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Visiting Riverside Reptiles

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What are your hours of operation?
Riverside Reptiles Education Center is open Tuesday–Sunday, 10 AM – 4 PM. For holiday hours and updates, visit our Hours & Rates page.

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How much is admission?
General admission is $18 for ages 12 and up, $16 for children ages 3–11, and $16 for seniors, veterans, and educators. See our Hours & Rates page for the latest pricing.

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Do you offer group rates?
Yes! Groups of 15 or more receive discounted admission: $10 for ages 3–11 and $12 for ages 12 and up. Learn more on our Hours & Rates page.

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Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
No advance tickets are needed. All admission is purchased in person at the Admission Desk when you arrive. We accept cash, credit cards, debit cards, & digital wallets like apple pay & google pay. 

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Is parking available?
Yes, we offer free on-site parking for all visitors.

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How long should I plan to spend at Riverside Reptiles?
Most families spend about 1–2 hours exploring our indoor reptile zoo in Connecticut, with additional time often enjoyed at live shows or animal encounters. Your admission is valid for the entire day, so you’re welcome to step out for lunch or explore the area and return later to continue your visit.

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Are food and drinks allowed?
Small snacks and sealed drinks are welcome.

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Family & Kids

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Is Riverside Reptiles stroller- and wheelchair-friendly?
Yes! Our Connecticut reptile zoo is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, with wide walkways indoors and outdoors.

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Do you host school field trips and camp visits?
Absolutely! We welcome school groups, camps, and youth programs. Visit our Field Trip page to learn how to schedule an educational visit.

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Are there activities for young children?
Yes. Our exhibits are engaging for toddlers through teens, and we offer scavenger hunts you can pick up at the Admission Desk or download ahead of time.

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Animals & Experiences

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What animals can I see at Riverside Reptiles?
We showcase over 100 species, including snakes, lizards, turtles, frogs, invertebrates, and freshwater fish. Exhibits rotate regularly — see our current exhibits.

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Do you have live shows or feeding demonstrations?
Yes! On weekends, we host live animal shows — check our show schedule. During the week, staff may bring animals out as available. For guaranteed encounters, please call ahead.

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Can visitors touch or hold reptiles?
Yes, during supervised animal encounters. For a hands-on, memorable adventure, try one of our Reptile Experiences, available for an additional fee.

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Do you sell reptiles or other animals?
We do not sell exhibit or education animals, but our Gift Store sells feeder insects such as dubia roaches, mealworms, and superworms for animal food.

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Can I surrender a pet reptile, amphibian, invertebrate, or large freshwater fish?
Yes.

• Legal pets (reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, or freshwater fish) may be rehomed through our nonprofit surrender form.

• Illegal pets should be reported by emailing us with details and photos. We provide amnesty for surrendered animals.

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Do you feed live rodents to your reptiles?
No. All rodent-eating animals are fed pre-killed, frozen–thawed rodents.

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Parties & Events

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Do you host birthday parties at Riverside Reptiles?
Yes! We offer fun and educational birthday party packages for kids in Connecticut. Learn more on our Parties page.

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Can you bring reptiles to my school, library, or community event?
Yes! Our outreach program brings reptiles to schools, libraries, and events across Connecticut. Choose from our program options, or let us customize one for your curriculum.

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How do I book a party or event?
Reserve by calling (860) 207-9335 x13 or submitting a form on our Contact page.

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Memberships

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What are the benefits of a Riverside Reptiles membership?
Members enjoy unlimited admission for a year, discounts on programs and birthday parties, and early access to special events. Visit our Membership Page for more information.

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How long is a membership valid?
Memberships last one year from the date of purchase. Visit our Membership Page for more information. 

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Can memberships be gifted?
Yes! A membership makes a great gift for families and animal lovers in the Hartford area. Visit our Membership Page for more information

 

Contact

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Still have questions?
📞 Call us: (860) 207-9335
📧 Email us: admin@riversidereptileseducationcenter.com
🌍 Visit us: Riverside Reptiles Education Center Website