Aquarium of the Americas

When I was a kid I think we went to the Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans maybe once. That once really stuck with me, I remembered LOVING it and thinking it was just so awesome. I've been wanting to go back for a really long time. This last weekend, I finally made it a point to schedule it in to our annual trip to Louisiana. I figured the kids were old enough to enjoy it and I was right. They were so amazed and thrilled to see all the aquatic life! Both of them were completely mesmerized at each tank.

First a couple coins to make a wish at the fountain at the entrance. Ian threw in a smushed souvenir coin on his way out, my attempts to stop him were futile.

The aquarium tunnel, the thing I remember the most, just brimming with life, it's amazing to walk through it and have fish swimming all around you. The kids really liked this.

On our way upstairs Zoey took a pretty nasty spill down the escalator and tore up her cheek and arm pretty good. She put her hand up on the side to balance herself and instead it pulled her over backwards since only the hand rail moves. She had a few tears but moved on like a trooper and still enjoyed the rest of the aquarium.

This was Ian at every tank, just mesmerized, we had to really push him along because there was so much to see we would have been there all day if we let him take his own pace.

A ray comes by to offer some kisses on the tank wall. pretty neat.

Stop for a picture in the giant shark mouth. The kids weren't too thrilled and were ready to get away from those teeth!

The frog section was near the end and the kids were getting pretty restless. They had lots of little frogs, but they were hard to see in their habitats so the kids' interest was not kept.

This was my favorite tank this time. It was an artificial reef modeled from an oil rig. The room was really dark and they played some really soothing music and had risers to sit on and just watch the fish swim by in their schools. Sooooo relaxing. While Brandon and I rested a moment, the kids went wild running around, it was good for them to get some energy out.

On the way out we picked up some sea turtle souvenirs and headed out to the hotel. We got to the Aquarium about an hour after it opened and it was just the right time. There were no crowds and we found parking nice and close. Now when we left it was late afternoon and Mardi Gras was starting to ramp up, it was a bit of a challenge getting out of New Orleans. Way fun overall, if you're ever there, stop by and check out the Aquarium! Brandon says the aquarium in Baltimore is better....we may have to see about that.