It's great. That doesn't need to be said anymore. Here's my tips for a parent bringing two kids on their own in the winter, which is the majority of my visits. As of March '22 they're still doing ticketed timed entry, but have removed the one way flow. So you can do the conservatory first and then the outdoor zoo if you want. But honestly, after the indoor zoo part and the conservatory, my two littles and I are done. I'm also just not a fan of the enclosures in the main zoo (the indoor tropical part has some sad ones too like the anaconda's tiny tank and the spider in a bucket). Bringing a stroller is really nice to unload coats and hats onto. It is WARM in there. I'd think spring/fall type clothing under the shedable winter gear. I wore a sweater and my daughter wore a sundress and she was much more comfortable. The stroller can be a pain though if you have a runner, unless of course they'll tolerate being strapped into it. You'll also want water. BYO hand sanitizer. There's a small kid play area with lots of things to touch and also a long sink for playing in water (which is sometimes going, sometimes not). They have sanitizer stations, but I find it to feel really weak like other places' and no one wants norovirus. My favorite tip is to give your kid your camera phone. My toddler has taken the best pictures over the years and of lots of things I wouldn't have thought to. These were all taken by a 4-year-old.

Stunning! Very peaceful and wasn't too crowded for July 4. Loved the bonsai / Japanese garden and frog exhibit. Best part is that it is also free to visit and open 365 days a year.

Thank you, Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Always a welcome respite in the heart of St. Paul in any season. Love your two acres "under glass" and outdoor water lily ponds! 💜 “These landscapes of water and reflection have become an obsession for me. It is beyond my strength as an old man, and yet I want to render what I feel.” ~ Claude Monet

This place was gorgeous. There were so many different plants and it felt like you were in many different types of jungles. I would definitely want to get married there if I lived in Minnesota. So pretty. You do have to get in there through the zoo, and I wish they had their own entrance, but it was a nice way to spend an afternoon.

I've been coming to this place for around 30 years, usually in the dead of winter. Much cheaper than the Bahamas. It's not as pleasant right now because of their excessive and extreme COVID protocols. The lockers aren't available right now (why???), so you can't check your coat, and coat + mask + warm and very humid air = major discomfort. They even insist that you wear your mask outside!! Pull your mask down briefly to get a breath or two and you'll be scolded by the apparatchik. Still, overall, it's a welcome respite from a long and bleak winter, Another COVID hassle: you have to reserve your spot in advance through their website. No big deal, but it's best that you do that ahead of time. Yet another COVID hassle: during the weekends the Conservatory is one-way only: you go in at the main entrance and come out at the Japanese Gardens, and that's it - on to the parking lot. So come during the week. Weekends are ridiculous right now. I'm still giving this place a 5-star review, despite the current excessive and heavy-handed COVID protocols. I love it that much.

I like this place a lot. There's a lot of stuff to see in various sections. They have different environments. The big attraction is their Sunken Gardens. The flower show changes by season so it is worth going multiple times a year. Also best of all, the admission is free. They take donations though and will be happy if you can offer their suggested donation. I think is $4 for adults and $2 for children. This is not mentioning how this is tied with the zoo, so if you have a full day you can see both. You can also pay admission for the Como Town and go on a few amusement park rides. A great place for children and adults. The main downside is it can be busy, so plan on there being people. You may think weekdays kids are at school, wrong there are plenty of field trips to this location. If all the people becomes overwhelming, you can take a walk around the park which is typically less populated. Full disclosure, I volunteer at this location, so I get to see some of the behind the scenes stuff and help in their greenhouse.

Love the Japanese garden at Como where else can you see all types of bonsai trees?? Also saw tropical plants of every variety and didn’t even take any for my garden !

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory almost always calms me when I feel stressed out, or anxious. I especially enjoy visiting on Tuesday afternoons.

Siisti, kostea, kuumahko. Japanilainen puutarha tosi kiva. Ainoa puute, ettei mistään, ei edes viereisestä eläintarhasta, saanut jäätelöä.

The grounds were much bigger than I expected, and it was beautiful. I went on an insanely hot day and struggled to see it all, but on a milder temperature day this is a great relaxing option for losing a few hours and maybe even learning something along the way. It's also whole family friendly with a lot of neighboring attractions. Just be mindful that finding parking may require a longer walk if you go on a busy weekend.

We truly loved our experience here. We are plant people but I would recommend this Conservancy for everyone. It was very well planted and maintained. Very lush and pretty well labeled. It wasn't overly crowded, and the wide variety of plants they had was amazing. Loved each and every part. I hope parents take their children to the spice and food plant room. We enjoyed spotting the various fruits and spices. I would have paid the suggested donation just to come to this. I hope they consider adding a succulents wing!

My wife's favorite place for photos. Whenever she feels like taking pictures this is her happy place. Love it. And it is very relaxing.

Parking is difficult in large vehicles. The lots fill up fast. Some parallel parking available,so watch for human sized squirrels crossing roads. Donate $4 per person to get in. Cards accepted. Pretty sure that is the price on the carousel also. I didn't visit rollercoaster and don't know those prices. Simple stall food average price is $13 dollars per order. $4 dollar soda's. Realize this is another form of donation and plan accordingly or bring your own food and drink for a park picnic across the way. Bring water, hat, sunscreen, and yada yadda to be safe.

Gorgeous conservatory. It's one of the few remaining Victorian style glass structures in the United States. It's well put together and has a nice flow to it. We mostly enjoyed the sunken garden and the bonsai trees.

Always wonderful. We heard a really informative talk on orchids, found a tiny waterfall, saw beautiful frogs, a beautiful fountain, and enjoyed the sunken garden. This is one of the Twin Cities treasures.

My favorite place to go in the winter! Winter Carnival Orchid Show in January is amazing too! Can't wait for the spring flower show next.

We had a wonderful time out here today! They keep it very clean. As we were in an exhibit a man was wiping down and sterilizing the bars where people hold on to. Was nice to see. Kind and courteous staff.

A beautiful garden rich in a variety of flora. Some favorites included the fern room with its small water features and fresh feeling, the Japanese bonsai selection inspiring amateurs to begin their own journey in hopes of approaching the status of those on display, and the jungle atmosphere that transports you away from Minnesota prairies and forests.

Really cool. Need to come back and spend more time there. Liked the Japanese garden and bonsai trees. Also really enjoyed seeing actual cacao pods growing.