Animal Parks, Zoos & Wildlife Enclosures in Memmingen and Surroundings: Ideas for Your Next Trip (2026/2027)

Petting zoos and farm offers in the Allgäu: direct animal contact with rules

If you deliberately want to plan “touching, feeding, marveling” for your next family outing, petting zoos and farm animal areas in the (Upper) Allgäu will be suitable. There you will mostly experience domestic and farm animals that are used to people.

Typical animals you will see in petting areas

• Ponies and donkeys
• Sheep and goats
• Rabbits and poultry
• Pigs (depending on the facility)
• Llamas and alpacas (depending on the facility)

What you should pay attention to before departure

• Rules regarding dogs: Many areas will exclude or heavily restrict dogs.
• Means of payment: Some smaller providers (especially seasonally) will not always offer card payment.
• Arrival & parking: Depending on the location, you will have to plan for short walks.

So that the visit remains relaxed for animals and people, you will want to briefly discuss with children beforehand: move slowly, don’t chase, don’t pick up, wash hands, and feed only as instructed.

Reptile houses: a good option in the rain and for curious children

For days when the weather in the Allgäu or around Memmingen doesn’t cooperate, a reptile house will be a reliable indoor alternative. There you will see reptiles and amphibians in climate-controlled terrariums and usually get a lot of accompanying explanations.

Why a reptile house is worth a visit

• Weather independence: You can plan this activity regardless of rain or heat.
• Learning focus: You will find information about habitats, protection status, and appropriate keeping.
• Pace: You can fit in short stays as well as longer ones if children want to look in detail.

If you decide on a specific reptile house, you will want to check opening times, admission rules, and possible feeding times in advance so there are no surprises on site.

City zoos as a day trip: great variety, more infrastructure

If you want to plan a “classic zoo day” for 2026/2027, you will be able to reach several larger facilities from Memmingen as a day trip. City zoos typically offer you a greater variety of species, fixed food options, playgrounds, and themed houses (e.g. aquariums or tropical areas).

This is how you will plan your zoo visit sensibly

• Set a time frame: You will need more time for walking, breaks, and children’s pace than you think.
• Spread out the program: You will have less stress if you only firmly plan a few “highlights.”
• Visit with animal welfare in mind: You will observe animals best if you stay calm, don’t tap, and don’t use flash photography.

If you are out with children, a short “What are we seeing right now?” moment is also worthwhile: observe behavior, respect retreats, and read the signs. This way, the trip will be more than just “checking off animals.”

Lake Constance region: wildlife park & monkey enclosure for all-day adventures

If you want to plan a larger all-day trip for an upcoming season, the Lake Constance region will be a good addition to the closer destinations. There you will find large wildlife parks and also a well-known monkey enclosure, which are designed for longer circular walks.

Large wildlife park (Lake Constance region)

In a large-scale wildlife park, you can expect mainly native animal species, longer walking paths, and often additional infrastructure (kiosk, rest areas, play areas). For families, this is practical because animal observation and exercise can be well combined.

Monkey enclosure at Lake Constance: special rules, special closeness

A monkey enclosure will offer you a different experience than a classic zoo: You will move along fixed paths through a forest area, while the animals behave freely within the area. Precisely for this reason, rules regarding distance, food, and behavior are especially important so that it remains safe for animals and visitors.

If you go there, you should strictly follow the operator’s instructions regarding feeding, bags/provisions, and interaction. This way, the trip will be plannable, respectful, and memorable for children.

Checklist: How to plan animal-friendly and stress-free

• Opening times & season: You should check in advance whether the facility is weather- or season-dependent.
• Tickets/payment: You should clarify whether online tickets are required and which payment methods are accepted.
• Hygiene: You should plan for disinfection or washing facilities (especially after petting areas).
• Food: You should take water and snacks in such a way that they do not attract animals.
• Respectful distance: You should stick to barriers and not disturb retreat zones.
• Photos: You should avoid using flash and follow photo rules.

If you stick to these points, the experience will usually be calmer, safer, and much more pleasant for the animals.