# Polar Bear Odyssey & Tropical Encounters Safari > Place to go for families in the Minneapolis–St. Paul–Bloomington area (MN / WI). Times are Central Time. - When: Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Outdoor & indoor animal habitats open year-round - Dates: Sat, Nov 7 – Sun, Nov 8 - Where: Como Park Zoo, 1225 Estabrook Dr, St Paul, MN 55103 - Ages: All ages (perfect for toddlers and young children) - Price: Free admission (Voluntary $4 adult / $2 child donation) - Schedule: Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Outdoor & indoor animal habitats open year-round - Organizer: Como Park Zoo & Conservatory - Official page: https://comoparkzooandconservatory.org - Last checked: Fri, Nov 6 Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 11, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-10), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/polar-bear-odyssey-and-tropical-encounters-safari--listing-6fa64e0f6524d5cdbb7d4819 ## About Como Park Zoo is a historic, free city zoo, ideal for leisurely strolls with a stroller. In the Polar Bear Odyssey exhibit, children can observe playful polar bears swimming and playing underwater through large floor-to-ceiling glass windows. The Tropical Encounters indoor exhibit maintains a humid tropical climate, offering close-up views of free-flying birds, sloths, and giant freshwater fish. The park's pathways are smoothly paved with gentle, unobstructed ramps, making it excellent for strollers. The visitor center features well-equipped family restrooms, changing tables, and a quiet nursing room. Adjacent to the park are spacious lawns and classic picnic pavilions. As a family-friendly landmark in the Twin Cities, it offers an engaging lesson in nature's creatures without the need for expensive tickets. ## Similar picks in Minneapolis - [Polar Bear Nights Art Workshop (Hopkins Library)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/polar-bear-nights-art-workshop-hopkins-library--listing-8c81b8989df6a3a996935e2a) — Sat, Nov 21 · 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM · Hennepin County Library – Hopkins · Free · checked Oct 16. An ArtStart workshop inspired by the Northern Lights. 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Escape the brisk Minnesota November chill inside the tropical 75-degree warmth of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park in Saint Paul. The annual Fall Flower Show in the… - [Como Park Zoo & Marjorie McNeely Conservatory: Sunken Garden Winter Flower Show](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/como-park-zoo-and-marjorie-mcneely-conservatory-sunken-garden-winter-f--listing-6070538c904be10f144660d8) — Daily 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; Sunken Garden Winter Flower Show on display early January… · Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park, St Paul · All ages · Free · checked Nov 4. When outdoor temperatures drop well below zero, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park provides an idyllic, 75-degree tropical sanctuary. Housed under a historic 1915… - [Pride Outside at Dodge Nature Center (grades 5-12)](https://grassyknees.com/minneapolis/activities/pride-outside-at-dodge-nature-center-grades-5-12--listing-3736fb635cd18f95e70fe9c2) — Thu, Nov 12 (+1 more date) · 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM · Dodge Nature Center, Main Property (Main Office Entrance), West St. Paul · Free · checked Oct 20. A free after-school nature program at Dodge Nature Center for 5th-12th grade youth of any sexual or gender identity and LGBTQIA+ allies. 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