Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting Falconeria Locarno

Rosie Latey Travel Updated on 9/16/2025 at 3:54 am

Falconeria Locarno invites you to visit a fascinating bird show.

If you’re planning a trip to Locarno with family or friends, Falconeria Locarno should absolutely be on your list. This remarkable bird park combines captivating falconry shows with a family-friendly environment that’s both educational and exciting. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make the most of your visit—from how to get there and when to go, to ticket prices, money-saving tricks, and even recommendations for similar birding spots in the United States. Whether you’re traveling with kids, going solo, or just seeking something unique in Switzerland, this article is your go-to resource.

View of the mountains surrounding Falconeria Locarno.

Why Falconeria Locarno Delights Families

Falconeria Locarno is one of those places that feels enchanting from the moment you step inside. Nestled near the shores of Lake Maggiore, the bird park is known for its thrilling daily shows where mighty eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons soar through the skies. Families find it especially engaging because the performances are designed to spark curiosity and bring audiences close to these incredible birds of prey in action.

Trainer showcasing an owl during the educational presentation.

For children, the park isn’t just about watching; it’s also about learning. Informative commentary adds layers of knowledge about conservation, natural habitats, and the role birds of prey play in maintaining ecosystems. Parents often comment on how entertaining yet educational the day feels—a perfect blend for a vacation outing.

Owl flying silently with wings outstretched.

Another reason families rave about Falconeria Locarno is the friendly, welcoming environment. Unlike a large zoo visit that can feel hectic, the grounds here are manageable in size, meaning children won’t tire themselves out getting from one area to the next. It’s an experience that balances fun with comfort, making it easy for everyone to enjoy.

Getting to Falconeria Locarno and Opening Hours

Falconeria Locarno is located at Via delle scuole 12, 6600 Locarno, Switzerland, just a short distance from the scenic lakefront and easily accessible from the town center. Visitors coming by train can walk from Locarno station in about 15 minutes, while local buses stop conveniently nearby. Drivers will find parking available close to the entrance, which makes access smooth whether you’re arriving by car or public transport.

Trainer holding a massive eagle with its wings partially spread.

Park is open to visitors from March to November. While during the rest of the year it welcomes guests daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Bird shows take place once or twice a day, so checking the schedule in advance is recommended. Arriving early ensures families can grab the best seats for an up-close experience.

Eagle soaring gracefully over the arena.

Because the park is outdoors, timing your visit with mild weather enhances the experience. Spring and early autumn tend to be particularly delightful times, offering comfortable temperatures for strolling, along with active bird performances that dazzle in bright skies.

An eagle takes off smoothly from a trainer's hand. — An eagle takes off smoothly from a trainer’s hand.

Ticket Prices and Smart Ways to Save Money

Standard admission tickets to Falconeria Locarno are reasonably priced given the unique nature of the shows. As of the most recent updates, tickets cost around CHF 29 for adults and CHF 22 for children (ages 3–15), with younger children admitted for free. There are also discounted rates for families, which allow two adults and two or more children to enjoy the park at a reduced bundled price.

Predatory bird soaring above the crowd with impressive wingspan.

One clever way to save money is by purchasing tickets online ahead of time. Occasionally, Falconeria Locarno offers special promotions on their official website, and buying in advance not only secures your entry but sometimes saves a few Swiss francs. If you’re traveling with a larger group, it’s worth inquiring about group discounts as well.

A bird of prey flies through the green grass.

Another tip is to pair your visit to Falconeria Locarno with regional passes, such as the Ticino Ticket, which provides free public transport and discounted entries to attractions in the canton. Families staying in local hotels often receive these passes as part of their stay, making it a budget-friendly way to enjoy multiple highlights in the area.

Hawk in mid-flight, wings spread wide against the green trees.

What to Expect From the Bird Shows and Exhibits

The highlight of every visit is without question the live bird shows. Lasting about an hour, these performances feature everything from eagles diving with pinpoint accuracy to falcons flying gracefully overhead. Trained handlers demonstrate the natural abilities of each bird, and you’ll often witness majestic swoops just a few feet above the audience.

A trainer releases a marabou stork during a bird show.

Outside of the shows, Falconeria Locarno also offers spacious aviaries and enclosures where visitors can observe different species up close. You’ll find owls from around the world, vultures, and smaller falcons, each showcased with detailed information about their habits and habitats. This makes the park appealing well beyond the show itself, encouraging exploration.

Visitors watch as a marabou stork flies over a lawn.

For families, the interactive element of the park is a huge draw. Children are captivated by the chance to see raptors land on gloved hands or watch trainers feed the birds. The sense of connection created between visitors and birds makes the whole outing memorable and often inspiring for little ones who might be seeing these magnificent creatures for the first time.

A marabou stork flies over the grass in a park.

Similar Bird Parks and Experiences in the USA

If Falconeria Locarno leaves you wanting more, there are excellent birding experiences across the United States that echo its family-friendly charm. One standout is Sylvan Heights Bird Park, located at 500 Sylvan Heights Park Way, Scotland Neck, NC 27874. Open April through October from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and November through March from 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (Tuesday–Sunday), tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for seniors (62+), and $10 for children (ages 3–12). This 28-acre sanctuary houses more than 2,000 birds and features immersive walk-through aviaries.

Stork spreading its wings while walking near the pond.

Another option is the Golden Gate Bird Alliance in Berkeley, California (2150 Allston Way Suite 210, Berkeley, CA 94704). They host over 200 free birding field trips each year across the Bay Area. These trips don’t have the choreographed spectacle of a falconry show, but they do provide fantastic guided opportunities to observe wild birds in their natural habitats. Registration is free but required in advance, making it accessible and educational for families and beginners alike.

Trainer interacting with the stork during a show.

Other raptor-related attractions in the U.S. include wildlife rehabilitation centers that occasionally host public demonstration events. For example, the World Bird Sanctuary in Valley Park, Missouri, provides live presentations and guided tours. General admission is free, though donations are encouraged, making it a budget-friendly way to experience birds of prey close to home.

Stork in flight, wings wide above the green park.

Tips for Saving with Groupon and Travel Deals

When planning your visit—whether in Switzerland or the U.S.—Groupon and other deal platforms can be surprisingly useful. Groupon often lists discounted admission vouchers for regional wildlife parks, bird sanctuaries, and family-centered attractions. Checking in advance can cut down on travel costs, especially for families buying multiple tickets.

A trainer on horseback feeds a bird of prey.

In addition to Groupon, looking for bundle deals through regional tourism boards or family passes can save money. For example, some Swiss hotels offer packages that include discounted or even free entries to partner attractions like Falconeria Locarno. Meanwhile in the U.S., zoos, aquariums, and bird sanctuaries often team up with nearby attractions to sell combination tickets at a reduced price.

Finally, consider travel reward programs. Paying for your entry with a credit card that offers cash-back or travel rewards can help off-set expenses. Pairing these offers with online discounts gives you the best of both worlds: affordability and special experiences without breaking the budget.

The finale of the show at the Falconeria Locarno.

Falconeria Locarno is more than just a bird park—it’s an unforgettable family experience that blends fun, education, and breathtaking bird performances in one compact, accessible setting. From practical details about how to get there, opening hours, and ticket savings, to comparisons with birding opportunities in the U.S., this guide arms you with everything you need to plan a smooth and enjoyable visit. Whether you’re discovering falconry for the first time in Switzerland or seeking something similar closer to home, the magic of these feathered performers is guaranteed to leave lasting memories.