The Best Zoo In Minnesota, USA For Toddlers

1) Hemker Park and Zoo

https://hemkerzoo.com/

Hidden in picturesque Freeport, Minnesota, Hemker Park and Zoo stands out as a unique and captivating family-friendly attraction.

This accessible zoo, offering trails suitable for wheelchairs, focuses on conservation, making it an educational and fun-filled destination for families with toddlers and older children alike.

A menagerie of over 200 animals that include giraffes, zebras, penguins and rhinos, provides ample opportunity for your tiny tots to learn about the animal kingdom.

The numerous interactive exhibits and feedings can easily keep curious little minds engaged for 2 to 3 hours on an average.

What sets Hemker Park and Zoo apart is its thoughtful consideration for families.

Not only does it offer a generous free entry for children under the age of 2, but it also allows visitors to bring their own food and drink, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

With tickets priced reasonably for adults and children above 2, an outing to this zoo won’t break the bank.

The cost for a family of four, for instance, averages out to $95.25.

Also, the availability of free parking and food stalls ensures a hassle-free experience.

However, kindly note that while your pet dogs will have to sit this one out, service animals are legally allowed for those who may need them.

With the perfect blend of education, fun, and convenience, it’s evident why Hemker Park and Zoo is considered one of the best zoos in Minnesota, especially for toddlers.

2) Como Park

https://comozooconservatory.org/

Located in the heart of St.

Paul, Minnesota, Como Park Zoo and Conservatory lands at the top of the list for toddler-friendly adventures in the state.

Spanning 14.5 acres and boasting an array of notable animals, including majestic tigers, ambling giraffes, languid sloths, playful penguins, and regal lions, it’s no wonder families with young children rave about this zoo.

The zoo’s entry fee is donation-based, offering affordable access to rich wildlife experiences for all.

On average, it takes about two hours to explore the zoo, which includes various interactive animal experiences designed to entertain and educate the tiniest of visitors about wildlife conservation.

Como Park Zoo has carved a niche for itself as a prominent destination for families, specifically those with toddlers, and it’s disability-friendly, too.

Smooth, wheelchair-friendly walkways crisscross the zoo, ensuring that every visitor, no matter their age or mobility level, can easily navigate the array of animal enclosures and exhibits.

While food stalls dotting the zoo offer a smorgasbord for unanticipated snack breaks, families are also free to bring their own food and drinks making it even more suitable for the unpredictable appetites of toddlers.

However, as much as this zoo loves animals, pets are not allowed on-premise for the safety and well-being of the wildlife; exceptions are made only for service animals.

Although Como Park Zoo does not have its own parking and is not accessible by public transport, the refreshingly pure animal encounters and enhanced accessibility features make the journey worthwhile for families with toddlers.

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

https://mnzoo.org/

Nestled within the charming confines of Apple Valley, the massive expanse of the Minnesota Zoo spans over 485 acres.

Known for its impressive collection of animals, the zoo houses over 4,500 animals from 505 distinctive species.

This includes awe-inspiring tigers, playful penguin huddles, and majestic bears.

Great for a day-long family outing, an average visit to the zoo lasts between 3 to 4 hours, depending on personal pacing.

The cost of entry is budget-friendly, with adult tickets priced at $19.95 and child and concession tickets available for $13.95 each.

Families especially benefit from the pricing, with an average family of four being able to experience the magic of the zoo for just $67.80.

The Minnesota Zoo is also dedicated to conservation efforts, offering interactive and engaging experiences such as llama treks and dolphin shows to educate visitors about wildlife preservation.

While personal pets cannot be brought into the zoo, service animals are legally permitted.

The zoo is also accommodating for guests with disabilities, though some trails may be challenging for wheelchairs.

Connection to the zoo via public transport is unavailable; however, parking is provided at a cost of $7 per vehicle.

For sustenance, the zoo houses several food stalls but is also lenient towards visitors who prefer to bring their own food and drinks.

Though interaction in the form of holding animals is not permitted, the zoo is still a spectacle to view from the other side of the enclosure, promising a fulfilling and educating experience for families with older children.

<div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-minnesota-zoo”>

More About Minnesota Zoo

Size (acres)	485
Time To Walk Around	3-4 Hours
Adult Price	$19.95
Child Price	$13.95
Infant Price	Free Under 2 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4	$67.8
Parking	$7
Number Of Animals	4,500 animals and 505 species
Can Bring Your Own Food?	Yes

Information from https://mnzoo.org/

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Lake Superior Zoo

https://lszooduluth.org/

Situated in the picturesque city of Duluth in Minnesota, USA, is the captivating Lake Superior Zoo.

This medium-sized, family-friendly animal sanctuary, spread over 19 acres, houses over 200 animals, including enchanting tigers, mesmerizing bears, delightful kangaroos, playful prairie dogs, and adoring lemurs.

Notably, the zoo is designed to cater to the disabled traveler, sporting specially crafted wheelchair friendly walkways.

An average visit to this remarkable zoo will take around two hours, ensuring you and your family have plenty of time to create lasting memories while exploring the diverse exhibits and interacting with the remarkable array of barnyard animals.

Lake Superior Zoo, with its enticing behind-the-scenes experiences, is an ideal destination for families with older children.

A visit to this haven of wildlife is reasonably priced, with an adult ticket costing $16, child tickets priced at $10, and free entry for children under two years - making a trip for a family of four, on average, only $52 in total! The zoo has plentiful parking available and it’s free, however, it falls short when it comes to access by public transport.

Visitors are catered to with food stalls scattered throughout, or alternatively, you can pack a picnic to cater to your family’s dietary needs.

Although pet dogs are not permitted inside, service animals are welcome.

For further clarification or any additional information, the Lake Superior Zoo is just a phone call away.

<div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-lake-superior-zoo”>

More About Lake Superior Zoo

Size (acres)	19
Time To Walk Around	2 Hours
Adult Price	$16
Child Price	$10
Infant Price	Free Under 2 Years Old
Price For Family Of 4	$52
Parking	Free
Number Of Animals	Over 200 animals
Can Bring Your Own Food?	Yes

Information from https://lszooduluth.org/

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So there you have it - a toddler-approved tour guide through Minnesota’s spectacular zoos.

From the roaring dinosaurs of the Minnesota Zoo to the playful aquatic life at the Como Park Zoo, your little ones are sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Deepen their love for animals, nature, and adventure as you create lasting memories together at these amazing zoos.

Pack up the stroller, slap on some sunscreen and get ready for a wild day of fun and learning in Minnesota!