COMO TOWN AMUSEMENT PARK

ST. PAUL, MN
VISIT WEBSITE

It took me a really long time to write this post for many reasons. Mostly though, it was because it took me so many tries to finally have an experience I really wanted to write about. No one wants to hear about overheating, whining, melt downs and frustration (no, really…my two-year old “patiently” waited in an empty line for ten minutes while the ride operators flirted with each other and selfied on their cell phones). So I waited. This weekend, the whole family went to Como Town Amusement Park for a four-year-old birthday party, and I must say, this place is so much better with friends. It made a world of difference for a five-year-old boy to be able to run from ride-to-ride with his buddies versus just going with his parents and little sister. So now, after my third attempt, I can finally write about how Como Town can be a great place to burn energy, get some thrills, and even cool off a bit…if you play your cards right.

What is it?

Como Town is a kiddie amusement park located directly next to the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory in St. Paul. With about a dozen rides, plus a climbing structure and the Splash Zone water area, Como Town – while not too terribly cheap – can certainly be a fun-filled way to spend a few hours during the summer months. Admission is free, but the attractions cost money. This place reminds me of a 1980s street carnival, but in the very nicest sense of the analogy.

Fit for what ages?

I’m just going to say ages three to eight for this one. While my daughter is two and did enjoy some of these rides, there were many that she really wanted to go on but wasn’t tall enough (the swings, driving school), thus leading to angry toddler tears. She did enjoy the fire truck water, the small cars, and (surprisingly) the tilt-o-whirl. While the zip line is intended for older kids, it is expensive (14 points or $7 each time) but one ride is included in the price of a wristband. Adults, you will be going for the sole purpose of entertaining your children. There are no super-thrill, adult-only rides at this park.

If it helps, a breakdown of their rides is listed on their webpage. My two-year old went on all the rides listed in the “Kiddie” section and my five-year old did all listed in the “Family” section. Neither of them did the “Thrills.”

How much are we talkin?

While admission to the park (and the zoo) is free, you must purchase either a wristband or a point card for rides. Points are $.50/each, or you can get package deals that bring the price down a little. Unlimited ride wristbands are probably your best bet if your kid is an avid rider and you plan on staying a couple hours. Those run $21.95 for kids under 18. Good news is, while adults do need to go on a lot of the rides with their youngsters if they don’t quite reach the height requirements, adult unlimited ride wristbands only run $7.95. That money will save you a lot of hassle and allow your short adventurer access to some “bigger” rides they couldn’t go on otherwise. Season passes are also available for $60-70/person. You do the math to determine if this is a money-saver for your family or not.

Want some tips?

Let’s cover the basic stuff first:  Go EARLY! Parking can be a major mess in the Como area, and even though shuttles are offered and there are many free lots designated to the zoo and Como Town, getting there early will prevent you from having to worry about finding a spot, which is handy when it’s time to go (ie nap time).  I can’t stress this enough. {Go.} {Early.} Gates open at 10am. Be there at 9:55 and you won’t stand in line for the first hour…even on weekends. Upon entry, head straight to the ticket booth to purchase your tickets/wristbands. That line can get long fast because everyone needs points to play! There is an additional booth for ticket purchase in the back right behind the Fire Truck ride, in case the front gate booth is super crowded. Weekdays are slower, obviously, but not all the rides operate at all times, since staff is cut in half. There is one bathroom near the Como Town entrance, and yes, there is a changing table for wee ones. Be sure to have your kids go when you get in to save yourself the panic of the “I-have-to-pee”-from-the-back-of-the-park rush to the entrance. There are a few food vendors spread throughout the park, but they aren’t exactly cheap. Bring cash for those. I advise you bring in your own food and drink. Saves money, and there are benches in the grass on which to enjoy your snacks.

As I mentioned before, if at all possible, bring a friend or two for your child to ride, run and play with. If you can’t manage this, just be sure you have an even adult-to-child ratio, especially if one of your kids is old enough to ride (some or all), and the other is not. Have a little one? Bring a stroller. There is plenty of paved space, and there is stroller parking outside the splash zone and playground. I usually bring a backpack instead of a purse. Just makes life easier. Sunscreen. It’s a must here. There is little to no shade, but they do offer a couple of those light water misters as you walk. Speaking of water, if your child wants to do the Splash Zone, bring extra clothes. Some kids even change into swimsuits and really go to town in here. Also, this is where flip-flops would be a wiser choice than tennis shoes.

The biggest tip I have for surviving Como Town is to set no expectations. I don’t mean this to make the place sound horrible. It’s actually quite fun! But, the prices can be kind of steep, the ride value is kind of minimal, much of the staff could care less about their jobs or the children on whom they rely to keep said jobs, and the crowd of fair-goers can be a bit unruly and obnoxious. This could be said for any amusement park, I’m sure, so just go in with the attitude of “slow and steady wins the race.” And be sure to hit up the zoo for a mid-ride break if needed. Watching monkeys for 15 minutes after spinning on the Tornado a half dozen times is almost necessary to maintain your sanity. It’s directly adjoined via Como Town’s side gate, making entry and exit super simple.

Hours and Location

1300 Midway Parkway  |  St. Paul, MN 55103
Como Town opening time is always 10:00am, but the closing times vary so be sure to check their website for specific dates. Easiest access from Hwy 94 is to take Hamline or Lexington Ave. northbound and follow the signs. Como Town is located directly next to (actually, connected to) Como Zoo and the Conservatory.

Follow Como Town on Facebook to stay up on special events and early closings or odd hour changes, participate in contests, and submit weekly fan photos.