Love the furry, feathered, or scaly? There are plenty of great animal attractions in Connecticut. These spots provide family-friendly fun that’s great for animal lovers of all ages. Some feature wild animals in their natural habitats, others let you get up close and personal. If you’re looking for a fun day trip in Connecticut, here are nine fun adventures for animal lovers in Connecticut. Best of all, many of these attractions are free!
- UConn Animal Barns - Storrs
UConn Animal Barns Many of the University of Connecticut’s animal barns are open to the public. A trip here provides a fascinating look into a working farm where you can see horses, sheep, and cows. There’s a milking room where you can see the robotic milker in action. Finish up your tour with a stop at the UConn Dairy Bar for a tasty frozen treat. For more information, check out the UConn Animal Barns visitor information page. UConn Department of Animal Science, 17 Manter Rd, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
- Ansonia Nature Center - Ansonia
Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center/Facebook The Ansonia Nature Center is a preserve that features miles of trails through woods, fields, gardens, and marshes. With so many varied habitats, you’re likely to see all kinds of critters out in the wild! There are so many kid-friendly hikes here to enjoy here. Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Rd, Ansonia, CT 06401, USA
- White Memorial Conservation Center - Litchfield
White Memorial Conservation Center We’ve featured the White Memorial Conservation Center before. The marshlands there are home to many species, ranging from beavers to insects. The center also frequently hosts demonstrations like owl demonstrations and insect identification classes. White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, USA
- The Connecticut Audubon Society - Deer Pond Farm
Jennifer Minutillo/Google Maps The Connecticut Audubon Society has several bird sanctuaries throughout Connecticut. Their Deer Pond Farm center offers bird-watching hikes that are great opportunities to spot a feathered friend. Check out their website for more information. Connecticut Audubon - Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary, 57 Wakeman Hill Rd, Sherman, CT 06784, USA
- Ray of Light Farm - East Haddam
Ms. Fran/Google Maps Ray of Light Farm is a free attraction where you can see horses, goats, sheep, and even a zedonk! The farm offers a variety of programs, like Guinea Pig Cuddles and Sheep and Goat Feeding. There’s so much to do here, especially for children that love animals! Ray of Light Farm Inc, 232 Town St, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
- Mew Haven Cat Cafe - New Haven
Mew Haven Cat Cafe/Facebook Looking for a purrfect spot to cuddle kitties while sipping coffee? Mew Haven Cat Cafe is right up your alley! The cafe acts as a temporary home for cats who are available for adoption from local rescues. Mew Haven Cat Cafe, 904 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515, USA
- Mystic Aquarium - Mystic
Mystic Aquarium Mystic Aquarium is a world-renowned facility with indoor and outdoor attractions. They’ve got sharks and rays, beluga whales, and even penguins. Check out their roster on their website. Mystic Aquarium, Stonington, CT 06355, USA
- Beardsley Zoo - Bridgeport
Beardsley Zoo Beardsley Zoo boasts over 300 animal residents! They’ve got all kinds of cool species from all over the globe. Koalas, red pandas, maned wolves, tigers, and more call this place home. Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA
- Action Wildlife - Goshen
Action Wildlife Foundation Want something a little more unique? Check out the drive-thru safari at Action Wildlife! This places houses over 350 animals and even has a petting zoo. Action Wildlife, 337 Torrington Rd, Goshen, CT 06756, USA
This is just a small sampling of the zoos, wildlife refuges, and animal sanctuaries in Connecticut. Did we miss your favorite? Share it in the comments!
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Love the furry, feathered, or scaly? There are plenty of great animal attractions in Connecticut. These spots provide family-friendly fun that’s great for animal lovers of all ages. Some feature wild animals in their natural habitats, others let you get up close and personal. If you’re looking for a fun day trip in Connecticut, here are nine fun adventures for animal lovers in Connecticut. Best of all, many of these attractions are free!
UConn Animal Barns
Many of the University of Connecticut’s animal barns are open to the public. A trip here provides a fascinating look into a working farm where you can see horses, sheep, and cows. There’s a milking room where you can see the robotic milker in action. Finish up your tour with a stop at the UConn Dairy Bar for a tasty frozen treat. For more information, check out the UConn Animal Barns visitor information page.
UConn Department of Animal Science, 17 Manter Rd, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center/Facebook
The Ansonia Nature Center is a preserve that features miles of trails through woods, fields, gardens, and marshes. With so many varied habitats, you’re likely to see all kinds of critters out in the wild! There are so many kid-friendly hikes here to enjoy here.
Ansonia Nature & Recreation Center, 10 Deerfield Rd, Ansonia, CT 06401, USA
White Memorial Conservation Center
We’ve featured the White Memorial Conservation Center before. The marshlands there are home to many species, ranging from beavers to insects. The center also frequently hosts demonstrations like owl demonstrations and insect identification classes.
White Memorial Conservation Center, 80 Whitehall Rd, Litchfield, CT 06759, USA
Jennifer Minutillo/Google Maps
The Connecticut Audubon Society has several bird sanctuaries throughout Connecticut. Their Deer Pond Farm center offers bird-watching hikes that are great opportunities to spot a feathered friend. Check out their website for more information.
Connecticut Audubon - Deer Pond Farm Sanctuary, 57 Wakeman Hill Rd, Sherman, CT 06784, USA
Ms. Fran/Google Maps
Ray of Light Farm is a free attraction where you can see horses, goats, sheep, and even a zedonk! The farm offers a variety of programs, like Guinea Pig Cuddles and Sheep and Goat Feeding. There’s so much to do here, especially for children that love animals!
Ray of Light Farm Inc, 232 Town St, East Haddam, CT 06423, USA
Mew Haven Cat Cafe/Facebook
Looking for a purrfect spot to cuddle kitties while sipping coffee? Mew Haven Cat Cafe is right up your alley! The cafe acts as a temporary home for cats who are available for adoption from local rescues.
Mew Haven Cat Cafe, 904 Whalley Ave, New Haven, CT 06515, USA
Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is a world-renowned facility with indoor and outdoor attractions. They’ve got sharks and rays, beluga whales, and even penguins. Check out their roster on their website.
Mystic Aquarium, Stonington, CT 06355, USA
Beardsley Zoo
Beardsley Zoo boasts over 300 animal residents! They’ve got all kinds of cool species from all over the globe. Koalas, red pandas, maned wolves, tigers, and more call this place home.
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06610, USA
Action Wildlife Foundation
Want something a little more unique? Check out the drive-thru safari at Action Wildlife! This places houses over 350 animals and even has a petting zoo.
Action Wildlife, 337 Torrington Rd, Goshen, CT 06756, USA
This is just a small sampling of the zoos, wildlife refuges, and animal sanctuaries in Connecticut. Did we miss your favorite? Share it in the comments!
