Animals

Audubon Birdcraft Museum Listen to the music in the songbird sanctuary; view original dioramas used by Connecticut's Audubon founder Mabel Osgood; learn how birds are documented, banded and researched. 314 Unquowa Rd., Fairfield, CT; +1 203 259 0416. Fee.

Connecticut Beardsley Zoo Meet Nick and Nora, the zoo's spectacled bears; pop your head up at the prairie dog tunnel; debunk some animal myths with the help of a guide; go on a scavenger hunt to keep track of which animals you see. 1875 Noble Ave., Bridgeport, CT; +1 203 394 6565. Fee.

Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk Snag a look at the slip-sliding river otters, rub the belly of a horseshoe crab, watch the sand tiger sharks glide past, gaze at the glowing jellyfish. 10 North Water St., Norwalk, CT; +1 203 852 0700. Fee.

Mystic Aquarium Sing to the aquarium's Beluga whales (or sign up to swim with them); notice the beautiful and deadly creatures in the venomous fish exhibit; waddle alongside the African penguins. 55 Coogan Blvd., Mystic, CT; 800 572 5969. Fee.