Cool Zoo

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.

$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.

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.

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!

Update: 5/30/2019It'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.

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.

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

It's at the ZooIt's CoolYep 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!

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.

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.