Where is Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo?

Bridgeport, CT — about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia and 1 hour from New York City. It's Connecticut's only accredited zoo.

How much does Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo cost?

Adult admission approximately $17-20 and children approximately $13-15. A family of 4 budgets $60-85. Connecticut residents get discounted rates.

What animals does Beardsley Zoo have?

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo specializes in North and South American animals — timber wolves, Amur tigers, red pandas, otters, bison, and more. The New England Farmyard has interactive domestic animals including goats and pigs.

Is Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo open year-round?

Yes — open every day, 9AM-4PM. Some outdoor areas may have limited access during extreme weather.

Is the Beardsley Zoo good for toddlers?

Yes, particularly the New England Farmyard where kids can see and interact with farm animals up close. The zoo's manageable size makes stroller navigation easy throughout.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Name: Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Address: 1875 Noble Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 06610, US
Telephone: +1 203-394-6565
Rating: 4.4

1 / 5

Rating

4.4(5,296)

Family of 4

$60-85 (admission ~$17-20/adult, $13-15/child; food on site)

Duration

2-3 hours

Best Ages

Best for ages 1-12

About

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport is the state's only accredited zoo and a solid family destination for the greater Northeast corridor. Located about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia, it's a reasonable day trip for eastern Pennsylvania families heading toward Connecticut or the New York metro area.

The zoo specializes in North and South American animals — a deliberate focus that gives it a regional identity. Timber wolves, Amur tigers, river otters, red pandas, Amur leopards, and bison are among the signature animals. The New England Farmyard is the highlight for younger children: an interactive area with goats, pigs, chickens, and cows where kids can get close and sometimes feed or pet the animals.

For toddlers and preschoolers, the farmyard alone often makes the trip worthwhile.

Admission runs approximately $17-20 for adults and $13-15 for children. Open every day 9AM-4PM. A family of 4 should budget $60-85 including admission and food. Parking is free on site.

The zoo has nearly 5,300 Google reviews and a 4.4 rating, indicating consistent quality at volume. It's a well-run institution that serves Bridgeport and Fairfield County families as their primary zoo destination.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Available

Kid Meals

Available

Setting

Indoor & Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Morning openings on weekdays; spring and fall

Wait Times

Minimal; some popular exhibits may have short queues on summer weekends

Nearby Food

On-site cafe/snack bars. Bridgeport and Fairfield County have many dining options nearby.

Why Kids Love It

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is the state's only zoo, and it focuses on North and South American animals — timber wolves, Amur tigers, otters, red pandas, and the New England Farmyard where kids can interact with goats, pigs, and chickens. The farmyard component is especially beloved by young children, and the enclosed carousel adds an extra treat for toddlers and little kids.

Pro Tips from Parents

Note: This is in Bridgeport, CT — about 1.5 hours from Philadelphia. Relevant for day trips from eastern PA toward New England.
The New England Farmyard with interactive farm animals is the top highlight for young children.
The zoo has a carousel that kids love — included with admission or small additional fee, check current policy.
Open every day 9AM-4PM, year-round (weather permitting for outdoor areas).
Free parking on site.