General admission costs at the Georgia Aquarium

General admission to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta costs between $30 and $45 per person, depending on when you visit. Tickets purchased online in advance are typically $30 to $35, while tickets bought at the gate on the day of your visit run $40 to $45. The price difference exists because the aquarium uses dynamic pricing — rates go up during peak times like weekends, school holidays, and summer months, and drop during slower weekdays.

Children ages 3 to 12 usually cost $5 to $10 less than adult tickets. Children under 3 enter free. Seniors (65 and older) and military members with valid ID receive discounts of $5 to $10 off the standard rate. The exact discount amount shifts with the season, so checking the aquarium's website before you buy is the fastest way to see current pricing for your specific visit date.

Key Takeaways

  • Online advance tickets cost $30 to $35 per adult, while same-day gate tickets run $40 to $45 depending on the season.
  • Children ages 3 to 12 receive a $5 to $10 discount, and children under 3 enter free.
  • Seniors and military members with valid ID get $5 to $10 off admission prices.
  • Prices are highest on weekends, during school holidays, and in summer; lowest on weekday visits during the school year.
  • Special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters cost extra, ranging from $50 to $200 above general admission.

When prices are highest and lowest

The Georgia Aquarium charges its highest prices on Saturdays, Sundays, and during school breaks — spring break, winter break, and summer vacation. If you visit on a Saturday in July, expect to pay the top of the price range. Weekday visits from September through May (outside school holidays) offer the lowest rates, sometimes $10 to $15 cheaper than peak times.

Holiday weeks like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's are also peak pricing periods. If you have flexibility with your schedule, a Tuesday or Wednesday visit in October or November will cost you less than a Saturday in June. Checking the aquarium's calendar before booking helps you spot the cheaper windows.

Add-on experiences and their costs

Beyond general admission, the Georgia Aquarium offers optional paid experiences. A behind-the-scenes tour typically costs $50 to $75 per person and lasts about 90 minutes. These tours take you into areas the public does not normally see and include talks from staff members about animal care and aquarium operations.

Animal encounters — where you touch or feed certain animals under staff supervision — range from $50 to $200 depending on the animal and the length of the experience. A dolphin encounter costs more than a touch pool experience with smaller creatures. Photography packages that let you take professional-quality photos with animals in the background run $30 to $60. These add-ons must usually be booked in advance and are not included in general admission.

Membership and annual pass options

If you plan to visit more than twice a year, an annual membership may save you money. A basic individual membership costs around $100 to $120 per year and includes unlimited general admission. A family membership (typically 2 adults and up to 4 children) runs $200 to $250 annually. Members also receive discounts on special experiences, gift shop purchases, and the aquarium's dining options.

The membership pays for itself after about three visits at peak pricing. Members can also bring a guest at a discount on certain days, which adds value if you visit with different people throughout the year. The aquarium's website lists current membership benefits, which change seasonally.

Parking and food costs to budget separately

Parking at the Georgia Aquarium is not free. Standard parking in the attached garage costs $15 to $20 per vehicle for the day. Valet parking is available for $25 to $30. If you use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, you avoid parking fees but should budget $15 to $30 each way depending on where you are coming from in Atlanta.

Food inside the aquarium is more expensive than outside restaurants. A meal at one of the on-site cafés typically costs $12 to $18 per person. A bottle of water or soft drink runs $4 to $6. Many visitors bring their own snacks and water bottles to save money, though outside food is not always permitted in certain areas — check the aquarium's rules before you arrive. Eating lunch before or after your visit at a nearby restaurant costs less.

Group rates and discounts for larger parties

Groups of 15 or more people may receive discounted admission. Group rates typically save $3 to $8 per ticket compared to individual pricing. You must book group visits in advance through the aquarium's group sales office, not at the gate. School groups, scout troops, and corporate outings all may have access to for group pricing.

Some employers and credit unions offer discounted Georgia Aquarium tickets to their members. Check with your workplace benefits office or your bank to see if they have a partnership with the aquarium. Local residents of Atlanta sometimes find discounted tickets through community programs or library partnerships, though availability varies by year.

What is and is not included in your ticket

Your general admission ticket covers access to all permanent exhibits, including the whale shark tank, the beluga whales, the sea lions, and the tropical diver section. It also includes access to any temporary special exhibits that are running during your visit. Feeding demonstrations and educational talks by staff members are included with admission and happen throughout the day on a set schedule.

Your ticket does not include behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, photography packages, parking, food, or merchandise. It also does not include access to special events like the aquarium's evening galas or seasonal celebrations, which require separate paid tickets. Reading the aquarium's website before your visit tells you which exhibits are open on the day you plan to go, since occasionally sections close for maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy tickets at the gate, or should I buy online first?

You can buy tickets at the gate, but online tickets are $5 to $10 cheaper and you skip the ticket line. Buying online also lets you lock in the price before rates go up during peak season. If the aquarium is at capacity (rare but possible on very busy days), online tickets may provide your entry while gate sales may close.

Do I need to book a specific time slot for general admission?

No. General admission tickets do not require a time slot. You can enter anytime during the aquarium's operating hours on the day your ticket is valid. Timed entry is only required for special paid experiences like behind-the-scenes tours.

What is the cheapest day to visit?

Weekday visits during the school year (September through May, excluding holidays) offer the lowest prices. A Tuesday or Wednesday in October or November will cost you the least. Avoid weekends and any week that includes a school holiday.

Are there discounts for seniors or military members?

Yes. Seniors 65 and older and active military or veterans with valid ID receive $5 to $10 off admission, depending on the season. Show your ID at the ticket counter or mention it when you buy online. Discounts explore to general admission only, not to add-on experiences.

What if I want to visit multiple times — is a membership worth it?

A membership pays for itself after about three visits at peak pricing, or four to five visits at off-peak pricing. If you live in the Atlanta area or plan to return within a year, membership saves money and includes perks like guest discounts and gift shop savings.