The 3 Best Aquariums in Louisiana
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas might be the best aquarium in Louisiana—but it has a bit of competition. Check out these three top aquariums!
Written by Rob Shapiro
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
If you’re searching for an amazing indoor aquarium experience, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is your best bet. With over 3,600 animals from over 250 species including African Penguins, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is the best aquarium in
Louisiana
. Shreveport Aquarium and Alexandria Zoological Park are also well worth visiting!Louisiana residents have the good fortune of not only getting to visit the Audubon, but they also have two other amazing aquariums. You can hunt for gems in the treasure mines of the Shreveport Aquarium or sign up your kid for one of their summer camps. You can also enjoy the diverse array of fish, amphibians, and reptiles at the Alexandria Zoo.
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#1: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Address: 1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Admission cost: Non-Member Adult (Ages 13-64) $33.45, Non-Member Child (Ages 2-12) $26.95, Non-Member Senior (Ages 65+) $26.95
What makes it special:
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
was built on the Mississippi River close to the French Quarter. It has been highly ranked for some time and voted a top-five aquarium in the nation in reader polls conducted by USA Today. When you walk through its doors, you magically enter an underwater paradise influenced by the Caribbean, the Amazon Rainforest, and the Gulf of Mexico.Unless sharks terrify you, make sure you check out
Shark Discovery
. This 13,000-gallon pool is filled with shark and ray species. You can spot these types of sharks and rays:- White-spotted bamboo sharks
- Coral catshark
- Epaulette sharks
- Cownose stingray
- Southern stingray
- Bullnose ray
- Blue-spotted stingray
Get a Backstage Penguin Pass
If your kids love penguins (and who doesn’t?), you can get up close to an endangered African penguin with a Backstage Penguin Pass. This pass gets you inside a private encounter area where an aquarium aviculturist can answer all of your questions
Pro Tip Reserve yourBackstage Penguin Passonline if you’re planning to visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas! It sells out fast.
Visit the zoo and nature center at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Audubon has more than just a fabulous aquarium. It’s also home to a fun zoo and nature center. Both are sure to deliver a memorable day for you and your family.
The Audubon Zoo features the following:
- Education programs
- Hands-on animal encounters
- Unique natural habitats including a swamp and jaguar jungle
- Daily animal presentations
- White alligators
- Highly endangered whooping cranes
Then, there’s a nature center, a beloved community staple with a modern feel and lovely nature trails.
The Nature Center offers these features and activities:
There are a ton of fun things to do and so much to learn at the Audubon. It’s easy to see why this aquarium is so highly regarded.
#2: Shreveport Aquarium
Address: 601 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101
Admission cost: Ages 13+ $15 online/$16 at door, ages 2–12 $12 online/$13 at door, under 2 years old and Members are free!
What makes it special:
The Shreveport Aquarium
lets members and non-members explore a world of underwater wonder and imagination. Here are some of the attractions, exhibits, and activities you should enjoy:- 300 species
- 1,000 animals
- Search for gems and fossils in the treasure mine
- Adopt an animal
- You can hand-feed the rays
- You can actually touch the moon jellies
- Learn all about animal adaptability and survival
The Shreveport Aquarium is also a great place for a child’s birthday or a school trip, and you can even send your kid(s) to a
summer camp
full of fun, wonder, and discovery.Another great program offered by this aquarium is the
Shreveport Aquademy
, a self-guided educational adventure that lets you complete one lesson per visit. Once you complete all four, you will get a cool prize!Pop the question at Shreveport Aquarium
If you’re ready to take that giant leap with the one you love, then consider proposing at the Shreveport Aquarium. A diver in an ocean tank will pop the question to your special someone on your behalf. The aquarium, though, can not guarantee that the answer will be yes.
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#3: Alexandria Zoological Park
Address: 3016 Masonic Dr, Alexandria, LA 71301
Admission cost: Adults and Teens (ages 13–64) $7.50, Child (ages 4–12) $5.50, Senior (ages 65+) $4.50, ages 3 and under are free. FOTAZ Members with Card & ID are free. Train Ride is $3.00.
What makes it special:
The
Alexandria Zoo
is home to a ton of species and a host of environments. Visitors can enjoy watching (and sometimes interacting) with alligator gars, blue tangs, clown anemonefishes, flame angelfishes, and koi.If amphibians are more your thing, be sure to check out the Alexandria Zoo’s collection of American bullfrogs, Australian tree frogs, Oriental fire-bellied toads, and red-eyed tree frogs.
Conservation efforts at Alexandria Zoo
The Alexandria Zoo puts forth many conservation efforts, including but not limited to:
- Global conservation efforts
- Conservation efforts to protect Jaguars
- Conservation efforts to protect the Chilean Flamingos
- Conservation efforts to protect the Giant Anteater
What is the best aquarium in Louisiana?
Now that you’ve had a chance to learn about three popular aquariums in Louisiana, you’re probably wondering,which one is best?
- The Audubon has natural environments that are transporting and engaging. They also feature a 13,000-gallon pool with sharks and rays. This is also the perfect place for penguin lovers.
- If you want a more interactive experience, including self-guided tours, the Shreveport Aquarium might be the one for you. You can feed the rays and touch some moon jellies.
- All three offer great kid’s activities if that’s the main thing you’re looking for.
Overall, the Audubon might have the most to offer visitors.
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FAQs
What is the biggest aquarium in Louisiana?
If you’re looking for the highest number of animals, the Audubon is Louisiana’s biggest aquarium. They house over 10,000 unique creatures!
How long should I plan to stay at Louisiana aquariums?
For the full experience, you need about two to three hours at any aquarium in Louisiana. This will give you a chance to see all of the exhibits.
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