There’s a point every year when I need to see some green and feel the sun’s warmth on my skin. While flying away to a far-flung beach isn’t an option right now, I get my substitute slice of summer at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at St. Paul’s Como Zoo. Built back in 1915, this beautiful glass-domed horticultural treasure is home to more than 10,000 plants, and has several rooms to soak in the splendor, from the Sunken Garden to the Palm Dome. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and you are in a warm, verdant jungle…in January.
The kiddos and I were at the conservatory this morning for precisely the same reasons! It 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 great 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, with a tiny pineapple! The “Tropic Experience” section 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! A perfect and welcome escape on this wintery morning.
Comment by KeikoV — January 25, 2010 @ 3:17 pm