• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
logo
logo
  • Visitors
    • Events Calendar
    • Visitor Map & Hours
    • Directions & Parking
    • Public Transportation
    • Food
    • Gift Shops
    • Policies & FAQ
    • Como Blogs
    • History
  • Experiences
    • Special Events
    • Animals
    • Gardens
    • Art
    • Attractions
    • Summer of Sparky
  • Rentals
    • Weddings & Receptions
    • Corporate
    • Birthdays
    • Picnics
  • Programs & Classes
    • Schools
    • Adults
    • Groups
    • Families
    • Free – Legacy Amendment
  • Support Us
    • Donate
    • Como Friends
    • Gift Shops
    • Sponsor an Animal
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Jobs At Como
    • Conservation
    • Contact Us
  • Donate
Address:
1225 Estabrook Drive
St. Paul, MN 55103
Tel:
651-487-8201
Email:
comomarketing@ci.stpaul.mn.us
© 2023 Como Zoo Conservatory .

Como Zoo Conservatory logo

1225 Estabrook Drive Saint Paul, MN 55103

  • Donate
  • Visitors
    • Events Calendar
    • Visitor Map & Hours
    • Directions & Parking
    • Public Transportation
    • Food
    • Gift Shops
    • Policies & FAQ
    • Como Blogs
    • History
  • Experiences
    • Special Events
    • Animals
    • Gardens
    • Art
    • Attractions
    • Summer of Sparky
  • Rentals
    • Weddings & Receptions
    • Corporate
    • Birthdays
    • Picnics
  • Programs & Classes
    • Schools
    • Adults
    • Groups
    • Families
    • Free – Legacy Amendment
  • Support Us
    • Donate
    • Como Friends
    • Gift Shops
    • Sponsor an Animal
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Jobs At Como
    • Conservation
    • Contact Us

FAQs for your visit to the Zoo & Conservatory

This FAQ will help you prepare for booking a visit to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

Are reservations required for admission to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory?

• Yes, timed reservations are required in order to ensure staggered visitor arrivals for both members and nonmembers at this time. CLICK HERE to make your reservation. **Advanced reservations are free and currently available only on our website.
• Advanced reservations are available on a first come, first serve basis.
• All visitors will need a reservation. Up to six people can be registered under one reservation (infants and children must be included in your reservation).
• Visitors will present their confirmation barcode (printed or displayed on a phone) at the Visitor Center Entrance.
• Reservation time slots begin at 10 AM daily. Last entry is 3:15 PM. 

Guests must arrive at their reserved time slot to ensure capacity is not exceeded. 

Why are you still requiring reservations?

As COVID-19 restrictions have lifted, we’ve explored whether to continue requiring reservations at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. After much consideration, and reviewing the feedback we received from members, visitors, and staff, we’ve made the decision to continue requiring reservations. Improved visitor experience and safety were two of the biggest factors in making this decision.

FIELD TRIP! What if I have a group larger than six?

We are excited to welcome back field trips on a limited basis. All groups and field trips must be confirmed by the Education Department. More information can be found HERE.

Can I walk up and get a reservation?

Sorry, no. You must make an advanced reservation. Click HERE to make your reservation.

I’m not seeing the date I am interested in. Will new dates be added?

Check the List View option (top of the reservation page) where sold out time slots are easy to view. Any cancellations will show up automatically on the website and will be available on a first come, first serve basis. At this time, we are booking dates 10-14 days in advance as a way to keep up with the changing guidelines and restrictions. New dates are generally added at the beginning of the week. Please keep checking our website for additional booking dates.

What are the hours?

October – March: 10AM – 4PM

April: Monday- Friday 10AM – 4PM and 10AM – 6PM on Saturday and Sunday

May – September 5: 10am – 6pm Everyday!

September 6 – September 30 – Monday – Friday 10AM – 4PM and 10AM – 6PM on Saturday and Sunday

The last time slot is one hour before closing time.  The entrance doors will close 30 minutes before closing time. Grounds will be cleared promptly at closing time.

Are you open rain or shine?

Yes! Much of your visit will be outdoors so please plan accordingly.

What time are the Sparky Shows?

The SPIRE Sparky Show will run daily at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 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.

I’m looking to take posed photographs. What are my options?

Posed photography is not allowed at this time. This includes family photos, Prom photos, senior photos, engagement photos, dance photos and wedding photos. No photo permits are being sold a this time.

Please contact our Rentals Office at 651-487-8250 or comoweddings@ci.stpaul.mn.us for your available options.

Where do I enter?

All reservation holders should check-in at the Visitor Center Entrance with their bar codes. Click HERE for a map.

Can I check-in early for my reserved time?

No. In order to maintain a properly distanced line, please wait in the greater Como Park area if you arrive early. If you have a 11 AM reservation, please join the line between 11 AM and 11:15 AM. We will keep parties physically distanced and let family groups in gradually. All persons with a 11 AM reservation will be granted access between 11 AM and 11:15 AM. Due of maintaining our capacity limits, late arrivals will be denied access. Please plan accordingly.

Is there a cost to reserve a time?

No. Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is admission free. We do ask for a voluntary donation of $4 for adults and $2 for children which enable us to care for Como’s plant and animal collections. Donations may be added to your online reservation or you may use a credit/debit card at our new kiosks in the Visitor Center. Cash donation boxes are also available.

I’m a Como Friends member. Do I need a reservation?

Yes. In order to maintain capacity limits based on local regulations and for the safety and security of our valued Members, visitors, volunteers and team members, reservations are required at this time. As restrictions change, we will update our process accordingly.

Do my young children need a reservation?

Yes, everyone in your party will need a reservation for attendance tracking and capacity purposes.

Does my reservation include Como Town?

Your reservation does NOT include Como Town, and there is no entrance between the Zoo and Amusement Park. Como Town does not require advanced reservations. Como Town is owned and operated separately from Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. For more information on upcoming events, hours, directions or prices check out the Como Town website, Comotown.com. For any additional information please call 651.487.2121.

Have you increased your cleaning/sanitizing schedule?

Yes, we have increased our cleaning and sanitation schedule and are following all The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) guidelines. In addition, we have installed hand sanitizer stations. Staff are responsible to complete check off lists to ensure high-touch surfaces/areas including restrooms, handles, railings, other touch surfaces are cleaned regularly. We encourage visitors to wash their hands often. Restrooms are available at a few spots along the one-way path.  

Are face coverings/masks required to be worn by visitors?

As of February 25, 2022 per guidance from the State of Minnesota, masks are no longer required at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. We encourage everyone to continue taking precautions for personal comfort and safety.

What will you be doing to ensure social distancing?

There is signage in place to remind visitors to social distance.

Do I need to print my reservation, or can you scan them from my phone?

We will accept either option. Please print your confirmation or have it open on your phone as you check-in. You will need to present your confirmation barcode.

What if I make a reservation and discover I’m unable to attend at the date/time I selected?

To cancel, you can email ComoReservations@ci.stpaul.mn.us. Please give as much information as possible when emailing. You can always book a new reservation for date and time that works for you on our website.

Can I get a raincheck in case of inclement weather?

Your walk through the Zoo and Conservatory will proceed rain or shine. Please dress for the weather. Consider making a reservation for a new date if you are unable to attend due to inclement weather.

Can I bring my own food and beverages?

Yes.

Will there be food and beverages available to purchase?

Yes, Zobota Café is open daily serving all your favorite snacks and beverages including Burgers, Mac & Cheese, Daily Specials and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs.

Pier 56 is open in the Spring and Summer serving all your favorite snacks and beverages including Fish & Chips, Popcorn Shrimp, Mini Donut Bags and Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs. Many of the food stands have gone cashless, please bring a card if you are planning on purchasing food.

Can we leave and come back during our visit?

No re-entry will be permitted once visitors enter at their reserved time slot.

What if I just want to visit the Conservatory?

You will need to make a reservation to visit.  Once here, you may choose to skip the Zoo and go right to the Conservatory.

What if I just want to visit the zoo and not the Conservatory?

Well, we’d be sad! The Conservatory looks amazing right now!

Will the Cafesjian’s Carousel or Como Town be open?

Please check their website for more information: Como Town. Cafesjian’s Carousel. Your reservation does NOT include Como Town and there is no entrance between the Zoo and Amusement Park.  Garden Safari Gifts is open the same hours as Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

Can I rent a wheelchair, scooter, or stroller?

Wheelchairs & electric scooters can be rented in Garden Safari Gifts. Per day, wheelchairs rent for $10.00 and electric scooters rent for $30.00. A valid ID is required as collateral. In addition, electric scooters require a major credit card. All rentals must be returned to Garden Safari Gifts before the Zoo and Conservatory close. Wheelchairs and electric scooters may not be reserved ahead of time. You are also free to bring your own.

We do not have stroller rental available.

Will restrooms be available?

Yes. Restrooms are available throughout the Zoo & Conservatory.

Will the giraffe feeding station be open? Will there be zookeeper talks or other programs?

The giraffe feeding station is closed at this time. Check our Events Calendar for daily events. Also, we encourage you to watch our library of Como Live and Pollinator presentations to learn all about Como’s plants and animals.

When will volunteers be back?

We are welcoming back volunteers now! Click HERE for information.

Can I bring a pet?

No. Service dogs are welcome. Please read our policy by clicking HERE

Is there a printable map?

Yes! Click HERE.

Are donations refundable?

No, but rest assured they are going to good use, and we truly appreciate every single penny.

Having trouble making a reservation? Click here for tips.

*The reservation process works best in Google Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

*Each time slot has a limited capacity.  If you are unable to enter the number of person in your party, choose another time which may have more openings.

*A red error message pops up when a time slot is full.

*At the top of the first reservation screen, choose List View to more easily see sold out time slots.

*If you do not see the box to acknowledge the terms and conditions (below the area where you enter your contact information) or the Pay button, change your screen size by minimizing or maximizing in the top right hand corner of your computer (computer screens tend to be wider than the program screen which is a square shape).  If you’re using a tablet, be sure to view vertically (flip your screen).

*Dates are only available 7-14 in advance.

Tweet
Share
Pin1
Share29
30 Shares
Previous Post: « Como Welcomes Nan the Polar Bear!
Next Post: April Went Out With Lambs At Como! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Andrea Beal says

    July 23, 2020 at 3:44 pm

    I have four kids. Does this mean we can’t all attend together?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 27, 2020 at 10:33 am

      You just have to make two reservations!

  2. Cindy Clark says

    July 23, 2020 at 4:42 pm

    I have a reservation for Monday as a Friend of Como. I cannot locate my membership card. Will that be a problem?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 27, 2020 at 10:33 am

      We will have your name on a list.

  3. Nancy Sather says

    July 23, 2020 at 5:03 pm

    I am eager to bring my grand daughter back but want to entirely avoid indoor spaces. Is there a way to go around the back of the primates, only viewing the gorilla outdoors and cut over to the outdoor trail without going into the lions and tigers or polar bears? ( we tried the MN zoo and found that parents of preschool kids are unable to keep them from congregating despite social distancing rules and one way indoor routes became very congested. With a potential of 12 people in a party using three tickets this issue is almost guaranteed to arise. Have you considered creating a special time slot for parties of 4 (only) which include elderly or immunocpromised?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 27, 2020 at 10:33 am

      You do have to follow the one-way path at this time. We are looking at adding specific times for the elderly and immunocompromised.

  4. Debra Bergmann says

    July 23, 2020 at 6:17 pm

    Is the tropics building open in the visitor center?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 27, 2020 at 10:31 am

      Yes, it will be!

  5. Nancy L Price says

    July 23, 2020 at 9:25 pm

    Thanks so much for making this available!

  6. Michael Cunningham says

    July 25, 2020 at 7:33 pm

    Do you have any options or suggestions to purchase a mature Lotus? Mine died and am looking to get one for my koi pond?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 27, 2020 at 7:40 am

      We would recommend contacting the Minnesota Horticultural Society.

    • Lindsey Jenkins says

      July 29, 2020 at 12:56 pm

      Is there a wait list? Or a an option to wait at the zoo and see if there are any no-shows? Our family is coming this weekend and there are no openings.

      • Noah Petermeier says

        July 30, 2020 at 7:13 am

        We do not have a wait list. If guests cancel their reservations, they will show up automatically on the website.

  7. Sheila Eide says

    July 27, 2020 at 8:33 am

    When can reservations be made for after August 10?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 27, 2020 at 10:25 am

      Should be posted this week!

  8. Lacie says

    July 27, 2020 at 3:12 pm

    Is there a time limit of how long you can spend at the zoo?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 27, 2020 at 3:28 pm

      We have found that most people will spend about 30-45 minutes in just the Conservatory. There are no set times.

  9. Mahdi says

    July 28, 2020 at 12:31 am

    How long we could stay the zoo
    Someone told me just only 30 minutes allowed per reservation.
    Let me know plz

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 28, 2020 at 7:28 am

      There is no set time limit. Most people will spend roughly an hour.

  10. Kelly Huff says

    July 29, 2020 at 6:32 pm

    I would like to add one more grandchild to my reservation. How can I do that?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 30, 2020 at 7:11 am

      You would need to make a second reservation.

  11. Vicki Irene Henry says

    July 29, 2020 at 7:26 pm

    Is the time allowed for the entire zoo walk AND shopping at the kiosks and gift shop only for 30 min. total?

  12. Vicki Irene Henry says

    July 29, 2020 at 7:28 pm

    Is the 30minutes allowed at the zoo include the walk AND shopping at the kiosks and gift shop and eating or is more time given for the shopping and eating?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 30, 2020 at 7:11 am

      There is no set time limit. Most people have been spending a little over an hour for the whole experience.

  13. Savannah says

    July 30, 2020 at 12:45 pm

    My son just turned 2 and I really don’t think he would keep a mask on. Does he need to wear one?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 30, 2020 at 1:57 pm

      Other visitors, staff and the animals all appreciate everyone over 2 wearing a mask.

  14. Don Lehnhoff says

    July 30, 2020 at 7:30 pm

    I made a reservation for two for noon on Wed. Aug. 5. It was me and my grandson, but I need to add one more child. Please tell me that is possible. Thank you.

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 31, 2020 at 7:12 am

      We have added another person to your reservation.

  15. Deb Sekenski says

    July 31, 2020 at 9:15 am

    Can reservations be made for the weekend of Aug 21

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 31, 2020 at 9:45 am

      We will most likely add them next week.

  16. Allyson Johnson says

    July 31, 2020 at 12:23 pm

    Am I able to add one to my reservation?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      July 31, 2020 at 2:04 pm

      We have added another person to your reservation.

      • Allyson Johnson says

        July 31, 2020 at 2:10 pm

        Thank you

  17. Shannon says

    August 1, 2020 at 11:44 am

    Once you are in the zoo do you only have a limited time to be on the one way path or can you stay as long as you want? Or till 4 since I know that’s when you close.

    • Noah Petermeier says

      August 1, 2020 at 12:10 pm

      There is no set time limit but most guests have been spending a little over an hour.

  18. Frances Ceisel says

    August 2, 2020 at 5:02 am

    Can I sit and sketch in the Japanese garden

    • Noah Petermeier says

      August 2, 2020 at 6:00 am

      Unfortunately posed photography and sketching are not allowed at this time.

  19. Karen Volkman says

    August 3, 2020 at 1:53 am

    Is the Japanese garden open?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      August 3, 2020 at 7:15 am

      It is! You just have to make an appointment here: https://comozooconservatory.org/reservations/

  20. Joann pocklington says

    August 3, 2020 at 11:45 am

    I cannot find my confirmation for tommorrow

  21. Joann pocklington says

    August 3, 2020 at 11:46 am

    I do not have my confirmation for tomorrow

    • Noah Petermeier says

      August 3, 2020 at 3:57 pm

      We do have you down for 11:30am tomorrow.

  22. Cheri Thomas says

    August 4, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    Can you tell me how many spots I reserved for tomorrow at 10:00am. I never hot a confirmation email. The name If would be under is Cheri Thomas. Thank you!!

    • Cheri says

      August 4, 2020 at 7:39 pm

      Is it possible to add to my reservation?

      • Noah Petermeier says

        August 5, 2020 at 7:30 am

        We have you down for three people on August 12. Would you like us to add a fourth?

  23. Debbie W says

    August 5, 2020 at 10:35 am

    Do you have any times open for this Friday, August 7 for 2 people.? I could not find the listing for this week.

    • Noah Petermeier says

      August 5, 2020 at 1:35 pm

      We are fully booked this week.

  24. Deb Geschwind says

    August 5, 2020 at 11:07 am

    Are there any openings on Aug 17th?
    there will be 5 of us – 2 adults & 3 kids

    • Noah Petermeier says

      August 5, 2020 at 1:34 pm

      We will be adding that week in the near future.

  25. Linda Wilkinson says

    August 6, 2020 at 8:25 am

    Can we just have a picnic on the grounds today and visit the zoo another day? Is the main entrance open?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      August 6, 2020 at 10:05 am

      You can have a picnic out in the park. You need a reservation to come into the Zoo.

  26. Wendy Beimert says

    August 7, 2020 at 6:36 am

    I am trying to make a reservation for Aug 17th but the time slots stop on Aug 16th. Is the 17th sold out?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      August 7, 2020 at 8:25 am

      More days will be added soon!

  27. Mary says

    August 7, 2020 at 9:19 am

    Looking for 5 or 6 tickets for today.

    • Noah Petermeier says

      August 7, 2020 at 10:54 am

      We are booked until next week!

  28. dixie wright says

    August 10, 2020 at 4:26 pm

    No spots open for this week?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      August 10, 2020 at 5:25 pm

      Pretty much booked until next week. If someone does cancel, it will show up on the site.

  29. Paige Kolanski says

    August 11, 2020 at 12:49 am

    I got my confirmation email for my reservation but it doesn’t tell me how many people are reserved. Is there a way to see

    • Paige Kolanski says

      August 11, 2020 at 12:53 am

      And if I did only one on accident am I able to add a second please?

      • Noah Petermeier says

        August 11, 2020 at 7:24 am

        Would you like us to add two more people to your reservation?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      August 11, 2020 at 7:23 am

      We have you down for 2 people for 1:30pm this Sunday, August 16.

  30. Liz says

    August 12, 2020 at 8:13 am

    I have a reservation for this morning but I’m just seeing that I should have booked two reservations. We have 5 in our party is it possible for all to attend?

    • Noah Petermeier says

      August 12, 2020 at 10:06 am

      If you have a party size larger than four, you will need additional reservations.

mail icon

JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST

Sign up for the COMO PROMO today to receive Como news and discounts

JOIN
cal icon

HOST AN EVENT

COMO offers stunning venues to hold corporate events, meetings, birthday parties or weddings

DETAILS

Footer

24-hour Information:
651-487-8200
Customer Service:
651-487-8201
Address:
1225 Estabrook Drive St. Paul, MN 55103

Copyright© 2023 · Como Zoo Conservatory Powered by SPOT