The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

As if the Audubon Zoo wasn’t amazing enough, we also received passes to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. The building is air conditioned and a great escape from the heat of New Orleans.

There are more than just fish in the Audubon Aquarium including hawks and owls! I would have never known this building fell victim to Hurricane Katrina.

I just love Stingray’s and couldn’t resist sharing this photo since he was smiling for the camera.

There are, of course, tons of fish in the Aquarium. Fish from all around the world!

They even have a large Jellyfish display with information on these magnificent creatures. I think they are incredibly beautiful even though the sting like the dickens if you get too close.

I couldn’t imagine being this close to a shark without that glass in between us, could you?! They are fascinating creatures but still scary. Just look at those teeth!!

Then you have cuties like this big sea turtle. It kind of reminds me of Finding Nemo, what do you think?

The Audubon Aquarium has an abundance of aquatic creatures, including starfish.

… and Seahorsies!

And then you have my favorite creatures - the African Penguins! I was sad that the inside of the glass was so foggy. I couldn’t get really good shots so you should go see them in person (wink, wink). Totally worth it.

Especially if you happen to be there around feeding time (10:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.). You can even get backstage Penguin Passes to be up close and personal with these little cuties.

There is a huge catfish that swims up to the glass if you sit down. Total photo opp you wont want to miss. Sadly we couldn’t get the camera to focus and we were running out of time - the Aquarium closes at 5 p.m. It is open 7 days a week though, so that’s a huge bonus.

I just had to circle back around to find more stingray’s. I don’t know what it is about them but I am fascinated.

I even got to touch some!!! They feel like wet leather, but so soft and squishy. Don’t worry though - stingray’s don’t have teeth and these guys have their barbs trimmed so they aren’t stinging anyone.

There are lots of neat displays all around the Aquarium. I really liked this diver’s suit. Speaking of diving, did you know you can go snorkeling or scuba diving at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas?!

Yup - you can get up close and personal with the creatures of the Great Maya Reef with the Maya Dive Experience.

The Aquarium has so many interactive exhibits and educational tools all around. It’s definitely a wonderful place to bring the entire family. When you’re hungry there’s plenty of options to choose from including Papa Johns, Haagen Dazs and the Aqua Grill.