Minnesota Zoo is known for its regular Yoga events and magnificent exhibits. And Como Zoo is best for exploring and hiking. Yet, you might get confused about which one to visit. Both zoos are popular in Minnesota and worth your time.
Here we will let you know everything about these zoos including the ticket cost and exhibits. The following information will provide you with valuable information so that you can find no trouble making your plan. So, let’s plunge in.
Minnesota Zoo vs Como Zoo – at a Glance
| Aspects | Minnesota Zoo offers up to 60% discount oftentimes, especially for group visitors and in their admission program. | Como Zoo |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Apple Valley, Minnesota. | Saint Paul, Minnesota. |
| Opening days | Everyday 10 AM to 4 PM. | Everyday 10 AM to 4 PM. |
| Closing days | No closing day. | No closing day. |
| Reservation necessary | Reservation is required. | Reservation is required. But admission is always free. |
| Same-day ticket availability | Visitors must buy tickets 3 days ahead. | Advance reservation is required. |
| Discount ticket availability | It will take you two hours or so, but if you have kids, it will take more hours. | Como Zoo offers 10 to 60% discounts on its several programs. |
| Ticket price | Children (Below 2 years) = Free Children (3-12 years) = $13.95 Adults (13-64 years) = $19.95 Seniors (65+ years) = $13.95 | Reservation is free at Como Zoo, yet donation is appreciated. They take $4 as a donation for adults and $2 for kids. |
| Parking fees | Parking is only free for the zoo members. | Parking is free for everyone at Como Zoo. |
| Area | 485 acres. | 759 acres. |
| How long it takes to cover the entire park | No, you can’t touch the animals as they are so wild. | 3-5 hours |
| Best time to visit | Morning or Afternoon. Because Minnesota Zoo’s animals prefer to hide due to hot weather | Daytime, as the zoo is so big to explore. |
| Opportunities to touch the animal | Limited | Scooters and Wheelchairs are available to rent but not strollers. However, if you want you can bring your own stroller. |
| Vip tours | It offers 30 mins VIP tour | Scooters and Wheelchairs are available to rent but not the strollers. However, if you want you can bring your own stroller. |
| Children’s section | The zoo has a natural-based play area where children can play with animal sculptures and various natural objects. | Como Zoo has an exceptional kid’s section named Leonard Wilkening Children’s Gallery. It arranges lots of hands-on games that teach children about plants and animals. |
| Can you bring food | Yes | Yes |
| Vegan dining option | There are many vegan or vegetarian restaurants in Minnesota zoo. | There are lots of vegan-friendly restaurants at Como Zoo. |
| Stroller and locker rentals | Electric wheelchairs and Strollers are available for rent. Manual wheelchairs come free | Scooters and Wheelchairs are available to rent but not the stroller. However, if you want you can bring your own stroller. |
| Non-profit park | A non-profit community runs the zoo itself. | Como Zoo is also a non-profit zoo. |
| AZA-Accredited zoo | Yes. It has been an Accredited AZA member since 1990. | Yes. Como Zoo is also AZA-accredited. |
| Website | mnzoo.org | comozooconservatory.org |
| Helpline | 1.800.366.7811 | 651-487-8201. |
The following table brings in every necessary information you need to know before reserving a trip. Go through this to make an accurate plan.
Minnesota Zoo vs Como Zoo- Overall Comparison
Minnesota and Como Zoo are the center of attraction in Minnesota and are situated only 31km away from each other. Accessing both zoo locations is a piece of cake, and one of them is in the capital. So, if you are making a plan, it’ll certainly confuse you about which one to choose. Follow our texts below and find which zoo deserves to be on your plan.
Location Comparison
Minnesota Zoo is located in Apple Valley, only 10 minutes away from the south of the Mall of Africa, whereas Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota.
The Como Zoo is only 18 miles away in Saint Paul. Both locations have a tad similar distance from Minnesota City.
So, accessing both two areas is easy for anyone.
See how you can get to both of the zoos in the easiest ways possible.
Ticket Price Comparison
Minnesota Zoo costs ticket prices around $13 for 3 years of age. On the other hand, Como Zoo offers free tickets for everyone. They ask for donations, though, yet it’s only $2 to $5. Because of the free ticket, Como Zoo always appears crowded.
Parking Facilities
Parking is free at Como Zoo. However, Minnesota Zoo only offers free parking for their zoo members. However, for normal visitors, it will cost them $7 for cars and vans, and $10 for Buses and Motors.
Animal Exhibition
The Minnesota Zoo has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. Also, they have an underwater aquarium. The indoor habitats include an Amur Tiger, Gazelles, Lynx, Wolves, Bald Eagle, and several Native Fishes.
Along with these, they also have bears, leopards, otters, and Boars in their outdoor exhibits. The underwater aquarium displays sharks, eels, sea turtles, sea dragons, and tropical fishes. Penguin and shark feeding is the main attraction of this zoo.
Como Zoo features a large exhibit where leopards and other tiger species live. It has a colorful seal island for primates and birds.
The zoo also shows us a good reflection of aquatic life with a natural polar bear exhibit and numerous African hoofed animals. The Tropical Encounter exhibit is their main attraction that will soothe your eyes and souls. There will not be any additional fees in both parks for their exhibits.
Animal Shows and Events
Minnesota Zoo has numerous shows and events for its visitors. Among the many, Moonlight Yoga, Naturally Wild Yoga, and School’s Out Camps are considered special. Wings and Things is their popular show that’s arranged everyday morning. This show is fun and entertaining and teaches you about the natural world.
Training Exercise is also a regular show in the Minnesota Zoo that’s held every afternoon. The zoo staff trains animals in this show to prepare them for other shows and educational events. And you can be a part of the fun.
The Zoo also has a Dino Hideout show where you can plunge into the 3D world of the wild imagination of dinosaurs. However, the show is seasonal and currently closed.
On the other hand, Como Zoo is also known for its daily show, Spire Sparky. The show brings up 7 animals to the visitors for a meeting. This circumstance creates more fun, and the visitors learn about the sea lions. The Spire Sparky show is usually held every morning at 7.
Como Zoo also arranges a flower show, considered the most anticipated flower attraction. Red, orange and yellow Poinsettias flower fill all around the Sunken garden in the show. The first orange poinsettia and the Christmas mouse will also be on display. The show is popular among those who love flowers.
Rides and Kids Play Sections
Minnesota Zoo offers plenty of events for kids. Also, the park has numerous playgrounds. They arrange designing programs for children and other fun activities. A few rides and kids’ play sections are:
Minnesota Zoo
- School out Campus
It offers children in kindergarten to 5th grade to join them during the winter break. The activities include ocean adventure, hiking, etc. To register for this program, click here.
- Splash Pad
The Splash Pad program appears as a great exhibition of animal sculptures in an interactive water fountain. The exhibition teaches children about various ancient and rare animals.
- Carousel Riding etc.
It’s usually a riding program. The program features 56 animals from around the world to ride. It also has two ADA-accessible chariots with two seats who want to ride with a friend.
Como Zoo
Como Zoo also has some school programs and playgrounds for kids. Among their children’s programs, the popular ones are:
- Penguins
This program exhibits penguins to kids and let them discover how different they are from the birds. Also, the children get to learn about the Penguins’ lifestyle through this show.
- Creepy Creatures Confession
This show lets the children confess their fear of animals, and then they meet the animals with the children to diminish the fear. Through this show, kids get to know that animals are not as scary as they think.
- Africa
This program exhibits various plants and animals of Africa. Also, it shows children how the animals adapt to the harsh nature of Africa.
- Tropical Rainforest
Tropical rainforest contains a mysterious diversity of plants and animals. This show brings some unique plants and animals that are native to rainforests.
- Adaptations
The adaption program brings the reality of animal adaptations, especially the camel. Also, the children will know about why plants eat bugs and other natural things. This program is more educational than the other things.
Size and Crowds
Minnesota Zoo is built on 485 acres. So it usually takes 2 or 3 hours to cover the whole park. The best time to visit the zoo is early or late in the day. However, if you want to explore the entire park, early morning will be the best time to come.
Como Zoo is usually a bit larger than the Minnesota Zoo. It is on 759 acres and takes 3/4 hours to cover the full park. If you want to cover the entire zoo, you can come in the daytime. Since the zoo offers free tickets and is in the capital, it always remains crowded.
Dining and Food
Minnesota Zoo has lots of restaurants for vegan and non-vegan individuals. The zoo is famous for its dining options as well. On the other hand, Como Zoo is also surrounded by many cafes and restaurants. All the items come at reasonable prices in both parks.
Recommendation
So, as you see, both zoos are worth your visiting. Minnesota Zoo is more crowded and smaller than children would love to visit. On the other side, the Como Zoo is extensive and preferable for those who love hiking and other natural adventures.
However, the Minnesota Zoo is best for those who will visit there first. Yet, if you want to skip the ticket cost, Como Zoo will be best for you.
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