Family day trips in Connecticut are great, especially when you find one where you can visit two attractions one right after the other. One city where you can do just that is Bridgeport. Beardsley Park is both a massive natural oasis and the location of the only AZA-accredited zoo in Connecticut. The park is a great place to enjoy year-round recreational activities, and there’s nothing like seeing exotic animals like tigers and red pandas in person. The park and zoo are literally right next to each other, so after the drive there, just park and you’re good to go!

Beardsley Park has a fascinating history and was laid out by the designer of New York City's Central Park.
Andrew K./Flickr
The first 100 acres of land to make up Beardsley Park were donated to the state by a wealthy farmer in 1878. Today, the park spans 181 acres.
Beardsley Park/Facebook
A century ago, people would line up in the park to see elephants and zebras exercising! Phineas Barnum's circus was located in Bridgeport and the animal performers were exercised in the city streets.
Eduardo Mueses/Flickr
You probably think there's nothing quite that exotic inside of a municipal park in Connecticut nowadays...
Eduardo Mueses/Flickr

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But you'd actually be wrong! Beardsley Zoo is located within the grounds of the park. It was founded in 1920.
Melissa Searan/Google Maps
The zoo is divided into nine primary exhibits, with animals from all over the world on display.
Beardsley Zoo
This is the only AZA-accredited zoo in Connecticut.
Beardsley Zoo
The accreditation indicates that the zoo meets certain ethical standards as far as care and animal habitats. There are also requirements that the zoos support wildlife conservation, which Beardsley Zoo does by helping to replenish wild populations of certain endangered species.
A family day trip in Connecticut to Beardsley Park and Beardsley Zoo is such a great way to spend an afternoon!
Beardsley Zoo

Have you ever visited Beardsley Park and Beardsley Zoo in the same day? It’s one of our favorite family outings! You can learn more from the Beardsley Zoo website. Note that tickets must be purchased online prior to a visit.

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Beardsley Park Terrace, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA