Connecticut's Summer at the Museum Program started Thursday, which offers free admission to children at over 90 museums, aquariums and other attractions.

Through July and August, the state of Connecticut is footing the bill for children at Beardsley Zoo and other attractions. The program was paid for with federal pandemic recovery funds.

Parents say they're relieved to have something to get out and do, while kids were excited to take a walk on the wild side.

Zoo staff say educational fun is in high demand.

Connecticut's Summer at the Museum program continues through Labor Day weekend and includes 40 attractions across Fairfield, Litchfield and New Haven counties alone.