At A Glance
The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley offers a large, family-friendly day out exploring a variety of memorable encounters from llama treks to dolphin shows.
Home to over 4,500 animals with 505 species, the zoo is passionate about conservation.
Notable inhabitants include tigers, bears, and penguins.
Spanning across 485 acres, the zoo is quite large and requires an estimated 3-4 hours to visit all attractions.
However, please note some trails may not be suitable for wheelchairs.
The entry fees for adults and children are $19.95 and $13.95 respectively, adding up to a total of $67.8 for an average family of 4.
Although there is no public transport to the zoo, there is parking available for a fee of $7 per car.
On the other hand, Como Park in St Paul offers a smaller, more intimate zoo experience enriched with animal experiences and engaging learning classes.
This zoo is not only toddler-friendly but also quite accessible with walkways suitable for wheelchair users.
Some of the most loved inhabitants include tigers, giraffes, sloths, penguins, and lions.
The entry fee is based on voluntary donation, with suggested amounts being $4 for adults, and $2 for children.
For an average family of four, the total suggested donation is $12.
About two hours would suffice to cover this 14.5-acre zoo.
However, the zoo does not have its own parking and cannot be accessed by public transport.
Food stalls are available on-site for a quick bite.
Size
The Minnesota Zoo and Como Park differ vastly in size, offering different experiences for visitors.
Spanning a vast 485 acres, the Minnesota Zoo is a larger complex that offers a more extensive display of animals and attractions.
Prospective visitors should allocate around 3 to 4 hours to fully explore the wonders this zoo encapsulates.
In comparison, Como Park zoo covers a more intimate footprint of only 14.5 acres.
Despite its relatively smaller size, the park still packs an impressive diversity of species and features that can be comfortably enjoyed within a 2-hour visit.
While the Minnesota Zoo requires plenty of time for a full exploration, Como Park offers a shorter, but no less rewarding, family trip.
More About Minnesota Zoo
About Minnesota Zoo
- 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley, MN 55124, United States
- 952-431-9200
- https://mnzoo.org/
| 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/
Price
When considering a visit to either the Minnesota Zoo or Como Park, it’s crucial to take into account the cost.
The Minnesota Zoo is more expensive, with adult tickets keenly priced at $19.95, while a child ticket is at $13.95, with the same rate for concessions.
An average family of four can expect to pay around $67.8 for their experience.
Notably, children younger than two years old are granted free entry.
As for parking, it costs $7 per car.
On the other hand, Como Park operates on an entirely voluntary donation model, suggesting an affordable $4 donation for adults, $2 for children, and $4 for concessions.
Hence, an average family of four could enjoy a day out for a recommended donation of just $12.
Like Minnesota Zoo, Como Park also allows children under the age of two to enter for free.
However, parking costs are undisclosed and left up to the visitors to pay what they can or think fair.
The cost of an average family of 4 at Minnesota Zoo is $67.8 compared to 12 (voluntary donation) at Como Park.
Popular Animals
The animal collection is where both Minnesota Zoo and Como Park truly shine, each boasting a unique assortment of wildlife.
Minnesota Zoo, taking pride in being home to approximately 4,500 animals spanning over 505 species, puts on display a selection of captivating creatures such as tigers, bears, and penguins.
Como Park complements this offering with a representation of its own, showcasing an array of animals including tigers, giraffes, sloths, lions, and penguins.
Although the arithmetical count of animals at Como Park might not reach as high as that of Minnesota Zoo, the modest size of Como Park adds a charm of its own and provides close and intimate encounters with the animals.
Both zoos offer a great diversity in their animal kingdom, promising visitors an enriching and holistic zoological experience. <div class=”overview” markdown=”1”id=”wyntk-como-park”>
More About Como Park
About Como Park
- 1225 ESTABROOK DRIVE ST PAUL, MN 55103
- 651-487-8201
- https://comozooconservatory.org/
| Size (acres) | 14.5 |
| Time To Walk Around | 2 Hours |
| Adult Price | $4 (voluntary donation) |
| Child Price | $2 (voluntary donation) |
| Infant Price | Free Under 2 Years Old |
| Price For Family Of 4 | $12 (voluntary donation) |
| Parking | Paid |
| Can Bring Your Own Food? | Yes |
Information from https://comozooconservatory.org/
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Accesibility
When it comes to physical accessibility, both the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley and Como Park in St.
Paul advocate for inclusivity, albeit demonstrating varying degrees of amenability for those wheelchair bound or experiencing difficulty walking.
The Minnesota Zoo, while potentially challenging due to park geography and the nature of some trails, makes a conscientious effort to provide disability access.
It advises visitors that certain trails may be unsuitable for wheelchairs, thereby enabling them to plan their visits efficiently.
In contrast, Como Park has ensured that all walkways are suitable for wheelchairs.
This layout not only makes the park universally navigable but also empowers all visitors to fully experience the vast array of animal exhibits and activities.
In summary, both establishments make essential provisions for accessibility, yet Como Park’s entirely wheelchair friendly approach may prove more accessible for visitors with mobility issues.
Pefect For
The Minnesota Zoo and Como Park Zoo both offer unique experiences, catering to different types of visitors.
Minnesota Zoo, with its size and variety of exhibits, is ideal for families with older children who would appreciate engaging in activities such as llama treks and are interested in conservation efforts.
The sizable expanse of the zoo requires a few hours to explore, making it an excellent choice for a full family day out.
However, its trails may be unsuitable for some wheelchairs, making accessibility a point of consideration.
Conversely, Como Park Zoo with its toddler-friendly atmosphere presents a more compact, manageable experience, perfect for little ones or families with mixed age children.
Its wheelchair-friendly walkways enhance its accessibility, making this zoo a comfortable choice for visitors of all physical abilities.
Como Park is well suited to those seeking a shorter visit with an optional donation-based entry scheme that presents a cost-effective outing for families.
While both zoos cater well to family trips, they each offer a distinct experience appropriate for different age groups and trip lengths.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Minnesota Zoo and Como Park both offer unique experiences for a memorable day out.
Larger in size and with a greater variety of species, Minnesota Zoo stands out with its extensive conservation programs, offering a great option for families with older children.
Despite the larger entry fee and parking costs, it offers a more expansive experience taking around 3-4 hours to explore.
On the other hand, Como Park provides a smaller, more intimate setting that is suitable for families with toddlers.
It stands out for its educational programs specifically tailored for young children.
With a smaller entry donation, it is a fantastic choice for those seeking a quicker, cost-friendly zoo visit.
Both zoos have excellent disability access, allow food and drink to be brought in and hold a firm policy for not allowing personal pets to enter but legally welcome service animals.
Overall, either the Minnesota Zoo or Como Park can provide an enjoyable day out, each offering distinctive features tailored to different preferences and needs.
