Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley: Best Things to Do, Llama Trek, and Tips for Families

The Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley is the largest zoo in the state. Home to animals from around the world, it has great trails, immersive exhibits, and plenty for families to do. We’ve been members since my daughter was a baby and have learned a few smart ways to plan a perfect day.

About the Minnesota Zoo

Opened in 1978, the Minnesota Zoo spans 485 acres and focuses on conservation, education, and hands-on learning. You’ll find native wildlife on the Medtronic Minnesota Trail, Russian Far East species on Grizzly Coast, and warm rainforest vibes on the Tropics Trail. Check current hours, prices, and today’s schedule on the MN Zoo Visiting page.

Must-See Exhibits

Start near the entrance with the 3M Penguins of the African Coast. It’s an easy win with kids who love watching penguins on land and under water.

Walk the Medtronic Minnesota Trail to meet local wildlife. Wolf Woods and the coyote habitat are family favorites. Kids can stamp passport sheets along the way; help little ones use the presses.

Head to the Northern Trail for Amur tigers, grizzly bears, and other northern species.

Discovery Bay is the indoor aquarium zone with touch experiences, sea dragons, and a tropical reef. Check day-of schedules for talks and feeds.

The Tropics Trail is a warm indoor rainforest walk with lemurs, gibbons, birds, and aquatic life. Crawl-through tunnels give kids fun animal perspectives.

Wells Fargo Family Farm

One of the most popular family stops, the farm has cows, pigs, goats, chickens, and seasonal programming. Spring is extra cute during Farm Babies when you can often hold a chick.

Treetop Trail

The Treetop Trail is a 1.25-mile elevated pedestrian loop, about 32 feet above ground on the old monorail route. It’s a scenic, accessible walk with unique views of habitats and landscapes.

Daily Activities and Seasonal Experiences

Look for daily animal presentations and hands-on learning across the grounds. In summer, the updated Wings and Things! show features birds and four-legged ambassadors outdoors at the Weesner Family Amphitheatre; in winter, it moves indoors to the Target Learning Center. Check times on the Visiting page.

Kids love the splash pad near the main building, Hanifl Family Wild Woods and Woodland Adventure outdoor playgrounds, the indoor Beehive play space, the Conservation Carousel, and seasonal events like Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular and Wild Nights.

Llama Trek

Llama Trek is a seasonal, walk-in exhibit with a marked dirt path through the habitat. You’ll get close views and great photos. No food or drinks inside and no touching the animals. Dates and companions can change each year; confirm on the Visiting page.

Food, Facilities, and Rentals

You’ll find a cafeteria, snack and ice cream stands, restrooms, baby-changing stations, bottle-filling fountains, and picnic areas. The zoo is stroller and wheelchair friendly. Rentals are available; recent examples include single strollers around $8, doubles around $11, and electric wheelchairs around $30. Prices can change, so confirm on arrival.

Tickets, Hours, and Parking

The zoo is open year-round with seasonal hours. Buy timed-entry tickets online. Prices vary by date and season; recent examples were about $21.95 for ages 13+, $15.95 for ages 3–12 and seniors, ages 2 and under free. Parking is an additional fee (recently $8). Check current details on the MN Zoo Visiting page.

Payment notes: Most major cards are accepted on-site; American Express acceptance can vary by location. If you rely on AmEx, bring a backup card.

Memberships and Discounts

Membership includes free admission and parking, discounts on programs and purchases, and early entry on select days. If you visit a few times a year, it can pay for itself. The Free to Explore program offers free daytime admission for eligible Minnesotans with MN EBT, MHCP, eWIC, or Head Start documentation for cardholders and dependents.

Plan Your Day

Arrive early for active animals and lighter crowds. In summer, do outdoor trails first, then cool off inside. In winter, focus on indoor spaces like Tropics, Discovery Bay, and Penguins. Bring a change of clothes for the splash pad, comfy walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle. For little ones, a lightweight stroller is a day-saver.