Visitors of all ages will enjoy viewing exotic animals from around the world at the Audubon Zoo. The zoo covers 58 acres and houses 2,000 animals. The unique Swamp Exhibit is home to many animals native to southern Louisiana such as black bears, alligators, otters, raccoons, and various snakes. This exhibit was decorated to mimic the scenes visible around New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. You won’t want to miss the sea lion and elephant presentations, the endangered whooping cranes, Amur leopards and the mysterious white alligators.

Explore where Mardi Gras was made on this unique tour. This tour will give you a behind-the-scenes look at New Orleans Mardi Gras. See how the incredible floats are built from the ground up in the enormous studio. Tour guides will discuss the history of this extraordinary festive tradition. Don’t forget your camera because there will be many opportunities to take photos in front of the magnificent floats and dress up in traditional Mardi Gras costumes. Head the cafe after the tour for some delicious snacks and refreshments.

Explore New Orleans’ history through life-sized wax models at the Historical Wax Museum of New Orleans. This unique museum features people made of wax in both historical and spooky scenes. Visitors will learn all about voodoo and New Orleans’ past. Tours are self-guided but group tours can be made by reservation. Programs are available in French, German, Spanish, Japanese and Italian. Make sure you visit Napoleon in his bathtub and toast the Duc d’Orleans on your way out.