Audubon Nature Institute

The Basics

The Audubon Nature Institute is made up of the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Park and Golf Club, Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Wilderness Park, Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species, the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, and an IMAX theater that shows films about the natural world.

From watching penguins swim to feeding giraffes, there’s a huge amount to see for visitors young and old. Enjoy an authentic Louisiana swamp experience complete with alligators and snapping turtles, and an African savanna habitat adventure with big game, such as elephants and rhinos. Choose between visiting a single attraction or plan a full-day trip to take in multiple sites. Prebook admission tickets to skip the line.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Each attraction charges separately for admission. You can purchase a combo ticket to access multiple locations.

• Children and seniors get discounted admission.

• Upgrade your ticket to get 30-day access to the different sites.

• During the summer, the zoo hosts “Zoo-vie” nights, outdoor showings of popular movies.

• The zoo also offers a “Cool Zoo” water park for children, with splash pad and lazy river.

• Special pre-booked experiences are available at the aquarium, including meeting penguins and snorkeling in the aquarium’s Great Maya Reef.

How to Get There

Audubon Zoo, Butterfly Park, Insectarium, IMAX theater, and Audubon Park and Golf Club are in Uptown New Orleans. The St. Charles streetcar runs along the northern edge of Audubon Park. Aquarium of the Americas, at 1 Canal St. in NOLA’s Central Business District, is accessible on the Canal St. streetcar. Woldenberg Riverfront Park is located east of the aquarium and Wilderness Park at 14001 River Road, along the Mississippi River. Parking is available on-site and nearby.

When to Get There

The main sites are open seven days a week, year-round, excluding major holidays. Opening times vary for the different attractions. The zoo, aquarium, and insectarium can get very busy on weekends and school holidays—book tickets and passes ahead of time to skip the line.

Enjoy a Round of Golf

Audubon Park’s golf course is an 18-hole course designed by Denis Griffiths. It features shaped Bermuda fairways, well-maintained TifEagle greens, and four lagoons. Tee times are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, and the club is open to both members and non-members. Practice your stroke in the putting greens, or drop by the pro shop and clubhouse café.

Ways to explore

There’s a huge amount for visitors, young and old, to experience and discover across the Audubon Nature Institute’s 10 sites, which also comprise green spaces such as the Woldenberg Riverfront Park and Wilderness Park, as well as facilities such as the Audubon Center for Research of Endangered Species.

Education and up-close nature encounters are a common theme, from watching penguins swim to feeding giraffes or enjoying an authentic Louisiana swamp experience complete with alligators and snapping turtles. Choose between visiting a single attraction or planning a full-day trip to take in multiple sites, and prebook admission tickets to guarantee entry.

Accessibility

There is a wide range of accessibility accommodations at the Audubon Nature Institute’s sites, including the Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium.

Age limits

None, although some park areas or experiences may have their own age restrictions.

What to pack

Empty water bottle, sun protection, umbrella, camera

What to wear

Wear loose and comfortable layers and good walking shoes—many attractions are outside.

Not allowed

Outside food and drink, glass bottles, disposable straws, smoking

Amenities

Restrooms, water fountains, food and drink concessions, gift shops

Address

The Audubon Nature Institute comprises 10 different sites that are located across New Orleans. Many sites, including the Audubon Zoo and Audubon Aquarium, are relatively centrally located and easily accessible by car, taxis, or rideshare services. You can reach some via public streetcar or bus routes.

Driving

Some Audubon sites, including the Audubon Zoo, maintain their own parking lots, which makes driving a good option. Others, such as the Audubon Aquarium, do not have their own lots. Research specifics, and use taxis if needed.

Public transportation

Centrally located Audubon sites, including highlights such as the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium, are easily accessed via streetcars and bus routes. Look up specifics for your sites of interest.

Best times to visit

Individual Audubon Nature Institute sites operate their own hours and may have different summer and winter opening policies. Research specifics before your visit.

Best days to visit

As a general rule, you can expect individual Audubon Nature Institute attractions to be busiest on weekends and holidays and quieter on weekdays. Each institution operates its own hours, which you should consult in advance.

Best months to visit

Generally speaking, spring and fall are the best times to visit New Orleans, when temperatures will make outdoor exploring more comfortable.

Special events

The Audubon Nature Institute operates a range of special events throughout the year, and across its sites—research its calendar for more information.