Looking for a way to stretch your summer entertainment budget while still giving the kids a full day of fun?
Como Park in St. Paul makes it surprisingly easy to put together a full family outing without spending a fortune!
You can visit the free Como Zoo, spend the day riding rides at Como Town, grab lunch or a snack, and even finish the day with dinner and free entertainment nearby.
And here’s the best part: you can move freely between Como Zoo and Como Town. That makes it easy to combine the two instead of thinking of them as completely separate destinations.
Here’s one way I’d plan a full day at Como Park.
Start With the Free Como Zoo
One of the best things about a family day at Como Park is that the Como Zoo is FREE! (Donations are accepted – but aren’t required.) You can see the animals, explore the zoo and conservatory, and let the kids get some energy out before heading over to Como Town.
Since admission to the zoo is free, it’s a great way to add more to your day without adding another admission charge.
And you don’t have to choose between the zoo and Como Town. Guests can move between the two, so you can easily spend part of your day at the zoo and part of your day enjoying the rides.
Make Como Town the Main Event
Once you’re ready for rides, head over to Como Town.
Como Town is a small amusement park designed with families and younger kids in mind, with rides that make it easy to spend a few hours—or longer—letting the kids have some fun.
If your kids are at the age where they’re happiest going from ride to ride, this is where you can really make the most of your day.
My stepson LOVES Como Town! My husband took him recently and he enjoyed all the rides and activities. He especially loved the Pirate Ship and S.S. Swashbuckler!
Save 20% on Unlimited Wristbands
And if you’re planning a visit this summer, I have a discount to share with you!
Twin Cities Frugal Mom readers can save 20% on unlimited wristbands at Como Town with code TCFM20 when purchasing online. The offer is valid through August 31, 2026.
🎟️ Use code: TCFM20
The unlimited wristband is especially useful if your kids want to ride several attractions—or ride their favorites over and over again.
Take a Break at Zoböta Café
After you’ve been outside for a while, it’s nice to have somewhere to sit down, cool off and reset.
Zoböta Café, located inside the Como Zoo Visitor Center, is an easy place to take a break during your day. It’s air-conditioned and has free Wi-Fi, along with food options for both kids and adults.
For families, I think having an indoor place to escape the heat for a little while can make a big difference in how long everyone lasts on a summer outing.
This is also a good reminder that you don’t have to leave Como Park just because everyone is hungry. You can take a break, get something to eat, cool down, and then head back out for more exploring and rides.
Or Grab a Meal at Pier 56
Another option inside Como Zoo is Pier 56, located in Como Harbor.
There’s shaded seating and views overlooking the seal and sea lion exhibit, which gives kids something entertaining to watch while you eat.
Sometimes the best family restaurant is the one where the kids have something interesting to look at while everyone waits for their food—and watching the animals definitely qualifies.
End the Day at Como Lakeside Pavilion
If everyone still has some energy left, you can extend your Como Park adventure beyond the zoo and Como Town.
Dock & Paddle at Como Lakeside Pavilion is just down the road and offers another family-friendly place to grab dinner, along with free concerts throughout much of the summer. The restaurant has a variety of menu options including coffees, entrees like fish and chips, and alcoholic beverages.
The large covered pavilion gives families room to spread out, and there’s shaded outdoor seating for enjoying the lake and surrounding area.
There’s also an ice cream shop on the back of the building and swan paddleboat rentals nearby (plus other rentals), so you can turn dinner into one more activity before calling it a day!
And because the concerts are free, you can add some evening entertainment without adding another ticket to the budget.
See their full schedule of events here!
What Would a Full Day at Como Park Cost?
This is where Como Park really shines for families trying to keep costs reasonable.
Como Zoo admission: Free
Then you can decide how much—or how little—you want to spend on the rest of the day.
You could spend the morning at the free zoo, purchase Como Town wristbands for the kids, take a break for lunch, and finish the day with dinner and a free concert at Como Lakeside Pavilion.
And with the TCFM20 discount, you can save 20% on the Como Town wristbands through August 31.
Of course, your actual cost will depend on what you choose to eat and which activities you add, but the beauty of Como Park is that you can build the day around your family’s budget.
A Sample Como Park Family Day
Here’s one possible itinerary:
Morning:
🦁 Explore the free Como Zoo
Late morning/early afternoon:
🎡 Head over to Como Town for rides
Lunch + break:
🍴 Grab lunch at Zoböta Café or Pier 56
Afternoon:
🎢 Head back to Como Town for more rides—or explore more of the zoo
Evening:
🍔 Head to Dock & Paddle for dinner
After dinner:
🎵 Enjoy a free concert, grab ice cream or rent a swan paddleboat
The nice thing about this plan is that you don’t have to do everything. If the kids are exhausted after the zoo and Como Town, call it a day! If everyone is still having fun, there are plenty of ways to keep going.
A Great Way to Stretch the Summer
We’re always looking for ways to make summer last a little longer, and a day at Como Park is a great example of how you can combine free activities, paid attractions and affordable entertainment into one family outing.
The free Como Zoo gives you a great starting point, and Como Town adds the rides and amusement-park experience that kids love. Add a meal, some ice cream or an evening concert, and you’ve got a full day without needing to plan several separate destinations.
And if you visit Como Town before the end of August, don’t forget to use TCFM20 for 20% off unlimited wristbands when purchasing online.
Offer valid through August 31, 2026.
Location:
This post is sponsored by Como Town. Food and beverage vouchers were provided for the purpose of experiencing and writing about the featured dining options. All opinions are my own.
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