Como Zoo and Conservatory
Patrons can visit the Como Zoo and Conservatory from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer hours and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the winter. During inclement weather, some animals may be off display out of concern for their health and safety. Admission is a small voluntary donation, which allows large groups to experience the zoo at relatively little expense. In addition to the many permanent animals housed at the zoo, children can enjoy educational programs and animal demonstrations as well as concessions and rides on a restored antique carousel. Lockers are available to rent, as are strollers and wheelchairs.
Como Zoo and Conservatory
1225 Estabrook Drive
St. Paul, MN 55414
651-487-8272
comozooconservatory.org
Minnesota Children's Museum
Open Tuesday through Sunday in downtown St. Paul, the Minnesota Children's Museum offers immersive and interactive exhibits that both entertain and educate its patrons. There are seven galleries aimed at providing a hands-on, stimulating environment for children 6 months to 10 years old, and employees known as "funstigators" roam the museum and engage visitors in interactive and educational games.
Minnesota Children's Museum
10 Seventh St. West
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-225-6000
mcm.org
Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum features a temporary exhibit gallery and five permanent galleries covering paleontology, physical science, the human body, people and cultures of the Mississippi River and the museum's own collections. The 10-acre area around the museum is also often used for outdoor exhibits and other programming. Known for hosting interactive exhibits, dynamic traveling exhibitions and for showing popular large format films, the Science Museum is a popular destination
Science Museum of Minnesota
120 Kellogg Blvd. West
St. Paul, MN 55102
651-221-9444
smm.org
Parks and Lakes
Parks both large and small grace St. Paul's landscape, catering to a variety of sporting and recreational outdoor activity. Notable public parks include Battle Creek Regional Park, Fort Snelling State Park, Lake Phalen and Como Park. Many of the city's more prominent parks are on or near a lake to allow for fishing, swimming and boating, and some (such as Battle Creek) also contain large, enclosed dog parks where the entire family can bring their dogs for off-leash exploration and play.
Battle Creek Regional Park
Maplewood, Minnesota 55119
763-350-7665
Fort Snelling State Park
101 Snelling Lake Road
Fort Snelling, MN 55111-4116
612-725-2389
Como Park
1225 Estabrook Drive
St. Paul, MN 55103
651-487-8250
