Sustainable Safari: A Wild, Family-Friendly Indoor Animal Adventure in the Twin Cities

Looking for something fun, interactive, and easy to plan for families in the Twin Cities? Sustainable Safari delivers an up-close animal experience that works year-round and feels like a mini adventure without leaving the metro. It’s indoor, hands-on, educational, and a hit with kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, a school break activity, or something different for visiting relatives, this is one of those experiences people talk about long after they leave.

What Is Sustainable Safari?

Sustainable Safari is an indoor animal and wildlife experience featuring nearly 100 animal species from around the world. Guests can pet, feed, and interact with animals while learning about conservation and animal care in a relaxed, self-guided setting.

Expect to see favorites like capybaras, red kangaroos, pygmy goats, African porcupines, and many more. It combines the feel of a petting zoo with the convenience of a mall location, making it perfect for unpredictable Minnesota weather.

More information here: https://365twincities.com/SustainableSafari

Hours & When to Visit

Sustainable Safari is open year-round with consistent weekly hours at both Twin Cities locations:

Monday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Last admission is sold one hour before closing.

They are closed on select major holidays, including Easter Sunday, the 4th of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.

Because admission includes an all-day pass with re-entry, many families like to visit for an hour, take a break for food or shopping, then come back later.

Ticket Prices

General Admission

  • Ages 4 and under: Free

  • Ages 5 and up: $18 per person

Each paid admission includes one small animal feed cup.

Free Feed Upgrade
First responders, educators, military members, and seniors receive a free medium feed-cup upgrade.

Membership Option
A 60-day membership is available for $42 per person and includes a souvenir cup and discounted feed refills, making it a great option for repeat visits.

Twin Cities Locations

Sustainable Safari has two convenient metro locations, both inside shopping malls.

Maplewood Mall

  • Located on the 2nd floor at the southwest end of the mall

  • This location is home to their popular two-toed sloth ambassador, Jennifer Slo-pez

Burnsville Center

  • Located on the 1st floor at the southeast end of the mall

  • Features many of the same animal encounters in a spacious indoor layout

Both locations are fully indoors and easy to access, making them ideal for strollers and family groups.

What Makes Sustainable Safari Special?

Hands-On Animal Encounters
Guests can pet and feed animals throughout the experience, creating memorable moments that kids absolutely love.

Daily Wildlife Shows
Live wildlife shows are included with admission and offer fun facts, close-up views, and interactive learning moments.

Capybaras at Both Locations
Yes, the internet-famous capybaras are available to see and interact with at both Twin Cities locations.

All-Day Flexibility
Stay as long as you want, leave for a break, and come back later the same day with hand-stamp re-entry.

Good to Know Before You Go

  • Both locations are wheelchair accessible

  • No outside food or drinks are allowed past the admission area

  • Closed-toe shoes are required for certain animal interactions

  • Avoid shiny jewelry or loose, flowy clothing since animals can be curious

Why It’s a Great Twin Cities Activity

Sustainable Safari checks a lot of boxes for local families and visitors. It’s indoor, educational, interactive, and works for a wide range of ages. It’s also a solid option when you want something more engaging than a movie but less complicated than a full-day excursion.

If you’re building a list of family-friendly things to do in the Twin Cities, this one absolutely belongs near the top.

More information here: https://365twincities.com/SustainableSafari