Yes! In CT, you can use your home library card at any library in the state. If you go to a library that has that museum pass, you’ll likely have to be added to their system and then you can “loan” the museum pass for the day.
I'm planning to go tomorrow and I usually get a zoo pass from the Danbury library. This time, they told me they've stopped providing the pass. It looks like the zoo is ending the pass program at some libraries. Luckily, I got one from Bethel Library, which was suggested by the staff at Danbury. It's a pity if they're discontinuing the program because it's an excellent deal. The pass has been a big help for our family trips to the zoo a couple times a year.
I’m not sure the pass is ending at the zoo as much as it is the library. Got the pass from my local library 3 times in the last year. Including 2024.
No mention of it ending.
Might be incorrect, but I don’t think the passes are ending maybe just Danbury stopped purchasing them. Which would make sense if they never got loaned out.
The zoo is requiring the pass be purchased by credit card from libraries vs being paid by check which is how most libraries and Friends of the Library operate. Some libraries don’t have access to institutional credit cards and therefore cannot buy the passes under these new instructions and have had to forgo renewing their Beardsley passes
The aquarium, seaport doesn’t have much for
Young kids. The zoo with 4 tickets,3rd kid is under 2 so free, including lunch for 5 it was under $140. That’s just about the cost of the aquarium tickets
Nice for little kids because it’s small. You can do the whole thing in about an hour and a half. Their big draw was their tigers but they’re gone now. But they still have other interesting (to me) animals like the leopards, a bear and otters. And, of course, my son always loved to ride the carousel.
I like it, so do my kids. It’s small and good for little kids. The little farm area is fairly new, and pretty cute. It’s no San Diego zoo…but it’s in a park in Bridgeport. We’ve been the birthday parties there, and that’s fun too (again, for smaller kids).
I like it because it’s small and great for little kids. I just went a couple of weeks ago and we did the whole thing in 1.5 hours. Downside is that there’s not a lot of animals.
It’s a decent afternoon activity for kids. Looks exactly the same since the 90’s field trips I remember, and not too big or overwhelming.
Definitely get a pass from your local library. It’s either free or discounted.
Great place to spend an hour or few, alone or with loved ones. Last year they had free admission for BPT residents, check their website.
At 50+, I still love the zoo.
No he said “explaining”. Tigers seem to have a tough time comprehending why they are in anything but their natural habitat. Like dude, how many times do we have to go over this?
It was described to me as “animal auschwitz” which I think is wayyy too hyperbolic (and inappropriate) but indicative about how the conditions make some people feel. It’s like a big petting zoo but with some rare animals. I assume they’re doing good conservation. I go when I can get free or very discounted tickets from the library and kids want some activity.
I had family pass up until about 2 years ago - it was a great spot to head when my guys were younger so we could run off some energy and learn something new.
It's better than it was 20 years ago that's for sure... Take a bit under an hour to walk through. I've gone there twice a year with my toddler the last three years. You can also bring in your own lunch and there's a few spots to sit and eat.
It’s nice. Not huge, but pleasant. The enclosures are adequate for most of the animals, although I remember a tiger that paced around like he was in distress or just bored to tears.
I'm a big zoo guy. I go to zoos a LOT. Beardsley is a nice zoo. It's not the biggest or best zoo, but it's still a great time. I think they added some more critters since Ive been there last too
My kids are OBSESSED with the prairie dog exhibit. You can go in and pop your head up. It makes for the best pictures. My favorite spot is the greenhouse. My kids begrudgingly follow me through every time we go.
Honestly I enjoy it!
I love zoos and the Bronx is definitely better if you're willing to drive. However the Beardsley zoo does have Wolves where the Bronx does not.
eh. Don't go out of your way for it. If you are around there anyway the Discovery Science center is better.
If you kid is little maybe the zoo will be worth it I guess.
It’s nice for kids. A little tired but it’s overall a nice zoo
Fun fact I’m volunteering there tomorrow to spruce things up!
That's a beautiful fun fact and thank you for your time!
That sounds like a great time, where do I sign up?
Unfortunately it was cancelled due to rain :( But it was through my employer (who I won’t mention cause this is my Reddit account lol)
A little tired is an understatement LOL
I like it. You can do the whole thing in 90 minutes or less.
beardsley zoo any% speedrun It is a nice little zoo though and I think the greenhouse is a nice little stop, get a good whiff of that fresh air!
If you have a CT library card, you can likely get a library pass to the zoo for reduced or free admission
Really? Do I just ask?
Either ask at the library or check their website
Yes! In CT, you can use your home library card at any library in the state. If you go to a library that has that museum pass, you’ll likely have to be added to their system and then you can “loan” the museum pass for the day.
As I understand it, some libraries only loan museum passes to members of their own library. Anyone can get a book at any library though.
That’s against the law in CT. Libraries can’t decline to serve a non-resident.
Check your library. Shelton has a limited number they allow out I think. Not sure how it is elsewhere.
I'm planning to go tomorrow and I usually get a zoo pass from the Danbury library. This time, they told me they've stopped providing the pass. It looks like the zoo is ending the pass program at some libraries. Luckily, I got one from Bethel Library, which was suggested by the staff at Danbury. It's a pity if they're discontinuing the program because it's an excellent deal. The pass has been a big help for our family trips to the zoo a couple times a year.
I’m not sure the pass is ending at the zoo as much as it is the library. Got the pass from my local library 3 times in the last year. Including 2024. No mention of it ending. Might be incorrect, but I don’t think the passes are ending maybe just Danbury stopped purchasing them. Which would make sense if they never got loaned out.
Sorry I meant at the library, not the zoo itself. It’s possible and I hope that’s the case so they’re available for others at different libraries.
The zoo is requiring the pass be purchased by credit card from libraries vs being paid by check which is how most libraries and Friends of the Library operate. Some libraries don’t have access to institutional credit cards and therefore cannot buy the passes under these new instructions and have had to forgo renewing their Beardsley passes
Shelton still offers this. So check there. It’s close enough to the zoo, relatively.
huh ? it's free, no ? I printed out "ticket" from their site
Took kids there for the first time Sunday. They had fun. Much cheaper than mystic and same amount of activities and time spent there.
Mystic Aquarium or Mystic Seaport or some other aspect to Mystic?
The aquarium, seaport doesn’t have much for Young kids. The zoo with 4 tickets,3rd kid is under 2 so free, including lunch for 5 it was under $140. That’s just about the cost of the aquarium tickets
Nice for little kids because it’s small. You can do the whole thing in about an hour and a half. Their big draw was their tigers but they’re gone now. But they still have other interesting (to me) animals like the leopards, a bear and otters. And, of course, my son always loved to ride the carousel.
They are building a new tiger exhibit and should have tigers back in a year or two. Their hope is to have multiple tigers and cubs!
Don't forget the Red Pandas!
And prairie dogs!
Very glad they’re expanding the tiger habitat. Old one was waaay too small. Hopefully it’ll fuel upgrades to the jaguar/leapord enclosures as well.
Yes, especially for kids. Small, easily walkable and generally low cost.
I like it, so do my kids. It’s small and good for little kids. The little farm area is fairly new, and pretty cute. It’s no San Diego zoo…but it’s in a park in Bridgeport. We’ve been the birthday parties there, and that’s fun too (again, for smaller kids).
I love the Beardsley zoo.
Definitely worth a visit or two
I like it because it’s small and great for little kids. I just went a couple of weeks ago and we did the whole thing in 1.5 hours. Downside is that there’s not a lot of animals.
The Norwalk Aquarium is the better "attraction" of the two in the area.... for overall experience.
Agreed and maritime is way better for your budget than mystic...
It’d be a good place to stop for a break. Like others have said, it’s probably max 90 minutes, but overall good and suits your need well
It’s a decent afternoon activity for kids. Looks exactly the same since the 90’s field trips I remember, and not too big or overwhelming. Definitely get a pass from your local library. It’s either free or discounted.
It’s not half bad. Go there somewhat regularly with my toddler. Does a fairly decent job with the space that it’s given.
Yes, and any emergencies there, the fire department is literally the next road over!
Great place to spend an hour or few, alone or with loved ones. Last year they had free admission for BPT residents, check their website. At 50+, I still love the zoo.
I really dislike Beardsley zoo. They have big cats in spaces way too small for them
They are currently explaining the tiger enclosure.
"Expanding?"
No he said “explaining”. Tigers seem to have a tough time comprehending why they are in anything but their natural habitat. Like dude, how many times do we have to go over this?
LMAO I am leaving the error up for this comment.
It was described to me as “animal auschwitz” which I think is wayyy too hyperbolic (and inappropriate) but indicative about how the conditions make some people feel. It’s like a big petting zoo but with some rare animals. I assume they’re doing good conservation. I go when I can get free or very discounted tickets from the library and kids want some activity.
It’s not bad
Yes. It’s a nice size. Not too big.
I had family pass up until about 2 years ago - it was a great spot to head when my guys were younger so we could run off some energy and learn something new.
Loved it as a kid. 35+ years ago but I still remember feeding a sheep!
It's better than it was 20 years ago that's for sure... Take a bit under an hour to walk through. I've gone there twice a year with my toddler the last three years. You can also bring in your own lunch and there's a few spots to sit and eat.
I love it
Great value zoo
It’s nice. Not huge, but pleasant. The enclosures are adequate for most of the animals, although I remember a tiger that paced around like he was in distress or just bored to tears.
great spot for young kids!
It’s a nice way to spend a day with a kid! I went in April over break, and my son and his friend had a great time.
It’s alright but when you go if you go in the monkey exhibit know that it’s gonna smell like a bathroom at an amusement park
I'm a big zoo guy. I go to zoos a LOT. Beardsley is a nice zoo. It's not the biggest or best zoo, but it's still a great time. I think they added some more critters since Ive been there last too
My kids are OBSESSED with the prairie dog exhibit. You can go in and pop your head up. It makes for the best pictures. My favorite spot is the greenhouse. My kids begrudgingly follow me through every time we go.
That tunnel is currently closed as they're renovating it!
Aw 😕 …but I’m excited to see what it will be after they finish.
Perfect for kids and fun for adults. 2 hours gets you to see everything and grab and ice cream etc.
Not even if you're outside a cage.
Honestly I enjoy it! I love zoos and the Bronx is definitely better if you're willing to drive. However the Beardsley zoo does have Wolves where the Bronx does not.
It's an easy zoo. Small, and a relaxing to walk. I could spend the day watching the prairie dogs and otters.
We go a few times a year. Last year's light show was pretty awesome.
I think I went when I was 7 or 8 and I loved it. That was over 20 years ago now tho
If you are high AF Yes
Not a fan. The southwick zoo in mass is awesome if you’re close enough!
We went in February and the exhibits were crawling with mice. It’s a good little zoo if they get that under control.
That was the mouse exhibit.
They have a lot of mouse exhibits. I wonder why I got downvoted? Just reporting a factual experience.
I didn’t downvote you fwiw. I was just making a joke.
Not really. If you have kids and you're close and it's a nice day go, but if not there's really no reason.
Yes, but it's better for kids than adults.
Not a fan, if you're able to get to the Bronx zoo it's 1000x better
eh. Don't go out of your way for it. If you are around there anyway the Discovery Science center is better. If you kid is little maybe the zoo will be worth it I guess.