Help us plan for your arrival! Please read, download, print, share our Chaperone Tips On Etiquette by clicking HERE
Admission to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is always free, but donations are appreciated. The suggested donation is $4 for adults, and $2 for children. The Zoo and Conservatory open at 10 a.m.
Be sure you have confirmed that you have a 10:1 ratio of students to chaperones.
After you have completed this form you will receive a confirmation email from us. Please make sure to check your “clutter” folder or “junk” folder.
If you would like to add a fee-based program during your visit, check out the Schools tab HERE
Click HERE for a printable map.
After submitting this form, you will receive a confirmation email from us. If you did not receive it within 30 minutes, check your spam/clutter/junk folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Blaze Sparky show?
The Blaze Sparky Show will run daily at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at Como Harbor. Also, if your timing is just right, you may see Como’s zookeepers doing unscheduled training sessions with the seals and sea lions on the Sparky Stage a few times per day.
How do I get there and where is the best place for busses to drop off and also park?
The circle drive right in front Como’s Visitor Center can be used for bus drop off. Buses are encouraged to park on the street and are not permitted to park in Como’s parking lots. A good area is sometimes the fence line along Como Town.
Detailed driving directions to Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.
Click here for a map of the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory grounds and for the location of our parking lots.
Click here for a map of Como Regional Park and the parking lots throughout the park.
To get to us by bus, contact Metro Transit at 612-373-3333 or visit www.metrotransit.org for current bus routes and schedules.
What are your hours?
10AM to 6PM from April 1 to September 30.
10AM to 4PM from October 1 to March 31
Are there lockers available for rent to stash our groups lunches?
Unfortunately, we do not have large lockers for rent. Groups are encouraged to either carry lunches with them or store them on their buses. No lunches or coolers should be unattended at any time while on Como’s grounds. Many groups assign a few chaperones to carry or stay with lunches, others have had students carry their own lunches until it’s time for lunch.
Do we need to check in with a staff member when we arrive at Como?
No, you do not! You can enter and start your Como experience. Though we ask you to fill out the field trip information form above, this form is not a reservation, so you do not have to check in when you arrive.
Where are the restrooms?
- Visitor Center, behind the Visitor Services desk.
- Marjorie McNeely Conservatory between the Fern room and the Palm Dome
- Polar Bear Odyssey near the Bison
- Hoofstock in the tunnel between buildings
- Pier 56 by the Sparky Amphitheater
Where can I fill up my water bottle?
There are three water bottle filling stations. One is in the Visitor Center by the restrooms, one is at Pier 56 and the other is just past the fern room in the Conservatory near the bathrooms.
Where should groups eat?
There are several outdoor locations for groups to eat. Picnic tables are available first come – first serve in Como Park, located across Midway Parkway near the Palm Lot parking lot and Como Town Amusements. There are also plenty of grassy areas available for picnic-style lunches.
Lunch options on grounds include; Como Harbor Amphitheater, Donor Plaza (by the tortoise statue), South Patio (to the immediate left as you enter the zoo grounds), or Como Commons (between Gorilla Forest and the zebras).
Picnic shelters in Como Regional Park can also be reserved by calling the St. Paul Parks and Recreation Parks Permit Office at 651-632-5111.
Zöbota Café
This indoor café, located in the Visitor Center, features chef specials, hand-tossed salads, burgers, unique grilled sandwiches, and Starbucks Coffee. Zöbota Café also offers a free wireless internet connection to their customers.
Please call 651-487-8282 for catering information or to coordinate group visits to the Café.
Pier 56
Pier 56 is an outdoor café located near Como Harbor and serves grilled burgers, pizza, salads, and kid’s meal favorites including hot dogs and chicken nuggets. Pier 56 is located in the heart of Como Zoo and serving up scrumptious food!
Pier 56 is only open seasonally.
Food Carts at Como Zoo
Visit the antique popcorn wagon, an ice cream cart or the Dippin’ Dots cart for a refreshing treat during your visit to the Zoo. The food carts are located throughout the Zoo and are only open seasonally.
Zöbota Café, Pier 56 and the food carts do not accept checks.
Wait…what if I have more questions?
Check out some more of our frequently asked questions and our policies by clicking HERE
Additional Phone Numbers
Additional Phones Numbers:
Carousel Information
651-489-4628
Como Town Amusement Rides
651-487-2121
Como Park Picnic Shelter Rentals (Parks Permit Office)
651-632-5111
Picnic Pavilion Catering
651-290-9864
General Information
651-487-8201
Zobota Cafe
651-487-8282
Garden Safari Gifts
651-487-8222
