Tucked away in Uptown New Orleans, Audubon Zoo offers visitors of all ages an opportunity to see a menagerie of animals in their natural habitat. Expect to see typical zoo animals like elephants and bears and some Louisiana favorites like the alligator and nutria. Over two dozen attractions and exhibits await visitors to this expansive wildlife oasis that also hosts numerous festivals and special events year-round.
Best and worst time to go to Audubon Zoo
A favorite destination for visitors and locals alike, to get the best Audubon experience visit on weekday afternoons when crowds are thinner. Avoid going to the zoo during peak school field trip times, typically weekday mornings October through May.
Must see/do at Audubon Zoo
Learn about Cajun culture and see a live alligator feeding at the hugely popular Louisiana Swamp Exhibit. Head over to Cool Zoo splash park, the perfect place to chill during the "so- hot- I -could- fry- an-egg- on- the- sidewalk" days in the Big Easy. Make sure you hop aboard the Swamp Train for a behind the scenes narrated tour that winds through the zoo, stopping at three locations to disperse and retrieve passengers.
Admission to Audubon Zoo
You can expect to pay about $20 for general admissions to the zoo with discounts for seniors and children. Some attractions, like the Cool Zoo, Swamp Train and Dinosaur World, require additional fees. For about $15 you can purchase a POP (Pay one Price) Wristband, that allows unlimited admission to all of the paid attractions.
Parking at Audubon Zoo
The zoo offers ample free parking and can usually accommodate the normal flow of visitors during daily operations. During major events, if the paved lot is full, visitors are usually directed to park on several grassy spots on the property. There is also plenty of street parking available in front of the zoo on Magazine Street.
Public Transportation to Audubon Zoo
The zoo is easily accessible by taking the historic St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, where you can enjoy a breathtaking tour of the beautiful mansions along the route. In addition, three buses provide service to the zoo. Both the streetcar and bus stops are within a comfortable walking distance to the main entrance.
Food at Audubon Zoo
There's no shortage of food at the Audubon Zoo including several concession stands, quick snack options and three cafes sprinkled throughout the property. You'll pay about $5 for a snack and for about $10, you can have a decent lunch. Sit outside on the wooden deck overlooking the swamp at the Cypress Knee Cafe, located in the Louisiana Swamp area, and enjoy New Orleans-style cuisine or classic, kid-friendly favorites like burgers, hot dogs and fries. Be sure to stop by the Roman Candy wagon, a New Orleans gooey, taffy tradition since 1915.
Insider tip for visitors to the Audubon Zoo
If you're visiting during Mother's Day, the "Soul Queen of New Orleans", Grammy winner Irma Thomas, hosts an annual Mother's Day extravaganza, with good food, good music and free admissions for all mothers.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner writes from New Orleans and frequently visits the zoo with her adorable son, Tyler.
Boldly standing out along New Orleans' riverfront is the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, with its aqua-colored glass and circular, angled roof. Opened in 1990, the Audubon Aquarium is at the intersection of Canal Street and the Mississippi River on the western edge of the historic French Quarter. Perfect for the time-crunched explorer, traveling family and longtime local alike, the Audubon Aquarium features a Mayan-themed Caribbean reef and tunnel, a huge Gulf of Mexico tank, Mississippi River and Amazon exhibits, and a free-flying parakeet habitat.
When to visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
The Audubon Aquarium is a great destination to escape the heat of the New Orleans summer (July, August and September) or the spring rain (March, April and May). Just remember to check the festival calendar, because when huge crowds come to town, the aquarium can get crowded (Carnival is February or March, French Quarter Fest is early April, JazzFest is the last weekend in April and first weekend in May).
What to see and do at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Upon entering the Audubon Aquarium, visitors walk through a tunnel beneath the Caribbean reef, with stingrays, angelfish, snapper and lobsters living amongst ruins of an ancient Mayan city. The aquarium now offers a dive and snorkeling experience in the Great Maya Reef tank. Other exhibits include the Mississippi River (with owls and hawks), the Amazon Rain Forest (with colorful macaws), penguin and otter habitats, and a large collection of seahorses. Near the food courts, visitors may venture into Parakeet Pointe (where parakeets may explore pockets and handbags). The last exhibit highlights the Gulf of Mexico. The 400,000-gallon tank is set at the base of an abandoned oil rig and features schooling fish, sharks and a giant sea turtle.
Admission to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adult admission is $24 to $27, with a child's ticket between $15 and $20. Senior admission is just under $20. For just over $40 for adults (under $30 for children and seniors), visitors can receive tickets to the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy IMAX Theatre and Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium. The Audubon Institute maintains a discounts webpage.
Parking at Aquarium of the Americas
The Audubon Aquarium validates parking at several street lots and parking decks near where Canal Street meets the Mississippi River. These lots are well marked with the aquarium logo. The aquarium is also an easy walk anywhere from the French Quarter to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Public transportation for the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Ride one of New Orleans' historic streetcars to the Audubon Aquarium. The Canal Streetcar line terminates near the aquarium, and the Riverfront line passes just steps from the entrance. Staying Uptown? Take the St. Charles Streetcar to Canal Street and go from there.
Food at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
The Aquarium of the Americas offers a decent range of foods and treats, including sandwiches, ice cream and pizza. Plan to reasonably spend $5 to $15 per person for lunch, and look out for deals. Don't be afraid to go for pizza. It's hot, fresh and simple.
Insider tips for visitors to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
After visiting the Aquarium of the Americas, grab your shrimp boots and cool off at a new kid-friendly 90-foot fountain just outside in Woldenberg Park. Hungry after visiting the aquarium? Don't forget to visit the nearby Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium. Not only can you see and touch many insects, some are on the menu.
Author's bio: Frank McCormack is a freelance writer and photographer, family chef, aspiring Italian and fair weather sailor living in New Orleans, La.