Bringing Nature Closer to Home for Orleans Parish Residents
Audubon Community Connect
Audubon Nature Institute is committed to educating our community about the wonders of nature through an initiative called Audubon Community Connect. This initiative increases accessibility to Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, and Audubon Insectarium for Orleans Parish residents. The Audubon Community Connect program involves three components:
- Orleans Parish Appreciation Days
- Audubon SNAP Program for Orleans Parish Residents
- Audubon Museum Culture Pass
Please see below for more details.
Orleans Parish Appreciation Days
Orleans Parish residents receive free admission to Audubon facilities for themselves and up to four guests when they present a valid government-issued photo ID. Orleans Parish residents receive free admission to Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, and Audubon Insectarium on certain days each month. Please see the schedule by clicking the button below.
2026 Orleans Parish
Free Days Schedule
Orleans Parish resident tickets may only be requested at admission windows with New Orleans Parish ID.
Orleans Parish Free tickets will no longer be able to be reserved online.
**Orleans Parish Appreciation Days cannot be used for Group reservations.**
Audubon SNAP Program for Orleans Parish Residents
Year-round, Orleans Parish Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants with a valid government-issued photo ID that matches their SNAP card enjoy $3.00 admission per ticket to Audubon Zoo or Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium for up to five as long as one of the five is an accompanying adult to any Audubon facility. SNAP tickets may only be purchased at admission windows with valid SNAP Card AND New Orleans/Orleans Parish ID.
Restrictions and price increases will apply for special events and on select dates throughout the year.
SNAP tickets may only be purchased at admission windows with valid SNAP Card AND New Orleans/Orleans Parish ID.
- SNAP tickets are not available online.
- SNAP guests will be able to make ticketed reservations at the ticket counter for up to five guests.
- SNAP tickets cannot be used for Group reservations/School Groups.
Audubon Museum Culture Pass
Audubon has partnered with New Orleans Public Library to offer Culture Passes for checkout by Orleans Parish library cardholders. Audubon has provided a limited number of passes which can be used every day that Audubon is open. Each pass is valid for up to five admissions.
To reserve a pass, visit https://nolalibrary.libcal.com/passes or call the Library at 504-529-7323, or by visiting any Orleans Parish Library location.
NOTE: Due to limitations, you cannot reserve a timed ticketing slot online with these passes. You will need to redeem at a customer service window at the gate based on availability.
Restrictions and price increases will apply for special events and on select dates throughout the year.
Q: Why only Orleans Parish?
A: This community access initiative in Orleans Parish is a first step. Other programs, such as the Taylor Scholars Award Program, which rewards students with complimentary admission to Audubon Facilities, are open to residents in all Louisiana parishes. As we assess the impact of this initiative, we plan to explore expanding to additional areas.
Q: What do you need to show proof of residency?
A: If a resident’s photo ID does not list their current address in Orleans Parish, secondary documentation confirming residency will be required; such as a utility bill, bank statement, lease agreement, recent paystub, or any other official documentation that lists the resident’s full name and address in Orleans Parish, will be required. Current college and university IDs are valid proof of residency for students living in Orleans Parish while attending school.
Q: Do the free days apply if you work in Orleans Parish?
A: This offer is only for Orleans Parish residents. However, current college and university IDs are valid proof of residency for students living in Orleans Parish while attending school.
Q: How many guests are allowed on free days?
A: Orleans Parish residents with a valid government-issued photo ID receive free admission with up to four guests.
Q: Are the free days really free?
A: Yes. On select days, Orleans Parish residents with a valid government-issued photo ID receive free admission to Audubon attractions. Appreciation days rotate each week among the Zoo, Aquarium, and Insectarium.
