Best places in New Orleans to get up close to the marine life

by Kelly Leahy

Our theme this month at Savvy Source is "Down by the Shore." It might as well be amended to what's in the water as well (besides your swim-happy preschooler). Today's list (Tuesday = listday) includes some of the best places for you and your preschooler to view fish and other marine life.

Since we are a food city and I can't hardly write about "sea life" without mentioning "seafood," I'll also be including a couple sources for fresh finds.

1. Aquarium of the Americas. I know everyone knows where it is but the aquarium really is a fantastic resource and my kids notice something different every time we go. My eldest is not yet old enough to be trusted not to squish the animals in the "petting tank" so that's yet another experience that we are waiting to enjoy. There are fish from the gulf as well as lake and swamp dwellers. It is hands down the best way to see most of our local fish species close up.
2. Follow Frank. Another way to explore what lives below the surface of the water would be to spend a morning fishing in the lake or even out in the Gulf itself. For the best tips and fishing holes, check out Frank Davis' page. I don't know if you can get more local than him. Fishing licenses can be purchased the same day over the phone for as little as $2.50. As far as I could tell, even Junior will need one.
   
3. Get a pet fish. If I were in the market for a pet fish there is only one place that I would go and that is Jefferson Feed on Jefferson Highway. I love that store. The employees are always friendly, and they have an abundant supply of anything pet or even garden related. Stores like PetCo exist within the city limits but service is spotty and it's a big, evil chain store. Be forewarned though that there are often mammals for sale as well and it's hard to look those little kittens in the eyes without wanting to adopt. It might be best to steer your preschooler away from that area of the store.
   
4. Buy fish to eat. If you are interested in cooking up some local flavor, my first suggestion would be to hit the local farmers market. Next, take a trip out to the Jefferson Seafood Shack. Though tiny, this place offers great prices and fresh catches. The po' boy shop behind it is pretty good too. Cooking with Kids offers recipes as well as tips for safely cooking with your children.
   
5. Dine in style. If you don't want to cook up your own seafood dinner yet all this talk about fish has made you hungry, there is only one place to go, G.W. Fins. Their menu is exceptional (except for the fried lobster tail. Did they really need to fry lobster? I mean you have to draw the line somewhere.) Let your preschooler sample of your plate or order them their own dish depending on how "good" of an eater they are. There are plenty of sides and appetizers that would please an local preschooler's palate.

Well, there you have it. Do you have any fishy sites to share?