Teddy Bear Festival returns to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on July 18

Teddy Bear Festival at the Connecticut's Beardsley Zoon in July 2026

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo will host its annual Teddy Bear Festival on Saturday, July 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The interactive event focuses on childhood imagination, health, and education. Guests are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animals and plush toys to the zoo grounds for the day.

The primary feature of the event is the Teddy Bear Clinic, which is operated in partnership with Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. The clinic receives sponsorship from the State of Connecticut on behalf of the CHET 529 College Savings Program. Pediatric specialists will be on-site to perform mock medical check-ups and apply bandages to the stuffed animals.

The program aims to give children a playful introduction to healthcare to build familiarity and confidence regarding medical visits. Magna Dias, MD, chair of pediatrics at the Bridgeport Campus of Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital, stated that the clinic provides an interactive introduction to medical care that helps build comfort, empathy, and confidence.

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Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, noted that the tradition allows children to care for their companions while learning about wellness, compassion, and the natural world. In addition to the clinic, the zoo will host various educational activities across the property. These stations will focus on wildlife care and environmental conservation topics.

Admission to the festival activities is included with standard zoo entry tickets. The organization encourages visitors to purchase their tickets in advance online. Additional information regarding scheduling and ticketing can be found on the official zoo website.

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Teddy Bear Festival returns to Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo on July 18