Audubon Nature Center - New Orleans, LA (original) (raw)
Discover Audubon Louisiana Nature Center
Where nature comes alive through exploration, education, and play.
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Plan Your Visit
Hours and Activities
GATES OPEN:
Monday - Saturday | 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
WALKING TRAILS OPEN:
Boardwalks/Trails and Restrooms: Mon - Sat | 8:30 AM - 3 PM
INTERPRETIVE CENTER:
Wednesdays - Saturdays | 10 AM - 2 PM
Join us for fun activities each week!
NATURE NEIGHBORS PROGRAMS: Free Public Programs | Saturdays | 11:00am
- First Saturday of the month:
Creative Conservation - Hands-on crafts and activities, promoting the three Rs often using up-cycled stuff you probably already have at home - Second Saturday of the month:
Tales from the Trees - A variety of chats, lectures, and stories celebrating nature from the stars to the leaves - Third Saturday of the month:
Louisiana Forward - Join others as we learn together and actively participate in protecting what we love - Fourth Saturday of the month:
Ranger Rambles – All ages guided explorations on the boardwalks and trails
PLANETARIUM:
Wednesdays - Saturdays | See Showtimes
Directions and Parking:
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center is located in New Orleans East and has its own parking lot free to the public.
Directions from the West
- From New Orleans, take I-10 East and exit Read Blvd.
- Turn right onto Read Blvd.
- Turn left onto Lake Forest Blvd.
- Turn right into the entrance on Waterford St.
- Audubon Louisiana Nature Center will be directly ahead
Directions from the East- Take I-10 West and exit Read Blvd.
- Turn left onto Read Blvd.
- Turn left onto Lake Forest Blvd.
- Turn right into the entrance on Waterford St.
- Audubon Louisiana Nature Center will be directly ahead
Nature Center Trail Map:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is the Nature Center located?
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center is located adjacent to Joe W. Brown Memorial Park in New Orleans East on 86 acres of mixed forest and wetland. The street address is 11000 Lake Forest Boulevard and is accessible from Joe W. Brown Park by crossing the bridge over Farrar Canal near the track and pool.
Driving directions:
- Take I-10 East and exit Read Blvd.
- Turn right onto Read Blvd.
- Turn left onto Lake Forest Blvd.
- Turn right into the entrance on Waterford St.
- Audubon Louisiana Nature Center will be directly ahead
Is there an admission fee to the Nature Center?
In an effort to ensure access to natural spaces, regardless of socio-economic circumstances, Audubon Nature Institute is committed to keeping entrance to the nature center walking trails and Interpretive Center free. Some programming and group reservations may be offered on a fee basis.
Is there an additional charge for Planetarium shows?
Planetarium shows will feature market-based admissions fees to offset operating costs and support fresh new programs.
Do Audubon Nature Institute members receive a discount on Nature Center programs?
Yes. Audubon members receive discounts on individual and family programming, but not apply to group or field trip admission. We appreciate your continued support; your membership dollars help keep the nature center admission-free.
Is the Nature Center Open all year?
Audubon is committed to keeping the Nature Center open year-round; Our operating schedule may change and expand as we progress through our staged reopening. Please note that the Nature Center will be closed on Mardi Gras Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and is subject to change.
What is open and what are the hours?
Please be aware that the Nature Center operating schedule has changed and may change unexpectedly.
The restrooms, main boardwalk, other trails are open Monday - Saturday, 8:30 AM -3 PM and are monitored by rangers. Gates and parking lot are open from 8:30 AM -3:30 PM. Monday - Saturday.
More Information
Restrooms
Rest Facilities are open Monday - Saturday 8 AM-3 PM.
Handicap Accessibility
The boardwalks, exhibit hall, and planetarium are handicap accessible although some of the primitive trails may not be suitable for all visitors. The planetarium features various seating options and assisted listening devices.
Service Animals
Service animals will be allowed in Nature Center buildings and on boardwalks but for the best interest of the wildlife and natural habitats, they will not be allowed on primitive trails. Guests with disabilities are permitted to bring service animals to all areas of Audubon facilities where guests are normally allowed—with the exception of Watoto Walk (contact yard) and Audubon Aviary at the Zoo and Parakeet Pointe at the Aquarium. Animals exhibiting signs of ill health or aggressive or erratic behavior will not be allowed. In the event that a guest’s service animal is denied admittance, other assistance will be provided upon request. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support (ESA), therapy animals or animals that provide a service to others not present (dogs in-training) do not qualify as “service animals” under the ADA and are not allowed in Audubon facilities. Pets are also not admitted in Audubon facilities. Pets, ESA and other service animals are allowed in Audubon's public parks.
Groups and Field Trips
Small group meeting space
Meeting space is available for reservation by small mission-based groups.
Day Use Permit Request Form
DIY (non-facilitated) Group trips are permitted for groups of up to 90 guests (per day). These permits are free and limited, and must be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Group Trips
Explore both nature and the cosmos with discounted group rates at ALNC's Planetarium & NatureDome Theater. School groups and field trips available starting November 1st, 2024.
Planetarium Shows are sold out for 2023. Programming will resume in February 2024. Thank you!
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