Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is on the Mississippi River at 1 Canal St. More than 3,600 specimens represent some 250 species of marine life and birds found throughout the Americas. Visitors can see sharks, stingrays, piranhas, a white alligator, black-footed African penguins, sea otters and a giant endangered green sea turtle.

Aquatic habitats include the 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit, the Great Maya Reef, the Amazon Rainforest and the Mississippi River. Other displays include seahorses, jellyfish, a shark and ray touchpool. Wild encounter animal programs are available by advance reservation. Adjacent to the aquarium, Woldenberg Riverfront Park is 17 acres of green space, public artwork and brick pathways along the Mississippi Riverfront. The park also is home to many annual festivals and frequent open-air concerts and cultural events.

Food is available. Time: Allow 2 hours minimum.