Como Park Zoo & Conservatory
About
Free Zoo + Marjorie McNeely Conservatory
Como Park Zoo & Conservatory is one of the few free major U.S. zoos, paired with the historic Marjorie McNeely Conservatory glass-house garden. The site is open 365 days a year and serves more than 1.7M visitors annually.
Camp Como & Education
Camp Como runs structured "ology"-themed sessions from preschool through 8th grade. Programs include:
- Camp Como (half-day, can combine for full day)
- Como Pros camp (job exploration in zoos/gardens)
- Garden camps with horticulturists
- Paleontologist camps (fossil record)
- Ornithology, mammalogy, phytology themes
- School field trips
- Behind-the-scenes encounters
What's Included
- Camp materials and instruction
- Behind-the-scenes access during camp
- Free admission to zoo and conservatory for general visitors (voluntary donations)
Experience
Free admission lowers the barrier dramatically - one of the most accessible major zoos in the country. Camps cost money but the everyday experience is free. Strong fit for families wanting frequent low-cost nature visits. Open 10am-6pm summer, 10am-4pm winter.