Groups & Reservations

Unavailable Dates

Group reservations are not available on major holidays. In addition, reservations are not available for Audubon Aquarium and Audubon Insectarium on Orleans Parish Appreciation Days during the months of May, June, and July. Please see the Appreciation Day dates for details.

Some dates may be unavailable due to inclement weather, special events, or facility closures.

Seasonal Zoo Closures

Audubon Zoo will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the winter months.

Reservation Timeline

• We recommend requesting a reservation at least two weeks in advance.
  Reservation requests should be submitted with the intention of booking a group visit.
  Final group counts must be submitted no later than 72 hours before your visit. After this time, decreases cannot be made, but increases may be accepted based on availability.

Final Headcount

• Your group count is finalized 72 hours before your reservation date.
• Refunds are not offered for reductions in group size after headcounts are finalized.
• Final group counts must be submitted no later than 72 hours before your visit. After this time, decreases cannot be made, but increases may be accepted based on availability.

Preferred Payment Methods

• The preferred method of payment is credit card over the phone with a Sales Reservationist.
• We strongly encourage payment prior to your visit date.
• If you must pay on the day of arrival, a credit card is required.

Checks

• Audubon Nature Institute discourages sending checks by mail.
• If your institution must pay by check, please follow the check policy outlined in your reservation confirmation.

Collecting Money

• Group leaders must collect payment from all participants, including teachers and chaperones, before arrival.

Deposit Policy

A non-refundable deposit is required for all group reservations and must be paid two weeks before the visit to secure the date.

• Deposits count toward your total invoice and are non-refundable.
• Deposit amounts are based on the minimum group size of 20 guests and your group type.
• Reservations without a deposit after two weeks will be canceled and must be resubmitted.

Deposit Amounts

• Orleans Parish Schools: $300 plus tax (if applicable)
• Non-Orleans Parish Schools: $400 plus tax (if applicable)

Payment Assistance

To coordinate check drop-off or special circumstances, please contact our Sales Team at [email protected].

Before You Submit Your Request

• Review all rules, policies, and financial requirements listed on the reservation request form.
• By submitting the form, you agree to all payment and behavior policies.
• Requests are processed in the order they are received and may be subject to capacity limits.

Best Times to Visit

• For a less crowded experience, consider visiting between November and February.

After You Submit Your Request

• Requests should be made at least two weeks in advance.
• A Reservationist will review your request and contact you if there are conflicts, capacity issues, or questions.
• If your request is approved, you will receive a Reservation Confirmation within five business days.
• Your confirmation letter must be presented upon arrival on the day of your visit.

Making Changes

• Final group counts must be submitted no later than 72 hours before your visit. After this time, decreases cannot be made, but increases may be accepted based on availability.

Arrival Process

• An ambassador will greet your group and confirm attendance based on your reservation letter.
• The group leader will accompany the ambassador to finalize payment with a cashier.

Enjoy your visit! Thank you for supporting Audubon Nature Institute.

Chaperone Requirements

• All facilities require one adult chaperone for every ten children.
• Chaperones must supervise students at all times.

Arrival Timing

Everyone in the group must arrive at the scheduled entry time. Latecomers will be required to pay full price and may not be included under the group reservation.

Behavior Expectations

Please review all behavior guidelines listed on the reservation request form. By submitting the form, you agree to follow all rules and financial policies during your visit.

Shark Discovery Touch Pool

• Groups of 50 or fewer should allow at least 30 minutes.
• Groups over 50 should plan for up to one hour.

Virtual Reality Experiences

Enhance your Aquarium visit with Virtual Reality experiences featuring humpback whales or a 15-foot tiger shark. Visit our website or ask your Reservationist for details.

Parking at Audubon Aquarium

There is no bus parking or standing available near Audubon Aquarium. The MCCNO is no longer allowing complimentary bus parking.

Parking at Audubon Zoo

Complimentary bus parking is available at the designated bus parking area on Magazine Street or at Audubon Riverview Park. The Zoo is located seven miles from the Aquarium.

Ticket Exclusions

The following discounts and programs cannot be used for group entry or group rates:

• Taylor Scholar certificates
• Audubon Memberships
• SNAP Tickets
• Orleans Parish Appreciation Days IDs*
• Third-party tickets
• Discount coupons

*Groups wishing to attend on an OPAD day must still make a reservation and pay the group rate.