What a great addition to the Audubon Zoo! This was my first time to see the venue after hearing about it for a while. The lazy river is artfully done, giving a nod to Louisiana wildlife and nature areas. There are a lot of skillful and friendly lifeguards around the area. There are several different food pavilions, restrooms, locker areas, and areas to sit. There is also a fun water slide, giving homage to the infamous alligators with albinism who have taken residence at the Zoo and Aquarium over the years. This would be a fun place to relax with your kids during one of the summer sessions. My friends and I attending the adults-only Sip and Dip event held on Fridays during the summer. It was very affordable for a private cabana for six with early access. Be sure to reserve your tickets for the event early online as it does sell out. It got a bit crowded toward the end, and they did run out of regular floats, though some preferred the thick floating noodles offered. Every Friday night has a different theme, so there is something for everyone. They bring in Dickie Brennans for the bar, and they were wonderful with decently priced drinks and quality alcohol. They were also creating with the mocktails. I certainly will return for another Sip and Dip either later this summer, if able, or next year. Absolutely worth it! read more

Four stars for Cool Zoo's beautiful grounds and water features that are artfully rendered. Two and a half stars for Sip & Dip. Five stars for the incredibly friendly staff. My first time at Cool Zoo was for the adults-only Friday night party, Sip & Dip. This event is 2X a month during the heart of the summer and features theme nights with DJs and of course since this is NOLA, people get creative and might dress in theme. I went on 80s night and the music was so fun and I loved people wearing neon, 80s tshirts and even hair and make-up. Refreshments stands are spread out among the park and they do a themed cocktail and sell beer, hard seltzer and soft drinks, along with typical concession food and popcorn. I had the cocktail of the evening, the Purple Rain and while it was eye-catching, it was so sweet and possibly strong, too, that I couldn't drink more than 1/4 of it (and it's a huge cup, fairly priced at only $13). The grounds are beautiful with fountains and an area with slides and water features that you'd normally see children dominating (with perfectly good reason) but it was actually fun to see adults having at it on the slides and at the water sprayers. Then there's the lazy river, which is a decent size, warm and full of jets to move you along. We ended up not using flotation devices and swam/walked through it. My main issue and why this event isn't personally my cup of tea: it's too crowded. It sells out but I think they sell far too many tickets. We arrived 15 min after it started and there wasn't a lounge chair nor seat at a table to be found. Cabanas are so cheap here but they sell out immediately ahead of the event, likely the day that tickets go on sale. The only way I'd return was if I could get a cabana. The lazy river is completely packed 45 minutes into the event. We were lucky enough to get a locker (which also sell out so imagine being there without a space to put your things??? how is that fun?). People are in general nice enough to hand over the inner tubes but good luck ever getting a place to sit if you didn't line up in advance of start time. I keep going back between 3 and 4 stars for the main reason that everyone who works here is SO nice. The staff really made everything bearable for me, as they were so welcoming and helpful to point out where the lockers were (there's another set behind the set you initially encounter). I just think this isn't the event for anyone who avoids crowds of people. And the crowd that was there that night were totally fine (at least early in the evening). They just sell too many tickets for me to enjoy it. read more

$6 for a slice of cheese pizza when you used to be able to buy the pie for $20? Bffr The cool zoo is a great time within New Orleans but pack your own lunch. read more

Cool Zoo - Menu - Swimming Pools Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

The cool zoo is a great place to bring your kids to beat the HEAT! It is more adapted for younger kids. Pre-Covid one could stay the entire day; it was $8. Now one has to purchase tickets for the 10-1p or 2-5p sessions. The price increased to $12. Concessions are pricey. An Icee cost $10. Employees are helpful. read more

Cool Zoo - Swimming Pools Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

There's really no better summer attraction in New Orleans for kids than Cool Zoo! Lots of fun and doesn't cost that much as an add-on to zoo admission, especially with a zoo membership. I don't think any other zoo can match the water play of Audubon zoo. Lots of kids having a wonderful time here! read more

Update: 5/30/2019 It's been awhile so I thought I'd add a few things after our visit today. We arrived at about 11:30 am and found a table w/umbrella no problem. The 3 kids with us, ages 7, 9 & 10 immediately got in the lazy river and only came out once to eat in three hours! We love our time there because the staff is polite, fun and helpful. We used the bathrooms and they are very clean. We ordered fries and drinks which had reasonable prices and came with refills! Plus 10% discount for members. I like that they allow us to bring our own drinks and snacks as well because growing, playing kids can eat and eat and eat! Safety is definitely a top priority to the zoo as they have several lifeguards and staff helping out. As you enter, they wristband the kids with a special number that matches only the parent/caregiver. It was hot out there but the lazy river cooled us off enough to walk around the zoo a bit after. Worth the $10 to get in. read more

See all

I've been to the Cool in the Zoo a few time before their renovation. Always a fun time with the kids. With the renovation, it's so much better. I was off today so I took my one year old nephew for some fun in the sun before all the rain we getting this week. They made a little pond like for the younger kids and toddlers to sit and have fun if they are afraid of the splashing water. There is a glass wall that they can sit and play in the water while watching the Elephant roaming about across the other side. They expand the food court with more tables to sit and enjoy the shades. They also have Cabana for you to rent for birthday and events. I like it that they would wristband my nephew with a # that has to match my wristband so no one can just leave with someone else child. read more

See all

This place is overly expensive in every aspect of the word expensive. The service is horrible. They gave me a buzzer for fries and a pizza that was already cooked and the buzzer never went off and the people in the back were talking and eating and never came to the window to even ask what I wanted for almost 10 minutes. I would not recommend this place to anyone but would suggest just taking the drive to Mississippi. New Orleans already has nothing for kids and this place is the worst. read more

So me and my girlfriend decided to do a quick weekend get away and one of our activities was the zoo. When we got there it was only about 45minutes left before closing but we were still able to entering and have a good time. We saw everyone leaving and I even suggested we just turn around because I thought we wouldn't get in or that we wouldn't see any good animals but I was wrong. Some of the animals did go in but we got to see all the cool animals like my favorite the flamingos, elephants, and tigers. I'd definitely go again but earlier so I could actually get my moneys worth read more

See all

It's at the Zoo It's Cool Yep good name, Cool Zoo at the Audubon Zoo. We're from California, so our expectations of beaches are high. Sorry Louisiana, but the beach are lame. What are our options? Cool Zoo to the rescue. At first the had a small area, complete with a giant Alligator bucket drop, spraying gizmos, baby wading area, small slides, table and chairs, concession stand and a shop. I thought it was really nice at that time, my kid loved it. Then a few years later they added the lazy river, complete with beaches and life guard towers along the river. It gets hot here, real hot and I love me some lazy river. This is in no way like a big water park, it's a way smaller version. For Mothers Day, the kiddo and I decided to spend our day doing something we both like. We got there early (and boy was it crowded at the zoo, I was worried) went and paid our extra 10$ each for cool zoo. I was thrilled to see that the crowds were really headed to music venue. (I'll review the Zoo properly on that part). We picked a table at first, I just leave my stuff, though they have lockers for rent. You can also bring in your lunch and juices or what not, but food is available. As we tuned around the lazy river, splashing and laughing I kept eyeing the beach areas. I got out after a few go arounds and walked over to the beach areas. I decided that I wanted to be there instead. I chose the side with cabanas(75$ for the day). Pretty sure people think that area is private but you can grab a lounge if available on the sand area. There's a shower and an access area to the river. We moved our stuff and stayed there until we'd had our fill. Go early or go later, it looks like most people go for about 3 hours and then leave, then a second round comes in. Sunscreen is a must, protect your skin. Treat yourself to carousel ride. Keep in mind that if bad weather strikes they will close cool zoo, with no refunds. Check the weather forecast before...... They serve beer......enough said......cheers! read more

Cool Zoo - We choose a place on the sand, it was perfect - Swimming Pools Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Cool Zoo was amazing! My son and had a great time. Perfect for toddlers and older kids. Parent can enjoy the water slides and lazy river too. The Cool Zoo borders the Elephant Exhibit so my son loved seeing the elephant play in her habitat while he was playing in the wading pool. Cool Zoo is an additional cost to zoo admission but totally worth it. Kids under 2 are free. You can rent a locker and store your things or find a free table and keep things there. There are two snack bars and a gift shop. Plus the carousel is next door for a fun ride to complete your Cool Zoo experience. Cool Zoo was a great way to have fun in the Summer without driving an hour to a water park. Thank you Audubon for this awesome oasis in the city. read more

This place is some kind of other dimension paradise my four-year-old and I stumbled into. After many hot, muggy hours the day before stomping around the streets of New Orleans in high August, the many sprays of water emanating from the giant composite crocodile might as well have been kisses from angels. The lazy river was beautiful and humane. The lifeguards were relaxed. The deep fried snack food were cheap, and there were no restrictions on bringing in your own food. The easy going carousel operator let us ride the carousel again and again in wet bathing suits. On a Thursday in August, it was not crowded. Divine. It is hard to believe there are many experiences for small children better than this on offer locally. read more

I'm going to agree with Eileen that Cool Zoo is pretty cool. We went on Good Friday and oh my goodness, was the zoo packed. But the out of town niece & nephew LOVED it. There are lots of zoo staffers trying to keep a reign on the chaos and making sure the big kids don't plow over the little ones. There seemed to be an area in back that was more sedate for little ones. And many of the adults jumped in on the action. I know my niece (who is 17 & works at the zoo) has gone to the cool zoo with her friends & siblings (all teens) so it's not just for kids. I agree that you will get dampish just by sitting on the perimeter. read more

This place needed to make the water in the lazy river cooler. Apparently they have the capability to do so but chose not to. Instead, they'd rather have us laze about in a warm bath water type temperature instead of a refreshing temp. I mean, it was over 94° and we had a very large group of people (over 25 family members!!) and we paid for the zoo, the train, lunch, and also the cool zoo--and the cool zoo would rather save money and not turn the chillers on. read more

If it's hot out- go to the cool zoo. Since I have an annual Audubon membership- It's only $10 for me to get in to the cool zoo. (Admission for adults without a membership is $12 in addition to the zoo entrance fee). I really enjoy the lazy river. It's not too fast, and you can even catch a glimpse of the Emus. Also- no kids, no problem. You don't need to have kids to get in, just grab some friends and a daiquiri and enjoy your day at the lazy river. (Note** the daiquiris are strong!) If you get bored, take a stroll to go check out the new Lion exhibit. My only complaint is that sometimes the lazy river water is too warm. It would feel a little more refreshing if it was a bit cooler- but it's not the end of the world. The water in the area with slides seems to be much colder. read more

I took my 2 year old to the Cool Zoo on Memorial Day Weekend. We arrived about 30 minutes after the zoo opened and after seeing how long the line was for general admission and how short the line was for new zoo memberships, guess which line I chose. Hey, we were going to to get around to it anyway. There is a separate fee for the Cool Zoo of 8.00. The area is gated off and you aren't allowed to bring the stroller in with you, or coolers I believe but there is a stroller parking area just outside the exit gate. There are tables with umbrellas for shade, first come first served. We were a little late to grab a table but we sat on the steps of a small deck that faced one of the 'kiddie' areas. It was under a big tree and we had plenty of shade there. I was a little worried that my smaller than average son would be trampled by the bigger kids but there were several tame areas to play in away from the big attraction, the giant gator. It took a while for him to get his bearings. For about the first 30 minutes we were there he stood apart from everything, just on the edge of the water shouting "Everybody's gonna get wet!" though he seemed to be enjoying it. After a while he splashed around some of the fountains and actually got wet himself but he gave that giant gator a wide berth. Watching the different reactions of all the kids was hilarious. Laughter, tears, abject terror. It was all there. There is a snack bar that served basics, hot dogs, fries, beignet fries (!) and of course, being NOLA, daiquiris and beer. Next to the snack bar there were some covered cabanas that looked like you could rent them for a party. I don't know about cost or time limits but it looked like a great place to sip a beer in the shade and watch your kid wear himself out for the afternoon. We will definitely return this summer. In by 10:30 out by 1pm. The kid fell asleep as soon as we got into the car and didn't wake up for 3 hours. Awesome. read more

Took my daughter here on Easter Sunday. She had fun at first, but wanted to leave after a while. I guess it's not her fault she's 3 and most of the kids in there were around 8-12 range. But I don't have any complaints except I think it's garbage that even if you are an Audubon member you still have to pay for the Cool Zoo. read more

I would give the Cool Zoo 5 stars. However today the Manager, Warren, and his front window worker have convinced me not to give the 5 stars. Warren would not let us in the zoo. I gave my daughter a birthday party in July. At the beginning of the partying it started storming and we weren't able to enjoy the party or the Cool Zoo. I was given 10 bands to return to the zoo on another day because of the weather. Today we decided to return for a couple hours. It is Labor Day and the last day the Cool Zoo is open for the year. With two hours left before the Cool Zoo closes, we arrive with our bands. The girl at the window wouldn't let us in and told me I had to pay. I informed her that I was told I could return with the unused wrist bands from a cancel party due to a storm. She refused admission and called her manager, Warren. Warren would not give me a chance to explain the situation. He said he called his Supervisors and they said I also had to pay. He would not give me their names or allow me to speak with them. Then, I go to speak with my family to tell them we aren't allowed in without payment. I went back to the window with my family and the girl and Warren are no where to be found. I feel confused and frustrated because I was told one thing and then wasn't allowed admission. I wasn't able to speak to a supervisor and I was dismissed by Warren. read more

Came to cool zoo today as we have the last several years (same date 8/8-8/9, I know the exact date since it showed up on my face book page) with grandchildren and nephews ages 6,7,8 &9 years, only to find out its closed only open on weekends now. Not all schools have started. This was our end of the year fun! So very disappointed! Karen Z read more

I finally had a chance to go to the Cool Zoo and I loved it! I really enjoyed the lazy river and spent hours in it. It did get kind of crowded and I ended up getting kicked in the face by some horse-playing kids. My nephew absolutely loved the splash play area. We ended up staying the whole day there and did not even look at the animals. I guess that would be the only major complaint, doing the Cool Zoo and the Zoo in one day seems like too much. This would seem upsetting for non-members who have to pay full admission price for the zoo and then an admission for the Cool Zoo. read more

Just wanted to say the entrance to do zoo was amazing. But the weather ended being bad , no problem a chance you take , not the problem though. My son wanted to go to the cool zoo. The greeter had a horrible attitude, but the lady, DANA ,at the store was very sweet even playing with the kids. But the life guards were complaining of getting wet when they work at a water park. Amazing they were just playing but my son made the best of the EVERY SITUATION read more

I didn't care for it much, but my 18 month old loved it. Guess that's who it's directed for anyway.

Today we tried out the new addition to the Cool Zoo, the Lazy River. We had a great time and my kiddos loved it. We went from the Cool Zoo to the Lazy River I do not know how many times. Can not wait to go back but thank goodness for the membership. Happy 4th of July ! read more

Cool zoo is such a great idea! After walking though the entire zoo we were so hot and decided to cool off at the cool zoo! Definitely worth the small extra cost. read more