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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.

GLOW Wild
NOV8

Multi-DayNov 5–8

GLOW Wild

Date
November 5, 2026 at 5:30 PM – November 8, 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

Zoo Tots: Do You See What I See? (Session 2)
NOV12

Zoo Tots: Do You See What I See? (Session 2)

Date
November 12, 2026 · 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Category
Zoo Tots

Hello, can you see this message? If you can, have you ever wondered if animals see the world the same way we do? Come to the Zoo for an up close look at our animal ambassadors and learn about all types of animal sight, such as color vision, night vision, and kaleidoscope-like compound eyes! 

​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
NOV12

Multi-DayNov 12–15

GLOW Wild

Date
November 12, 2026 at 5:30 PM – November 15, 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

NOV19

World Anteater Day

Date
November 19, 2026 · 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Category
Animal Awareness Days

Three Giant Anteaters call Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo’s Pampas Plains home. Female, named Pana, and the male, named EO, were born in 2009 and welcomed a baby girl, Kayapo. Stop by this month to visit them!

GLOW Wild
NOV19

Multi-DayNov 19–22

GLOW Wild

Date
November 19, 2026 at 5:30 PM – November 22, 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

Teen Volunteer Open House
NOV19

Teen Volunteer Open House

Date
November 19, 2026 · 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Category
Education

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo will be hosting two teen Open House sessions to learn about our educational programs, Conservation Discovery Corps & Zoo Career Explorers. 

Join us on Thursday, November 19th or Thursday, December 3rd, from 6:30-8:00 PM.
Spaces are limited. Registration is encouraged. 

If you can't make it, we'd still like to hear from you: 
- Email: CDC@beardsleyzoo.org for questions about the Conservation Discovery Corps
- Email: Explorer@beardsleyzoo.org for questions about the Zoo Career Explorers.

Learn More

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