Spring Into May at Como: New Flower Show, Extended Hours, Carousel Rides

Spring Into May at Como: New Flower Show, Extended Hours, Carousel Rides, and a Full Month of Events Begin May 1

There’s a lot happening at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory beginning May 1, as spring arrives in full color and a full calendar of events welcomes visitors of all ages.

Spring Flower Show Part II Opens May 1

Step inside the beautiful glass confines of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory’s Sunken Garden for Part II of the Spring Flower Show, opening May 1 and running through June 7. This second display bursts with warm peachy-orange blooms accented by rich purples and blues. Highlights include Asiatic lily ‘Lava Joy,’ Calla lily ‘Havana,’ Hibiscus ‘Orange Sunset,’ peach-toned begonias, and accents of deep blue verbena, lobelia, and fragrant heliotrope.

Built in 1915, the Sunken Garden has been home to Como’s beloved seasonal flower shows since 1925. Today, the Conservatory presents seven unique flower shows annually, offering ever-changing beauty for residents and visitors alike.

Summer Hours Begin May 1

Also beginning May 1, Como Park Zoo & Conservatory transitions to summer hours, open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through Labor Day, giving guests more time to explore the gardens, see the animals, and enjoy the grounds.

Cafesjian’s Carousel Opens for the Season on May 1

Cafesjian’s Carousel begins its 2026 season on May 1, operating Thursday through Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., weather permitting. This beautifully restored 1914 carousel—one of only three still operating with its original paint—features 68 hand-carved horses and two chariots inside a climate-controlled pavilion.

A ride on the Cafesjian Carousel offers timeless charm, joyful music, and a nostalgic experience for guests of all ages. The carousel operates five days a week through Labor Day and weekends through October.

Other May Events at Como

Sensory Friendly Morning

May 2 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, this special hour offers a quieter, less crowded zoo experience in a welcoming environment. (Sensory Friendly Mornings are on the zoo grounds only)

Photographer, Artist & Family Photo Morning

May 10 | 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Capture the beauty of the Conservatory before public hours during this peaceful, creative session. Guests may bring tripods, cameras, or easels. No registration required; $5 cash per person at the door.

Mother’s Day Bonsai Show

May 9 & 10 | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a unique experience featuring stunning bonsai displays by the Minnesota Bonsai Society. Guests can explore a forest of miniature masterpieces and connect with experts throughout the weekend.

Senior Strolls

May 12 & 19 | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
A relaxed, early-access experience for guests 55 and better to enjoy the Conservatory in a quieter, more social setting. (Senior Strolls is inside the Conservatory only. The zoo grounds are not open for Senior Strolls)

Prom Photo Opportunity in the Japanese Garden

May 2, 9, 16 | 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden offers Prom-goers an opportunity to take posed photos in a beautiful outdoor setting. $5 per person (including photographers). This will be the only garden available for Prom photography. Prom photos are not allowed inside the Conservatory or in any other indoor garden spaces during business hours.

Como Town Opens for the Season

Beginning May 16, check website for hours.
Como Town, the family-friendly amusement park located next to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, opens for the 2026 season on May 16. With kid-sized rides and classic attractions, it’s a favorite destination for family fun in the Twin Cities.

Whether you’re planning a quick visit or a special celebration, Como Town offers an easy, joyful way to spend time together—right here in the heart of Saint Paul.

Free Shuttle Service Returns for the Season

Weekends Beginning May 23
Make your visit to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory even easier by taking advantage of our free weekend shuttle service, operating Saturdays and Sundays from May 23 through August 23, 2026. Shuttles will also run on Monday, May 25 (Memorial Day).

Our convenient shuttle transports guests from the off-site, staffed parking lot at 1930 Como Avenue directly to the front doors of the Visitor Center in just minutes—no circling for a spot or worrying about traffic.

The shuttle runs continuously from 9:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., allowing guests to hop on and off at their convenience. Buses are wheelchair and stroller accessible, making this a comfortable and convenient option for families and visitors of all abilities.