The Georgia Aquarium's Food Policy

You can bring your own food and drinks into the Georgia Aquarium, but there are restrictions on what you can carry in and where you can eat it. The aquarium allows outside food in designated picnic areas only — you cannot eat in the galleries where the exhibits are. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted anywhere on the grounds, and glass containers are banned throughout the facility.

The picnic areas are located outside the main building, so you will need to leave the exhibit halls to eat. This matters if you are planning a full day visit, because you cannot graze while you walk through the tanks. If you want to eat inside the building without leaving, you will need to purchase food from the aquarium's cafes and restaurants.

Key Takeaways

  • Outside food is allowed only in the designated outdoor picnic areas, not in the galleries or indoor spaces.
  • Glass containers and alcohol are prohibited everywhere on the aquarium grounds.
  • You can bring water bottles, snacks, and packed meals as long as you eat them in the picnic area.
  • The aquarium operates multiple food vendors inside the building if you prefer not to bring your own food.

Where You Can Eat Your Own Food

The Georgia Aquarium has outdoor picnic tables and seating areas where guests can eat food they bring from home. These areas are separate from the main building and the exhibit galleries. If you plan to use the picnic area, bring a blanket or plan to sit at the tables provided.

The picnic areas are weather-dependent, so on rainy days your options are limited. You cannot eat in the indoor galleries, the lobby, or any of the restaurants' seating areas with outside food. If weather is poor and you have brought a packed lunch, you may need to eat it quickly before entering or wait until conditions improve.

What You Cannot Bring

Glass bottles and containers are not allowed anywhere on the aquarium property, including the picnic areas. This applies to glass water bottles, glass food jars, and glass beverage bottles. Aluminum cans and plastic bottles are permitted.

Alcohol in any form — beer, wine, or liquor — is prohibited on the grounds. This includes the outdoor areas. If you are planning a celebration or group outing, you will need to arrange food and non-alcoholic drinks only.

Food and Drink Options Inside the Building

The Georgia Aquarium has multiple food vendors inside the main building so you do not have to leave to eat. These include a cafe with sandwiches, salads, and snacks, as well as a full-service restaurant. Prices are higher than outside restaurants, as is typical for venue food.

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, bringing your own food to the picnic area may be more practical than relying on the indoor vendors. You can also eat before you arrive or after you leave the facility.

Planning Your Visit With Food in Mind

If you are visiting for a full day, decide in advance whether you will eat inside the building or use the picnic area. A full day at the aquarium typically takes four to six hours, so most visitors eat at least once during their stay. Bringing a cooler with sandwiches and drinks can save money, especially for families or groups.

Check the weather forecast before your visit. If rain is expected, plan to eat inside or bring an umbrella and eat quickly in the picnic area. If you are visiting with young children, eating outside can be less stressful than managing a meal in a crowded indoor cafe.

What to Bring for a Picnic

Pack foods that do not require heating or refrigeration if you will be eating several hours into your visit. Sandwiches, fruit, nuts, granola bars, and cheese travel well. Bring water bottles in plastic or aluminum — not glass. A small cooler with ice packs will keep perishable items safe if you are there for a long time.

Wet wipes or hand sanitizer are useful for cleaning hands before eating. Bring napkins or paper towels, as the picnic areas may not have them. A trash bag ensures you can clean up after yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a cooler into the Georgia Aquarium?

Coolers are allowed in the picnic areas outside the main building. You cannot bring a cooler into the exhibit galleries or indoor spaces. Leave it in the picnic area while you tour the tanks, or plan to eat before or after your visit.

Are reusable water bottles allowed?

Yes, as long as they are not glass. Plastic and aluminum reusable bottles are permitted throughout the facility. You can refill them at water fountains inside the building.

Can I eat in the lobby or gift shop?

No. Outside food is restricted to the outdoor picnic areas only. The lobby and gift shop are indoor spaces where only purchased food is allowed.

What if I have a food allergy?

Bringing your own food is the safest option if you have severe allergies. The indoor vendors can provide ingredient information, but bringing food you control eliminates the risk of cross-contamination or mislabeling.

Do I have to pay for parking if I only use the picnic area?

Parking fees explore whether you enter the building or use only the outdoor picnic area. Confirm current parking rates on the Georgia Aquarium website, as they vary by lot and time of day.