Have you ever seen a bald eagle up close? Or a parrot who mimics cell phone noises? We did… at the National Aviary!
The birds we saw at the National Aviary were so full of character and life. Many of the rooms we passed through allowed for up close, personal encounters of birds from all species. Covered in beautiful colors and ranging in shapes and sizes, we enjoyed seeing everything from penguins, to flamingos to huge sea eagles.
There is a great flow when you walk through each of the exhibits. You can simply follow the path and travel from room to room and experience each of the differently themed exhibits.
Planning a Visit
The National Aviary is located in the North Side near the Children’s Museum. They have a small parking lot that requires a $5 donation, or you can look for on street parking. They are open daily from 10am – 5pm.
Depending upon what time you’re planning your visit, you may also be interested in visiting Atria’s Kookaburra Kitchen. It’s open to the public and would make a great spot to grab a coffee or afternoon lunch. Also, make sure you visit the amazing playground located out front of the Aviary.
Up Close and Personal
While we didn’t participate in any of the shows this trip, we look forward to visiting again when we have more time and taking advantage of the various experiences that offer a more personal look at the National Aviary’s feathery friends. Check their website for more information about encounters with penguins or flamingos, parrot painting or even VIP tours!
Canary’s Call – This beautifully depicted screens tell a narrative about human impact on bird
Cloud Forest – If you enter through the West entrance, you’ll walk through the gift shop and around the corner on the right you’ll find a large area behind glass where you’ll find various birds and the Aviary’s two-toed sloth, Wookie.
Condor Court – Located in front of the East entrance, Condor Court is a large outdoor area used for interactive educational experiences. You’ll also be able to see the Andean condor next door.
Eagle Hall – In the main hallway, near Cloud Forest, you’ll find the amazing Bald Eagles and the enormous Sea Eagle.
Grasslands – This exhibit is a “free-flight area” which means it’s completely open and the birds roam freely throughout the room. See birds such as Gouldian finches or blue ground doves… or even meet the talking parrots who also mimic cell phone noises!
Penguin Point – Not only can you walk completely around the exhibit, but you can go under it as well!
Tropical Rain Forest – There are a total of three free-flight areas in the Aviary, this is another. As you walk through the automatic doors and go under the vines, it’s a very dramatic entrance. This room almost has the feel of Phipp’s Conservatory – tons of greenery and plants.
Wetlands – This exhibit is also a free-flight area. With ponds, exotic plants and high ceilings, the size and feel of this space was staggering. We took a minute to sit on the bleachers and simply take it all in- there was so much to see! There are also feedings that take place a few times a day (no additional charge to participate).
Check out more pictures from our visit…
