Fall Flower Show Part II
November 3 – November 26
While many Minnesota gardens are winding down for the winter season, the Sunken Garden at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory will be in full bloom! The second half of the Fall Show will be a celebration of the Dia de los Muertos. Orange and yellow mums will be accented by bright magenta celosia as well as orange marigolds and multicolored osteospermum.
Ikebana Show
November 6 – November 12
Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. These unique flower arrangements that utilize the flowers, foliage and berries of autumn will be created by artists from Ikebana International’s Minneapolis St Paul Chapter which celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2019! Ikebana is more than simply putting flowers in a container. It is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. It is steeped in the philosophy of developing closeness with nature.
“Go Ape!” Weekend presented by Xcel Energy
November 10-12
Swing into Como this weekend to celebrate Como’s primates! It will be a weekend of fun, games and crafts all while learning how you can make a difference for great apes in the wild.
Interactive Story Theater With The Grinch!
November 12 at Noon
On Sunday, November 12th at noon, Children’s Theatre Company will host an edition of interactive story theatre featuring a reading of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! followed by a surprise holiday meet-and-greet from the Grinch himself (Children’s Theatre Company’s very own Brandon Brooks)!
Holiday Flower Show
December 2 – January 7, 2024
The Holiday Flower Show will feature ‘Ferrara’ red, variegated ‘Tapestry’ (yellow & green) leaves, and yellow ‘Golden Glo’ poinsettias. Accompanying these will be yellow flowering kalanchoe and tropical foliage accents.
Artist, Photographer & Family Photo Mornings
November 18 and December 2, 10, & 17 8AM – 10AM $5 per person
Whether you choose the lush greenery of the North Garden or the flowers in the Sunken Garden, this is the perfect opportunity to use the beautiful setting of the many gardens inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory as a backdrop for holiday family photos. Guests are welcome to bring in their own camera and find the perfect spot for their photo. This is also a great opportunity for artists and photographers to bring in their easels and tripods before hours.
Noon Year’s Confetti Dance Party
December 31 and January 1 10:00AM-1:00PM
A family event to ring in the “Zoo” year that is so fun, we’re doing it twice! On December 31 and January 1 Como Park Zoo & Conservatory will be filled with dancing, games, special animal enrichment, a DJ, and a countdown to noon when we rain down from above hundreds of thousands of pieces of colorful biodegradable confetti.
Senior Strolls and Sunset Senior Strolls!
November 15, December 20, 4:30pm – 6pm in the Conservatory
November 8, December 6, 9am – 10am in the Conservatory and Zoo
Senior Strolls take place on select Wednesdays throughout the year. This is a special time set aside just for our 55-and-up aged friends. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll before or after the crowds. as well as special activities and guests. This event is a great opportunity for Seniors to enjoy a free event that encourages being active and social…with some adult learning to spice it up!
Sensory Friendly Mornings
November 5 and 22, December 3 and 13
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory is an energetic, colorful place full of sensory stimuli, and we know this environment can be overwhelming for some guests. Join us from 9-10 a.m. on select dates for an inclusive experience at Como created in collaboration with the Autism Society of Minnesota. Spend time exploring exhibits, and activities designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Use the “social narrative” and the “create your own visual schedule” to help prepare you for your Autism Friendly Early Entry day.
GROUP TOURS!
Group tours of the Zoo and Conservatory are now being offered. These tours provide behind-the-scenes access. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about everything that goes on at Como!
Zoo Tour
Rise and shine with Como’s animals for your own special experience before zoo hours. During your two-hour tour, you’ll hear stories from Como’s fascinating 125-year history, create a unique activity for our polar bears, have an encounter with a giraffe, and meet one of the many zookeepers who make Como Zoo a world-class facility. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the Zoo wake up around you – book your tour today!
Cost: $40/person (minimum 10 participants, maximum 40 participants)
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Conservatory Tour
Travel through the many gardens of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory as you explore the Jewel of Como and learn about our rich history. Go behind-the-scenes and uncover how the garden staff keep the conservatory looking lush and green all year long and produce the many spectacular and beloved Sunken Garden flower shows. This tour is a unique opportunity to “peek behind the curtains” of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory and get your daily dose of green!
Cost: $20/person (minimum 10 participants)
Duration: 90 minutes
