happyly approved

Como Park Zoo

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103, USA

10am-6pm Daily

$

local-highlights, run

Como Park Zoo, located in the heart of Minnesota's Capital City, is such a great addition to the city and state. 

Owned by the city of St. Paul since it opened in 1897, this is known to many Minnesotans as the "free zoo." It is a fun and inexpensive activity for families. Parking is also free, there are multiple lots to use or the city streets nearby. Donations are requested because that is how they keep it up and running. Currently, reservations are required and can be made online via the website.

This zoo has many indoor and outdoor areas so it is a great spot to visit no matter the time of the year. One neat feature of this zoo is that it is designed to go from building to building in order to see the different animal areas. Almost all the animals have an outdoor and indoor area so they can go between the two areas. The animals here include: Zebra, Giraffe, Bison, Tamarin, Flamingos, Gorilla, Seals, Lions, Wolves, and many more. My kiddos absolute favorite activities that the zoo puts on is the giraffe feeding, which you can watch year round and in the summer months the Sparky the Seal Show. It is very well laid out zoo so it doesn't feel overwhelming and there are enough room for visitors to spread out without feeling like it is crowded.

Dress for the weather is my biggest advice, because even in the winter months you will be going from building to building by walking outside in the cold. You can bring in your own food and beverage and enjoy it on any of the picnic benches or grassy areas or they do have vendors that you can purchase food and snacks from. Throughout the course of the year the zoo does many themed events and activities, be sure to check the calendar on the website for more information. 

 

Features

Zoo Paved Sidewalk Animals
Thoughtfully captured by:
Heidi Hauck
I am a Minnesota mama of 2 kiddos. We absolutely love being on the go 24/7! My goal is #adventuresoveratuff!
More activities by Heidi
515-acres of year-round play for all ages and abilities!
A community park located in Cottage Grove.
Midway Peace Park is so much more than a playground

Recommended Gear