New Orleans Aquarium Bag Policy

You know that moment when you're halfway to the aquarium and realize you’ve packed your entire life into a single, lumpy bag? I’ve been there. It’s like packing for a small apocalypse—snacks for hunger, wipes for chaos, and a spare shirt because you know your kid will find the only puddle in the entire parking lot.

So, before you waltz into the New Orleans Aquarium looking like a sherpa headed for a picnic, let’s talk about their bag policy. Trust me, it’s less confusing than trying to fold a fitted sheet, and way more forgiving than the TSA.

The Basics: What Can You Actually Bring?

Here’s the good news: you can bring a bag. They’re not going to make you dump your entire cargo on the sidewalk like a rejected contestant on a game show. The rule is simple—bags must be 12" x 12" x 12" or smaller. That’s about the size of a standard tote bag, or the exact dimensions of my cat when she’s trying to fit into a box that’s clearly too small.

Think of it like this: if your bag looks like it could hold a small dog or a week’s worth of groceries, it’s too big. Leave the duffle bag at home. You’re not moving into the jellyfish tank.

If your bag is larger than that? No problem—you can check it for free at the information desk. Yes, free. As in, zero dollars, zero hassle, and zero guilt about the granola bar wrapper you forgot to throw away.

The “Clear Bag” Rule: It’s Not as Scary as It Sounds

You might have heard whispers about a clear bag rule. Let me clear that up (pun absolutely intended). The New Orleans Aquarium does not require clear bags for most guests. You can bring your favorite canvas tote, your old concert backpack, or that neon fanny pack your cousin gave you as a joke. Nobody’s judging you.

PRESEASON: New Orleans Saints vs. Dallas Cowboys - AT&T Stadium

But here’s the catch: if you’re attending a special event or a private party, they might ask for clear bags. It’s like a surprise pop quiz—you never see it coming, but now you’re glad you read this. Basically, unless you’re mingling with the penguins at a gala, you’re fine with a normal bag.

What About the Stuff Inside Your Bag?

Okay, so you’ve got the right size bag. Now, what can you stuff in it? Pretty much anything that won’t upset the fish or start a small fire. Snacks are totally allowed. Yes, you can bring your own goldfish crackers—which feels ironic, but hey, you do you.

Water bottles are welcome too, as long as they’re plastic or reusable. Glass bottles? Nope. Imagine a glass bottle shattering in front of the shark exhibit. That’s a horror movie I don’t want to buy tickets for. Also, no alcohol, because the last thing the sea otters need is a rowdy fan base.

Aquarium Of Americas New Orleans — Trueartists

Strollers are fine, but you might want to travel light. The aquarium has narrow hallways, and trying to navigate a double stroller through the gift shop is like parallel parking a bus in a phone booth. I speak from experience. I once got stuck behind a family of five with a wagon, and we formed a human traffic jam that lasted three minutes. Three very long, very awkward minutes.

The “Oh No, I Forgot” Checklist

Here’s a quick mental list, because we all have that one friend who shows up with a suitcase and a forgotten phone charger. Bring your ID if you’re an adult—they might ask for it if you check a bag. Bring a light jacket, because the indoor exhibits are chilly (the penguins like it that way). And for the love of all things Cajun, leave the selfie stick at home. They’re banned. You can take photos, but not with a stick that looks like a medieval weapon.

I once saw a man try to sneak a selfie stick in his cargo shorts. Security found it. It was like watching a magic trick where the rabbit gets pulled out, but it’s just a sad, telescopic pole. Don’t be that guy.

Bag Policy New England Aquarium at Benjamin Ferguson blog

Why This Policy Actually Works

Honestly, this bag policy is one of the most reasonable I’ve ever encountered. It’s like the aquarium trusts you to be a responsible adult, but also knows you’re human. They get that you need a diaper, a snack, and maybe a copy of “Moby Dick” for the ride home. Their rule is basically: “Don’t bring a suitcase, and we’re cool.”

It’s the opposite of that one theme park that made my friend throw away her empty water bottle. Seriously, we stood in line for twenty minutes, and a security guard looked at her bottle like it was a ticking bomb. The New Orleans Aquarium is not that place. It’s a place where you can focus on the giant sea turtles and not on patting down your pockets like you’re hiding contraband.

A Final Anecdote from the Trenches

Last time I went, I brought a canvas bag with a broken zipper. I stuffed it with apples, a phone charger, and a stuffed flamingo my daughter insisted on bringing. That bag looked like it had been through a hurricane. But when I walked in, the staff just smiled and said, “Enjoy your visit!” They didn’t measure it. They didn’t ask me to empty it. They just waved me through like I was a VIP with a weird luggage problem.

So pack your bag, but pack it smart. Keep it small, keep it friendly, and leave the emotional baggage for the car ride home. The aquarium’s ready for you. Now go stare at the jellyfish and forget about your tote bag entirely.