Visiting the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

One of the places we visited during our New Orleans trip is the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium (hereafter shortened to Insectarium.) 

This is the only ‘arm’ of the Audubon Institute that we had not previously visited.

Having all boys, I thought all the icky bugs on exhibit would be a great ‘hit’. 

It wasn’t their favorite place we went, but I still think it made for a great biology themed field trip!

 

Finding the Insectarium

This child-friendly exhibit is housed in part of the U.S. Customs House. 

You will not find parking right here, but there are plenty of public garages within a somewhat short walk. 

We’re a bit partial to the mall which houses Saks Fifth Avenue and other upscale stores and sits between here and the Aquarium of the Americas.

 

You will need to go through security to get into the exhibits as part of the building is still used for official government business. 

So, make sure to leave those pocket knives secured in your vehicle.  (Ask me how I know that!)

Alternatively, you can purchase the Audubon Experience package which gives you admission to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Entergy IMAX® Theatre, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, and Audubon Zoo.  (If you are visiting New Orleans for a few days, this is WELL worth the purchase!)

 

Variety of Exhibits at the Insectarium

I have to say that there was an incredible variety of exhibits contained within a reasonably small space.

  They had some school groups going through when we were there which made some areas a bit more congested.  

So, if you are going during the school year (we were there in April), allow for a bit more time if it is a heavily attended field trip day.

 

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone at the Insectarium

They have a café in the insectarium which will sell you normal food.  But, if you go towards the back they have a hands-on exhibit which just might have you stepping outside of your comfort zone as you can eat gourmet cooked bugs. <

Guess which member of our family was the ONLY one to sample some? 

 

If you guessed me (Laura), then you are correct!  I couldn’t get a single boy to try one.

Enjoy the Butterflies at the Insectarium

This was probably my favorite area.  However, J did not agree and was rather eager to exit this area with butterflies roaming free with the possibility of landing ON you.

 

One thing that our visit to the Insectarium taught us is that insects (aka bugs) are everywhere…even where you wish they weren’t!

Do you have bug/insect lovers at your house?

Have you visited a place quite like the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium in New Orleans? Would you visit?