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Preparethe placeget us ready

Getting ready for Sensory Friendly Mornings at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.

A free zoo and conservatory in St. Paul with Sensory Friendly Mornings, 9 to 10 am on listed dates, no registration needed, plus its own social narrative, sensory map and a cut-out visual schedule board.

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Sensory supports. Sensory Friendly Mornings and a social narrative.

Hours

Zoo: 10 am to 4 pm daily. Conservatory: 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, through April 30, 2027. Sensory Friendly Mornings: 9 to 10 am on the zoo's listed dates.

1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul, MN 55103

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Sensory help, in the zoo's words

“This is a time designed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families to explore the zoo without the crowds.” comozooconservatory.org

“The visitor center lobby can sometimes be loud and echoey.”

“I need to locate a staff member who is wearing a Como Park Zoo and Conservatory name tag.”

  • Sensory Friendly Mornings are about once a month. Call 651-487-8201 to confirm the date before you plan around it.
  • The zoo names no quiet room or kit to borrow, so bring your own headphones and fidgets.
  • Food and drinks stay out of the zoo and conservatory buildings; picnic tables in Como Park are first come, first served.

In their own words: comozooconservatory.org. Checked Mon, Nov 2, 2026. Something wrong or out of date? Tell us · How we check

Three things to know

  1. Sensory Friendly Mornings, 9 to 10 am, for autistic kids and their families, with no registration.
  2. Admission and parking are always free; a donation is welcome.
  3. A social narrative made with the Autism Society of Minnesota, a sensory map and a cut-out visual schedule board.

Visual schedule

Zoo Day

  • Drive to the zoo
  • Park the car
  • Go in the zoo
  • See the polar bear
  • See the gorillas
  • Snack break
  • Bathroom
  • Walk to the car
  • All done
Make it yours →

Ask before you go

  • the exact date of the next Sensory Friendly Morning
  • a quiet room
  • headphones or sensory kits to borrow
  • first aid
  • holiday closures
  • whether the Conservatory opens early on Sensory Friendly Mornings
Call 651-487-8201
More about Como Park Zoo and Conservatory

Louder, in the zoo's words

Visitor Center lobby (can sometimes be loud and echoey)not stated
Large Cat Building (the lion's roar can be loud)not stated
Tropical Encounters (may be noisy from people and animals)not stated
Children's Gallery and RibbitZibit (may be crowded and loud)not stated
Polar Bear Odyssey (sometimes noisy and crowded; bright when the sun is out)not stated
Primate Building (can be smelly, dark in some areas, and very warm)not stated
Aquatic Animals Building (a very strong, fishy smell)not stated
Sparky Show at the KSTP Amphitheater (may be loud, with zookeepers on the microphone)not stated

Quieter, in the zoo's words

  • Parking is free in lots around Como Regional Park.
  • The zoo doesn't rent strollers, but you can bring your own. Wheelchairs and electric scooters rent on site.
  • The Conservatory closes early, at 4 pm, on Nov 9 and Dec 21, 2026, for event rentals.
  • Questions: Customer Service, 651-487-8201. 24-hour information line: 651-487-8200.

Source: comozooconservatory.org