Birthday Party Available Times are as follows:
Critter Craft and Animal Encounter package party time blocks: 11:00am-12:30pm, 1:30-3:00pm
Zoo-rific party time blocks: 10:30am-12:30pm, 1:30-3:30pm
See below for our party offerings!

BIRTHDAY PACKAGES

Critter Craft
​Birthday Package

Critter Craft ($350 Member / $375 Non-Member) Admission for party & zoo for up to 30 guests total (does not include children under 1 and immediate family of 3), with being able to pay additionally from 31st-35th persons, access to a party space in the Carousel building for 1.5 hours, coloring based craft, 4 carousel rides per child, a plush toy for the birthday child and 2 large cheese pizzas (pizzas are cut into 12 kid slices), two 2 liter bottles of sodas. Includes plates, napkins, cups, forks, and tablecloths.  ​

Animal Encounter
​Birthday Package

Animal Encounter ($425 Member / $450 Non-Member) Includes admission for up to 30 guests total (does not include children under 1 and immediate family of 3), with being able to pay additionally from 31st-35th persons, access to a party space in the Carousel building for 1.5 hours,  4 carousel rides per child, a plush toy for the birthday child and 2 large cheese pizzas (pizzas are cut into 12 kid slices), two 2-liter bottles of sodas. Party also includes a 20-minute animal encounter. Includes plates, napkins, cups, forks, and tablecloths. ​

Zoo-rific Birthday Package

Zoo-rific ($525 Member / $575 Non-Member)
Combine the best of both packages and have your guests create a Zoo craft AND visit with one of our education animals! Includes admission for up to 40 guests total (does not include children under 1 and immediate family of 3), with being able to pay additionally from 41st-45th persons, access to a party space in the Carousel building for 2 hours,  4 carousel rides per child, a plush toy for the birthday child, 3 large cheese pizzas (pizzas are cut into 12 kid slices), three 2-liter bottles of sodas. Party also includes a 20-minute animal encounter and coloring based craft activity. Includes plates, napkins, cups, forks, and tablecloths. ​

​Virtual Birthday Parties

Get wild with Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo right from your own home with our “Birthday In A Box”!  Our virtual parties include an Animal Encounter with our animal care staff so you can learn all about your favorite animals via ZOOM!
“Call Of The Wild” Craft Box
  • Crafts for up to 10 children
  • Plush gift for the birthday child
  • 20 minute Zoom Animal Encounter at a scheduled time
  • E-vites provided upon request
  • Orange drawstring bag
  • Shipping included
Member Price: $100
Nonmember Price: $125
Not yet a Zoo Member?  
Become a Member and get an immediate discount on your package by paying the discounted member price!
Ready to Book Your Party? 
​Contact our Rental & Events Department at kmcginniss@beardsleyzoo.org or (203) 332-4243
Frequently Asked Questions
  1. What animals are available for the Animal Encounter package?
    At this time, we unfortunately cannot accept animal requests for our Animal Encounter and Zoo-rific packages.  Several factors go into the Educator’s decision as to which animal to bring out, including whether the animal is booked for another program, their behavior, and their stress levels, so we cannot guarantee a specific animal will be shown.
    ​
  2. Can the children hold the animal?
    The Educator is the only person that can hold the animal.

  3. Who provides the birthday cake?
    You will need to bring your own birthday cake (or other dessert) and candles.  We are not able to store your cake ahead of time for your party, so please don’t bring an ice-cream cake or anything that needs to stay cold! Please bring a cake knife with you.

  4. Do you provide invitations?
    We have postcard invitations that we can send you free of charge – please be sure to request them when you book your party.  Just let us know how many you need and we will mail them to you. You will need to fill in your party details and the mailing address of your guests and add postage.  We also have E-Vite’s available that can be e-mailed to you in a PDF.

  5. Do I need to leave a deposit, and if so, how much? What if I need to cancel the party? ​
    The new software system that allows for convenient online booking does not accept deposits at this time. If booking online using the automated system, full payment will be required to secure your party date. If you are unable to secure the entire amount, please give us a call and we can secure a $100 deposit over the phone from you to hold your party date. We do not accept personal checks or cash.  If you need to cancel the party, please reach out to the Rentals and Events Department where we can assist you and offer you additional options. 

  6. In lieu of gifts, I would like to ask guests to make a donation to the Zoo. How do I do that?
    Your guests can make donations via check or credit card by using this link.

  7. What if it rains/snows on my party day?
    Parties are held rain or shine as the reserved party spaces are indoors. However, we want your guests to be safe in your travels, so if you decide it is unsafe to travel and want to reschedule, call the office 3 days in advance and your payment will be good for one year from the date of your original party. If the zoo decides to close due to inclement weather we will contact you and inform you, you then have the option for a refund of the deposit or to reschedule.  
  8. Can I bring balloons, piñatas or other decorations?  What about other foods?
    Balloons and piñatas are not allowed on Zoo property for the safety of the animals. The only decorations you would need, if you desire, are table covers, plates, napkins, etc. or table top centerpieces or a banner-type display that can be hung on the edge of the table. If you would like to bring in food, you may bring in cold finger foods such as veggie/fruit platter, crackers and cheese, chips/dips, grinders/wedges, snacks and similar foods. No hot food, sternos or alcoholic beverages are allowed. Water and juice boxes are fine.

  9. Is there designated parking for the birthday party guests?
    Parking at the Zoo is free for everyone. There is not a designated parking area for birthday party guests, so we suggest arriving early to park. Zoo admission is included for your guests in your package, so they can arrive early, find a place to park, and head to the party in the carousel.

  10. What is the check-in procedure when we arrive?
    When you and your guests arrive, please inform the front gate attendant that you are here for a birthday party.  Please have your guests sign in under the birthday party sheet.  From there, please head to the carousel building for your reserved party space! 
Ready to Book Your Party? 
​Contact our Rental & Events Department at kmcginniss@beardsleyzoo.org or (203) 332-4243
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The Zoo is also available for Private Events & Weddings! 
(To see our other venues, click here).
For more information on rentals and our other venues, please e-mail ldurkee@beardsleyzoo.org  
​203-394-6565
​info@beardsleyzoo.org 
1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06610
Open 9am-4pm daily
​Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is dedicated to acquainting a diverse public to the delicate balance that exists between living things and their environment.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is a 501(c)(3) not for profit owned and operated by the Connecticut Zoological Society.
© 2022 Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo