Creature Features of I-95
last updated: November 2026
There's nothing like an animal to stir a kid's interest, and if they're big and maybe a little menacing, well, that's okay, too. Just off I-95, Connecticut offers three such experiences, not only for kids but for their parents as well. And, by the way, not all of the creatures are beastly. Some are downright friendly.
Maritime Aquarium, South Norwalk
It's not every day you can look a shark in the eye or spend time with a harbor seal - or observe river otters, rays, sea turtles, and jellyfish. You can even get cute with meerkats. And don't forget the aquarium's IMAX movies!
Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport
Get up close and personal with Connecticut’s first-ever born Red Panda, Pabu! Visit more than 300 species of animals from around the globe, including Amur Leopards, Andean bears, maned wolves, Mexican wolves, American wolves, and even Giant Anteaters! In the South American Rainforest, you’ll enjoy exotic reptiles and alligators and the antics of black-handed spider monkeys.
Mystic Aquarium, Mystic
A little further up the coast in Mystic, discover a one-acre beluga whale habitat, an enormously entertaining gang of 25 African penguins and endangered Stellar sea lions too! There are up-close animal encounters and even an Undersea Explorer Virtual Reality experience!
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