Como Park Zoo & Conservatory

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is the Twin Cities' most beloved free family attraction, and it has been since 1897. Located in St. Paul's Como Park, this combination zoo, conservatory, amusement area, and Japanese garden provides a full day of entertainment without requiring a single dollar of admission (though a voluntary $4/person donation is suggested and appreciated).

The zoo is compact compared to major metropolitan zoos, but it delivers where it counts for families. The Tropical Encounters exhibit is a walk-through rainforest with free-flying birds, sloths, and tropical plants. The Polar Bear Odyssey provides underwater viewing of polar bears swimming -- seeing a 1,200-pound polar bear glide through water inches from the glass is mesmerizing for all ages.

The primate building houses gorillas, orangutans, and smaller primates in naturalistic habitats.

Sparky the Sea Lion show is the must-see attraction. This trained California sea lion performs tricks -- balancing balls, catching fish mid-air, and intentionally splashing the front rows of the audience -- in a small outdoor amphitheater. Shows run several times daily in summer and on a reduced schedule in spring and fall. Arrive 20 minutes early for front-row splash-zone seats that kids adore.

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory is equally impressive and often overlooked by first-time visitors. This glass-domed building houses a sunken garden with a central pool and fountain, a fern room dripping with tropical greenery, an orchid collection, and seasonal flower shows. In Minnesota winters -- when temperatures drop to -10F or below -- stepping into the 70F tropical warmth of the conservatory feels miraculous.

It is one of the best free winter activities in the region.

The Japanese Garden, also free, features a koi pond where fish will eat from your hand, traditional landscaping, and stepping stones across the water that children love carefully navigating. In autumn, the surrounding maple trees create stunning fall color.

Summer adds the splash pad (free, bring swimsuits), the Cafesjian's Carousel ($3/ride, a restored 1914 carousel with hand-carved horses), and a small amusement area with a train ride. Como Lake itself is adjacent to the park with a walking path around its shore.

Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is the rare attraction where the value proposition is almost absurdly good. Families can spend 3-4 hours enjoying a zoo, tropical conservatory, Japanese garden, splash pad, and carousel while spending nothing on admission. It is no exaggeration to call it one of the best free family attractions in America.