The Audubon Nature Institute isn’t just another non-profit organization or attraction in the city of New Orleans, it is ranked top in the nation. It is also part of our History, our Lives, and our Soul. Audubon is committed to “Celebrating the Wonders of Nature”. The possibilities of what you can learn and experience at Audubon are endless. Conservation, wildlife, animals, education, new births of disappearing species, fun, interaction, parties, festivals, aquatics, green catering, interesting facts, and much more.
Membership packages are available for all ages and stages, accommodating everyone on your list, and saving you money in the process. “…Our success is measured in such tangibiles as visitor attendance, the births of disappearing wildlife, the substantial economic impact on our community, and the smiles on the faces of the children who visit us all year long.” Here are my 13 reasons I think a Audubon Nature Membership is a smart choice for all New Orleans families.
This post is sponsored by the Audubon Nature Institute. All opinions are my own.
Save Some Cash
Who doesn’t like saving money? No matter which of the nine membership packages the Audubon Nature Institute offers, you can’t go wrong. Your membership includes FREE admission to the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy Giant Screen Theater, and the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. It will cost a family of four $257.44 to visit these places just once. However, if you have a membership for only $200.00, you can visit an unlimited amount of times for an entire year.
V.I.P. Parties with the Animals
The Audubon Nature Institute offers FREE members only parties throughout the year. Each free event is packed with it’s own unique fun for the whole family. Events at the Audubon Zoo, including ZOObilation, usually include live music, activities, open exhibits, free train and carousel rides and more. Events at the Aquarium like SEALebration usually include behind the scenes and animal feeding adventures.
FREE Festivals
It wouldn’t be New Orleans without festivals, and the Audubon Zoo is host to some of the best. Included in your membership you can attend Soul Fest, Earth Fest, Oceanfest, Celebración Latina, Mother’s Day Celebration featuring Irma Thomas, and many many more.
You’re in “The Know”
A membership gives you the advantage of knowing all the information first! You receive your invite prior to others, and you also have the luxury of purchasing tickets for special events first.
Caregiver Perks
Some of the membership packages include a caregiver pass. This is great! It allows your family caregiver to accompany your kids FREE, without you, and without hassle.
Eat, Shop, and Play At A Discount
Your membership enables you to receive discounts at all gift shops, concessions, and restaurants. That’s not all, the Golf Course, Tennis Courts, Riding Stables, Swamp Train tickets, and Carousel tickets are discounted too. But wait, there’s more! During the warmer months, chill out in the Cool Zoo, Audubon Zoo’s Waterpark with lazy river for a cheaper rate as well.
Make Birthday Wishes Come True
The Audubon Nature Institute offers 5 amazing venues to host an unforgettable and unique birthday party including the Zoo, Aquarium, Nature Institute, Cool Zoo, and Insectarium. With your membership you’re entitled to discounted rates on party packages as well as private events.
Exhibit Your Intelligence
Audubon Nature Institute offers kid friendly education at every turn. Whether visiting for the day, participating in one of the many camps offered, enrolled in the homeschool program, or joining in Sensory Sundays, there is an Educational opportunity at your fingertips. Audubon is also known for its numerous Conservation programs!
ZOOpendous Benefits
Audubon Nature Institute is home to Elite Benefit Galas supporting the animals, wildlife, and conservation education. Membership entitles you to discounted and early admission, and on many occasions, entrance into the V.I.P. Tent or area for Sponsors and Patrons only. Generally included are numerous famous New Orleans restaurants catering the events, open bars serving premium liquors,wines, and beer, headline entertainment, and mingling with the who’s who of NOLA. The most popular of these events are the Whitney Zoo-to-Do, Zoo-to-Do for Kids, Scales & Ales, and Boo at the Zoo. This year at the Whitney Zoo-to-Do, they’re raffling off a luxury vehicle.
Hands On Engagement & Fun
Have you ever fought a peacock for a french fry, or had a butterfly land on your nose? I have. The Audubon Zoo, has many harmless animals that roam freely throughout the park making it a fun, unique, up-close, and personal experience. The Zoo, Aquarium, and Insectarium are all set up with areas for staff members and ANIMALS to interact with guests and give fun, interesting facts. They also have touching tanks or petting zoo areas. You can climb to the highest spot in New Orleans on Monkey Hill at the Zoo, eat delicious, decadent bugs at the Insectarium, or join a shark for lunch at the Aquarium.
Dinner & a ZOOvie
Activities, music, the Cool Zoo/Gator Run will start off your evening. Then set up you blankets and chairs to save your spot. You can bring your own picnic or purchase your dinner from one of the food trucks. Finally, settle in to watch the latest family friendly films on warm summer nights at Dinner & a ZOOvie.
Adopt a Wild Child
Wouldn’t you just love to have an exotic pet to call your own? The Audubon Nature Institute says YES! You can choose to adopt animals ranging from lady bugs to snakes, lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Although your new family member must remain in their home at the Audubon Institute, you will receive pictures, a certificate, and a thank you letter. Through your generous adoption, animals receive the highest quality care you helped provide.
You’re Giving Back to a Community Staple
Audubon Zoological Gardens began from a single flight cage in 1916 and has emerged into the continually enhancing Urban Oasis we see today. The Audubon Nature Institute has provided families with fun, entertainment, education, excitement, and a sense of home for a century. Audubon has made it possible for generation after generation to create many memories at this Historical New Orleans landmark. There’s no reason not to have a membership!
Not ready for a membership and still want to experience how great the Audubon Nature institute is? Take a trip out to the new Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, admission is free and the Nature Center showcases Audubon's awesomeness.
