Guide to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
Release your inner animal at one of the nation’s only free zoos, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Open 365 days per year, the zoo is fun for the whole family! Check out this handy guide for everything you need to know on your visit.
Plan Your Visit
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is located in Saint Paul’s beautiful Como Park neighborhood and is open 365 days per year; 10am - 6pm April through September and 10am - 4pm October through March. If you’re planning on making a stop to see all the zoo has to offer, please note that the zoo is free, but voluntary donations of $4 for an adult and $2 for a child are always appreciated to help them care for the plants and animals.
Exciting Experiences
Visit the Animals
Lions and tigers and sloths, oh my! Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is home to a wide variety of animals, from monkeys to polar bears and more. Flap your fins with Sparky the Seal or find your inner “chill” with Chloe the Sloth. Your next furry best friend is waiting for you!
Plus, pop in at various animal habitats around Como and chat with Ashley, the Public Engagement Education Specialist about the endangered or threatened animals being cared for at Como and what people can do to help them thrive in the wild.
Enjoy Family-Friendly Attractions
From a carousel to Como Town rides and so much more, there are fun attractions for the whole family in and around the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory grounds. Como Town is home to more than 20 rides and attractions, concessions and a General Store.
Or, pop into the Visitor Center to check out the Leonard Wilkening Children’s Gallery, a space dedicated for children to enjoy hands-on activities including the Ribbit Zibit allowing you to get eye-to-eye with exotic frogs!
Stroll Through the Gardens
Mystical, magical and awe-inspiring are just a few words to describe the gardens found at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. The most well known is the Sunken Garden found inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory - a year-round tropical haven and the perfect escape during colder months, but be sure to visit often to see the seasonal flower shows.
But that’s not all; there are lots of other gardens to explore on-site, including the Bonsai Collection, the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden, the Lily Pond, the Orchid House and more!
Throughout your garden strolls, be on the lookout for donated art sculptures and installations, such as the Granite Frog in the Marjorie McNeely frog pond, the Bittern bird at the Tropical Encounters, and Toby the turtle just outside the Donor Plaza.
Attend Special Events
Along with special exhibits and other special events, there are other signature experiences for the whole family!
Lil’ Explorers Thursdays is perfect for… the lil’ ones! Great for 1-3 year olds, they are welcome to meet the animal and plant visitors, have story time and play games.
There’s also Senior Strolls, a special time set aside just for our 55-and-up aged friends giving them an opportunity to visit the Zoo and Conservatory for a leisurely walk with friends.
Designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, Sensory Friendly Mornings is an inclusive experience to spend time exploring exhibits and activities before the crowds arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is parking at Como Zoo free?
All of the lots within Como Regional Park offer free parking. If you’re looking for street parking, just be on the lookout and do not park on those indicating “Permit Parking Only”. Or, go green and reduce your carbon footprint by taking public transportation or riding your bike!
Is Como Zoo indoor or outdoor?
Both! There are both indoor and outdoor experiences at Como Zoo, making it a perfect destination year-round.
Do you have to make reservations for Como Zoo?
As of March 28, 2023 reservations are no longer required to enter Como Zoo. However, if you plan on attending an event such as the Senior Strolls or Sensory Friendly Mornings, reservations are still needed.
Can I bring my own food to Como Zoo?
Yes!
Does Como Zoo have elephants?
There are no elephants at Como Zoo, but there are lots of other fun animals to see such as seals, penguins, zebras and more.
Can you feed giraffes at Como Zoo?
The giraffe feeding station is currently closed however, fear not! They are set to reopen this summer on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Stay tuned for more info!
Can you take photos at Como Zoo?
It’s okay to take candid pictures, but posed photography, group photos, and tripods are not allowed.