Current Georgia Aquarium Ticket Prices
General admission to the Georgia Aquarium costs $39.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 enter free. These prices are for a single-day visit during regular hours. The aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker Street Northwest.
Prices do not change based on the day of the week or season, though the aquarium occasionally runs promotional discounts during specific periods. The ticket price covers access to all permanent exhibits, including the Beluga whales, whale sharks, and sea otters. You can purchase tickets online in advance or at the gate on the day of your visit.
If you buy tickets online through the Georgia Aquarium's official website, you may see a small discount compared to gate prices, though the difference is typically just a dollar or two. Online purchase also lets you skip the ticket line and go straight to entry.
Key Takeaways
- Adult tickets are $39.95 and child tickets (ages 3–12) are $34.95; children under 3 are free.
- Prices stay the same every day of the week and throughout the year, with occasional promotional periods.
- Buying tickets online before you arrive saves a small amount and lets you skip the ticket booth.
- Annual memberships cost more upfront but pay for themselves after three or four visits if you plan to return.
- The ticket price includes all permanent exhibits but does not cover special events or animal encounters that cost extra.
Annual Memberships and Multi-Visit Options
If you plan to visit more than once a year, an annual membership may save money. Membership prices vary by tier: a basic membership starts around $119 per person per year and includes unlimited visits, guest passes, and discounts at the gift shop and café. Higher tiers add perks like reserved parking and exclusive events.
A membership pays for itself after three visits (three visits at $39.95 each equals $119.85). Families often find memberships worthwhile because they remove the mental cost of "using up" the ticket price on a single visit—you can go for an hour, leave, and come back another day without feeling rushed.
The aquarium also occasionally offers discounted multi-day passes or group rates for parties of 15 or more, though these are not always advertised on the main website. Calling the ticket office directly at the aquarium can tell you whether a group discount applies to your party size.
Special Experiences and Add-On Costs
Your general admission ticket covers the main exhibits, but the aquarium offers paid add-ons that cost extra. Animal encounters—such as touching stingrays or feeding fish—typically run $15 to $30 per person on top of admission. These are not included in the base ticket price and must be booked separately, often with advance notice.
The aquarium occasionally hosts special evening events, behind-the-scenes tours, or seasonal attractions that charge an additional fee beyond general admission. These are promoted on the aquarium's website and social media, but they are not part of your standard ticket. Check the events calendar before you visit if you are interested in anything beyond the regular exhibits.
How to Buy Tickets and What Payment Methods Work
You can purchase tickets three ways: online at the Georgia Aquarium's official website, by phone, or in person at the ticket booth. Online purchase is the fastest route if you know your visit date in advance. The website accepts all major credit cards and digital payment methods.
If you buy at the gate, bring a credit card or cash—the aquarium accepts both. Buying in person means you may wait in line, especially during peak hours (weekends and school holidays), so arriving early or purchasing online beforehand is the smarter move.
Some third-party ticket resellers advertise Georgia Aquarium tickets at a discount, but these are not official channels. Buying directly from the aquarium's website or at the gate ensures you get the correct price and avoid potential issues with invalid or duplicate tickets.
Hours, Parking, and Planning Your Visit
The Georgia Aquarium is open daily, though hours vary by season. During peak season (summer and school holidays), it typically opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 6 p.m. In off-season months, hours may be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the website for the specific hours on your visit date, because hours change frequently.
Parking is available in a dedicated lot next to the aquarium and costs $15 per vehicle. If you have a membership, parking is often included or discounted. Public transportation (MARTA) also serves the location, which can save the parking fee if you are comfortable using the train.
Plan to spend 3 to 4 hours inside if you want to see all the exhibits without rushing. The aquarium can get crowded on weekends and during school breaks, so visiting on a weekday morning usually means shorter lines and a more relaxed pace.
Discounts and Ways to Lower Your Cost
Several groups receive discounted admission. Georgia residents with a valid ID sometimes receive a small discount, though this varies by time of year. Military members and their families may also may have access to for reduced rates—ask at the ticket booth or check the website for current military discounts.
Some employers and credit unions offer discounted Georgia Aquarium tickets as an employee benefit. If your workplace has a benefits program, check whether the aquarium is listed. This is often the easiest way to save without planning ahead.
The aquarium occasionally runs flash sales or promotional pricing around holidays or during slower seasons. Following the Georgia Aquarium on social media or signing up for their email list is the best way to hear about these deals before they end.
What Your Ticket Includes and Does Not Include
Your general admission ticket gives you access to all permanent exhibits: the Beluga whale habitat, the whale shark tank, sea otters, jellyfish, tropical fish, and more. You can spend as much time as you want in each area and revisit exhibits. The ticket does not expire once you enter—you stay as long as you wish during operating hours.
Your ticket does not include food, beverages, or items from the gift shop. The aquarium has a café inside, but meals and snacks cost extra. Bringing your own water bottle (empty, to fill at fountains) can save money if you plan a long visit.
Photography is allowed in most areas, but some exhibits restrict flash photography to protect the animals. Your ticket covers personal photography only—professional photography or filming requires a separate permit and fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I buy a ticket and cannot go?
Refund policies vary depending on when and how you bought the ticket. Tickets purchased online usually cannot be refunded but may be transferable to another person or date. Contact the aquarium directly with your ticket confirmation number to discuss your options.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I just show up?
You can buy tickets at the gate on the day of your visit, but online purchase is faster and sometimes slightly cheaper. On busy days (weekends, holidays, summer), buying in advance means you skip the ticket line entirely and go straight inside.
Are there any days when admission is free or discounted?
The aquarium does not have a regular free admission day, but it occasionally offers promotional discounts during slower seasons or special events. Check the website or call ahead to ask whether any discounts are running during your planned visit date.
What is the difference between a membership and a regular ticket?
A regular ticket is a one-time entry. A membership lets you visit unlimited times for a year and usually includes guest passes, parking discounts, and gift shop savings. If you visit three or more times per year, a membership typically costs less than buying individual tickets.
Can I bring my own food and drinks inside?
Outside food and beverages are generally not allowed in the main exhibit areas, though the aquarium has designated picnic areas outside. The café inside sells food at typical venue prices. Bringing a water bottle to refill at fountains is usually permitted.