The first stop on our family tour of St. Gallen is the Natural History Museum St. Gallen. This is a place that delights children and adults alike with its extensive collection of exhibits and interactive exhibitions. The museum offers a fascinating journey through the natural world, geology and natural history of the region. Here, children can see impressive animal specimens, learn the secrets of fossils and learn more about the local ecosystem.

One of the museum's biggest attractions is a colony of ants that can be observed up close, which is quite a treat for small entomologists. In addition, the museum organizes special workshops for children, such as soap making, which makes the visit even more interesting. Of note is the exhibition on bats, which provides a fascinating look into the lives of these mysterious creatures.

Parents will appreciate the building's modern architecture and carefully prepared exhibitions, which present even complex scientific issues in an accessible way. The museum is tailored to the needs of families - there is a cafe where you can relax and have a snack between visits.

After visiting the museum, head to Wildpark Peter und Paul, which offers an unforgettable wildlife experience. This nature park is the perfect place for a family stroll and observing animals in their natural habitat. Children will be delighted to see deer, chamois or wild boar up close.

The park is well organized, with spacious animal enclosures and informative signs that educate about the local fauna. This is a great opportunity to teach children about respect for nature and the importance of protecting the environment. In addition, the park offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and is a great place for a picnic.

Both the Natural History Museum and Wildpark Peter und Paul are open year-round, making them ideal attractions regardless of the weather. However, it is worth checking the current opening hours and ticket prices on the official websites of these places before planning a visit. Keep in mind that in the museum all descriptions are in German, but a mobile app with limited information in English is available, which can be helpful for foreign tourists.

Continuing our family adventure in St. Gallen, we can't miss the Botanischer Garten - a true oasis of greenery in the heart of the city. This beautiful botanical garden is the perfect place for families who want to combine relaxation with education. Children will be delighted by the variety of plants, colors and scents, while parents will appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to relax among nature.

The garden is divided into thematic sections, making it easy to learn about different ecosystems and botanical regions. A special attraction is the huge orangery, where you can admire exotic plants, succulents and orchids. This is an excellent opportunity to teach children about the diversity of the plant world and the importance of environmental protection. What's more, admission to the garden is free, making it an ideal option for families traveling on a tight budget.

After a relaxing stroll amidst the greenery, head to Drei Weieren, a charming complex of three ponds that offers plenty of recreational opportunities for the whole family. This spot is especially popular with locals and provides an excellent vantage point overlooking the city of St. Gallen. Depending on the season, families can swim, picnic or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere here.

In winter, some of the ponds turn into natural ice skating rinks, an added attraction for children and adults. In summer, on the other hand, Drei Weieren is the perfect place to cool off on hot days. It's worth remembering that one of the ponds - Mannenweier - offers free admission, another plus for families looking for a budget solution.

For families interested in history and culture, a visit to the St. Gall Abbey Library should be a must. Not only is it one of the oldest libraries in the world, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While it may seem that a library is not the most interesting place for children, this particular facility is sure to impress little explorers.

The interior of the library is a true work of art - baroque decorations, frescoes on the ceiling and impressive bookcases full of old books create a magical atmosphere. Children will be fascinated by the sight of scrolls and manuscripts, and parents will appreciate the historical value of the collection. Interestingly, visitors are required to wear special felt shoe protectors, which can be an added attraction and adventure for children.

It is worth remembering that a ticket to the library also entitles you to visit other parts of the abbey, including the lapidary in the basement and the archives. This is a great opportunity to show children what life was like for monks in the Middle Ages and how books were produced before the age of printing.

Each of these sites offers unique educational and recreational experiences, combining elements of history, culture and nature. As a result, families can spend several days in St. Gallen, discovering something new and fascinating every day.

When planning a family trip to St. Gallen, there are a few practical aspects to consider that will help make your stay even more comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some tips that may come in handy:

1. transportation: St. Gallen has a well-developed public transportation system, making it easy to move between attractions. Consider purchasing a day pass for public transportation, which can be more cost-effective than individual tickets, especially if you plan to visit several places in a day.

2 Time planning: It may take several days to visit all the attractions listed. We suggest setting aside at least 2-3 days to leisurely explore St. Gallen. Remember that children may need more time and more frequent breaks, so don't plan too tight a schedule.

3. Meals: There are cafes or restaurants near most attractions, but it's a good idea to bring snacks and drinks with you, especially when visiting the parks. A picnic in the Botanischer Garten or by the Drei Weieren can be a great idea for an outdoor family meal.

4. weather: St. Gallen, like many places in Switzerland, can have changeable weather. It's a good idea to check the forecast before you go out and take appropriate clothing with you. An umbrella or rain jacket can come in handy, even on sunny days.

5 - Tickets and discounts: Check for family tickets or combination packages to different attractions. These can often offer significant savings. Some places, like Botanischer Garten, are free, which is worth taking advantage of when planning your trip budget.

6 Accessibility: Most of the attractions described are suitable for families with young children, including those with strollers. However, in the case of the St. Gall Abbey Library, it's worth remembering to wear special shoe protectors before entering.

7. Language: The main language in St. Gallen is German, but in most tourist destinations the staff also speaks English. However, it is worth learning a few basic phrases in German, which can make communication easier and will be appreciated by the locals.

8. Rest: Remember to plan time to rest between sightseeing. Places like Drei Weieren and Botanischer Garten are ideal for relaxing and recuperating.

9. Souvenirs: At the Natural History Museum St. Gallen and the store at the St. Gallen Abbey Library, you can find interesting educational souvenirs for children that will be a memory of your trip and also a tool for further learning.

10. Safety: St. Gallen is generally a safe city, but it's always a good idea to take basic precautions, especially in crowded tourist areas.

Remember that the most important thing is to enjoy your time together and create unforgettable family memories. St. Gallen offers the perfect combination of education and entertainment, making it the perfect place for a family trip. Whether you are interested in history, science or nature, you will find something for you and your children here. Have a great stay in this fascinating Swiss city!