Feeling the pinch on your family budget this summer? Then come to Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, where you can spend the perfect summer day, all without spending a penny. With free public programs every day, and accessible events throughout the season, Como is the family destination where fun is always free. Check out some of our insider tips for making the most of your next visit.
DAILY PROGRAMS
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Polar Bear Program | 10:30 a.m.
Polar bears Neil, Nan and Kulu are the focus of this daily program, where you might catch keepers training or providing fun enrichment to Polar Bear Odyssey’s three bears.
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Zookeeper Talk | 11:00 a.m.
Hear what it’s like to go nose-to-nose with Como Zoo’s animals every day, direct from our zookeepers! With a theme that changes on the daily, and a casual Q&A vibe, you can learn all about the animals in Como’s care, from gorillas, to Galapagos tortoises, and everything in between.
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Blaze Sparky Show | 11:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
A Minnesota tradition since 1956, the new Blaze Sparky Show has been reimagined for a new generation, with an even greater focus on conservation, and lead roles shared by all five boisterous and high-energy residents of the state-of-the-art habitat. Check it out daily at shows at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
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Gardener Chat | 1:00 p.m.
Meet the people behind the plants at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Featuring a new garden or plant topic every day, Como’s talented horticulturists talk about what it takes to care for thousands of plants, and often have some gardening tips to try at home.
SPECIAL OFFERINGS
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Nature Walk | Daily
Those talented teenage interpreters you may meet around campus this summer are part of Como’s popular Nature Walk program. Selected through a competitive process, these young volunteers receive special training to teach Como visitors even more about our animals and plants. They also make conservation look cool—especially for our younger visitors. Every year, Nature Walk volunteers help to bring more than 200,000 visitors a little closer to Como’s natural collections.
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Little Explorers | Thursdays at 10:00 a.m.
Free on Thursdays in June from 10 a.m. to noon, Como’s Visitor Center becomes a fun conservation station for preschoolers, with storytime, hands-on activities, and nature themes including Junior Zookeeper on June 13, Rockin’ Reptiles on June 20, and Nighttime Critters on June 27.
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Groovin’ in the Garden | Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Put on your dancing shoes and pack a picnic for the Twin Cities’ favorite free summer concert series. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, this outdoor concert series is fun for all ages, with favorite local acts, and fun activities for the kids. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:
June 12 – Flamin’ Oh’s – Minnesota Music Legends
June 19 – Eleganza – Folk, Americana, & pure Rock & Roll
June 26 – Cole Diamond – Honky Tonk & Outlaw Country
July 3 – Craig Clark Blues Band – Blues, Funk, & Soul
July 10 – The Foxgloves – Folk & Americana, & Country Twang
July 17 – Ben Cook-Feltz – Americana, Folk, Indie, Pop, Rock
July 24 – School of Rock –St. Paul & Plymouth House Bands -
Senior Strolls
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 next Senior Stroll on June 18, and to watch for further events.