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.
• Due to physical distancing guidelines set by the State of Minnesota, admission is limited each day. 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 Cleveland Court gate.
• Reservation time slots begin at 10 AM daily. Last entry is 5 PM. Doors will close at 5:30 PM..
Guests must arrive at their reserved time slot to ensure capacity is not exceeded.
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?
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
October – March: 10AM – 4PM
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. in the new KSTP Amphitheater 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 Cleveland Court gate 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?
We will have safety ambassadors on the grounds. There is also additional 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, but it must be eaten outside.
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! But if you must, you will be able to exit the Visitor Center doors before entering the Conservatory and after your zoo visit.
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 and electric scooters, yes. Strollers, no (but you can bring your own). For more information click HERE.
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.
I have four kids. Does this mean we can’t all attend together?
You just have to make two reservations!
I have a reservation for Monday as a Friend of Como. I cannot locate my membership card. Will that be a problem?
We will have your name on a list.
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?
You do have to follow the one-way path at this time. We are looking at adding specific times for the elderly and immunocompromised.
Is the tropics building open in the visitor center?
Yes, it will be!
Thanks so much for making this available!
Do you have any options or suggestions to purchase a mature Lotus? Mine died and am looking to get one for my koi pond?
We would recommend contacting the Minnesota Horticultural Society.
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.
We do not have a wait list. If guests cancel their reservations, they will show up automatically on the website.
When can reservations be made for after August 10?
Should be posted this week!
Is there a time limit of how long you can spend at the zoo?
We have found that most people will spend about 30-45 minutes in just the Conservatory. There are no set times.
How long we could stay the zoo
Someone told me just only 30 minutes allowed per reservation.
Let me know plz
There is no set time limit. Most people will spend roughly an hour.
I would like to add one more grandchild to my reservation. How can I do that?
You would need to make a second reservation.
Is the time allowed for the entire zoo walk AND shopping at the kiosks and gift shop only for 30 min. total?
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?
There is no set time limit. Most people have been spending a little over an hour for the whole experience.
My son just turned 2 and I really don’t think he would keep a mask on. Does he need to wear one?
Other visitors, staff and the animals all appreciate everyone over 2 wearing a mask.
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.
We have added another person to your reservation.
Can reservations be made for the weekend of Aug 21
We will most likely add them next week.
Am I able to add one to my reservation?
We have added another person to your reservation.
Thank you
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.
There is no set time limit but most guests have been spending a little over an hour.
Can I sit and sketch in the Japanese garden
Unfortunately posed photography and sketching are not allowed at this time.
Is the Japanese garden open?
It is! You just have to make an appointment here: https://comozooconservatory.org/reservations/
I cannot find my confirmation for tommorrow
I do not have my confirmation for tomorrow
We do have you down for 11:30am tomorrow.
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!!
Is it possible to add to my reservation?
We have you down for three people on August 12. Would you like us to add a fourth?
Do you have any times open for this Friday, August 7 for 2 people.? I could not find the listing for this week.
We are fully booked this week.
Are there any openings on Aug 17th?
there will be 5 of us – 2 adults & 3 kids
We will be adding that week in the near future.
Can we just have a picnic on the grounds today and visit the zoo another day? Is the main entrance open?
You can have a picnic out in the park. You need a reservation to come into the Zoo.
I am trying to make a reservation for Aug 17th but the time slots stop on Aug 16th. Is the 17th sold out?
More days will be added soon!
Looking for 5 or 6 tickets for today.
We are booked until next week!
No spots open for this week?
Pretty much booked until next week. If someone does cancel, it will show up on the site.
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
And if I did only one on accident am I able to add a second please?
Would you like us to add two more people to your reservation?
We have you down for 2 people for 1:30pm this Sunday, August 16.
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?
If you have a party size larger than four, you will need additional reservations.