There’s something so unique about animal encounters that makes all animal lovers feel in awe of their presence. All of these places not only have a passion for wildlife, but also have an environmental mission to serve the community by providing interesting programs to learn more about their animals and nature.
There are many other educational places in New Orleans for your children to learn while having fun, including the city’s unique museums with kid-friendly programs that your whole family will enjoy.
So, if your little ones feel as fond of animals as we, or you’re just planning a special family getaway, you definitely should check out this next ultimate guide!
Here we’ve gathered these amazing places to visit animals like zoos and aquariums in New Orleans, and more for you and the family to have a fun day of exploring!
Top Zoos and Aquariums in New Orleans, Louisiana
1
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
Bald Eagles, Guinea Pigs, Barred Owls, and even Bobcats await visitors to come to see them! This fantastic zoo in New Orleans also offers different programs for kids, such as seasonal camps, field trips, and safari nights! It can also be a great place to go when looking for an aquarium in New Orleans. There are unique fish species like Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Siren, and more!2
Audubon Aquarium
The rare species (over 3600) at Audubon Aquarium are not to be missed! Lionfish, Cownose Ray, the White Alligator, and more! Kids can dive in for the Maya Snorkel or put on the headsets to swim with sharks in Virtual Reality. This New Orleans aquarium also offers summer camps for kids.3
Audubon Insectarium
This is another fabulous destination for kids visiting a zoo in New Orleans, Louisiana. Insects are unique and interesting creatures, and there are only so many of them at Audubon Insectarium! Don’t miss the beautiful blue of Everglades Crawfish, the Butterfly Garden, and Honey Bee’s live colony to see how these pollinators work.4
Audubon Park
If parents are looking for zoos in New Orleans, as well as aquariums in New Orleans, Audubon Park is the perfect place. You’ll get to see many animals, but above all, birds! Species like Snowy Egrets, Yellow-crowned Night Herons, Double-crested Cormorants, and many more wild birds made their homes at this park.5
Audubon Zoo
This is one of the most unique zoos in New Orleans. From Amur Leopards to endangered Sumatran orangutans, Caribbean Flamingos, and Asian Elephants, all of the wild animals at Audubon Zoo have unique features that make them special, so don’t miss the chance to see them! While you’re here, you can also visit another of the greatest aquariums in New Orleans, the Audubon Aquarium.6
Global Wildlife Center
This Folsom preserve is home to more than 2,000 endangered and exotic species, including Zebras, Giraffes, Red Kangaroos, Bactrian Camels, American Bison, and more! Enjoy encounters with some of these big creatures, and safari parties! Although it is not an actual zoo, we can also put it on the list of the best zoos in New Orleans for the variety of animals it has.7
Blue Zoo Baton Rouge
Get up close and personal with animals at this interactive aquarium in New Orleans, including the Stingray Encounter and the Dive Experience in the Shark Tank. Don’t miss the fun animal feedings! Blue Zoo also offers one-on-one reptile encounters during day camps.8
Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge
In this refuge’s wildlife habitats (like canals, lagoons, and bayous), you’ll find many species of birds, crabs, catfish, and other incredible animals, including alligators! You can enjoy a self-guided tour and hiking, and the kids will love to go waterfowl hunting. This is definitely a great place to visit if you are looking for zoos and aquariums in New Orleans, Louisiana.9
Audubon Wilderness Park
There are only so many animals and insects in this natural green space! Snakes, lizards, armadillos, raccoons, hummingbirds, and more! It’s a wonderful place not only to see animals but also to spend some time outdoors and breathe fresh air surrounded by plants.10
Tour Big Easy
These wildlife tours are incredible for seeing animals, enjoying a zip line, and taking a unique ride on one of the boats. You’ll see snakes, raccoons, waterfowl, alligators, raccoons, whitetail deer, and snakes. Kids may even get to feed one of the baby alligators and other aquatic animals you might see in a New Orleans aquarium!11
Barataria Preserve
Barataria Preserve is pretty much a zoo in New Orleans. Although it is a preserve, the vast variety of animals makes it a perfect place to go with the family. Turtles, snakes, and alligators are just a few of the animals you can see swimming through the waterways. There are also over 200 species of birds in this preserve! It offers field trips and special programs for children, including Girls & Boys Scouts.12
Kliebert & Sons Gator Tours
This farm has welcomed families to enjoy some quality time outdoors surrounded by beautiful animals to pet and take pictures with! Meet the parrots, kangaroos, anacondas and of course the alligators. Kids love feeding the friendly turtles!Visiting animals is such a cool part of being a kid. They get to be amazed by their very presence, and at a young age they can start learning about their care, habitat, and other topics related to our planet. But the whole family can also have a great time at some of the best zoos in New Orleans or aquariums in New Orleans! There is no age limit to see beautiful fish, alligators, tigers and other unique species.
Luckily, there are plenty of places to visit and fun things to do with the little ones in New Orleans. Just pick a sunny day, don’t forget the sunscreen, and admire the beauty of Mother Nature!
