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 where your children can 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 are as animal-loving as we are, or you’re just planning a special family getaway, be sure to check out this next ultimate guide!
We’ve gathered these amazing places to visit animals, like zoos and aquariums in New Orleans and more, so you and the family can have a fun day of exploring!
Best Zoos and Aquariums in New Orleans
1
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
Want to visit a really cool zoo in New Orleans? Come to the BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo. There are Bald Eagles, Guinea Pigs, Barred Owls, and even Bobcats awaiting visitors to come to see them! Kids can enroll in different programs such as seasonal camps, field trips, and safari nights! Additionally, it's home to a fantastic aquarium featuring unique fish species like bluegill, channel catfish, sirens, and many more aquatic species.2
Audubon Aquarium
There's no better aquarium in New Orleans than the Audubon! See rare species like the lionfish, cownose ray, white alligator and more! Kids can dive in the Maya Snorkel or strap 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 so many of them at the Audubon Insectarium! Don't miss the beautiful blue of the Everglades crayfish, the butterfly garden, and the live honey bee colony to see how these pollinators work.4
Audubon Park
Audubon Park is the perfect place for kids to see all kinds of animals, especially birds! You can see snowy egrets, yellow-crowned night herons, double-crested cormorants, and many other wild birds that call this park home. Be sure to keep this in mind when looking for zoos in New Orleans, as well as aquariums in New Orleans!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 characteristics that make them special, so don't miss the chance to see them! While you are here, you can also do another visit to 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, you can visit it if you have already checked out all the other zoos in New Orleans, Louisiana.7
Blue Zoo Baton Rouge
Kids can 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
The refuge's wildlife habitats (such as canals, lagoons, and bayous) are home to many species of birds, crabs, catfish, and other incredible animals, including alligators! Kids will enjoy a self-guided tour and hike, as well as waterfowl hunting. This is definitely a great place to visit if you are looking for similar options to the zoos and aquariums in New Orleans.9
Audubon Wilderness Park
There are so many animals and insects in this natural green space! Snakes, lizards, armadillos, raccoons, hummingbirds, and more! Not only is it a great place to see animals, it's also a great place to spend some time outdoors and breathe fresh air surrounded by plants.10
Tour Big Easy
These wildlife tours are incredible to see animals, enjoy a zip line and take a unique ride on one of the boats. You'll see snakes, raccoons, waterfowl, alligators, raccoons, whitetail deer and snakes. Kids can even feed one of the baby alligators and other aquatic animals, so you'll feel like you're in a New Orleans aquarium!11
Barataria Preserve
Although it can have its differences from a typical zoo or aquarium in New Orleans, it is an excellent place to take the kids to see animals. Turtles, snakes, and alligators are just a few of the animals you can see swimming through the waterways, and there are also over 200 species of birds! The preserve offers field trips and special programs for children, including those for Girl Scouts and Boy 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 will feel like they're exploring a New Orleans zoo as they engage in the fun experience of feeding turtles, all in a friendly and family-oriented environment!Visiting animals is such a cool part of being a kid. Children are often amazed by their very presence, and at a young age, they can begin to learn about their care, habitats, and other topics related to protecting our planet and other species.
But kids are not the only ones who can have a great time at some of the best zoos and aquariums in New Orleans! There is no age limit to enjoying the beauty of fish, alligators, tigers, and other unique species, making it a perfect plan for the whole family.
In addition to the excitement of seeing animals, these experiences foster a sense of wonder and curiosity about nature. Kids can participate in interactive exhibits, summer camps, and other activities that promote learning and conservation.
Whether exploring the lush surroundings of a zoo or marveling at the vibrant life in an aquarium, there are plenty of exciting things to do in New Orleans. It’s a new opportunity for every family to create lasting memories!
