Spring in Full Swing

Every day at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., Como Harbor’s inhabitants dive into this splashy training session, teaching visitors about the unique adaptations of harbor seals, Atlantic gray seals and California sea lions. And be sure to check out Como’s daily zookeeper talks at 11 a.m. and gardener chats at 1:00 p.m. every day, featuring a changing roster of themed animal and plant presentations for the public.

The longest-running flower show of the year, the Sunken Garden’s summer display is open now through September 22. Look for angelonia, verbena, salvia, coleus and other annuals in cherry red and pink at this hot summer showcase of floral favorites. Free and open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except for a mid-show change June 10–June 13.

Experience the beauty of bonsai at this annual show, May 11 and 12, produced in partnership with the Minnesota Bonsai Society.

A Minnesota tradition that just keeps spinning, Como’s historic carousel is now open five days a week, Thursdays to Mondays, through Labor Day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mark your calendar for free rides coming up on May 28, June 25, July 30, August 27 and September 24.

Have you ever wondered what it’s like before hours at the Zoo and Conservatory? Find out at Como’s popular new Adult Program: An Insider’s Look, offering an early hours behind-the-scenes glimpse of everything that goes on at Minnesota’s most visited cultural destination. Coming May 19, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., $25 per person. Reserve your ticket today: https://comozooconservatory.org/como/an-insiders-look/

Como Friends’ Garden Safari Gifts grows every summer with satellite locations in Como Town and at the kiosk in Polar Bear Odyssey, May 18 through September. With an unparalleled plush collection, cute gifts, and Como-themed apparel, every purchase helps to support the plants and animals you love at Como. And remember, Como Friends members enjoy 15 percent off every purchase!

Get fit and make new friends at one of these early access mornings, specifically for the 55+ and up crowd. Visit Como’s website to register in advance for the following dates: May 21, June 9 and June 18.

Free every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon, Como’s Visitor Center Donor Plaza becomes a fun conservation station for preschoolers, with story time, hands-on activities, and nature themes including Fun with Fish on May 16, Fancy Flowers on May 23, Bird Buddies on May 30, and Down on the Farm on June 6. An ASL interpreter will also be on hand most Thursdays to interpret the 10:30 a.m. story time, 11 a.m. zookeeper talk, and the 11:30 a.m. Blaze Sparky Show.

Experience Como with a little quiet and calm during these designated early morning openings designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Visit Como’s website to register in advance for these upcoming dates: May 26, June 11 and June 23 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

See the beauty of insects and other high-fliers through artist Alex Heveri’s traveling art exhibit, featuring bedazzling steel and glass butterflies, beehives, beetles, birds, and more, visiting Como’s campus from May 23 to August 31.

Make time for the Tilt-A-Whirl on May 18, opening day at Como Town! This year’s new attraction is Dinosaur Expedition, a reservation-only experience for a limited-time is a must-see event featuring 11 life-size fully robotic dinosaurs. The dinosaurs come alive at Como Town from May 24 to September 2, daily 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; September 7– 29, Saturday and Sundays only, 10:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Remember, Como Friends Supporter-level members receive a complimentary Como Town Fun Card filled with 32 ride points, thanks to our partners at Como Town.