Audubon Insectarium Tours

Audubon Insectarium showing animals
Audubon Insectarium featuring interior views
Audubon Insectarium which includes interior views and a park
Audubon Insectarium showing signage and interior views
Audubon Insectarium showing signage and interior views


Fascinating insects creep, crawl and flutter all around the extensive displays at this living museum, which promises a magical day out for adults and kids alike.

Visit Audubon Insectarium to be completely immersed in the captivating world of insects. Gain a special insight into the natural behavior of countless species of insect as you watch them going about their daily business. Learn through interactive, hands-on exhibits brought to life through animatronics and voiceovers.

The insectarium is the largest self-contained attraction of this kind in the U.S. Set aside a good amount of time to explore its many galleries, which sprawl across 23,000 square feet (2,137 square meters). The building which houses the museum is a wonder in itself, built in the colonial style and adorned with white marble pillars.

Meet insects and spiders collected from the local area in the Louisiana Swamp section of the museum. See them in a recreation of their natural habitat. Those who are brave enough can take part in the guided handling session, to see how it feels to have one of these charismatic bugs walk over your hands. Encounter other native creatures in the Insects of New Orleans section, which is set in a scene inspired by a French Quarter street.

Brace yourself for an exciting culinary journey in the Cooking Show and Cultural Café area, where insect-based cuisine will be prepared before your very eyes. Take the chance to sample some of these crunchy delights, or enjoy a tasty insect-free snack in the café instead.

See a wide range of butterfly species flying freely in the butterfly garden and learn about the remarkable process of metamorphosis. Watch butterflies breaking out of their cocoons and hear the stages of the transformation described by expert guides.

Discover what the world looks like through a bug’s eyes in the Life Underground area, featuring oversized exhibits including enormous animatronic insects.

Walk to Audubon Insectarium easily from anywhere in downtown New Orleans. Come in spring and summer when the museum is open every day of the week. This is also the time to see the butterflies at their colorful best. The insectarium is closed Mondays through the rest of the year.

Plan a trip to see Audubon Insectarium

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The Pontchartrain Hotel
New Orleans Courtyard Hotel and Suites by the French Quarter
NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans

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Reviews of Audubon Insectarium

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
67
5 - Excellent 65%
4 - Good
28
4 - Good 27%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
4
2 - Disappointing 4%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great family adventure

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I loved the enthusiasm of the kids at the exhibit. Good all around

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Didn't go there.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Audubon Insectarium

The Westin New Orleans

The Westin New Orleans

4.5 out of 5
100 Rue Iberville, New Orleans, LA
The Westin New Orleans
Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Bourbon Orleans Hotel

4 out of 5
717 Orleans St., New Orleans, LA
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter

Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter

4 out of 5
124 Royal St, New Orleans, LA
Wyndham New Orleans - French Quarter
New Orleans Marriott

New Orleans Marriott

4 out of 5
555 Canal St, New Orleans, LA
New Orleans Marriott
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

Sheraton New Orleans Hotel

4 out of 5
500 Canal St, New Orleans, LA
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Le Méridien New Orleans

Le Méridien New Orleans

4 out of 5
333 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA
Le Méridien New Orleans
Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor by IHG

Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor by IHG

4 out of 5
739 Canal Street at Bourbon, New Orleans, LA
Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor by IHG
Hyatt Centric French Quarter

Hyatt Centric French Quarter

4 out of 5
800 Iberville Street, New Orleans, LA
Hyatt Centric French Quarter
Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans

Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans

4 out of 5
214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA
Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Audubon Insectarium

At the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans, visitors can enjoy a range of engaging activities, including interactive exhibits that bring the world of insects to life. Don’t miss the beautiful butterfly garden, perfect for fantastic photography. There are also picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the surroundings. Additionally, the vibrant local scene offers live music, dancing, and jazz to enrich your visit.

Shopping

The French Market, located 0.5 miles from Audubon Insectarium, offers a lively public market experience. New Orleans Riverwalk Shopping Center, just 0.4 miles away, features entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out the Marie Laveau House of Voodoo, also 0.5 miles away, for unique souvenirs.

Recreation

Catch a game at Caesars Superdome for an electrifying sports experience, just 0.9 miles from the Insectarium. Enjoy live music at Preservation Hall, located 0.5 miles away, for vibrant entertainment. For wellness, unwind at the John P Lyons Memorial Center, 3 miles away, offering relaxation and recreation.

Adventure

At Audubon Insectarium, you can rev up your adrenaline at NOLA Motorsports Park, only 8 miles away, offering thrilling motor racing. For a family-friendly outdoor adventure, visit Ama Park, 14 miles away, or enjoy a game at Atkinson-Stern Tennis Center, located 2 miles from the Insectarium.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Audubon Insectarium with a visit to the Saenger Theatre, Le Petit Theatre Du Vieux Carre, and Southern Rep Theatre. Each venue, within a short walk, offers a unique blend of culture, romance, and family-friendly entertainment for an unforgettable evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Audubon Insectarium

When visiting the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans, explore captivating attractions like the Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Zoo, perfect for family-friendly experiences. Discover the unique insectarium experience and enjoy the vibrant urban parks and streets nearby, all of which provide a rich cultural and city experience for travelers seeking adventure and learning in this lively destination.

  • Bourbon Street: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bourbon Street, known for its lively nightlife, colorful architecture, and rich history. Experience the sounds of jazz and live music while sampling local cuisine at bustling bars and restaurants, all within 0.3 miles from the Audubon Insectarium.
  • Jackson Square: A picturesque urban park located 0.4 miles away, Jackson Square is perfect for a family outing. Enjoy the lush greenery, street performers, and local artists, all while soaking in the vibrant city vibes of New Orleans.
  • Saint Louis Cathedral: Located 0.5 miles from the Insectarium, this stunning cathedral is a cultural landmark. Marvel at its stunning architecture and rich history, and take a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Best time to go to Audubon Insectarium

The best time to visit Audubon Insectarium can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Audubon Insectarium falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Audubon Insectarium falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
April69.8°F (21.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May76.6°F (24.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
July83.5°F (28.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August83.8°F (28.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September80.6°F (27.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
October72.9°F (22.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Audubon Insectarium

To save money on your trip to the Audubon Insectarium in New Orleans, consider visiting during the cheaper months of June or August to September. Book your hotel about a month in advance for better rates, and aim for a Tuesday stay to secure the lowest prices. Utilize Expedia’s last-minute deals, and consider booking a package for combined savings on flights and accommodations. Join the Expedia One Key membership for additional discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Lastly, explore free activities in the area to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Audubon Insectarium are June and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, April and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Audubon Insectarium about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Audubon Insectarium is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Audubon Insectarium is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Audubon Insectarium with your flights and activities by booking an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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