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5 Zoos & Aquariums in Connecticut That You Shouldn't Miss
Connecticut is a study in attraction and contrast. In one small state, you’ll find miles of sandy oceanfront shoreline, acres of forested hiking trails, and world-class museums, art and theater. Here family-friendly adventure parks and aquariums are just minutes from dynamic casino resorts and quaint, historic small towns — offering experiences that range from culinary to cultural, luxurious to laid-back. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge, all at the same time.
Restaurants in Connecticut
1. Highwire Deer and Animal Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By davidaD8794LR - Southbury, United States
Great place to take the family, very hands on with lots of friendly animals, and a friendly staff. Don't miss this place!
2. The Maritime Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,011 reviews
Easy access from I-95 or Metro-North Railroad, convenient covered parking next door, warm and spacious with two on-site cafes, gift shop and a 4D Theater, the Aquarium is a most excellent family outing, date or solo visit! The marine population we exhibit includes varieties of sharks, big and small, stingrays, harbor seals, sea turtles, game fish, jellies, crabs, lobsters, mollusks and more. We also exhibit tropical travelers that follow the Gulf Stream north to our waters. Plus we have some other fun animals, from tamarins to meerkats. We offer lots of touch experiences including stingrays, sharks, jellyfish and intertidal animals.
Reviewed By Nefman - New York City, United States
This is another one of the things that make CT such a value added proposition to raise our children. This place is practically hidden in plain sight off of I95. They have numerous little exhibits and enclosures which display fascinating wildlife and curious animals both from our region and beyond. My little ones loved the sting rays and sharks. The seal show was delightful! the Jelly fish tank and large shark tank were amazing on the second floor.
3. Mystic Aquarium
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,777 reviews
Mystic Aquarium, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums, offering exemplary care to a variety of species while also serving as the northeast’s premier marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation center. Robust conservation and education programming along with unparalleled visitor experiences serve to strengthen personal connections to the animals and their environments. The mission of Mystic Aquarium is to inspire people to care for and protect the ocean planet through conservation, education and research, and introduces approximately 800,000 guests annually to thousands of animals through structured interpretations, specially curated exhibits and hands-on interactions. As a leading research organization, Mystic Aquarium employs a full staff of scientists engaged in projects focused on the conservation and sustainability of our ocean planet.
Reviewed By walkerrussellc - Exeter, United States
Six of us with a Veteran, a Senior, an Adult and three Pre-teens. So clean, friendly and diverse with great exhibits, “hands on” sea creatures and a wonderful blend of “expected and unique” fishes and mammals.
4. Beardsley Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 463 reviews
Reviewed By karemore
My daughter and I enjoyed our first visit to the zoo so much, we decided to come back and bring my husband. We've been to the Bronx Zoo many times, and spent two days at the Columbus Zoo this summer. We love the Beardsley Zoo because of it's manageable size. We feel we can stop and watch the animals longer, as we aren't trying to cover as much ground as we do at the large zoos. For a small, easy to navigate zoo, there is a great deal happening. We have an AZA zoo membership at our local zoo, so we are able to visit reciprocal zoos for free or in some cases half price. Beardsley Zoo has free parking, and free admission with our zoo membership card from NY. We always bring our own food when we go on excursions. We have dietary issues, and we like to save money. We were pleased to discover on our first visit, that the cafe had reasonable prices for a zoo. We brought our own fruit and veggies this time, and treated ourselves to some items from the cafe. There are picnic spots throughout the zoo. My daughter was disappointed in the gift shop this visit. On our previous visit, it was packed full or interesting items, but it was quite bare when we were there before Halloween. We just caught them when they were gearing up for the holiday shop. It didn't stop her from finding an affordable souvenier. We were there the day they set up the scarecrows. They weren't there when we entered, and I had been looking for them. When we came out, they were set up in front of the greenhouse. I thought they were fantastic. We had great encounters with the staff at the zoo, with the exception of the lady at the admission desk. I remember the same thing from our last visit. The volunteers and staff inside the zoo were friendly and informative. We had a great visit with two volunteers near the alligators, and with the woman in the education center. I think what surprised me the most was the new exhibit that had opened since we were there in May. A great deal of work has been taking place in the Barnyard area, they will be getting bears, and the otter enclosure is going to be renovated. There is a lot going on for a small zoo!
5. SeaQuest Trumbull
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 25 reviews
Immerse yourself in a world of discovery as SeaQuest takes you on an adventure through rainforests, deserts and the depths of the seas. With exciting exhibits and activities for families and children of all ages, you’ll be able to get wet with the stingrays, feed the toucans, encounter the caimans, marvel at the sharks, take selfies with the snakes and more. Creating an unforgettable experience for every guest by connecting them with amazing animals from all over the planet.
Reviewed By kazz_p3mum - Wamberal, Australia
The header says it all. Our kids had a ball. The animals are fully interactive and the staff are wonderful. Friendly and helpful and very patient with kids wanting to be apart of it all. Really worth a visit.
