No place in New Orleans is better for making a splash in student learning than the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium. Home to more than 3,600 animals from waters near and far, the aquarium transports visitors around the globe with immersive exhibits and hands-on activities.
Four aquatic exhibit zones invite visitors to meet animals from right here in the Louisiana bayou to the far-away tropics of the Amazon and beyond. Discover life in the Gulf through exhibits showcasing aquatic biodiversity, with up-close looks at sea turtles, sharks, and whole schools of fish. Learn the importance of marine conservation through the Gulf Coral exhibit with vibrant educational displays. Plunge below the water through the undersea tunnel as it takes visitors under fish and rays as they swim on by.
Student Field Trips
Students gain an interactive education with nature at the Audubon Aquarium through their K-12 field trip opportunities. With discounted school group rates and support during the planning process, the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium invites students to explore all the hands-on learning experiences found throughout.
The aquarium connects students directly to nature through its penguin meet-and-greets. Explore the beauty of the local bayou with their highlighted exhibit on the great white alligator. Dive into a virtual reality pond with their Undersea Explorer VR activity — students can encounter humpback whales and tiger sharks from the safety of the VR pods. Get hands-on with their 13,000-gallon touch pool full of friendly sharks and rays. For a quiet break, head outside to unwind on their splash pads.
Insectarium Experience
Admission to the aquarium also includes admission to the Insectarium, with up-close encounters with over 50 exhibits featuring crawling and flying insects from around the world. Vibrant exhibit halls feature facts, history, and up-close photography showcasing the most fascinating and important insects found on Earth. Hungry for more than history? Sample edible insect cuisine at their Bug Appétit. Finish your exploration outside, overlooking the Mississippi River at their stunning butterfly garden, as you learn about the natural history of the colorful insects that surround you.
Audubon supports educators with additional resources to round out an aquarium trip. These resources include teacher guides, activity sheets, and student-friendly websites for continued learning. Petit Pierre and the Floating Marsh is a perfect in-class activity — structured around the book of the same name — for post-trip reflection. By connecting students to the importance of Louisiana wetlands, the activities help reinforce the book’s lessons. For more insect-based learning, they recommend checking out their website.
A two-for-one with aquatic and insect adventures will have students exploring the world of animals and bugs all day long. Fantastical histories and interesting facts provide the foundation for immersive learning experiences in their many exhibit halls. Up-close, hands-on opportunities with marine life and insects across the animal kingdom make this a must-see field trip for Louisiana students.
