Beardsley Zoo

If you are in the mood to see some rare and wonderful animals of North and South America, an indoor rain-forest and a rustic New England farmyard, then this zoo is the perfect outing. It is Connecticut's only zoo, with 52 acres along the shore about an hour east from New Haven. If you have the kids tagging along, there is a carousel to enjoy and picnic groves available in good weather. The zoo also has a snack shop, and there are always souvenirs to purchase at the gift shop!