Como Town, Saint Paul

Como Town is the amusement-park cousin of its neighbor, the (free) Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, as well as the other nearby attractions in the historical park. Rides have been available on the site since 1949, but the version of the 4-acre park you can visit today first opened in 2005—and has been adding new features ever since.

• Kid-sized carnival: Classic, low-pressure attractions include bumper cars, spinning teacups, the swing ride, and the Como Town train. More fun activities such as face painting, caricatures, and games are also offered.

• Thrill rides: Start slow with the Frog Hopper, a lift-and-drop ride more likely to elicit giggles than screams, then proceed to the tilt-a-whirl. From there, visitors are ready for the swinging pirate ship, the figure-eight Tiger Trax roller coaster, and the Soaring Eagle Zip Ride, which seats two at a time and offers panoramic views of Como Park from 85 feet up.

• Interactive experiences: Kids can expend whatever remaining energy they have exploring Hodge Podge Park jungle gym or getting soaked in the Splash Zone water park. There are free kids’ foam parties every day!.

• New Ride: Seal Tower is new to the park this year and brings riders up in the air, circling before dropping them back down.