Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo Promo Codes & Coupons May 2026

Getting everyone out the door and to the zoo is half the battle. Thankfully, the parking situation here gives your wallet a break. Parking is free.[1] The main lot fills up fast on weekends, so aim to arrive right when the gates open at 9:00 AM. If mornings are too chaotic, showing up around 1:00 PM usually means you can grab a spot as the early crowds head home for naps.

Once you are past the gates, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding food and getting around. Planning ahead saves you from paying park markups on basic necessities.

• Packing your own lunch is one of the easiest ways to cut costs. You can bring coolers and your own snacks right inside.[1] Just remember that food is not permitted in any of the indoor exhibits.[1] You will need to eat at the outdoor Picnic Grove.
• If you end up buying food from the Peacock Café, keep an eye on the time. The grill shuts down at 3:30 PM, which is a half hour before the rest of the building closes.[1]
• The zoo covers 52 acres and requires a lot of walking.[2] They do not rent out pedal carts or run tram tours, so wear comfortable shoes. The paths are paved and very stroller-friendly, making it easy to navigate with little ones in tow.
• Bringing your own stroller is a good idea, but renting one is relatively cheap if you forget yours. Single strollers run $7 and doubles cost $9.[1] They operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so grab one early before they run out.[1]
• For anyone needing mobility help, manual wheelchairs are free to use if you leave your driver's license as a deposit.[1] Motorized scooters cost $30 for a three-hour block.[1]

Weekdays are always going to be your best bet to beat the crowds. Spring and fall offer cooler weather, which usually means the animals are much more active and easier to spot than they are during the humid summer months.

Paying full price at the gate is tough when you are buying tickets for a whole family. General admission is $20 for adults and $16 for kids ages 2 to 11.[3] The zoo really pushes visitors to buy digital tickets online before arriving.[3] Doing that saves time at the entrance, but it might actually stop you from getting the best price.

Some of the deepest discounts require an in-person transaction. Here is what to look out for before you pull out your credit card.

• Stop by your local Connecticut library before your trip. Checking out a museum pass drops the admission price to just $10 per person for up to six people.[3] You have to show the physical pass at the ticket window to get this deal.[3]
• Families with an active EBT card also get that same $10 rate for up to six guests.[3] Just present your card and a photo ID at the front gate.[3]
• Military members get a nice break here. Active-duty personnel get in for free.[4] If you bring your family, up to six guests will get 20% off their admission.[4] Veterans receive a 15% discount for up to six people.[4]
• College students usually get left out of formal zoo discounts, but there is a workaround. Typing the promo code CATCH into the online checkout box usually takes 10% off your total order.[5] Keep in mind that the ticketing system only accepts one digital code per transaction.[5]
• If you have a membership to the Connecticut Science Center, check their reciprocal calendar. They often offer free entry to Beardsley Zoo during specific promotional months.[6] This is a great way to stretch an existing membership.
• AARP members can show their card at the window to take 15% off general admission for up to four people.[7]
• If you live right in town, look into the Cool Blue Bridgeport program. Residents often get free admission on Saturdays, though you do have to register online with the code COOLBLUE and show proof of residency at the gate.[8]