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Plan Your Visit

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a top family destination, home to over 300 animals from North and South America. Meet endangered species like the Andean condor, Maned wolf, Giant Anteater, and more. Enjoy a bite at the Peacock Café, a picnic in the Grove, or a ride on our colorful carousel. We can’t wait to welcome you!

Zoo Map

Use our map to plan your visit and make the most of your time at Beardsley Zoo! It highlights animal habitats, visitor amenities, pathways, and key points of interest so you can easily explore and enjoy everything the Zoo has to offer.

Map of the Beardsley Zoo.

Upcoming Events

Check our calendar for upcoming events, programs, and special activities at Beardsley Zoo. From seasonal celebrations and educational experiences to family‑friendly happenings, there’s always something exciting happening here, so plan your visit and join the fun.

National Wolf Awareness Week
OCT19

Multi-DayOct 18–24

National Wolf Awareness Week

Date
October 18, 2026 at 9:00 AM – October 24, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Category
Animal Awareness Days

Wolf Awareness Week provides an opportunity for the public to learn about wolves and how they're fighting for their survival in the wild. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is home to American Red wolves, Mexican grey wolves, and Maned wolves.

International Sloth Day
OCT20

International Sloth Day

Date
October 20, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Category
Animal Awareness Days

This day raises awareness about the life cycle and natural habitat of sloths, native South and Central American animals. Come find our Two-toed sloth hiding in our Rainforest Building. The two-toed sloth is a mid-size animal with brownish-greenish fur that provides excellent camouflage. Hint: look up!

National Reptile Awareness Day
OCT21

National Reptile Awareness Day

Date
October 21, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Category
Animal Awareness Days

Each year on October 21, people across the nation observe National Reptile Awareness Day. Created not only for reptile lovers to celebrate, but National Reptile Awareness Day also promotes education, conservation, and appreciation for reptiles. It is a day to learn about their natural habitats and the ecological threats that they are facing.​

Evening Lecture Series - The Bear Reality
OCT21

Evening Lecture Series - The Bear Reality

Date
October 21, 2026 · 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Category
Education

Led by Zoo Docent, Felicia Ortner, learn about bears in our backyard and around the world. Register to attend here.

Learn More

Zoo Tots: Night Creatures - A Halloween Adventure! (Session 1)
OCT22

Zoo Tots: Night Creatures - A Halloween Adventure! (Session 1)

Date
October 22, 2026 · 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Category
Zoo Tots

Celebrate Halloween at the Zoo while meeting some creepy, crawly, captivating creatures! Feel free to wear your Halloween costumes and be ready for a spook-tacular time

​Zoo Tots is a 30 minute program for ages 22 months to 4 years, who are accompanied by an adult.  Activities may include stories, songs, puppet shows, crafts, and live animals.

Learn More

GLOW Wild
OCT22

Multi-DayOct 22–25

GLOW Wild

Date
October 22, 2026 at 5:30 PM – October 25, 2026 at 9:30 PM

Journey through a breathtaking wonderland of illuminated larger-than-life lanterns inspired by wildlife from around the world at GLOW Wild presented by ASML.

This unforgettable nighttime experience features more than 40 spectacular displays and hundreds of new handcrafted illuminated lanterns and interactive experiences, transforming Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo into one of the region's premier fall attractions.

Held Thursday through Sunday 5:30pm - 9:30pm from October 1st through December 20th, GLOW Wild invites guests to stroll through glowing pathways surrounded by brilliant displays of animals, nature, and vibrant colors. Whether it's a family tradition, date night, or an evening with friends or coworkers, GLOW Wild offers an experience that appeals to guests of all ages.

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 7, 2026.

Thank you to our presenting Sponsor: ASML
Supporting Sponsors: Trefz Foundation, M&T Bank, Coca Cola Northeast, UI/Avangrid

Accessibility

We welcome all guests, and the Zoo is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience. Learn about the services, features, and accommodations available to help ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for everyone.

Child sitting in the lap of a man in a wheelchair and pointing at an enclosure.

Still Have Questions?

If you have general questions, feel free to reach out to us at our main number, (203) 394-6565, or use our Contact page to find specific departments or give us more detail about your question by using our form.

Contact Us