Note: This is my first of five articles on great places to take your family while in New Orleans.

There's an old song in New Orleans whose lines include "Get on down to the Audubon Zoo and they all asked for you. The monkeys and the chimpanzees and even the hippopotamous. They all asked for you". While you're visiting New Orleans, I strongly urge you to "get on down to the Audubon Zoo." You won't be disappointed. Here's my review.

Audubon Zoo is located in Audubon park, adjacent to the river and about five blocks off of St. Charles avenue, near Tulane University. The zoo operates a free shuttle from the St. Charles Avenue streetcar to the zoo and if you'd rather drive there is ample free parking. Admission is $9 for adults and $4.75 for children. The zoo does have stroller rental and I recommend it as the zoo is quite large. Normal hours are 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m but this can vary. More information can be obtained by visiting the zoo's website at http://www.auduboninstitute.org/html/aa_zoomain.html.

The zoo consists of the following areas: Asian Domain, African Savannah, Australian Outback, and the Louisiana Swamp, along with several other smaller exhibits. The Asian Domain is the first area you'll see. I love watching the monkeys frolic and the elephants are always a real kid pleaser. Also, two new white tigers have just been added. The African Savannah is a large area with ample spots to just sit down and enjoy the wildlife. One highlight for my daughter is always to feed the turtles (the zoo provides 25 cent machines) but I just enjoy the slow pace the Savannah goes at. The Australian Outback is one of the newer exhibits. Don't miss the koala bears! The Louisiana Swamp is a must-do for tourists. You can get an up close look at what life is really like in the swamps that dominate much of south Lousiana. Be sure to sample some of the Louisiana cuisine in the cafe located there. Other interesting exhibits at the zoo are the petting zoo and discovery walk which is also adjacent to a nice kids play area. The zoo is also home to a sea lion exhibit and several smaller areas.

Small food and drink carts are located throughout the park. There's also a McDonald's inside the zoo as well as a pizza and icecream restaurant. Unlike many other tourist attractions, Audubon Zoo does allow picnics on its grounds.

I've been going to the zoo since before the transformation into all natural habitats. The changes continue to astound me and it's obvious why Audubon Zoo is continually ranked as one of the top ten zoos in the country. It's a wonderful experience for adults and children alike.

My top tips?

1) New Orleans heat can be brutal. Try to visit as soon as the zoo opens. The animals will be more active and everyone will be happier. You can be done seeing just about everything by lunch time and then either leave or grab lunch at an air conditioned restaurant inside the park

2) For a really great day, combine your visit with a trip to the Aquarium of the Americas (see my later review). There's even a "zoo cruise" package that combines both places with a short riverboat trip.

3) Make sure to take advantage of the Discovery Walk near the petting zoo. You'll usually find some zoo volunteers holding animals. You'll never know what you'll find and it's a great way to see some animals up close.

I hope you enjoy your next visit to New Orleans. Take time out for the zoo. You'll be glad you did.

Next family review: The Children's Museum



Recommended: Yes