Bochum
Klinikstraße 49, 44791 Bochum, Deutschland
Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum | Opening Hours & Tickets
The Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum is much more than a classic zoo: it combines animal encounters, natural history, and environmental education right in Bochum. Since its beginnings in 1933, the Bochum Zoo has developed into a modern family and learning place that today showcases around 3,600 animals across about 300 species and attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually. In addition, there is the Fossil Museum as a natural history museum, the aquarium and terrarium house, experience areas like the North Sea Worlds, and a large active playground. Those planning a visit can find clear information on times, tickets, arrival, and offers for groups, birthday children, and curious explorers on the official service pages. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/neuigkeiten/aktuelles/detail/2024-12-zeittunnel?utm_source=openai))
Opening Hours, Tickets, and Prices
For most visitors, the question of opening hours and tickets is the most important entry point, and here the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum provides clear, up-to-date information. Year-round, entry begins at 09:00 AM. From March to October, the park is open until 06:00 PM, from April to September until 07:00 PM, and from November to February until 04:30 PM. The last entry is one hour before closing during the main season and half an hour prior outside this time frame. Shortened opening hours are set for Christmas Eve. This is practical for family outings, school trips, or spontaneous afternoon visits, as the day's planning can be directly adjusted to the seasonal times. Tickets can be purchased online in the shop or at the box office; online booking secures the desired date and makes planning particularly convenient. Pricing has been transparent since January 1, 2026: adults pay 10 euros, children and teenagers aged 3 to 17 pay 5 euros, and children under 3 have free entry. Leashed dogs are allowed in for free. Those who possess a Ruhr.Topcard receive free entry once according to the conditions of Ruhr Tourismus GmbH, and no ticket booking is necessary for this. Additionally, there are annual passes, vouchers, and collaborations with other institutions, such as the Zeiss Planetarium Bochum, making the visit part of a larger day in Bochum. For inquiries regarding tickets, prices, opening hours, and Ruhr.Topcard, the official service page is the most reliable point of contact. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/mein-tierparkbesuch/oeffnungszeiten))
Directions, Parking, and Address in Bochum
The address is quickly noted: Zoo Bochum gGmbH, Klinikstraße 49, 44791 Bochum. Those arriving by public transport should travel to Bochum Central Station. From there, bus lines 336 and 339 depart directly to the Tierpark stop, which is right at the entrance. Alternatively, tram lines 308 or 316 go to the Planetarium stop; from there, it is about a five-minute walk along Klinikstraße. The zoo also points out current construction work on Gudrunstraße, which may temporarily restrict access depending on the section. Therefore, a close look at the travel recommendations is sensible for drivers, especially if the visit is planned with children or limited time. There are several parking options: free parking for four hours with a parking disc is possible on Küppersstraße, parts of Klinikstraße are free, and there are free parking spaces on Kurfürstenstraße. Additionally, several parking garages are within a good walking distance. Particularly close is P1 at the LWL Clinic, about a one-minute walk; P2 at Stadtpark is reachable in about seven minutes, P3 at Stadionring in about ten minutes, and P4 on Castroper Straße also in about ten minutes. This is valuable for longer stays, families with strollers, or visitors who want to explore different areas at their leisure. Overall, the official directions page shows that the zoo is practically accessible for both train and bus guests as well as drivers. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/mein-tierparkbesuch/anfahrt/kontakt))
Dogs Allowed, Weather, and Accessibility
Many inquiries revolve around everyday usability, and here the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum offers surprisingly many practical advantages. Leashed dogs are allowed and even free of charge. Only for dog training is a special rule in place: these visits must be registered in advance by email and explicitly approved by management. For people with mobility restrictions, it is important that the entire area is level or without steps, making many animal enclosures easily accessible. All doors have wheelchair-accessible widths, and there is a disabled toilet in the park and two disabled parking spaces directly opposite the entrance. This is complemented by the zoo app and the barrier-free information system, which makes the visit more understandable and easier for different needs. Even in bad weather, a visit is worthwhile, as the park points out that animal observations are possible year-round thanks to large panoramic windows and indoor facilities. This is particularly pleasant for families who need to remain flexible regarding the weather or for guests who prefer to discover animals in the warm indoor area. Another practical detail: private photos are allowed, and publication on the internet is permitted with source citation to Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum. This makes the park interesting for visitors who want to share their impressions later on social media, in travel blogs, or in family galleries. Overall, the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum is a destination that impresses not only with animals but also with good accessibility, dog-friendliness, and weather-independent experiences. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/mein-tierparkbesuch/eintrittskarten))
Children's Birthday, Tours, and Group Offers
Those looking for children's birthdays, groups, or experience-oriented tours will find an unusually wide range of offerings at the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum. The birthday programs are intentionally designed as expeditions through exotic animal worlds and are aimed at both small and large birthday children. For bookings, it is advisable to inquire at least four weeks before the desired date, either through the contact form or by email to the zoo school. The classic programs last about 120 minutes and cost 100 euros plus entry. Depending on the offer, the maximum group size is ten or fifteen children, often including some accompanying persons. There are several content variants: a reptile camp with snakes, crocodiles, and bearded dragons, a dino birthday with prehistoric references and fossil traces, a farm birthday with goats, chickens, and pets, as well as other thematic tours that focus on animal feedings or small interactive activities. Particularly charming is the Joglo, a Javanese wooden hut in the heart of the zoo. It accommodates up to 15 people, and booking times are seasonally regulated: from March to October in the mornings or afternoons, from November to February with slightly shifted time slots. The Joglo is suitable for children's birthdays, family celebrations, or meetings with friends and can be combined with a themed tour as a framework program. The zoo also offers individually tailored formats for clubs, company outings, and private groups. This transforms a simple zoo visit into a planable experience with a clear duration, manageable budget, and child-friendly dramaturgy. Families looking for something special benefit from the fact that the zoo not only showcases animals but actively creates experiences. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/tierpark-erleben/kindergeburtstage))
Fossil Museum, Animals, and Experience Worlds
The Fossil Museum is the special part of the zoo and the reason why the name Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum is more than just a branding. In the midst of the aquarium and terrarium house, the exhibition showcases around 50 display cases with fossil relatives of today's animals. The exhibits come from the collection of preparator Helmut Leich and primarily from the Altmühltal around Solnhofen and Eichstätt, one of the most famous fossil sites in the world. There, visitors dive into the Jurassic period when dinosaurs still lived, and the landscapes of Central Europe looked very different. This is particularly vividly illustrated by casts of the Archaeopteryx, ammonites, coelacanths, Jurassic-era horseshoe crabs, and a 2.5-meter giant fish. At the same time, visitors encounter so-called living fossils in the same area, such as smooth-fronted caimans, bamboo sharks, pike, Seychelles giant tortoises, or peacock mantas. This connection between prehistoric times and the present is what makes it appealing. Additionally, the aquarium and terrarium house features more than 2,000 fish, ranging from the Ruhr to tropical and desert habitats. In the North Sea Worlds, guests experience seals, Humboldt penguins, and Wadden Sea inhabitants; the seal pool holds 565,000 liters of self-prepared saltwater and offers panoramic windows for underwater views. The lemur enclosure is also popular, as it is one of the larger animal enclosures in the park and allows guided tours in good weather. Families with children also appreciate the 1,000 square meter zoological active playground with jungle castle, desert construction site, turtle path, and explorer cave. For the day visit, it is helpful that the zoo publicly lists its animal feedings, including animals like meerkats, kune kune pigs, lemurs, seals, penguins, giant tortoises, and porcupines; the times may vary depending on operational conditions. So, those looking for programs, zoo plans, photos, or special highlights will find a dense mix of nature experience, learning, and entertainment here. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/fossilium/die-ausstellung?utm_source=openai))
Photos, History, and Visitor Impressions
Even those who want to see photos, impressions, or the history of the place in advance will find good references on the official pages. The zoo refers to its own photo gallery with impressions from festivals and events; private photos for personal use are allowed, and publication on the internet is permitted with source citation. Historically, the park can be traced back to its beginnings in 1933. With the time tunnel opened in December 2024, this development is made visible, from the early decades to the present. Today, the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum describes itself as a modern environmental education center and recognized natural history museum that combines education, research, nature and species conservation, and recreation. This also fits with its role as a BNE regional center, as the institution does not see the zoo merely as a destination but also as a learning place for sustainable development. For visitors, this development is tangible: there are classic animal encounters, scientifically prepared content, and at the same time offers that make the day relaxed and family-friendly. Additionally, there are special events, seasonal festivals, and thematic action days that keep the park lively throughout the year. So, those looking for reviews or photos may find not only individual opinions but above all a clearly recognizable profile: a zoo with a strong educational aspect, a pronounced family offering, and an unusually successful bridge between living animals and fossil evidence of Earth's history. This is exactly what makes the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum a destination worth visiting for first-time visitors as well as for those specifically looking for history, images, and special features. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/mein-tierparkbesuch/fotogalerie?utm_source=openai))
Sources:
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Opening Hours
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Tickets
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Directions and Contact
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Children's Birthdays
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Fossil Museum and Exhibition
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Playground and Gastronomy
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - FAQ
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Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum | Opening Hours & Tickets
The Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum is much more than a classic zoo: it combines animal encounters, natural history, and environmental education right in Bochum. Since its beginnings in 1933, the Bochum Zoo has developed into a modern family and learning place that today showcases around 3,600 animals across about 300 species and attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually. In addition, there is the Fossil Museum as a natural history museum, the aquarium and terrarium house, experience areas like the North Sea Worlds, and a large active playground. Those planning a visit can find clear information on times, tickets, arrival, and offers for groups, birthday children, and curious explorers on the official service pages. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/neuigkeiten/aktuelles/detail/2024-12-zeittunnel?utm_source=openai))
Opening Hours, Tickets, and Prices
For most visitors, the question of opening hours and tickets is the most important entry point, and here the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum provides clear, up-to-date information. Year-round, entry begins at 09:00 AM. From March to October, the park is open until 06:00 PM, from April to September until 07:00 PM, and from November to February until 04:30 PM. The last entry is one hour before closing during the main season and half an hour prior outside this time frame. Shortened opening hours are set for Christmas Eve. This is practical for family outings, school trips, or spontaneous afternoon visits, as the day's planning can be directly adjusted to the seasonal times. Tickets can be purchased online in the shop or at the box office; online booking secures the desired date and makes planning particularly convenient. Pricing has been transparent since January 1, 2026: adults pay 10 euros, children and teenagers aged 3 to 17 pay 5 euros, and children under 3 have free entry. Leashed dogs are allowed in for free. Those who possess a Ruhr.Topcard receive free entry once according to the conditions of Ruhr Tourismus GmbH, and no ticket booking is necessary for this. Additionally, there are annual passes, vouchers, and collaborations with other institutions, such as the Zeiss Planetarium Bochum, making the visit part of a larger day in Bochum. For inquiries regarding tickets, prices, opening hours, and Ruhr.Topcard, the official service page is the most reliable point of contact. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/mein-tierparkbesuch/oeffnungszeiten))
Directions, Parking, and Address in Bochum
The address is quickly noted: Zoo Bochum gGmbH, Klinikstraße 49, 44791 Bochum. Those arriving by public transport should travel to Bochum Central Station. From there, bus lines 336 and 339 depart directly to the Tierpark stop, which is right at the entrance. Alternatively, tram lines 308 or 316 go to the Planetarium stop; from there, it is about a five-minute walk along Klinikstraße. The zoo also points out current construction work on Gudrunstraße, which may temporarily restrict access depending on the section. Therefore, a close look at the travel recommendations is sensible for drivers, especially if the visit is planned with children or limited time. There are several parking options: free parking for four hours with a parking disc is possible on Küppersstraße, parts of Klinikstraße are free, and there are free parking spaces on Kurfürstenstraße. Additionally, several parking garages are within a good walking distance. Particularly close is P1 at the LWL Clinic, about a one-minute walk; P2 at Stadtpark is reachable in about seven minutes, P3 at Stadionring in about ten minutes, and P4 on Castroper Straße also in about ten minutes. This is valuable for longer stays, families with strollers, or visitors who want to explore different areas at their leisure. Overall, the official directions page shows that the zoo is practically accessible for both train and bus guests as well as drivers. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/mein-tierparkbesuch/anfahrt/kontakt))
Dogs Allowed, Weather, and Accessibility
Many inquiries revolve around everyday usability, and here the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum offers surprisingly many practical advantages. Leashed dogs are allowed and even free of charge. Only for dog training is a special rule in place: these visits must be registered in advance by email and explicitly approved by management. For people with mobility restrictions, it is important that the entire area is level or without steps, making many animal enclosures easily accessible. All doors have wheelchair-accessible widths, and there is a disabled toilet in the park and two disabled parking spaces directly opposite the entrance. This is complemented by the zoo app and the barrier-free information system, which makes the visit more understandable and easier for different needs. Even in bad weather, a visit is worthwhile, as the park points out that animal observations are possible year-round thanks to large panoramic windows and indoor facilities. This is particularly pleasant for families who need to remain flexible regarding the weather or for guests who prefer to discover animals in the warm indoor area. Another practical detail: private photos are allowed, and publication on the internet is permitted with source citation to Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum. This makes the park interesting for visitors who want to share their impressions later on social media, in travel blogs, or in family galleries. Overall, the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum is a destination that impresses not only with animals but also with good accessibility, dog-friendliness, and weather-independent experiences. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/mein-tierparkbesuch/eintrittskarten))
Children's Birthday, Tours, and Group Offers
Those looking for children's birthdays, groups, or experience-oriented tours will find an unusually wide range of offerings at the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum. The birthday programs are intentionally designed as expeditions through exotic animal worlds and are aimed at both small and large birthday children. For bookings, it is advisable to inquire at least four weeks before the desired date, either through the contact form or by email to the zoo school. The classic programs last about 120 minutes and cost 100 euros plus entry. Depending on the offer, the maximum group size is ten or fifteen children, often including some accompanying persons. There are several content variants: a reptile camp with snakes, crocodiles, and bearded dragons, a dino birthday with prehistoric references and fossil traces, a farm birthday with goats, chickens, and pets, as well as other thematic tours that focus on animal feedings or small interactive activities. Particularly charming is the Joglo, a Javanese wooden hut in the heart of the zoo. It accommodates up to 15 people, and booking times are seasonally regulated: from March to October in the mornings or afternoons, from November to February with slightly shifted time slots. The Joglo is suitable for children's birthdays, family celebrations, or meetings with friends and can be combined with a themed tour as a framework program. The zoo also offers individually tailored formats for clubs, company outings, and private groups. This transforms a simple zoo visit into a planable experience with a clear duration, manageable budget, and child-friendly dramaturgy. Families looking for something special benefit from the fact that the zoo not only showcases animals but actively creates experiences. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/tierpark-erleben/kindergeburtstage))
Fossil Museum, Animals, and Experience Worlds
The Fossil Museum is the special part of the zoo and the reason why the name Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum is more than just a branding. In the midst of the aquarium and terrarium house, the exhibition showcases around 50 display cases with fossil relatives of today's animals. The exhibits come from the collection of preparator Helmut Leich and primarily from the Altmühltal around Solnhofen and Eichstätt, one of the most famous fossil sites in the world. There, visitors dive into the Jurassic period when dinosaurs still lived, and the landscapes of Central Europe looked very different. This is particularly vividly illustrated by casts of the Archaeopteryx, ammonites, coelacanths, Jurassic-era horseshoe crabs, and a 2.5-meter giant fish. At the same time, visitors encounter so-called living fossils in the same area, such as smooth-fronted caimans, bamboo sharks, pike, Seychelles giant tortoises, or peacock mantas. This connection between prehistoric times and the present is what makes it appealing. Additionally, the aquarium and terrarium house features more than 2,000 fish, ranging from the Ruhr to tropical and desert habitats. In the North Sea Worlds, guests experience seals, Humboldt penguins, and Wadden Sea inhabitants; the seal pool holds 565,000 liters of self-prepared saltwater and offers panoramic windows for underwater views. The lemur enclosure is also popular, as it is one of the larger animal enclosures in the park and allows guided tours in good weather. Families with children also appreciate the 1,000 square meter zoological active playground with jungle castle, desert construction site, turtle path, and explorer cave. For the day visit, it is helpful that the zoo publicly lists its animal feedings, including animals like meerkats, kune kune pigs, lemurs, seals, penguins, giant tortoises, and porcupines; the times may vary depending on operational conditions. So, those looking for programs, zoo plans, photos, or special highlights will find a dense mix of nature experience, learning, and entertainment here. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/fossilium/die-ausstellung?utm_source=openai))
Photos, History, and Visitor Impressions
Even those who want to see photos, impressions, or the history of the place in advance will find good references on the official pages. The zoo refers to its own photo gallery with impressions from festivals and events; private photos for personal use are allowed, and publication on the internet is permitted with source citation. Historically, the park can be traced back to its beginnings in 1933. With the time tunnel opened in December 2024, this development is made visible, from the early decades to the present. Today, the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum describes itself as a modern environmental education center and recognized natural history museum that combines education, research, nature and species conservation, and recreation. This also fits with its role as a BNE regional center, as the institution does not see the zoo merely as a destination but also as a learning place for sustainable development. For visitors, this development is tangible: there are classic animal encounters, scientifically prepared content, and at the same time offers that make the day relaxed and family-friendly. Additionally, there are special events, seasonal festivals, and thematic action days that keep the park lively throughout the year. So, those looking for reviews or photos may find not only individual opinions but above all a clearly recognizable profile: a zoo with a strong educational aspect, a pronounced family offering, and an unusually successful bridge between living animals and fossil evidence of Earth's history. This is exactly what makes the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum a destination worth visiting for first-time visitors as well as for those specifically looking for history, images, and special features. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/mein-tierparkbesuch/fotogalerie?utm_source=openai))
Sources:
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Opening Hours
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Tickets
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Directions and Contact
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Children's Birthdays
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Fossil Museum and Exhibition
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Playground and Gastronomy
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - FAQ
Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum | Opening Hours & Tickets
The Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum is much more than a classic zoo: it combines animal encounters, natural history, and environmental education right in Bochum. Since its beginnings in 1933, the Bochum Zoo has developed into a modern family and learning place that today showcases around 3,600 animals across about 300 species and attracts more than 300,000 visitors annually. In addition, there is the Fossil Museum as a natural history museum, the aquarium and terrarium house, experience areas like the North Sea Worlds, and a large active playground. Those planning a visit can find clear information on times, tickets, arrival, and offers for groups, birthday children, and curious explorers on the official service pages. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/neuigkeiten/aktuelles/detail/2024-12-zeittunnel?utm_source=openai))
Opening Hours, Tickets, and Prices
For most visitors, the question of opening hours and tickets is the most important entry point, and here the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum provides clear, up-to-date information. Year-round, entry begins at 09:00 AM. From March to October, the park is open until 06:00 PM, from April to September until 07:00 PM, and from November to February until 04:30 PM. The last entry is one hour before closing during the main season and half an hour prior outside this time frame. Shortened opening hours are set for Christmas Eve. This is practical for family outings, school trips, or spontaneous afternoon visits, as the day's planning can be directly adjusted to the seasonal times. Tickets can be purchased online in the shop or at the box office; online booking secures the desired date and makes planning particularly convenient. Pricing has been transparent since January 1, 2026: adults pay 10 euros, children and teenagers aged 3 to 17 pay 5 euros, and children under 3 have free entry. Leashed dogs are allowed in for free. Those who possess a Ruhr.Topcard receive free entry once according to the conditions of Ruhr Tourismus GmbH, and no ticket booking is necessary for this. Additionally, there are annual passes, vouchers, and collaborations with other institutions, such as the Zeiss Planetarium Bochum, making the visit part of a larger day in Bochum. For inquiries regarding tickets, prices, opening hours, and Ruhr.Topcard, the official service page is the most reliable point of contact. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/mein-tierparkbesuch/oeffnungszeiten))
Directions, Parking, and Address in Bochum
The address is quickly noted: Zoo Bochum gGmbH, Klinikstraße 49, 44791 Bochum. Those arriving by public transport should travel to Bochum Central Station. From there, bus lines 336 and 339 depart directly to the Tierpark stop, which is right at the entrance. Alternatively, tram lines 308 or 316 go to the Planetarium stop; from there, it is about a five-minute walk along Klinikstraße. The zoo also points out current construction work on Gudrunstraße, which may temporarily restrict access depending on the section. Therefore, a close look at the travel recommendations is sensible for drivers, especially if the visit is planned with children or limited time. There are several parking options: free parking for four hours with a parking disc is possible on Küppersstraße, parts of Klinikstraße are free, and there are free parking spaces on Kurfürstenstraße. Additionally, several parking garages are within a good walking distance. Particularly close is P1 at the LWL Clinic, about a one-minute walk; P2 at Stadtpark is reachable in about seven minutes, P3 at Stadionring in about ten minutes, and P4 on Castroper Straße also in about ten minutes. This is valuable for longer stays, families with strollers, or visitors who want to explore different areas at their leisure. Overall, the official directions page shows that the zoo is practically accessible for both train and bus guests as well as drivers. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/mein-tierparkbesuch/anfahrt/kontakt))
Dogs Allowed, Weather, and Accessibility
Many inquiries revolve around everyday usability, and here the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum offers surprisingly many practical advantages. Leashed dogs are allowed and even free of charge. Only for dog training is a special rule in place: these visits must be registered in advance by email and explicitly approved by management. For people with mobility restrictions, it is important that the entire area is level or without steps, making many animal enclosures easily accessible. All doors have wheelchair-accessible widths, and there is a disabled toilet in the park and two disabled parking spaces directly opposite the entrance. This is complemented by the zoo app and the barrier-free information system, which makes the visit more understandable and easier for different needs. Even in bad weather, a visit is worthwhile, as the park points out that animal observations are possible year-round thanks to large panoramic windows and indoor facilities. This is particularly pleasant for families who need to remain flexible regarding the weather or for guests who prefer to discover animals in the warm indoor area. Another practical detail: private photos are allowed, and publication on the internet is permitted with source citation to Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum. This makes the park interesting for visitors who want to share their impressions later on social media, in travel blogs, or in family galleries. Overall, the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum is a destination that impresses not only with animals but also with good accessibility, dog-friendliness, and weather-independent experiences. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/mein-tierparkbesuch/eintrittskarten))
Children's Birthday, Tours, and Group Offers
Those looking for children's birthdays, groups, or experience-oriented tours will find an unusually wide range of offerings at the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum. The birthday programs are intentionally designed as expeditions through exotic animal worlds and are aimed at both small and large birthday children. For bookings, it is advisable to inquire at least four weeks before the desired date, either through the contact form or by email to the zoo school. The classic programs last about 120 minutes and cost 100 euros plus entry. Depending on the offer, the maximum group size is ten or fifteen children, often including some accompanying persons. There are several content variants: a reptile camp with snakes, crocodiles, and bearded dragons, a dino birthday with prehistoric references and fossil traces, a farm birthday with goats, chickens, and pets, as well as other thematic tours that focus on animal feedings or small interactive activities. Particularly charming is the Joglo, a Javanese wooden hut in the heart of the zoo. It accommodates up to 15 people, and booking times are seasonally regulated: from March to October in the mornings or afternoons, from November to February with slightly shifted time slots. The Joglo is suitable for children's birthdays, family celebrations, or meetings with friends and can be combined with a themed tour as a framework program. The zoo also offers individually tailored formats for clubs, company outings, and private groups. This transforms a simple zoo visit into a planable experience with a clear duration, manageable budget, and child-friendly dramaturgy. Families looking for something special benefit from the fact that the zoo not only showcases animals but actively creates experiences. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/tierpark-erleben/kindergeburtstage))
Fossil Museum, Animals, and Experience Worlds
The Fossil Museum is the special part of the zoo and the reason why the name Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum is more than just a branding. In the midst of the aquarium and terrarium house, the exhibition showcases around 50 display cases with fossil relatives of today's animals. The exhibits come from the collection of preparator Helmut Leich and primarily from the Altmühltal around Solnhofen and Eichstätt, one of the most famous fossil sites in the world. There, visitors dive into the Jurassic period when dinosaurs still lived, and the landscapes of Central Europe looked very different. This is particularly vividly illustrated by casts of the Archaeopteryx, ammonites, coelacanths, Jurassic-era horseshoe crabs, and a 2.5-meter giant fish. At the same time, visitors encounter so-called living fossils in the same area, such as smooth-fronted caimans, bamboo sharks, pike, Seychelles giant tortoises, or peacock mantas. This connection between prehistoric times and the present is what makes it appealing. Additionally, the aquarium and terrarium house features more than 2,000 fish, ranging from the Ruhr to tropical and desert habitats. In the North Sea Worlds, guests experience seals, Humboldt penguins, and Wadden Sea inhabitants; the seal pool holds 565,000 liters of self-prepared saltwater and offers panoramic windows for underwater views. The lemur enclosure is also popular, as it is one of the larger animal enclosures in the park and allows guided tours in good weather. Families with children also appreciate the 1,000 square meter zoological active playground with jungle castle, desert construction site, turtle path, and explorer cave. For the day visit, it is helpful that the zoo publicly lists its animal feedings, including animals like meerkats, kune kune pigs, lemurs, seals, penguins, giant tortoises, and porcupines; the times may vary depending on operational conditions. So, those looking for programs, zoo plans, photos, or special highlights will find a dense mix of nature experience, learning, and entertainment here. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/fossilium/die-ausstellung?utm_source=openai))
Photos, History, and Visitor Impressions
Even those who want to see photos, impressions, or the history of the place in advance will find good references on the official pages. The zoo refers to its own photo gallery with impressions from festivals and events; private photos for personal use are allowed, and publication on the internet is permitted with source citation. Historically, the park can be traced back to its beginnings in 1933. With the time tunnel opened in December 2024, this development is made visible, from the early decades to the present. Today, the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum describes itself as a modern environmental education center and recognized natural history museum that combines education, research, nature and species conservation, and recreation. This also fits with its role as a BNE regional center, as the institution does not see the zoo merely as a destination but also as a learning place for sustainable development. For visitors, this development is tangible: there are classic animal encounters, scientifically prepared content, and at the same time offers that make the day relaxed and family-friendly. Additionally, there are special events, seasonal festivals, and thematic action days that keep the park lively throughout the year. So, those looking for reviews or photos may find not only individual opinions but above all a clearly recognizable profile: a zoo with a strong educational aspect, a pronounced family offering, and an unusually successful bridge between living animals and fossil evidence of Earth's history. This is exactly what makes the Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum a destination worth visiting for first-time visitors as well as for those specifically looking for history, images, and special features. ([tierpark-bochum.de](https://www.tierpark-bochum.de/mein-tierparkbesuch/fotogalerie?utm_source=openai))
Sources:
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Opening Hours
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Tickets
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Directions and Contact
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Children's Birthdays
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Fossil Museum and Exhibition
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - Playground and Gastronomy
- Zoo + Fossil Museum Bochum - FAQ
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Reviews
Matthijs schaap
11. November 2025
We were here around Halloween and there was a lot of self-made decor, even in the terraria you could see a skeleton or two! The zoo is not that big, but the animals seem all very happy and almost half the animals all live in a big terrarium and aquarium building. The building also houses a very respectful fossil collection with some historic significance. The whole zoo breathes the love of the people that run the place. Wholly recommend a visit if in the region. Also we searched for parking, but there really is a parking almost building straight across from the entry.
A.-K. Pickhardt
27. December 2025
Today was a perfect winter day to visit the Tierpark 🌤️ It was our first visit with a toddler. We are already looking forward to our next day out :)
Hui Yu (Alythyah)
15. August 2024
Brilliant place to visit with children. The zoo is rather small but we had a great time. We stayed from 3-7pm until they closed. My daughter enjoyed the playground very much and she enjoyed watching the zoo keeper feeding different animals, which she was constantly doing throughout the day 😂 And we had dinner at the restaurant next to the zoo. You literally sit by the flamingos 🦩 very pleasant experience.
Bartosz “Void loop” Machaj
30. September 2023
A mini but, in my opinion, perfectly designed Zoo. Well-kept vivariums and enclosures. The animals also show that they are given great care. They all look better than in many larger zoos. You will be able to walk around everything without rushing for an hour. You can also eat typical fast food inside. There are plenty of parking spaces nearby - free and paid. In my opinion, ticket prices are low and perfect in relation to the quality. I recommend.
Mohsen Abgharian
24. August 2024
It is really a nice place for a family to spend 2-3 fun hours. It is not an exciting zoo, but it is good for children between 3 to 7 and their parents to have a lovely day there. It has penguin, seal, and several cute and tiny animals that worth to see and take photos with them. Also, it has several tiny aquarium within its fossilium part which we like it.