·FAMILY CLASSES

 

These programs are designed for families with children ages 4 and older, unless otherwise noted. When applicable, programs will include live plant or animal encounters and/or tours.

A discounted rate is available for members of Como Friends.
For more information on Como Friends memberships,
call (651) 487-8229 or click here.

Are you a Como Friends member and want to register online? Call
651-487-8272 for special instructions.

For more information, please contact Como Education by calling
651-487-8272 or emailing us at comoeducation@ci.stpaul.mn.us.

WINTER 2010
FAMILY CLASSES

CLICK ON CLASS CODE TO BEGIN ONLINE
REGISTRATION PROCESS.
Example: F248-1

                                                    
                 

Penguin Party
Do polar bears eat penguins? Waddle on over to Como Zoo to learn about the many amazing adaptations of penguins while meeting one of Como’s black-footed penguin ambassadors, making a penguin magnet to take home, smelling penguin food and more!

F277-1 Sunday, January 17 9:00a-11:00a $15/person

F277-2 Saturday, February 6 9:00a-11:00a $15/person

Banana-Rama!
Bananas from the grocery store do not have seeds, but wild bananas do! We will learn some banana history and folklore, visit the many banana plants in the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, make some banana treats, participate in a banana taste test and meet “banana eaters.” You’d be “bananas” to miss this class!

F278 Sunday, January 24 1:00p-3:00p $15/person

      
     

PRIMATE POTLUCK
Do you know the difference between a monkey and an ape? Swing on over for this popular class as we have a morning of fun! We will prepare breakfast for our primates and watch them enjoy the treats. Then, we will learn to observe and interpret some natural primate behaviors.

Sweets for the Sweet
Get ready for Valentine’s Day with a tour of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. Whip up some beverages, candy, and pudding as you discover “sweet” plants from around the world which are used to create and sweeten foods. You’ll fall in love with everything from tamarind and carob to dates and sugar cane…and don’t forget chocolate, too!

 

Rain, Rain, Rain Forest
It may be cold outside, but it’s always warm in the tropical rain forest! Visit the tropics through the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. Meet rain forest plants and animals, get a bird’s eye view of the Tropical Encounters exhibit, learn about rain forest conservation, and make a musical rain stick to take home.

 

Big Cat Breakfast
Have you ever made breakfast for a tiger? Learn about different types of big cats by preparing their breakfast, observing different adaptations and behaviors, investigating cat artifacts, and discussing world-wide conservation efforts. This class is sure to be a roarin’ good time for the whole family.

Zoo & Conservatory Careers
For families with children ages 9 and up. What is it like to work at the Zoo and Conservatory? How and why do the zookeepers "train" animals? Where do the gardeners grow all of the Conservatory's gorgeous plants? Learn the answers to these questions and more as we get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the workings of the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory.

 

Hangin’ with the Bats
Did you know that some bats eat fruit while others eat insects? Or that without bats there would not be bananas, cashews or many other foods we love? Explore these diverse creatures of the night as we do bat activities, meet Como Zoo’s bats, dress in a bat costume, and learn how bat research is helping to develop medications.

 

Spice It Up!
Let’s go on a hunt for spice plants throughout the Conservatory – from spicy cinnamon to savory vanilla, from all-spice leaves to black peppercorns. Learn how they are used around the world, and then use them yourself to make spice rubs, teas, lotions and sachets.

 

Frog-tastic & Toad-errific!
What is an amphibian? Leap on over with your little tadpoles to discover more about frogs and toads through stories, games, songs and crafts. Learn how Como is working to conserve threatened frog species and how you can help amphibians in the wild. It will be a hopping great time!

 

Helping Endangered Species
For families with children ages 9 and up. There are over 1,000 endangered species in the world, and you’d be surprised to know how many of them are at Como Park Zoo and Conservatory. So what IS the role of zoos and conservatories in helping endangered species? Discover some of the exciting conservation projects at Como, have close encounters with endangered plants and animals, and learn some simple ways you can help endangered species.

 

How Do Our Flowers Grow?
Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory's growing ranges to learn how our flowers are grown. Meet one of the Conservatory's gardeners, use horticultural tools to dissect and examine flowers, and make a botanical book to document your findings.

 

Splash! Seals & Sea Lions
Ever wanted to work with marine mammals? Discover the training techniques Como’s zookeepers use to help keep the animals healthy. Meet Sparky and friends as we explore the world of pinnipeds and the people who work with them.

 

Skeletons & Seas in the Japanese Garden
Skeleton rocks, zig-zag bridges, bottomless seas and mountains – the Como Ordway Memorial Japanese Garden is filled with many things with ancient meanings. Explore the garden, learn about its history and symbolism, and then design and build your own miniature Japanese garden.

 

Zoo Moms
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Como Zoo by learning how animal moms care for their young. We’ll tour the zoo to visit Como’s offspring and discover animal mothering techniques. Then, create a Mother’s Day gift to take home to mama.

Turtle Tales
Did you know that turtles don’t have teeth? Investigate the similarities and differences between turtles and tortoises, meet some of these remarkable reptiles from around the world, get an up-close encounter with our giant Galapagos tortoises, watch a tortoise eat and have other turtley fun!

 

THANK YOU FOR VISITING US!