Make sure to plan a visit to the Minnesota Zoo to see their new resident Malayan tapir: Ume!
Looking for a fun way addition to your summer bucket list? Take a trip to the Minnesota Zoo! Their newest resident is Ume ((pronounced oo-may), a Malayan tapir. Ume’s habitat is on the Tropics Trail, which at a constant 78 degrees, is the perfect place to visit rain or shine!
Ume was born is Tacoma, Washington, in February 2025. She has a very playful personality and has quickly become a crowd favorite! Ume’s move to the Minnesota Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan, a cooperative conservation program that helps maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of endangered species in human care. Fewer than 2,500 Malayan tapirs remain in the wild, making every individual an important ambassador for their species.
My kids had a wonderful time visiting Ume on the Tropics Trail along with all the other animals that call it home. It’s easy to spend the entire day at the Minnesota Zoo because there is so much to see and explore, especially in the summertime!
My kids were so excited to ride the Minnesota Zoo Conservation Carousel, beat the heat at the splash pad, spend time at the seasonal Dino Hideout and more. We always love visiting the multiple play areas at the Minnesota Zoo as well! Both the Woodland Adventure Playground near the Central Plaza and the immersive Hanifl Family Wild Woods along the Northern Trail were perfect places to play during our visit.
If you’re ready to take a break from the heat, head inside to Discovery Bay. Did you know the Minnesota Zoo has Sea Lions? It’s so fun to watch Clyde, JoJo, Theo, Hudson, and Flynn glide and dive underwater in the viewing area. My kiddos love watching them play and explore. There’s also Royal Credit Union Sea Lion Discovery Shows every day at 11am and 2pm included in admission!
Stop by Wings & Things inside the Target Learning Center every day at 10:30am and 2pm. The show is around 20 minutes and it’s fast paced and educational. So even the youngest members of your group will enjoy it! If you’re more interested in seeing a show outside, there’s also Wings Credit Union World of Birds Show, an outdoor flying bird show in the amphitheater. That’s held daily (run-time through Labor Day) at 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 3:00pm.
Minnesota Zoo Location, Hours and Admission
The Minnesota Zoo is located at 13000 Zoo Blvd in Apple Valley and it’s open every day from 10am – 4pm. General admission for adults is $23.95, adults 65+ are $21.95, children ages 3-12 are $17.95 and children 2 and under are free. Parking is $10 on site. You are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of your visit on their website.
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Hannah is a married mom of 3 kiddos in the Twin Cities. Born and raised here in MN, she loves finding deals and special events to share with others.
Hannah enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading books, going on road trips up north, singing along with the radio and finding new thrift stores to shop! Hannah is also a fierce advocate for people with disabilities and is always on the lookout for more sensory friendly opportunities in the Twin Cities.
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