Current Georgia Aquarium ticket prices

General admission to the Georgia Aquarium costs $39.99 for adults and $34.99 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 enter free. Seniors 65 and older pay $34.99, the same as children. These are the walk-up prices at the ticket window; online prices are sometimes lower by a dollar or two depending on the day you visit.

The aquarium charges more during peak times. Summer months (June through August), spring break weeks, and holiday periods like Thanksgiving and Christmas typically cost $5 to $10 more per ticket than the base price. Weekdays in September through May are usually the cheapest times to visit.

If you buy tickets online in advance, you lock in a specific date and time. Same-day online purchases are sometimes available but at higher prices than advance bookings. The aquarium website shows you the exact price for the date you choose before you complete the purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • General admission is $39.99 for adults and $34.99 for children ages 3 to 12, with lower prices available when you buy online in advance.
  • Peak season prices (summer, spring break, major holidays) run $5 to $10 higher than the base rate, so visiting on a weekday in fall or winter saves money.
  • The aquarium website shows the exact price for your chosen date before you pay, so you know the cost upfront.
  • Children under 3 and military members with valid ID enter free, and some annual memberships cost less than two visits.

What's included with general admission

Your ticket gives you access to all the main galleries and exhibits: the Tropical Diver, Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest, Beluga whales, sea lions, and the Ocean Voyager exhibit with whale sharks. You can spend as much time as you want in each area and watch feeding demonstrations and animal presentations that run throughout the day on a posted schedule.

General admission does not include special experiences like the Beluga encounter (where you touch and feed belugas), the sea lion interaction, or the behind-the-scenes tour. Those cost extra, typically $50 to $100 per person on top of your admission ticket. The aquarium also sells food, drinks, and merchandise inside, which are not included.

Discounts and free entry options

Active military and veterans with valid military ID enter free. Georgia residents can sometimes find discounted tickets through their employer, library, or local recreation center — check with those organizations first. Some health insurance plans and membership programs (like AAA) offer small discounts, usually $3 to $5 off.

Annual memberships start around $99 for a single adult and pay for themselves in about two and a half visits. Members get unlimited admission, discounts on special experiences, and priority entry during peak times. Families and group memberships cost more but spread the cost across multiple people.

The aquarium occasionally runs promotions during slower months. Signing up for their email list is free and notifies you when discounts become available. These are not may provide and vary by season.

How to buy tickets and what to bring

You can buy tickets online at the Georgia Aquarium website, at the ticket window on the day of your visit, or by phone. Online purchases require you to choose your visit date and time slot in advance. You receive a confirmation email with a barcode or ticket number that you show at entry — you do not need to print anything.

Bring a valid photo ID if you are claiming a military discount or senior rate. Children do not need ID. If you have a membership, bring your membership card or the email confirmation. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes before your scheduled time slot, especially during peak hours, because entry lines can be long.

Parking and additional costs

Parking at the Georgia Aquarium lot costs $15 for a standard car. Street parking is available nearby in downtown Atlanta but can be hard to find during busy times. Some visitors use paid parking garages within walking distance, which may cost less or more depending on the garage and time of day.

Food inside the aquarium is priced like most tourist attractions: a sandwich or entree runs $12 to $18, and drinks cost $4 to $6. You are allowed to bring your own food and water bottles, which saves money if you plan to spend several hours there. There are designated eating areas throughout the building.

Planning your visit to get the best value

Visiting on a weekday in September, October, April, or May typically offers the lowest ticket prices and smaller crowds. If you are planning to visit more than once in a year, an annual membership usually costs less than buying two separate tickets at peak prices. Check the aquarium's website for the current price on your specific date before you decide.

Arrive early in the day if you visit during peak season, because the aquarium can reach capacity and stop letting people in. Bring water and snacks from home to avoid high food prices. If you want to do special experiences like the Beluga encounter, book those when you buy your admission ticket, because they fill up quickly on busy days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I just show up?

You can buy tickets at the window on the day you visit, but online advance purchases are usually cheaper and may provide entry at your chosen time. During summer and holidays, walk-up tickets may sell out, so buying ahead is safer if you are visiting during peak season.

Are there any days when admission is free or discounted?

Military members and veterans with valid ID enter free. Some employers, libraries, and community centers offer discounted tickets to members. The aquarium occasionally runs promotions during slower months, so check their website or email list for current offers.

Can I bring my own food and drinks inside?

Yes, you can bring your own food and water bottles. The aquarium has designated eating areas. Outside food and drinks are not sold, so bringing your own saves money if you plan to spend several hours there.

What is the difference between general admission and special experiences?

General admission covers all the main exhibits and animal presentations. Special experiences like the Beluga encounter or sea lion interaction cost extra, usually $50 to $100 per person, and must be booked separately. These are optional add-ons, not included in your ticket.

Is parking included with my ticket?

No, parking costs $15 for the aquarium lot. Street parking and nearby garages are available but may cost more or less depending on location and time. You can also use ride-sharing services if you prefer not to drive or pay for parking.