The651.com

Although the Minnesota State Fair is right around the corner, it is worth remembering that Saint Paul’s own amusement park, Como Town, is open daily through Labor Day and on weekends through October 2.

Como Town is situated on the campus of Como Zoo and Conservatory and is about as kid-friendly as it gets, with more than 18 rides suited for children of all ages. Unlike other parks in the Twin Cities, it is especially appropriate for small children, with a number of rides available for kids as young as two-years-old. However, there are still a couple of rides that are thrilling enough to keep the older kids entertained as well. My 8-year-old is right in the Como Town wheelhouse, with most rides enticing enough, with a few too sedate and a couple to scary. Parents are permitted to ride as well and in some cases, chaperones are required with the smaller kids.

Some of the highlights include the Tilt-A-Whirl (which never gets old), the Fire Brigade (spraying a water cannon), Frog Hopper (bouncing 18 feet in the air) and the Driving School, where the kids get to cruise around the driving school course, accelerating, stopping and steering on the own. Upon exiting, the young drivers are rewarded with a mock license, a big hit. There are other attractions such as the Hodge Podge Park jungle gym and Splash Zone fountain area. There are also skill games and games of chance, face painting and tattoos, plus caricature drawings and souvenirs.

Como Town offers little in the way of food. Hot dogs and corn dogs were the only items of substance, otherwise it’s snacks and treats. However, since the park is seamlessly connected to Como Zoo, other more substantial foods options are available a short distance away. Also, I saw a number of families bringing in their own food to eat at picnic tables or other seating areas.

Admission to the park is free (as is the case with the Zoo and Conservatory), the cost is for rides and other games. Tickets and passes can be purchased at various levels; rides cost anywhere from 4 to 18 points, each point is $.22. We opted for the unlimited ride wristband, but I’m not sure we used up the equivalent in points in the 3 hours we were there.

Parking is always challenging at Como Park. There are lots located throughout the greater Park area, as well as on surrounding side streets. We had the luxury of attending on a weekday morning and were able to find parking within a couple of blocks on a side street. A shuttle is available on weekends.

For more information on Como Town, go to www.comotown.com.