Accessibility

ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL

At Shreveport Aquarium, we firmly believe in accessibility for all. Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone's unique differences are accepted, respected, valued and appreciated. We go above and beyond to ensure that each and every guest has a memorable experience at our aquarium.

Mobility

The Aquarium is wheelchair accessible. You can reach all our public areas by accessing the ramps located throughout the facility. Accessible restrooms are located in the Aquarium. We do not rent wheelchairs or have them available for use.

There is also seating available at every other exhibit. You are always welcome to ask one of our staff members for a chair and we're happy to get one for you.

Parking

We offer free parking for everyone. We have a small lot on the north side of our building for handicap parking and limited regular parking. Additional parking is located across the street in the City of Shreveport parking garage on the 2nd floor only (blue building) and at the Bally's Casino parking garage, 1 block north

There is also a passenger drop-off and pick-up zone located near the Aquarium’s entrance.

Guests with vision impairments

All of our exhibits are part of our audio tour and contain QR codes

accessible with any smart phone. This audio tour highlights exhibits

and animals to guests who are visually impaired.

This audio tour is available in both English and Spanish.

Guests who have sensory processing needs
The aquarium has partnered with KultureCity® to enhance our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience for all guests. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing needs by supplying our staff with annual training and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests.

Guests can borrow Kulture City sensory bags and noise-canceling headphones during their visit. The sensory bags are designed for guests with sensory needs and contain items that cater to a variety of tactile experiences, including smooth, textured, and squeezable surfaces. The noise-canceling headphones help reduce the volume of sound. These tools were carefully selected based on their effectiveness and safety. Some guests may use the items in the sensory bag to soothe themselves, while others may use them as extra stimulation.

Prior to their visit, families and individuals can download the free KultureCity® App where one can view what sensory features are available a customized visual preview of what to expect. Read more.

Additionally, there are many hands-on experiences throughout the Aquarium; many of the presentations and education carts in the galleries have interactive elements. Staff members are also present throughout the galleries to provide detailed descriptions of the exhibits.

Tips for visitors with sensory concerns

Sensory concerns

For a quieter, less crowded visit, we suggest coming to the attraction during the weekdays, excluding school holidays. This provides ample opportunity to experience all the benefits the attraction has to offer, without the hassle of large crowds.
Please be aware that there will be varying degrees of lighting and music throughout the attraction to enhance the experience, so if this is an issue, please be prepared.

Re-entry

If you need to leave the building for a break and re-enter later in the day, no problem, your tickets are valid for the whole day.

Membership

Membership is a good option for families with members that may have limited stamina. Stay for 15 minutes or three hours — whatever works for you.

Emergency Exits

The emergency exits at the attraction are easily accessible and free of any potential hazards.

Audible fire alarms with flashing lights are in place to alert guests in case of an emergency. The designated assembly areas for evacuation are located on accessible routes and our staff is available to assist guests with any evacuation needs.

Portable automated external defibrillators (AEDs)

Several AEDs are located throughout the Aquarium. Personnel have been trained in their use.

Service animals

Shreveport Aquarium accommodates trained service animals that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, along with their handlers. The service animals must be kept under control at all times, either by being harnessed or on a non-retractable physical leash no longer than six feet.

Only one service animal is allowed per visitor. If the service animal becomes disruptive, such as jumping, barking, growling, biting, attempting to bite, or relieving itself, the visitor will be asked to remove it from the Aquarium. For the safety of the animals, pets or emotional support animals are not permitted inside the Aquarium.

Digital accessibility

At the Aquarium, we prioritize accessibility in our digital content creation and strive to meet the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA standards in all digital outputs, including websites, videos, PDFs, and social media platforms.

Our efforts include implementing alternative text for images, captioning and transcriptions for videos, high color contrast, user-friendly buttons and controls, avoidance of potentially triggering animations, and clear and concise language.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding accessibility for visitors with disabilities by calling 318-383-0601