For one special day each summer, teddy bears and favorite plush friends become the patients, children become the caregivers, and Beardsley Zoo comes alive for one of the most beloved family traditions.
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce the return of the annual Teddy Bear Festival on Saturday, July 18, from 10 am to 2pm. This interactive day brings imagination, health and education together for children and their favorite stuffed plush.
The centerpiece of the festival is the Teddy Bear Clinic, hosted in partnership with Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital and sponsored by State of Connecticut on behalf of the CHET 529 College Savings Program. Children are invited to bring their favorite plush companions for gentle pretend medical care, where pediatric specialists provide engaging check-ups and bandaging, and plenty of reassurance that helps make healthcare feel familiar, fun, and nurturing.
“Caring for children means nurturing both their health and their curiosity about the world around them,” said Magna Dias, MD, chair of Pediatrics at the Bridgeport Campus of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. “The Teddy Bear Clinic gives children a playful, interactive introduction to medical care, helping build comfort, empathy and confidence. We’re delighted to partner with Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo for an event that brings families together while inspiring learning and discovery.”
“The Teddy Bear Festival is one of those special traditions that brings families together,” said Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. “Watching children care for their stuffed plush companions while learning about wellness, compassion and the natural world creates memories that last long after the day is over. Whether it's a visit to the Teddy Bear Clinic or exploring the Zoo together, it's definitely a day families look forward to year after year.”
In addition to the clinic, the festival will include activities and educational opportunities around grounds. Families can enjoy outdoor exploration, learning more about wildlife care and the importance of conservation through interactive fun.
Admission to the festival is included with regular Zoo entry, and advance ticket purchases are encouraged to ensure a full day of adventure, learning, and unforgettable encounters.
For more information and tickets, please visit www.beardsleyzoo.org.
About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating 102 years, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Red Pandas, Andean bears, Maned Wolves, Mexican Gray Wolves, and American Red Wolves. Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, and a new prairie dog exhibit that we’ll cut the ribbon on soon! As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org.
