Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo — Attraction in Bridgeport

I went in person to buy the tickets because they take EBT cards for discounts. But I believe you have to buy online before you show up if you don't need a discount entered. The parking lot is free, it's best to come early to find one easily. Another fun fact, they also take a library pass if you have one from the library to get in much cheaper. We didn't get to see all the animals because they were hiding in their caves or within the little houses, but we tried again a little later. I did not like the peacock pavilion to go get our food. The guys were so unprofessional yelling on the intercom, "Your food has been ready for a minute. Come get it if you want it." And they were talking about the customers right in front of us laughing about how people were acting in line and not really working too hard (I felt bad for the autism group they were laughing about, in a way happy they or their supervisor didn't hear them, so rude!). I like the little play area right outside, it gives the kids some more time to tire out. I wish there were more seats around in shaded areas for the parents of the area though. There was a bird show about to start I didn't know about, as we walked by it, one of the guys put his hands on me, one of the employees, and I'm not sure why. I shoved him off of me to finish getting my kids to come back to me because he startled me and the kids thought I was behind them. After I got the kids back I turned back to him and he told me to go into the bird show quietly past the red doors. We entered, it was nice of him telling us as we walked by, but maybe don't touch me, call me over instead or shout out??? It was entertaining and cool but for him to just grab me and startle me in the middle of me and the girls walking was inappropriate and unprofessional. Towards the end of the zoo trail we go into the little reptile caged area behind the greenhouse. The lady there was so nice. Let the kids color. I did not like that they had to close it down because they had another bird show to attend, so we had to rush the kids to finish coloring or looking around. I think the area should be open as long as the zoo, as some people can miss this, they are paying for it regardless if there's a show elsewhere or not. The greenhouse was pretty neat. They didn't have any food to feed the fish, the dispenser was empty and the office door was open but was empty so they couldn't even ask somebody for some food for them. I would come back here. One of the zookeepers was educating the kids about an...

I highly recommend the Beardsley Zoo experience overall - it is an awesome local zoo for kids of all ages - but especially for a birthday party experience!

We booked the zoo for a December toddler birthday party. From the start of the process, the event coordinator was patient and helpful, explaining different options and included benefits. We booked two party spaces to have enough wiggle room, and I recommend that to have enough seating and such. It is an open area, so it is not prohibitive and reasonably priced too.

We chose the "critter craft" and "animal encounter" options, which was enough for our party group. The zoo does offer basics like tablecloths and plates, but I did purchase my own themed materials for decoration and supplies and that gave it a little boost. They also provide pizza and soda, and you can purchase extras if needed. I also bought snacks from Costco and that was more than enough.

From the second we arrived at the zoo, the staff was very kind and helpful. The young woman who was assigned as a party coordinator was totally delightful. She helped with every part of setup and cleanup, kept everything running on time, and had a lovely spirit and demeanor.

The party space was perfect - booking two worked out exactly right, and there was really no one else at the zoo that day so it felt like we had a fully private building! The carousel was the hit of the day - I think the kids could have just ridden that endlessly and been happy.

The animal encounter was awesome - the young women who led that were knowledgeable, engaging, and patient with young kids. It was interesting for all ages!

All-around, it was a perfect party experience. I got rave reviews from fellow parents and from older family members alike. I have already recommended the zoo experience to...

I visited the Beardsley Zoo with my younger brother and sister in law in October 12th 2025. At about 2:30 pm my insulin pump started beeping, my sugar was starting to drop. My brother stayed behind at one of the exhibits while my sister and law and I walked to the cafe to get a snack and continue our visit. As we entered from the chilly rain I saw an ice cream cooler, and headed straight for it to choose an ice cream to get my sugar back up. As I was trying to decide what cold treat I would choose one of the employees said it was way too cold for ice cream and suggested their fresh made cookies. It didn’t take much convincing, and I chose the M&M cookies, but when we went to pay(also $1.50 for 2 homemade cookies is amazing!!) we realized we had forgotten the wallet with my brother. My sister in law began walking towards the door to go get her wallet and come back to pay, and the woman who had suggested the cookies said not to worry about it, that I needed the cookies for my sugar and to enjoy the rest of my day. After eating some of the best cookies ever, my sugar still wasn’t cooperating. We made our way back to the cafe, with my brother this time. I ordered a soda and my brother wanted a pretzel, but they didn’t have any. The same woman who gave me the cookies offered to have the ovens turned back on and fresh pretzels made just for him, and she made sure to check in with me to make sure I was feeling alright.

I never did get this amazing ladies name, but I hope she sees this review, and she knows that her kindness and compassion will stay with me for the rest of my life. Thank you for being such a wonderful person in a (sorta)...