General admission costs at Georgia Aquarium

General admission to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta costs between $30 and $45 per person, depending on when you visit. Weekday tickets are cheaper than weekend tickets. The exact price you pay depends on the day of the week and the season — peak summer and holiday weeks cost more than slower periods in fall and winter.

Children ages 3 to 12 pay a reduced rate, usually $5 to $10 less than adult prices. Children under 3 enter free. Seniors (65 and older) and military members with valid ID also receive discounts, typically $5 off the standard adult price.

The aquarium does not publish fixed prices on its website — instead, you see prices only when you select a specific date. This means the cost for a Tuesday in February will differ from a Saturday in July. Checking the calendar before you plan your visit is the only way to know what you will actually pay.

Key Takeaways

  • General admission ranges from $30 to $45 per adult depending on the day and season, with no fixed price listed in advance.
  • Children ages 3 to 12 pay $5 to $10 less than adults, and children under 3 enter free.
  • Seniors and military members receive discounts of about $5 off adult prices with valid ID.
  • Parking costs $15 for standard parking or $25 for preferred parking in the aquarium's lot.
  • Annual memberships start around $130 per person and pay for themselves after three or four visits.

What's included in your ticket

Your admission ticket gives you access to all the main galleries and exhibits throughout the day — the Tropical Diver, Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest, Beluga whales, sea lions, and the Ocean Voyager exhibit with whale sharks. You can move through exhibits at your own pace and revisit areas if you want.

The ticket does not include special experiences like the Beluga encounter, where you can touch and feed belugas in a separate program, or the sea lion show, which requires an additional fee. These add-ons typically cost $20 to $40 extra per person and are booked separately when you arrive or in advance online.

Food and merchandise are not included. The aquarium has a cafe and gift shop inside, and prices are typical for venue food — expect to spend $12 to $18 per meal per person.

Parking and transportation costs

If you drive, parking in the Georgia Aquarium's lot costs $15 for standard parking. Preferred parking, which is closer to the entrance, costs $25. You pay at the gate when you leave, not when you arrive.

Public transportation is an option if you are in Atlanta — the MARTA train stops near the aquarium in the downtown area, and a single ride costs $2.50. If you use a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, expect to pay $8 to $15 depending on where you are coming from in the city.

Annual memberships versus single visits

An annual membership starts around $130 per person and includes unlimited visits, free parking, and discounts on special experiences and food. If you visit three or four times in a year, the membership pays for itself compared to buying individual tickets. Family memberships that cover two adults and up to four children cost more but spread the cost across more people.

Members also skip the ticket line and can bring a guest at a discount on certain days. If you live in the Atlanta area or plan to return during a vacation, a membership is worth calculating against your expected visits.

How to find the lowest price

Weekday tickets, especially Tuesday through Thursday, are consistently cheaper than Friday through Sunday. Visiting during the school year (September through May, excluding holidays) costs less than summer break or major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas week.

The aquarium occasionally runs promotions through its website or email list — signing up for their newsletter can alert you to discounts. Some employers and credit unions also offer discounted tickets, so check with your workplace benefits or financial institution before buying at full price.

Buying tickets online in advance locks in the price for your chosen date, whereas buying at the gate may cost slightly more. Always check the calendar on the aquarium's official website to see the exact price for the day you want to visit.

Special experiences and add-on costs

Beyond general admission, the aquarium offers paid experiences. The Beluga encounter lets you touch and feed belugas in a separate pool area and costs around $25 to $40 depending on the package. The sea lion show is included with admission but has limited showtimes, so arrive early if you want a good seat.

Photography packages, where a professional photographer takes your picture with animals or in front of exhibits, cost $20 to $35. Some packages include digital copies; others are prints only. These are optional and not necessary to enjoy the aquarium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I buy them at the door?

You can buy tickets at the door, but buying online in advance is usually cheaper and lets you skip the ticket line. Online tickets lock in the price for your chosen date, whereas gate prices may vary. The aquarium's website shows the exact price for each date when you select it.

Are there any days when admission is free or discounted?

The aquarium does not have regular free admission days. Some local residents and military members may find discounts through employer programs or military benefits, but these vary. Check the aquarium's website or call ahead to ask about current promotions or group discounts if you are visiting with a large group.

What happens if I want to leave and come back the same day?

Your ticket is valid only for the day you purchase it. If you leave the aquarium, you cannot re-enter with the same ticket on that day. Plan to spend at least three to four hours inside to make the most of your visit.

Is there a discount if I visit with a group?

Group discounts are available for parties of 15 or more people, but you must arrange these in advance through the aquarium's group sales office. Contact the aquarium directly for pricing and to book a group rate, as these are not shown on the public website.

Can I bring my own food into the aquarium?

Outside food is not permitted inside the aquarium. You must purchase meals from the on-site cafe or bring money for the gift shop snacks. Plan your budget to include food costs if you are staying for several hours.