The Best Zoo In Minnesota, USA For Toddlers

1) Hemker Park and Zoo

Located in the charming town of Freeport, Minnesota, Hemker Park and Zoo is a fantastic destination for families, especially those with toddlers.

The zoo is home to over 200 animals, including beloved favorites such as giraffes, penguins, Zebras, Rhinos, and Monkeys.

One of the great things about Hemker Park and Zoo is that it’s tailored to be accessible to everyone.

It offers trails that are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, making it easy for families with young children or loved ones with disabilities to navigate the premises.

Plus, for little ones under the age of 2, entry is completely free.

What’s more, Hemker Park and Zoo truly justifies its identity as a family zoo.

With plenty of spots to hold a family picnic, you are actually encouraged to bring your own food and drink to savor amidst nature and animals, a fun experience that toddlers are sure to love! It might take about 2-3 hours to see all the attractions, but it definitely worth the trip.

And even though it can’t be accessed by public transport, the zoo has ample free parking available.

The pricing for an average family of four is around $95.25, making it an adventure-packed day out that widely embraces families with children of all ages.

2) Como Park

Como Park Zoo, located in the heart of St Paul, Minnesota, is truly a paradise for toddlers and their families.

This 14.5-acre family-friendly zoo is specially designed with wide walkways perfect for strollers and is exceptionally accessible for families with disabilities.

Known for its diverse array of animals such as tigers, giraffes, lions, and penguins, Como Park Zoo ensures the little ones will be captivated by the wonders of the animal kingdom.

Owing to its thoughtful layout, families can comfortably explore the entire zoo within an average of 2 hours, allowing for a full, fun-filled day out without excessively tiring out the toddlers.

Not only is Como Park Zoo an entertaining venue, but it is also an educational one.

It offers unique animal experiences and learning classes tailored for young kids.

Your toddlers will have ample opportunities to learn about different species, their habitats, habits, and more.

This zoo operates on a voluntary donation policy, suggesting $4 for adults and $2 for children, with kids under the age of 2 enjoying free entry.

Therefore, taking an average family of four, the visit may cost around $12, an amount that’s kind on the budget.

The zoo promotes a flexible food and drink policy, allowing families to bring their own lunches to enjoy a lovely picnic amidst nature.

However, if you prefer buying food there, several food stalls serving delicious snacks and beverages are readily available.

Unfortunately, the zoo doesn’t accommodate parking at the moment, and pets are restricted, except for legally recognized service animals.

Other Zoos To Enjoy

There are so many other great zoos to enjoy in Minnesota.

If you want to try another zoo, then one of these might be right for you.

Minnesota Zoo

Located in Apple Valley, Minnesota, the Minnesota Zoo spans over an expansive area of 485 acres, housing a mesmerizing variety of 4,500 animals across 505 species.

Notable highlights of this large zoo comprise of captivating creatures like tigers, bears, and penguins.

Visitors normally spend around 3 to 4 hours on average to tour all of the attractions, thereby ensuring a fun-filled comprehensive family day out.

Understanding its responsibility towards the natural world, the zoo is also actively involved in conservation efforts.

Moreover, the zoo arranges unique llama treks and dolphin shows that you surely don’t want to miss.

The accessibility for persons with disabilities might be an area of concern as some trails could be unsuitable for wheelchair users.

The zoo, however, is perfect for families with older children.

Despite being outside the reach of public transport, the zoo offers convenient parking options, charging $7 per car.

The ticket price for adults is $19.95, while children and concessions can enter for $13.95.

A total calculated cost for an average family of four comes approximately to $67.8, making it budget-friendly.

Keeping young families in mind, the zoo allows children under the age of two free entry.

To cater to your culinary delights, food stalls are scattered throughout the premises.

Alternatively, visitors also have the option to bring their own food and drink items.

However, the zoo maintains strict rules when it comes to pet and animal handling.

Visitors are prohibited from bringing pet dogs, barring those legally recognized as service animals.

As for holding the animals at the zoo, the practice is not allowed to ensure the wellbeing of the wildlife.

For any further queries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the zoo.

Lake Superior Zoo

Located in the charming city of Duluth, Minnesota, the Lake Superior Zoo is a medium-sized, family-friendly zoo providing a whole lot of fun and a memorable experience.

It is home to over 200 animals, including an array of unique creatures such as tigers, bears, kangaroos, lemurs, prairie dogs and delightful barnyard animals.

Set across 19 scenic acres, touring the zoo will take an average of 2 hours, ensuring visitors get their fill of all the exhibits and attractions.

The Lake Superior Zoo prides itself in its disability-friendly atmosphere, boasting wheelchair suitable walkways for easy access.

The zoo favours families with older children but also manages to cater to young ones under 2 with free entry.

Tickets are budget-friendly with adult admissions at $16 and children tickets costing only $10.

However, a family of 4 can explore the zoo for a total of $52! Food stalls are made available, although visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks.

The convenience of free parking is a perk, though it’s important to note that public transportation to the zoo not available.

Regrettably, visitors are not allowed to hold the animals or bring pet dogs, but service animals are legally permitted.

To journey into this exciting animal kingdom, definitely consider adding the Lake Superior Zoo to your Minnesota itinerary!