As one of the largest free zoos in the United States, it is easy to see why Como Park Zoo and Conservatory was rated the second-best zoo in the state in our Family Favorites Survey. Open 365 days a year, Como has provided various family activities for over 100 years. We are pleased to bring you this St. Paul Como Zoo Family Guide.
Como Zoo Family Guide:
Conservatory
The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has over two acres of gardens in the zoo. Step into the fern room to see more than 100 species of ferns, the north garden where you’ll find papaya, fig, and chocolate trees, or the orchid house to admire the award-winning neo-tropical orchid collection. My favorite conservatory wing is the sunken garden, where beautiful floral shows are updated seasonally.
Animals:
The Como Zoo is home to 1700 animals, from monkeys to polar bears. One of the most popular exhibits in the zoo is the gorilla forest. Here, guests can get up close to several species of monkeys, including 8 gorillas in North America’s largest all-mesh gorilla enclosure. My personal favorite animals in the entire zoo are the orangutans. Jambu, Amanda, Markisa, and Jaya are the 4 orangutans currently residing at Como.
For $5, guests can get closer than ever to the world’s tallest animal during giraffe feedings. Feeding is at 10:45am daily. When you are done feeding the giraffes, get to know the sea lions and seals at Como Zoo during the SPIRE Sparky show! Daily at 11:30am and 2:30pm, the Sparky show has entertained zoo guests since 1956.
Leonard Wilkening Children’s Gallery:
The children’s gallery is an indoor space adjacent to the visitor center dedicated to hands-on activities for young children. Children can play eye-spy, feed the animals in the imaginative play area, or splash around as they learn about the water cycle. While inside the Children’s Gallery, look at the Ribbit Zibit, a frog conservation exhibit that incorporates multiple species of frogs.
Como Town:
Como Town is an amusement park located on the grounds of Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Como Town is open seasonally at 10am and features more than 18 rides, including the Soaring Zip Ride, Splash Zone, and Tilt-A-Whirl.
Como Zoo Family Guide Events:
Head to the Como Zoo every Thursday from 10am-12pm to participate in the free Little Explorers program. This program is held in the visitor center in the winter and on zoo grounds in the summer. During this time, families can participate in story time, games, activities, a zoo keeper talk, and meet animal and plant species from the zoo.
For kids 8th-12th grade, Como Zoo offers a summer youth volunteer program from mid-June to August. This program allows older children to share their knowledge with zoo visitors, create enrichment for zoo animals, and become stewards of wildlife! Make sure to check early to register for their summer programs.
Como Park:
Looking for even more fun? Como Park is across the street from the Zoo, a 384-acre park surrounding Como Lake. 1.67 miles of walking trails, a fishing pier, picnic shelters, pavilions, paddleboat rental, mini golf course, and carousel provide hours of entertainment for the whole family.
“Creating memories and inspiring appreciation of the natural world” Is the mission statement at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Although completely free, please consider donating to help the team continue to bring this mission to life through the care of the plants and animals in the Zoo.
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103
For more information on Como Park Zoo and Conservatory, visit www.comozooconservatory.org
Nicole is the mom to two young children. Together they are embarking on adventures and discovering the wonders of Minnesota. You can follow along on Instagram @mnbucketlistmom
Related: Check out our Zoos & Animals Directory
