The “Audubon Experience” package that we purchased in New Orleans included the Audubon Insectarium. I hadn’t planned o going (bugs?), but as it was part of the package and centrally located on Canal Street, I figured we might as well give it a try. We had a few free hours and the rain outside convinced us being inside would be a good choice.
To enter, we went through a security check similar to those at the Smithsonian Museums; I assume that this added security is required because the Insectarium is on the first floor of a federal building. A bit of a pain to empty pockets and the rest, but it was simple enough.
Once in, it was bugs, bugs, bugs! I don’t get squeamish when it comes to bugs, but I’m not particularly enamored or fascinated by them either. While I wasn’t blown away by the insectarium, the exhibits did manage to keep me and the kids interested and engaged.
Chloe loved, as always, finding the insects in the displays in the main hall. She also loved the “Underground Gallery” where we were shrunk to the size of bugs! The butterfly garden was pleasant enough; a serene Japanese garden right there on Canal Street! A butterfly landed on Chloe, and she couldn’t figure out how to get it off of her — blow *really* hard on it, and it will fly off.
We passed on the “Bug Appétit”; bugs are meat right? Well, we’re vegetarians. (Whew.)
The 4-D movie was a silly, entertaining diversion, but a younger child in the audience was surprised by something poking her and did not enjoy the show. I hope she didn’t have nightmares that night…
In the Metamorphosis Gallery, we got to watch butterflies emerging from their chrysalises; the volunteer scientist was super friendly; Chloe really enjoy hearing about different insects.
Overall, we enjoyed our visit, but I don’t think I’d say it is a *must see* in New Orleans unless there is a budding zoologist in your family. The girls both enjoyed it and were happy to have gone, but agree that it is a “one-time” kind of place.
