Como Zoo vs. Minnesota Zoo: Which Is Better for Your Family?

If you’re planning a family day trip in the Twin Cities, one question comes up again and again: Should we visit Como Zoo or the Minnesota Zoo?

The good news is that you really can’t go wrong. Both zoos offer incredible opportunities to see amazing animals, spend time outdoors, and create lasting family memories. However, each zoo offers a very different experience, and the best choice depends on your family’s ages, interests, budget, and how much time you have.

This guide compares the two zoos side by side so you can decide which one is the best fit for your next adventure.

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Quick Comparison

Feature	Como Zoo	Minnesota Zoo
Admission	Free (donations encouraged)	Paid admission
Location	St. Paul	Apple Valley
Size	Smaller	Much larger
Time Needed	2–4 hours	Full day
Walking	Easy	Lots of walking
Best for Toddlers	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best for Teens	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seasonal Events	Some	Many throughout the year
Indoor Exhibits	Several	Many large indoor trails
Overall Experience	Relaxed	Full-day adventure

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Admission Prices

Como Zoo

One of Como Zoo’s biggest advantages is that admission is completely free. While donations are encouraged, families can enjoy the zoo regardless of their budget.

That makes Como Zoo an excellent choice for:

• Frequent visits
• Last-minute outings
• Families with several children
• Grandparents taking grandchildren

If you’re trying to keep entertainment costs low, Como Zoo is hard to beat.

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Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo charges admission, but many families feel it’s well worth the cost because of the larger exhibits, miles of trails, and year-round programming.

If your family plans to visit multiple times throughout the year, a membership often provides excellent value.

Winner: Como Zoo (for affordability)

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Animal Exhibits

Como Zoo

Despite its smaller size, Como Zoo features many popular animals including:

• Lions
• Polar bears
• Gorillas
• Orangutans
• Tigers
• Giraffes
• Sea lions
• Penguins
• Tropical animals

Because the zoo is compact, it’s easy to see nearly everything during one visit.

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Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo offers larger habitats and a greater variety of animals spread across several themed trails.

Families can explore:

• Wolves
• Brown bears
• Tigers
• Bison
• Sharks
• Rays
• Monkeys
• Sloths
• Turtles
• Farm animals
• Marine life
• Native Minnesota wildlife

Many exhibits feel more immersive because visitors walk through beautifully landscaped environments.

Winner: Minnesota Zoo

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Walking Distance

This is one of the biggest differences between the two.

Como Zoo

The pathways are shorter and flatter, making Como Zoo ideal for:

• Toddlers
• Grandparents
• Families with strollers
• Quick afternoon visits

Children rarely become overwhelmed by the amount of walking.

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Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo is much larger.

Families often walk several miles exploring the trails.

While the scenery is beautiful, comfortable shoes are a must.

Winner: Como Zoo (for younger children)

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Best for Toddlers

Toddlers often enjoy Como Zoo because:

• Animals are closer together.
• Less walking is required.
• Shorter visits work well with naps.
• There are nearby playgrounds.
• Como Town amusement park is next door during the season.

Minnesota Zoo is still wonderful for little ones, but the larger size can become tiring.

Winner: Como Zoo

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Best for Older Kids and Teens

Older children and teenagers often prefer Minnesota Zoo.

They enjoy:

• Larger exhibits
• Longer trails
• Discovery Bay
• Seasonal events
• Photography opportunities
• More independence while exploring

The zoo feels more like an all-day adventure.

Winner: Minnesota Zoo

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Seasonal Events

Como Zoo

Throughout the year, Como hosts family events, educational programming, and seasonal activities.

Families also enjoy visiting the adjacent Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, which is included with admission.

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Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo is known for several popular annual events, including:

• Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
• Nature Illuminated
• Holiday programs
• Animal encounters
• Educational experiences

If you enjoy visiting throughout the year, there’s usually something new happening.

Winner: Minnesota Zoo

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Food Options

Como Zoo

You’ll find several casual dining options along with snack stands.

Many families also enjoy bringing a picnic and eating in nearby Como Park.

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Minnesota Zoo

The Minnesota Zoo offers multiple restaurants, snack stands, coffee shops, and indoor dining areas throughout the park.

Because visitors spend the entire day here, the food selection is more extensive.

Winner: Minnesota Zoo

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Educational Opportunities

Both zoos place a strong emphasis on conservation and education.

Children can learn about:

• Wildlife habitats
• Animal behavior
• Conservation efforts
• Environmental protection
• Native Minnesota wildlife

School-age children often find both zoos equally engaging.

Winner: Tie

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Best Value

If you’re looking for a fun afternoon that won’t strain your budget, Como Zoo is one of the best family attractions in Minnesota.

If you’re looking for an entire day’s worth of entertainment and don’t mind paying admission, Minnesota Zoo offers significantly more to see and do.

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Which Zoo Should You Choose?

Choose Como Zoo if:

✔ You’re visiting with toddlers.

✔ You have a limited budget.

✔ You only have a few hours.

✔ You want an easy, relaxing outing.

✔ You’d like to combine your visit with Como Park or the Conservatory.

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Choose Minnesota Zoo if:

✔ You have older children or teens.

✔ You want a full-day adventure.

✔ Your family enjoys walking.

✔ You want larger animal habitats.

✔ You’re interested in seasonal events and immersive exhibits.

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Can You Visit Both?

Absolutely!

Many Twin Cities families visit both zoos throughout the year because each offers something unique.

Como Zoo makes a wonderful spontaneous afternoon outing or quick weekend adventure.

Minnesota Zoo is perfect when you’re looking for a full-day family experience with plenty of opportunities to explore.

Together, they complement each other rather than compete.

Choosing between Como Zoo and the Minnesota Zoo isn’t really about deciding which zoo is “better.” It’s about deciding which experience best matches your family’s needs.

If your children are young, your schedule is short, or you’re looking for an affordable family outing, Como Zoo is a fantastic choice.

If you’re ready for an all-day adventure filled with miles of scenic trails, larger exhibits, seasonal events, and a wider variety of animals, the Minnesota Zoo is hard to beat.

No matter which one you choose, you’ll spend the day learning, exploring, and making memories together—and that’s what family adventures are all about.

Better yet, make it a goal to visit both. Each zoo offers its own special charm, and together they showcase why Minnesota is home to two of the best family-friendly attractions in the Midwest.