Some outings just stick with you. And I know this one will be remembered for a long time.
This weekend, we took our son to the Amnéville Zoo — his very first real visit to a big animal park. Sure, he had seen animals in books or stuffed toys before… but this was real, alive, and sometimes even giant. And honestly, it was just as magical for him… as it was for us.
Right from the entrance, we realized this isn’t just a small town zoo. The paths are wide, the animal enclosures are beautifully integrated into a natural setting, and most of all: the variety of animals is incredible. We saw lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, monkeys, red pandas… and so many more. Every enclosure is thoughtfully designed, and the animals have room to rest, play, climb, swim, or simply disappear into nature when they want peace.
But what moved me most was seeing my son’s eyes light up at every turn. He’d stop in his tracks, point, whisper « look mommy! » or « daddy, quick! », like he was discovering treasure after treasure. He stood frozen in awe in front of the tigers. He laughed out loud with the monkeys. And when he saw the giraffes, he just said, very seriously: « They’re soooo tall, right? ». Adorable.
There are some amazing highlights along the way, like the tropical aviary, where you walk among exotic birds and vines, or the sea lion area, where you can see them dive and twirl behind a giant glass wall — something the kids absolutely loved.
And of course, we couldn’t miss the Big Cat Show. That part was seriously impressive. White lions and tigers participate in demonstrations with expert caretakers, all presented with great respect and passion. You can feel the bond between the humans and the animals. It’s educational, powerful, and one of the standout moments of the day.
As for practical stuff: the zoo is very well maintained, clean restrooms, multiple spots to sit or picnic, and even several food stands along the route. It’s super family-friendly, whether your kids are toddlers or older. We had a stroller and had no trouble navigating the paths. Even though it was busy, it never felt crowded or overwhelming.
We ended up spending the entire day there — filled with laughter, discovery, and those magical little moments you never forget. Even on the way home, our son was still talking about “the elephant eating with his big nose” or “the baby monkey riding on his mommy’s back.” It’s amazing how deep these experiences sink in, even for little ones.
After visiting The World of Dinosauria (which I wrote about in my last post), the zoo experience really completed our adventure. The two are linked: you can only access Dinosauria from inside the zoo, so it’s the perfect way to turn one day into a double discovery.
💬 If you’re looking for a day out that will genuinely delight your kids — and bring a smile to your face too — I can’t recommend this place enough. The Amnéville Zoo isn’t just a zoo. It’s an experience. A connection. A memory in the making. And for us, it was the start of our son’s very first real adventure with the animal world.
📍 Exact Address of Amnéville Zoo
1 Rue du Tigre, 57360 Amnéville, Grand Est, France
🌐 Official website
🐾 Tips to Make the Most of Your Zoo Visit
- Arrive early to catch the animals at their most active — especially big cats and primates. Check the daily schedule online to plan for feedings and shows (like sea lions or birds of prey).
- Wear comfy shoes – the zoo covers nearly 18 hectares with over 2,000 animals and 360 species. You’ll be walking a lot!
- Dress for the weather – sun hat and sunscreen in summer, raincoat if the forecast says so. Most of the park is outdoors.
- Plan food breaks – there are several food stands and shaded picnic areas where you can relax with your family.
- Don’t miss the animal shows & activities – from keeper talks to the “Be a Zookeeper for a Day” experience, everything is designed to be fun and educational.
- Use the park map – areas like the Gorilla Camp, African Savannah, aviary, and reptile house are all worth the time. Make sure not to rush!
