Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is one of Connecticut’s top family attractions. Visit more than 300 animals representing North and South American species. Learn about the Amur tiger and leopard, Andean condor, Red wolf, maned wolf, Giant anteater and Golden lion tamarin and other endangered and threatened species.
Grab a bite at the Peacock Café, enjoy an outdoor lunch in the Picnic Grove and take a ride on our colorful carousel.
For Kids!
Animals are amazing! And the folks at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo want to connect kids with all the coolest animals facts around. We’ve got fact sheets and photos, scavenger hunts and wild web links, and exciting opportunities for you to make a real difference for wildlife. Read more about our awesome opportunities below!
Zoo Tots: a monthly 45-minute program for children 22-months to four years-of-age, who are accompanied by an adult, includes stories, games, activities, crafts, and live animals, and is held the second Tuesday and Wednesday of the month. Play groups can book their own Beardsley Zoo Tots Program!
Zoo Patrol: This summer camp is ideal for kids who love animals, the environment and being outdoors. This is a week full of zoo keeper talks, behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on learning, games, crafts, and more! Offered in week-long sessions in July and August.
Scavenger Hunts: Make your next visit to the Zoo more memorable and fun with scavenger hunts.
Parties and Rentals
Corporate and Private Events: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is the place to let your wild side free! This is an alternative venue that’s a little on the wild side for an upcoming corporate or private event. Book your next party, picnic or meeting in our colorful carousel building, our lush greenhouse, or our beautiful log cabin-style Hanson building.
Weddings at the Zoo: Say I DO at the Zoo! Celebrate your special event in one of three unique spaces: our Victorian Greenhouse; a rustic Hanson Building; or our large Carousel Building, with an indoor working carousel. Whether it’s your wedding ceremony, your reception or your rehearsal dinner, we are sure to have a venue to meet your wedding vision! Contact Lindsay Durkee now to book your special day!
Birthday Parties: the Zoo is fun and exciting place for a birthday party, with more than 120 species of animals, a carousel, an indoor South American Rainforest and 52 beautiful acres in Beardsley Park.
Zoo Hours
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is open daily from 9 am to 4 pm.
(Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. The Zoo closes at 1 pm the day before these holidays).
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo welcomes groups! The Zoo offers discounted admission fees
Group Rates
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo offers discounted admission fees for groups such as schools and non-profit organizations with 10 or more paying people who make a reservation at least 3 weeks in advance, pay at least 2 weeks in advance using one group payment, and enter the Zoo as a group for a self-guided visit. Educational programs, rides, food, appliance rentals and souvenirs are extra cost items. For more information on prices and how to make a reservation, click here or email Group Sales at groupsales@beardsleyzoo.org.
