Looking for a fun place to visit this winter break or any winter day? Look no further than Minnesota Zoo!
Minnesota Zoo is fun to visit in every season! Sure, it may come to mind faster in the warmer months but there is still a lot to see and explore at the Minnesota Zoo during the winter.
I enjoy visiting local attractions over winter break and Minnesota Zoo is no exception! There’s many options for indoor and outdoor adventures at the zoo that will keep your whole family busy and content.
Did you know the Minnesota Zoo has Sea Lions in Discovery Bay? It’s so fun to watch Clyde, JoJo, Theo, Hudson, and Flynn glide and dive underwater in the viewing area. You can also meet the Zoo’s newest resident – Snooki the Sea Turtle!
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!
Did you ever check out the bird show during the warmer months? You still can in the winter! 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!
Don’t miss your chance to step inside and visit the Tropics Trail, where it’s always an amazing 78 degrees! We love exploring this area, especially during the winter time. The warmer weather feels like such an amazing break from the cold outdoors.
You can still check out the outdoor trails and this year the Treetop Trail is open every day, weather permitting, at 12pm. So don’t forget to pack your winter gear to get the best views of the animals from way up high.
With the bare tree branches of winter you can get even better views. You may even catch the Red Pandas doing zoomies in the snow!
Special Winter Events
Imagination Stations
Let your imagination run wild! Mondays through April 27, 2026 from 9 am to 12 pm they open up the Sky classroom for children (ages 2-5) and their adults to play together. These popular play days are self-directed and include everything from dress up to crafts to sensory activities, and more.
Each day is different, drawing inspiration from the animals that call the Minnesota Zoo home! This is a drop-in program free with admission. Space is limited!
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.
Will you be visiting the Minnesota Zoo over winter break? Which animals are you most excited to see? Let us know in the comments below!
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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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