Bochum Zoo, officially Tierpark und Fossilium Bochum, is a compact city zoo in the Stadtpark rather than a sprawling destination zoo. Its mix of animals, aquarium displays, and fossil-themed exhibits makes it a practical family stop when you need something easier than another industrial museum.
The scale is part of the appeal. You can see it without surrendering the whole day, then continue to the mining museum, planetarium, or green spaces around the park.