Como Park Spring is beautiful. It is such a great time to get out to the park, and we have some suggestions for what to do on a spring afternoon at the park.
Most of us are thinking, It’s about time! And to celebrate, we spent the day outside enjoying the weather and the animals.
After we toured through “the Jungle,” the kids wanted to to the Frog Pond (I’ll get to that in a moment). We decided to cut through the conservatory. On our way through, we ran into the Leonard Wilkening Children’s Gallery. It reminded me of a mini children’s museum zoo-style. They had a section where you fed the animals the proper meals, a wall that demonstrated the water cycle, a log to crawl through, puzzles, matching games, and the Ribbit Zibit: a live look at many different species of frogs like the poison dart frog, Lemur Tree Frog, Red-eye Tree Frog, and Panamaian Gold Frogs. You can also watch the beginnings of frog life as a tadpole.
Como Park Spring Frogs
But being that it was spring, it was time to head outside again. Where we spent the remainder of our time at the Frog Pond.
I had never heard of the Frog Pond before and was wondering what it was. Since Kyla was on a field trip, she went back to school with her classmates, and Tori, Dash, and Jack got to explore a little bit more. We made our way out to the front of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, across the road, and down the sloping hill to discover this enchanted pond. The grass was turning green and the water was so tempting. Surrounded by a man-made rock barrier, the pond was the perfect place for nesting ducks to dip their feet in and go for a swim.
Meanwhile, who doesn’t want to put a stick into the water and stir it. My trio of kids found themselves perfect fishing poles and went fishing. They could have spent hours doing this.
Como Zoo is a perfect place to enjoy during the spring if you don’t have high expectations. To see the outside shows, ride the carousel, and play at Como Town, you need wait for May and in some cases Memorial Day. Instead go knowing that you get to be outside, you get to lay on the grass, you get to see animals, and you get to eat outside if you want to.
Como Park Spring Highlights:
- There is more than just the zoo to enjoy at Como. You can check out the conservatory including the new Ordway Gardens or you can just wander around the park. Como Lake is another attraction as well as ball fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- It’s FREE! The recommended donation per person is $2-$3, but you are welcome whether you can pay it or not.
- It’s small. Take your time, no need to rush. You will see it all in one morning without hurrying through. A three year old can enjoy it on his own two feet (at least for most of it!)
Como Park Spring Disadvantages:
- If you don’t like a crowd, Como is the least busy during the winter. During the spring, there are masses of people.
- Springtime in MN is fickle, so a lot of outdoor things are delayed until May because we know that a freak snowstorm can cause damage if we are too hasty.
Winter hours (October – March)