Unforgettable Family Fun: Cuddle Capybaras and Kangaroos at Minnesota Malls

I had no idea what the heck a capybara was until my kids convinced me to check out Sustainable Safari, an interactive wildlife experience at a Minnesota mall. Inside, we held snakes, cuddled with baby kangaroos, and met capybaras.

If you don't know, capybaras are the largest rodents on Earth. That sounds disgusting, but they're actually kind of cute. My kids quickly fell in love with Uno, the capybara we met, and immediately wanted one of their own.

Shortly after our visit, my daughter did a book report on capybaras, and from that, I learned they are found in South America and they eat their own poop. (Thanks for the fun fact, Amelia!) National Geographic says they eat their own feces to extract even more nutrients.

Family Fun in Minnesota: Cuddle Capybaras and Kangaroos at Sustainable Safari

As a parent, I’m always looking for fun things to do with my kids, and Sustainable Safari was a hit. They have 98 different species you can pet, feed, and hold. It’s a perfect family activity for anyone looking for things to do in Minnesota.

ALSO READ: This Cool Snack Is Now The Most Popular at Minnesota Gas Stations

Why You Should Visit Sustainable Safari in Minnesota

Sustainable Safari is a licensed animal exhibitor located inside two Minnesota malls. The safari offers a range of interactive wildlife experiences for visitors of all ages.

The staff at Sustainable Safari was friendly and knowledgeable, making our experience even more enjoyable. They taught us all about the animals we encountered.

What You Can Expect: Animal Encounters at Sustainable Safari

You won't spend an entire day at Sustainable Safari, but you should plan for a couple of hours of fun. Admission is only $16.50 (for ages 5 and up), and your ticket comes with a small cup of food to feed some of the hungry critters.

Plan Your Visit to Sustainable Safari

Sustainable Safari is open seven days a week, so it's easy to plan a visit that works for your schedule. They are open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

Tickets are available at the door, and you can find the Sustainable Safari exhibits at two locations in Minnesota:

Burnsville Center 915 County Road 42 West, Burnsville, MN 55306

Maplewood Mall 3001 White Bear Avenue N, Maplewood, MN 55109