorful parrots.
Tips for visiting Lodz Zoo
Lodz Zoo is very popular. Therefore, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance to avoid queues. If you are visiting Lodz and want to save money, you can buy a combined ticket that includes entry to the Fala water park for 109 PLN. Alternatively, you can choose a combined ticket with a visit to the Lodz science center.
The zoo is very large, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. In fact, Lodz Zoo is about the size of ten football stadiums. Keep in mind that children cannot bring scooters or balance bikes inside the zoo and must leave them with security. However, visitors can use strollers inside. Note that some of the park paths are sandy, so white shoes are not recommended.
Although there are several cafés in the park area, it is a good idea to bring snacks and water, especially if you are visiting with small children. This is because the cafés are near the park entrance.
Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours in the park. The zoo area is large, and there are also playgrounds and play areas for children.
The park opens at 9:00 in the morning. Therefore, we recommend visiting early to see the animals when they are most active. In addition, there are fewer visitors. Keep in mind that many pavilions close around 3:00 or 3:30 PM, and the park is open only until 5:00 PM.
The zoo is located in a city park, so parking can be challenging. There is a small parking lot near the zoo that fills up quickly in the morning and costs 60 PLN. The most convenient option is to park near the Fala water park or the Lodz Arena and walk through the park. Both parking lots are paid.
Was it worth it
Our experience at Lodz Zoo with children was truly excellent. If you are visiting Lodz with your family, make sure to include this place in your travel plans. Lodz Zoo also works perfectly as a stop when traveling with children to Zakopane or the Polish mountains.
