Escape to a tropical oasis...McNeeley Conservatory

The kiddos and I went to the Marjorie McNeeley Conservatory this morning looking to transport ourselves to a warm and tropical place. It worked.

I know what you're thinking...a conservatory doesn't necessarily sound like something pre-K kids would find interesting ("gee Mom, plants!"), but it is a great place for kids. They do a fabulous job of labeling fun plants (e.g., chocolate tree!, sugarcane, etc...) plus there are lots of unexpected treasures like fountains, koi pond, etc... My kids flipped out when they saw a pineapple plant, complete with a tiny pineapple! The "Tropic Experience" area showcases numerous tropical animals, including a viewable underwater habitat with turtles, fish, stingray, a GIANT anaconda, and more, plus a leaf cutter ant colony, snakes, poison dart frogs, tarantulas, and birds flying around!

There is also a small children's exhibit, with hands-on activities where they can make it rain (to demonstrate the water cycle), play zookeeper (matching the animal with its diet), find creatures hidden in a rainforest mural, as well as see some additional creatures and plants close up.

My 3-yr old son said his favorite things were seeing the "giant stingray and the fish pond," while my 5-yr old daughter say the "ladyslipper flower, pineapple plant, and blue poison frog" were her favs. Can't beat that, eh?

A perfect and welcome escape on this wintery morning!

Located in St. Paul alongside the Como Zoo, the conservatory is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm. Admission is FREE, but a donation of $2 per adult and $1 per child is welcome.