Free and amazing! Small enough to enjoy in a few hours, yet big enough to take your time and enjoy the whole day. Plenty to do and enjoy in that area. Great for the whole family. Wonderful exhibits that provide nice views of the animals. Chances are excellent that you will see all of the animals there.

Worth the the visit for the conservatory alone. The gardens were well laid out and the signs identifying the plants were actually helpful and very well done. The seasonal flower garden was incredibly beautiful and a special feast for the eyes after quite a long winter. Make sur enough reserve your spot in advance by a few hours or you won't be able to access the zoo or conservatory when you want. Parking near is limited so arrive early or plan to walk. The zoo itself is well laid out and there is a good sizes picnic area if you bring your own lunch.

Como zoo is really an incredible family destination for those living in, or visiting the Twin Cities. Somehow the zoo remains free (although they do have donation boxes around and I highly encourage dropping something in). They have a wonderful range of animals and even some shows and encounters. I cannot say enough great things about this magnificent place - my parents brought me here as a child numerous times, I've taken my children here multiple times, and I can't wait to show my grandchildren someday.

There are quite a few empty exhibits right now, which is a little sad. But the zoo is free, so you certainly can't complain. The animals we did see were fun! They have a big cat spot, a primate house, and a seal/arctic area. The animals were feisty, especially that dang ostrich who kept biting the giraffe's tail. Definitely a quick walk zoo. (We went in an hour and a half before closing and still had time to see everything.) Lots of fun!

If it's been a while since you've checked out the Como Conservatory, there's no more fantastic place to be on a cold winter's day then their exquisitely curated encapsulation of plants and the tropics. A reservation is required, but free. Donations are welcome and preferred. The paths are defined, and one way during COVID, but patrons were fantastic about pulling off to the side of the path when they wanted to go slower or were more comfortable having large groups pass them. You exit by the bonsai exhibit, which is on the far side from the main parking lot, so consider the weather when deciding whether or not to bring your coat along for the walk! Endless gratitude to all of the employees and volunteers for their hard work and creativity.

Honestly, I think this zoo is better than the Minnesota Zoo. Added bonus…IT’S FREE! (donations are welcomed, not required). Prefect destination for an any occasion: casual strolls, dates, or place to take guests visiting the Cities. My only qualm is that during peak times (weekends, holidays or warm days during winter), parking is really tough to find.

Genuinely loved that this zoo and conservatory is FREE. We needed to kill some time on our visit and were shocked that this location was free. The park is a decent size, pretty small zoo portion but great size plant conservatory that’s very well maintained. Because COVID is still very much alive, I would’ve been happier to see more staff wearing masks or some sort of mask regulations on indoor portions of the park as it does get really crowded. Book a reservation online in advance or you will have to wait.

The Como zoo and Conservatory is a really entertaining and exciting day activity to do if you are a family with children, or if you are looking for a fun and unique date night to do. The Como zoo is open 365 days a year, which is awesome if you are looking for something to do during a holiday. The zoo and conservatory is free to attend, with a suggested donation of $4 per adult and $2 per child. The conservatory is such a nice place to go during the harsh winter months of Minnesota winters. Inside its around 78 degrees and humid. Lots of educational opportunities for children throughout the zoo.

I am sure it would have been a much more enjoyable visit if we'd gone during warmer weather when all the attractions and exhibits were open. It also would have been nice of the advertised "orchid show" was contained to the area advertised shown online, and the rest of the green house was open as expected. Instead the entire greenhouse/conservatory was closed to the non paying public. It is sad to see a free public attraction suffer from I'll maintenance (the penguin enclosure was obviously leaking onto the floor, and several animal enclosures were small for what was being housed). It would have been nice to see more donations in the containers. I hope this doesn't go by the way side. I would love to see it flourish like similar establishments such as Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

Twilight at the conservatory is phenomenal! Japanese gardens colorful and gorgeous. We are lucky to have such a gem to enjoy in the Twin Cities!

I was excited to visit Minneapolis and go to a recommended zoo. The staff seemed pleasant until you don’t wear your mask over your nose. For an outdoors park. We normally do not encounter the following experience: I was bullied at the outdoors gate to put a mask on, then policed and followed by the same lady from the gate. I do not like bullies nor do I think it’s a righteous act by forcing or policing people. Apart from the 2 rude staff members, and the sad stationary animals, it was such a lovely and beautiful park. We especially enjoyed the conservatory. We were so surprised it was free! Although the park was very empty and only a few groups of people walking around, we liked how much there was to explore. I enjoy leaving donations for zoos to help the animals but did not want to interact with staff any further after I was bullied and followed. I just don’t think it’s right. I will not go back again.

My go to place for when Minnesota Winters drag on and on and on. Such a nice respite from the bone-chilling cold! This is a very high quality professionally managed conservatory. Best in the Upper Midwest. ❤️❤️❤️ Be on the lookout for sloths 🦥 up in the trees!

I would definitely recommend going to this FREE Zoo! This Zoo is better than the zoo back home in Winnipeg and is free! They have so many animals including a sea lion show (still free). The parking lots full up quick so it’s recommended to get there early. If you are able to donate to the zoo please do so at the entrance to help keep the zoo running.

Always a fun time at the Como Zoo! We love coming here and looking at everything! Very thankful this is a free zoo that we always can come too! It always is clean and organized! Very fun and recommend going here if your bored and nothing else to do! Fun time! We spent 3 hrs in the zoo before we even realized how long we were there!

Holy Cow, this place is incredible! I'm so glad we made a stop, even on a cold, snowy Sunday! This is the perfect zoo- a great size, with close up view of animals, and a gorgeous botanical garden as well!

I’ve been coming here for almost 40 years and always love the place. Something still sad about zoos though, but at least they open our eyes to the amazing creatures we share this planet with. Doesn’t hurt that this zoo is free either! *Please make sure to donate though* I feel like they keep it in good condition too. I’m now taking my daughter here and she loves it. However, parking is a little tough and it was hard to find an exit out of the conservatory!

Our party of four loved our visit today to the Como Park Zoo Conservatory in St. Paul, Minnesota! My favorite display was the Fern Room, with its beautiful waterfall fountain, near the entrance to the Conservatory. The Sunken Garden display was also amazing and is a favorite place for my husband and me to capture a selfie. The Conservatory’s plants are exotic and well maintained. The volunteers are friendly and well informed. We will definitely be returning during the winter months to enjoy the warmth, delightful fragrances, and robust colors abounding. ❤️

The Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is a must see in St. Paul. Tickets are free but you have to reserve your time slot in advance. They require guests to enter with masks. Parking is free and there are various snacks and quick food you can purchase inside. The Conservatory is absolutely beautiful and they host weddings. You can spend hours here with your friends and family. The Zoo closes at 4pm so arrive early.

A beautiful park and zoo with lots of areas to explore and things to see. The conservatory and Japanese garden are amazing. The new aquatic area is much bigger than the old worn down one it replaced. There were fun activities for kids as well. The tiger and lion both seemed lonely and bored. It would be nice if they each had a companion. Be forewarned, you must make a check in time reservation to get in. The reservation website is easy to use and the check in line moved quickly.

There's so much to love about this zoo, but my favorite thing is how genuinely enthusiastic everyone who works there is. I remember meeting a zookeeper who said they were visiting while they weren't on shift. The joy and fun of experiencing this zoo and conservatory can be found everywhere! It's also a delight to visit during the winter blues.

The Como Zoo & Conservatory is truly a gift. I’ve been visiting my entire life and in recent years I can’t help but look around and think to myself: “how is this free??” Is it the nicest, largest, most exotic zoo I’ve ever visited? No. But the Como Zoo boasts guerrillas, orangutans, giraffes, penguins, reindeer, zebras, lions, cougars, snow leopards, seals, polar bears and more. All for free! Not to mention the conservatory, which is a must-visit during the winter months. It’s warm, humid, and filled with the sights and smells of spring, summer and tropical destinations, all year around. There are quiet places to sit along the way…you can relax, unwind and forget about the freezing temperatures for a short time. Don’t miss the bonsai collection! Como Zoo and Conservatory really comes to life in the spring and summer, when the animals can be outside and all of the exterior gardens are in full bloom. But, since it’s free, I’ll gladly visit any day of the year, and I often do. Please be sure to donate so this wonderful place can stay open and thrive for many more years to come!

Ok, it's not the best zoo you've ever been to, but it is amazing for basically a free park! There are manned stations to give donations, both in cash and with a credit card, but if you don't care to or don't have it, come on in. (Though try to give if you can!) First, there are beautiful, historic conservatory rooms with a biggish Japanese garden behind and several bonsai trees. Then, on the other side is a zoo with a roughly circular layout, with primates, big cats, giraffe, zebras, seals, and a polar bear! Not the best enclosures I've ever seen - lots of concrete and fencing, but the animals seem generally happy and there are lots of keepers around. And it's free! Or, at least cheap if you donate. Very crowded and hot the Friday afternoon I went, but there's a cafe and a big gift shop indoors.

Loved this zoo! We came on a Sunday afternoon and it was busy but not too packed. You can pay with your preferred donation. The animals were still visible even with the heat. The property was clean. Parking was a mess but there are plenty of lots available and street parking if you have patience. The amusement park is also nearby which is a plus. I would definitely come back! They have scheduled shows I believe at noon and 2:30. I recommend bringing your family for a nice family day. They allow water bottles and such so you’re able to stay hydrated throughout the zoo. There are also plenty of washrooms with water fountains.

I liked the zoo and rides. That was fun. I didn't like the fact that 3 rides broke down when we were there. Good time thou. I feel that the zoo could have had some better upkeep. There was garbage and trash cans full everywhere. But had a good time.

Always one of my favorite places since I was little. Now I'm happy my own children enjoy it too! Great places for photos, educational experiences, hands on learning, exercise, and fun. You can't go wrong with this "free" zoo. Donate to keep it running and allowing our future generations to enjoy the family outings like we've all been able. This zoo is so worth your trip. Expect to spent about an hour if you're rushing through just the animals. Or stay for the day and take in the show, the educational information posted around each exhibit, watch the butterflies, visit the conservatory, take a spin on the carousel built in 1914 (but only until 1:15pm), have lunch, and ask as many questions as you want to the knowledgeable staff throughout the grounds.

A very interesting place to spend your time. There are many things to see, but it's a pity there are no birds at the moment. I like the facts that you don't have to pay to enter, and you can charge your phone and leave it at a locker at the entrance. My favourite parts are the Japanese bonsai garden, the fern garden, and the seals.

Such a great place for the cost, free! Definitely a place for the younger ones. Easily able to keep them in sight and not worry about losing them. Make sure you bring cash, no credit cards are taken for most, if not all things. We were able to easily rent an electronic wheel chair, $30. My kids had a great time. We were very upset como town was not open. We didn't realize it was not open all week, and only had specific days. Make sure you look that up if that is something you wanted to do.

Great place to visit with family and friends. Great for all ages, my nephew loved it as much as my sister's. Having a conservatory and a zoo in one place means there is something for all ages. Can't wait to go back!

It is one of the best places in the twin cities. There is a large park, conservatory, and a zoo by each other. A nice walking and biking path around the lake. The conservatory is fantastic. One area is seasonal, for example, Christmas. A very reasonable entrance donation.

Como did a great job with health and safety standards. Everyone had a mask on and was easy to socially distance. Was able to see most animals and was nice to be in the conservatory without crowds!

Como is a Twin Cities treasure. An awesome (FREE!) activity any time of year, with lots of animal exhibits outdoors in the summer, and the conservatory offering a tropical escape into lush greenery and warmth even on the coldest snowy days in winter. The unexpected sloth hanging out in the tropical bird conservatory is one of my favorite spots to visit. The bonsai tree has an open section in winter, expanded in summer with a Japanese garden outside as well. Como is great for whole families, a date, catching up with friends , or getting your grandparents out for the day. Also a great spot for photo sessions; saw one today for a quinceañera!

New procedures must have a reservation we spent just over an hr. Time was very well spent. Small crowd with social distance follow. Now have open most of zoo again will need a reservation. GREAT TO BE BACK AT COMO. masks require, staff is constantly wiping all surfaces clean. Had an excellent time

Best place for kids, specially who like 🐒

The colors combined with the water and the the butterfly garden nearby make for a truly zen experience. Beautiful!

I signed up online to go on the covid-19 protocol one-way route through the facility. Everyone was masked, and only a few people were going against the no backtracking rules. You don't get to walk into every nook and cranny of the spaces, but you can see most things. Give yourself time to enjoy everything, and look closely for surprises.

This zoo has so much to offer! During covid they have accepted visitors by appointment which is working out wonderfully! I feel that it is less crowded this way and the exhibits can be seen easier. For a place that is funded on donations I'm amazed by how many different animals they have and how much work has gone into the exhibits.

This free Zoo is fantastic! We saw almost all of the animals and we felt safe since everyone was required to wear masks. Such an amazing zoo! We loved it here!

Great place for my husband and me to have a weekend escape but still within the Twin Cities to see some cute and fun animals! We took my three and a half year old daughter who had a blast walking & strolling (yes, bring small to medium sized stroller/wagon) from animal building to the next animal shelter or area. They even had staff located at some of the areas explaining some of the exhibits of animals which was nice because I do not remember that even as a child when I used to go in the 90’s! My daughter’s favorite areas included the newer half-underground seal watching window area as well as the monkey building! We stopped into the Safari Gift Shop outside of the aquatics area and staff were super helpful. Very pleased to find that we could buy a sweatshirt for the same price as a stuffed animal (stinks if your buying the stuffed animal) at $19.99!! My daughter was the warmest, happy camper at the zoo needless to say & so was mama’s wallet. My only suggestion regarding going and getting reservations is going during times that have the highest number “spots” still available- less people will be there with you then. The zoo seemed extremely over crowded at times and hard to move around. Parking was an absolute NIGHTMARE so arrive 40-45 mins prior to reservation time! Overall, fun/cute animals, nice staff, great times and great memories!

Had a family day at the zoo and it was a bit underwhelming. Many empty exhibits and the overall feel is the place needs to be renovated. That’s why donations are so important! The menu at the cafe was different from the website, with less options which was disappointing. One of the polar bears seemed sick and was laying down, foaming from its mouth. The conservatory was beautiful as always! REMEMBER TO DONATE FUNDS WHEN VISITING! Yes, it’s “free” but they need the support.

Beautiful and fun zoo to go to for all ages! There are lots of animals to see here. You can learn a lot by reading the descriptions at each exhibit as well. We went today (Monday) and it started to get really busy around 11:00-11:30 ish so be prepared for that. (We did start at 10:30 when it was still fairly quiet). The gardens were also really neat to look at so be sure to stop by there! Also, don’t forget a little souvenir at the gift shop by the main entrance. There is a little one in the zoo itself, but I recommend the bigger one where you first walk in since there are things for everyone in there (shirts, stuffed animals, stickers, lanyards, etc.) Be sure to check this zoo out if you haven’t, it’s worth a couple hours to go check everything out!

Had a lovely day at Como Zoo! Courteous staff, lovely grounds, animals looked well-attended, and the sea lion/seal show was educational & fun! Unfortunately, a number of exhibits and amusements were down, suspect due to lack of funding and employees. Excellent place for families and today it was jammed packed. Guests were also very cordial and friendly.

Such a fun zoo! This zoo can be free but donation is recommended ($5/adult). Free parking too which makes it a very affordable day out! Lots of seating scattered if you get tired and they have a free seal show! The conservatory was gorgeous and had so many different climates. I loved this experience and would come back!

This beautiful jewel of a place calls to my heart every visit to Minnesota. It is free to all but supported by donations and its gift shop and foundation. The various rooms, Fern Room, Japanese Garden, etc., always evoke a sense of serenity and energy that freshens the mind and spirit. It’s great for all ages and the gift shop is chockful of delightful take-aways. I scored three presents for Christmas there on this visit. Do donate - entrance is free, but donations help keep this beautiful place here to enjoy.

A free beautiful zoo what more could you want!!! The inside cafe is a bit of a mess and run by teens but you can’t complain! I recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks. I love coming here on nice weather

Beautiful place to place on your visiting itinerary. However I will say I had no clue it would be that PACKED on a Monday an hour after it opened. There was no parking. I did see something about a shuttle but never seen a shuttle nor where to go to e picked up by the shuttle. I feel like we walked a full mile because of parking maybe even more. We only viewed the conservatory the zoo was over flowing with kids and school programs. This is free and that's mind blowing to me. You have the option to donate although out the wxibit which I encourage. The volunteers are scatteres through out and they are helpful and kind also educated. There was even some activities, like garden talk, and a little kids activity along with sensory touching table thing in route to the Japanese garden. This was a pleasure and my husband and I would come here regularly for a date night if we lived her.

Como Zoo is an awesome place. Love seeing all the animals there. It was a hot day when I went and many animals were in the shade or den so couldn't see all of them. Some of the exhibits were having construction done also. They have cool sculptures scattered around. I like that it's free with suggested donation. Parking was not an issue and it wasn't crowded near the end of the day.

We went on a Tuesday towards the end of the summer. It was perfect! First, let's start with it's free and open to the public. Please give a small donation to keep it free. We got there right after it opened, and it was already starting to get busy. The animals were lively, getting their breakfast. We were there for about 2 hours, which was the perfect time with having an 19 month. You could easily access good visibility at multiple points to see the animals. Lastly, it is easy to navigate with multiple pathways and one of the cleanest zoo's that I have been to visit.

Loved the domes portion with all the plants & flowers. Zoo was a little smaller than expected but well laid out & animals looked well cared for. And for free (however, donations definitely well deserved). Staff also very friendly.

One of my favorite places to visit and bring guests. And it is wonderful that it is accessible to all because they only ask for a donation. Our little zoo is the best, I have been visiting 60 years with family and friends. Como is nice and easy to move around, with a great variety of animals to visit and learn about. We met some young zoo staff who told us about the new little monkey and you could tell they really cared. The Conservatory is one of the most unique buildings I know and it's beautiful year round, but it's a special treat (along with the tropical house,) to visit someplace warm and green on the tundra in January. It's like a mini vacation!

This is an amazing place to escape the Minnesota cold weather! There are so many beautiful plants and flowers. The layout is fantastic. Great place to chill out.

I personally do not like zoos. I don't believe that anything should be caged, but my kid had been asking to go for a while now. I absolutely LOVE the conservatory, though! Got there! The zoo is nice as it's free, but donations are welcomed!

The conservatory is a wonderfully warm retreat, especially on a winter day. The zoo is comprehensive in its diversity of animals, yet it’s compact enough to allow you to visit them all in a single afternoon. In the summer, the Como Town amusement park is a great place for families with young kids. The fact that all of this is available for a small suggested donation (plus Como Town ride tickets) is nothing short of amazing!

Great experience during Covid. Love the one direction and social distancing/masking rule. Great that it’s a donation basis entry. Smaller zoo but quality vs quantity here. My so. You know it’s good when even lightning McQueen is having fun!

Need I say more! This is the greatest place in the world to be. There is so much to do and so many trails and picnic areas. They zoo is hidden in the middle of the park their is an assortment of animals with guided tours for those that want a guide as well as a amusement park in the same area. Number one spot hands down for most in the region. Located just northwest of downtown Saint Paul this park is a must see with Minnesota's iconic Conservatory as the center piece.

Great spot, easier now with advanced reservations. Before some big crowds could keep you from seeing and enjoying all of the exhibits. With the crowd size down its easier to see everything also park, although with one way foot traffic it can seemed rushed if you're like me and want to take your time. Also note that some exhibits are closed right now like the wolves which I had been looking forward to. Definitely still worth the trip and the donation. I spent about 3 hours there with my family.

Como Park Zoo is free but asks for a donation. Currently you need to make a reservation so they can limit capacity. And all paths are one way so people can't just wander around. Many of the little shops are closed but the animals were very active while we were there. There are not a lot of animals in each exhibit as it is a small zoo. The only thing that was disturbing was the size of the seal enclosure. It was WAY too small for two seals. After the zoo you can walk through the conservatory which has the most comprehensive display of plants I've ever seen. They are all beautifully kept and tended. The bonsai display was especially impressive.

Great spot for the family and is free. Due to covid you may need to call and make a reservation IOT space out groups. Once in it is all a one-way directional path

Beautiful place to visit with your family. I appreciate the free access and you are invited to donate a suggested small fee. There is not much to see in winter or early spring, but what we did see we enjoyed. The gorillas are super interesting and amazing creatures. The conservatory next door is just breathtaking, please visit. They rent also for wedding pictures, check on line about it. There was a beautiful carousel, but unfortunately was not open to the public. We will definitely go back soon, looking forward for more.

Great place to see the animals for a small donation. They're changing over the Sunken Garden to their fall design today.

Couldn't experience everything due to covud but the little stuff I got to get to see and buy was better than the bigger zoo!

Love this place, always free with suggested donation.

Can't beat it hope you plan on going 😎

Open 7/365 or 366 on a leap #iAmDom

Fabulous!

Always fun to be there. Great animal exhibits, good layout, great area as well. Couldn’t be better

So beautiful, I used to love coming here on warm summer days for a walk around the grounds. Highly recommend to locals + tourists coming to MPLS for a visit!

Only went to the conservatory and had a great time. Everyone stayed safely spaced out and staff was very nice. I could sleep in this place if that were an option :)

A great place for a visit and to refresh in the conservatory with some greenery and flowers and even some orchids blooming

Great place to escape the house and weather. Como zoo and conservatory is an Oasis of tropical that meshes in educational information. Bring your family and escape the confines of the house and soak in the humidity and intrigue that Como provides. Yes, there is a gift shop and cafe that are open!

A gem of the Twin Cities. Their motto is "Free means free," and they stand by it. Covid related: Masks are required throughout the park, but it's still a bit hard to maintain 6ft social distancing.

Zoo experience right in the middle of the city.

They had everything laid out so nicely. One way paths. People spaced out. Everyone had asked. We felt very safe!

Love it! Such a great time! Perfect little trip for the family. I live in Oregon and this zoo is so much better! Such a great time!

Como Conservatory employee's are doing a great job themselves and with visitors being COVID-19 safe. I was impressed!

It’s a great place to go with your family for some fun. They have free admission to the place although donations are accepted. There’s a lot of animals to see, food, and rides (you have to pay for them though). The conservatory is also very beautiful with a variety of flowers and plants to see.

Nice sized zoo, fun family trip. The animals all looked well cared for.

The one way walking path was smooth, many signs and hand sanitizer stations

Great ambiance, good service & delicious food. Their Lobster & shrimp rissoto is the best!

Always a fun time. Make an appointment

The zoo had trails and pass to follow due to covid-19 all viewing of the animals with clear it was a great day spent at the zoo

Even with a little snow, it was a great time. The snow was neat with the big cats and artic fox

Great place to take the family for free!

The staff was very rude to me. One guy in particular made especially rude remarks when I was leaving and refused to let us in even with a reservation. I will never be coming back, it’s not worth the distress. What a waste of time and gas money it took to get here!

Always a great place and well kept.

The conservatory and Japanese garden are beautiful. A great place to visit all year.

I thought they did great accommodating the virus. Kids were still able to enjoy. A great activity

Amazing Mermazing

Must visit place in the twin cities

It was wonderful as usual. They had one way traffic only and rules of staying 6 feet back so we felt safe.

Nice place overall. Staff are helpful and easy going. Park is well maintained and services all work well.

Amazing.

The kids had a great time.

Had a fantastic time at the zoo on Sunday. Make an advanced reservation and show up at that time. Then the staff will let your party start down the one way walking path after the group in front of you has walked well over 6 feet down the path. So we were all very distanced which allowed us to easily see all of the animals because people kept moving and kept their distance. The Conservatory foliage was the healthiest and lushest I've ever seen it! And the Japanese Garden was gorgeous. Hurry and go before all the beautiful colored leaves are all down!!!

Everytime we go the conservatory and zoo are kept very pristine and the staff are always friendly and helpful

Social distancing is in place and reservations are required. Once your in there's not really a time limit which is nice but a lot is blocked off.

A 5 for young families. We Seniors there for 8 nights to visit family, everyone looks happy; friendly service,g amenities & hook ups.

MAKE A RESERVATION

Always great and had a wonderful experience in the restrictions. They did a great job spacing out guests and having plenty of staff on hand to help with distancing and be there to educate us on all the animals

Always fun to check out the conservatory!! such a beautiful and wide variety of plants

Fun way to spend a time. Very good for a walk and run.

Opening again Monday January 11, 2021. Check for announcements and reservation scheduling information. It will be like a 6ft socially distanced conga-line for covid-19 safety. No stopping for photos or lingering, with directional traffic.

This place is so beautiful and romantic. One of the best places for a date during the MN winter. They have made a lot of adjustments due to COVID. You'll need a reservation in advance and if you want to go on the weekends, book at least 2 weeks in advance. But I promise you it's worth it! My bf and I feel so zen after our Como Zoo and Conservatory date.

Well organized, one way to through the zoo to maintain social distancing. Hand sanitizer available all over the place!

Regardless of the season this historic conservatory and zoo is a must visit destination. Set amongst the largest city park in the capital you'll find orchids and primates, palms and wolves. A gem in the crown of the city.

Please continue to support this local program so that it remains a free community jewel.

We always have had an amazing experience at Como! I've been going for years since I was a little girl and now I get to bring my son to see all the animals and plants as well.

Wonderful place to visit

Drove all the way from St. Cloud to find you need reservations to enter? Lame!!! Wouldn’t even make an exception since we traveled. Won’t visit again any time soon.

Beautiful and warm

I am from San Diego, CA and have gone to the San Diego Zoo my whole life. Seeing the animals this up close was something I had never experienced before! My daughter and I had an amazing time!

Super cool!

Just an FYI the end of the zoo tour kicks you outside some distance from the nearest parking lot you probably parked in.

The best cheap outing around. I've always loved Como. Would love for them to get another polar bear or two . . .

Beautiful place

Amazing and incredible, you learn lots of things

I'm so glad they reopened! They have a really nice one way path, and their cafe is open.

Just had our Wedding there Saturday. Was amazing. Thank you

I love, love, love, Como Zoo! Reminds me of my childhood. Such a beautiful zoo and the recent remodel of the seal 🦭 exhibit is gorgeous!!!😍 I need to visit the new restaurant! Yum! Only thing that makes me alittle sad is when some of the animals aren't around to visit with. Otherwise, a MUST do activity in Minnesota to enjoy annually for everybody! So much to do, see, and, explore!!

Outstanding, requires masks everywhere and social distancing so safe, an enjoyable way to spend time with family.

I have not been here for 30 plus years. Still one of my favorite places to visit in the Twin Cities area. Fantastic changes since I was there last.

I enjoyed the walk,I loved learning about the animals,their names. Some of them I am familiar with them and others were new to me. It is a fun place to be with the family. My kids loved it. The conservatory was just beautiful. I felt like I was in a real forest. Best experience for the kids.

Love this zoo have been coming here since I was a little girl. And their lots of animals to see and its also free to get in.

I cannot express how much I experienced at this zoo. Coming from Madison, Wisconsin to see this zoo was truly a highlight of the trip! Making a reservation was quick and simple! Staff was courteous and smiling! Park was CLEAN!!! The animals seemed happy!! The variety was phenomenal. Will return myself!! Highly recommended!!

Truly a Minnesota treasure! Wonderful park for an evening walk with plenty of sidewalks. The conservatory IA building unique onto itself with every changing flowers through the season and a few fun sculptures mixed in. Make sure to bring a camera!

Beautiful zoo and park! Features a variety of animals, including a number of primates I had never seen before. Admission is free (donation appreciated). During COVID times, you have to reserve a time slot in advance, and the times do fill up, so make sure to reserve the day before. The zoo is next door to Como Town, an amusement park, which could be another fun thing to do.

It's good enough for a free admission ( 4$ donation is optional) the zoo is less than good but it could be worse. The animals seems beaten down and tired or on a strict diet, They look hungry and exhausted. There's a decent parks around the area so that's a plus.

Such a beautiful place. You get to see some great animals up close. You'll need to bundle up in the winter as you have to walk outside from exhibit to exhibit. Had a amazing time there.

I love this zoo and conservatory. It was my first visit since the early 70's. Wow, it is even better.

This is free!? This zoo offers sights of primates and other great creatures. The reptile area is easy to miss so keep a lookout for it. The conservatory is filled with unique plants. I must recommend this zoo for anyone who enjoys seeing wildlife.

So beautiful I used Google Maps to reserve a ticket was free! But was so cool had to donate! I mostly enjoyed the conservatory... I ate some chicken strips at the cafe? Restaurant at the zoo and drink a Starbucks Mocha drink prices were good staff was awesome!

Loved so much of this place! The animals were awesome! The botanical and Japanese gardens were beautiful. And you can't beat the price of free plus suggested donation. It only got four stars because the crowds were so big, and even at the indoor exhibits the animals were not around as much on the Sunny day.

Great local zoo, very manageable... and it's free! Just get your tickets online in advance... Super cute... great representation of local animals too, including the bison! Be sure to save time for the gardens and conservatory as well!

First and foremost, the entrance is free of charge, but you can donate if you wish to keep it running smoothly. However, make sure that you make reservation before you come to avoid long queues. Secondly, I have to say that the Como is well maintained and you can enjoy the animals and flora here. Thirdly, it is child-friendly place. It will amaze your children. Again, must see in Minneapolis.

I have been to a lot of zoo’s traveling. There is few key things that are amazing about them. But the fact that this area is a full day spot. Once you park, there is a small amusement park ( separate and ticket pricing varies) then theirs the zoo and conservatory to the right of it. The zoo we got to see the gorillas up close through glass and the polar bears as well. The conservatory was so gorgeous! If you have frizzy hair, pack that gel and pick it up for this trip because it it very humid in there but worth the pictures.

Can't say enough about Como. Its a free will donation so while you should definitely contribute, its not super expensive for a family to go like the Minnesota Zoo (although I do love the Minnesota Zoo, too!). The day we went the animals were all on the move so we got to see polar bears, seals, gorillas, and the tiger move and play. Como is clean and there is such a variety of animals, its a fun way to spend an afternoon!

The conservatory I would rate as 5 stars but the zoo part I would give a 3 star. The conservatory is gorgeous and has a nice flow. The zoo is a bit chaotic with habitats all over with paths leading all over the place and it felt as if a large portion of habitats didn't have anything in them.

I love the Como Zoo and Conservatory. Yes some of the exhibits seem small for the animals, yet the zoo does a great job educating folks about conservation and natural animal habitats. This zoo is accessible to families who cannot afford to go to the MN Zoo and it is located in St Paul. I have always loved the bonsai exhibit and the changing flowers and vegetation in the conservatory. My absolute favorite is the Japanese garden!

I had an interesting experience here. If you want to have a good experience and see as many animals as possible, I think you should go on a cool and not crowded day. By then, animals will be more active, rather than hiding from the heat. Due to the habitat of each animal species, you will experience and see different animals and plants when you travel in autumn/winter or spring/summer. Some animals placed in the fenced area are easier to see and experience than those kept in the house with isolation/protection glass. Some glasses in the houses are not cleaned, so it is difficult to see through the glasses. As far as I know, during the summer they will have more activities so you can check the events calendar on their website so you don't miss any interesting activities. Besides, they also have a conservatory where you can see and learn about many kinds of plants. The flowers in their conservatory seem to change every few months.

Great zoo for its size, far better than the Minnesota Zoo! Went to the Spire Sparky show and was treated to a side show when a Karen threw a tantrum over seating and verbally assaulted 3 young ladies. Luckily, we had two amazing women in front of us, and one of them put Karen in her place. Sadly, it seemed the employee who tried to intervene directed her lecture more towards the fabulous women in front of us instead of Karen and her crew of hillbillies.

I had the whole day to kill before my flight. I spent about 5 hours enjoying the animals, but mostly the greenery. Definitely can't beat the price of $0.00, but please make sure you give a donation. Go and enjoy, you'll love it.

We love Como zoo. I went with my 1 and 3 year old. It’s the perfect size to see everything and take the toddler route without missing anything. It was a super hot day and they gave my 3 year old a free slushie while we were waiting for our food at lunch time!

I came here today with a friend. We both had a great time looking at the animals. It is a good place to visit when on a budget or you need something to do. You can see the entire place in a few hours.

My wife and I absolutely LOVED this place! They asked for a $4 donation at the door, and even though it's not very big, we were still able to see some beautiful animals up close. Also, finding the plastic mold machines took me back to my childhood and made me giddy! Definitely recommend this place, just be sure to check the hours of operation.

This zoo is one of my favorite things to do in the metro area. Admission is free, and for such a small zoo there's a good variety of animals in both indoor and outdoor exhibits. I stopped by in late 2023 to see the adorable baby giraffe. And be sure to walk through the Conservatory -- a perfect combination of stunning flowers and plants, and a few animals.

Fanatic establishment. I like to come here when it's a bit chilly and sit in the tropical rooms to read! What a great way to get past some winter blues... As far as the zoo goes, my partner was a zoo keeper for a long span...she has nothing bad to say about the enclosures or enrichment given to the animals! She was impressed with the variety of animals they displayed as well as the level of care they were all treated to, especially given there are at least a few animals on sight with some physical "limitations". All in all I would come every day if I lived within walking distance. Just please remember to respect the plants and animals - what the workers and volunteers are doing here is amazing.

Many animals were hiding today, but such is nature. Great time walking around and seeing what we could. The conservatory is always beautiful and the sunken garden was decked out with spring blooms 🌼.