Zurich Botanical Garden with children: there are many opportunities to notice nature in the city. Our photo from Kita Blüemli shows a small group walking along a garden path. Trees, different plants and the dome of a greenhouse form the surroundings. The walk itself can become an experience when children have time to look and explore.

An outing does not need a packed programme. For young children, a single leaf can be as interesting as a large building. This article combines a glimpse of our outing with simple ideas for families: how can you enjoy a garden visit without rushing, and what small observations might you make along the way?

What children can discover along the way

A garden offers different shapes, colours and sizes. A low-growing plant looks very different beside a tall tree. On a wide path, children can take in the surroundings before focusing on a small detail. Adults can follow these interests without immediately explaining everything or naming every plant.

Open questions can help: “What do you notice?” or “Which colour can you see over there?” Pointing, wondering and looking together are ways of communicating too. A child does not need to give a correct answer. If something holds their attention, let that moment last. Their interest can guide the experience.

Connecting nature experiences and language

Words gain a direct connection when they describe something visible. Big and small, light and dark, near and far can be compared along the way. Adults can describe what they see and respond to the children. It is equally fine to look quietly for a while.

After the outing, a photo can invite conversation. What can you see in it? Who remembers the path? The aim is not to test anyone’s memory. Instead, the picture provides a shared starting point for stories, gestures and new questions. Every child can join in their own way.

Three ideas for a relaxed garden visit

1. Fewer stops, more time: choose a manageable section and leave room for spontaneous breaks. A short walk with interesting pauses can already offer children plenty.
2. Collect with your eyes: look for different leaf shapes or colours together. Plants can stay where they are; noticing something does not require taking it home.
3. Let the child help decide: at a suitable point, ask what they would like to look at next. A clear framework can leave room for small choices of their own.

These ideas are invitations rather than a schedule. If a child becomes tired or prefers staying close to a familiar adult, the visit can be shorter. A successful outing is not measured by how much you have seen. Enjoyable time together matters more than completing an entire route.

Zurich Botanical Garden: preparing your visit

The University of Zurich’s Botanical Garden is at Zollikerstrasse 107 in Zurich. For a family visit, check the official visitor information. You will find current opening hours and guidance there. Check before setting off, especially if you would also like to visit the tropical greenhouses.

Current information: University of Zurich visitor information.

Weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable shoes and enough time for the journey there and back help young children enjoy a visit. Keep the day manageable and allow for breaks. Leave plants where they grow and do not taste unfamiliar plant parts. This makes room for attentive exploration with consideration for other visitors.

Discovering new places from Zurich Witikon

Outings add new places and impressions to the familiar nursery environment. Going out in a small group also means looking out for one another and sharing transitions. Movement, observation and rest offer different ways to spend time together. Our photo from the Botanical Garden gives a glimpse of these moments in nursery life.

Get to know Kita Blüemli

Learn more about nature experiences and how we support children on our Forest group and Our Values. Sie möchten die Kinderkrippe und Waldkinderkrippe Blüemli in Zürich Witikon kennenlernen? Über unsere request a visit . Would you like to get to know Kinderkrippe und Waldkinderkrippe Blüemli in Zurich Witikon? Use our