Georgia Aquarium ticket prices and hours

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta charges $44.95 for adults, $39.95 for children ages 3–12, and $39.95 for seniors 65 and older. Children under 3 enter free. These are the standard walk-up prices at the ticket counter or online. Hours run 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days, though seasonal hours vary — the aquarium stays open until 6 p.m. on some summer weekends and closes earlier on certain winter weekdays.

Prices are the same whether you buy at the gate or online in advance. The aquarium does not offer a discount for purchasing tickets ahead of time, so there is no financial reason to book early. However, buying online can reduce wait time at the entrance, which matters on busy days like weekends and school holidays.

Parking at the Georgia Aquarium lot costs $15 for a standard vehicle. Street parking is available nearby but fills quickly during peak hours. Some visitors use paid lots in the surrounding area or public transit — the aquarium is near MARTA stations.

Key Takeaways

  • Adult admission is $44.95; children ages 3–12 and seniors 65+ pay $39.95 each, and children under 3 are free.
  • Parking at the aquarium lot is $15 and is separate from your ticket price.
  • Online and gate prices are identical, but buying online reduces entrance wait times on crowded days.
  • The aquarium operates 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. most days, with extended hours on summer weekends and shorter hours in winter.
  • Annual memberships cost more upfront but pay for themselves after three or four visits if you plan to return.

Annual memberships and season passes

An annual membership to the Georgia Aquarium costs $129.95 for adults, $99.95 for children, and $99.95 for seniors. A family membership covering two adults and up to four children costs $349.95. Members enter unlimited times during the year, skip the ticket line, and receive a 10 percent discount on food and gift shop purchases.

A membership pays for itself after three visits for an adult (three visits at $44.95 each equals $134.85, just above the $129.95 membership cost). For a family that visits four times in a year, a family membership saves money compared to paying per visit. Members also receive invitations to special events and member-only hours, though these vary by season.

The membership does not include parking — you still pay $15 each visit. If you plan to visit fewer than three times in a year, individual tickets are cheaper than a membership.

Special exhibits and add-on experiences

The Georgia Aquarium occasionally runs special exhibits that charge additional fees beyond general admission. These exhibits change throughout the year and are not always available. Past special experiences have included interactive animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours, typically costing $15 to $30 extra per person.

The aquarium offers a "Beluga Encounter" experience where visitors can interact with beluga whales in a shallow pool. This add-on costs around $200 per person and requires advance booking. Other animal encounters, such as touch pools or feeding experiences, may be included with admission or cost extra depending on the current program schedule.

Check the Georgia Aquarium website before your visit to see what special experiences are running and whether they require separate payment or advance reservation.

Group rates and discounts

Groups of 15 or more people receive a discounted rate of around $34.95 per adult ticket, a savings of $10 per person compared to the standard $44.95 price. Children and senior group rates are similarly reduced. Groups must book in advance through the aquarium's group sales department.

The aquarium does not offer military discounts, teacher discounts, or resident discounts at this time. Some local organizations and employers may have partnerships that provide discounted tickets, so check with your workplace or community center to see if they have a deal.

School field trips to the Georgia Aquarium often include educational programs and group rates. Schools typically contact the education department directly to arrange visits and pricing.

What is included in your ticket

Your admission ticket covers access to all permanent exhibits in the aquarium, including the Tropical Diver, Beluga Whale Habitat, Manta Ray Lagoon, and Walrus Encounter. You can spend as much time as you want in each area — there is no time limit on your visit. Most visitors spend two to four hours exploring the exhibits.

Your ticket does not include food, beverages, or merchandise. The aquarium has a café and snack bar inside, with meals and drinks priced like typical venue food — sandwiches and entrees run $12 to $18, and drinks cost $4 to $6. You are not allowed to bring your own food or drinks into the aquarium.

Parking, special encounters, and any special exhibits running during your visit are separate charges not covered by your admission ticket.

Best times to visit and how crowds affect your experience

Weekdays during the school year (September through May, excluding holidays) are the least crowded times to visit. You will move through exhibits faster and spend less time waiting in lines. Weekends, summer vacation, and school holidays are peak times when the aquarium is most crowded.

Crowds do not change the ticket price, but they do affect how long you spend waiting to view certain exhibits and how comfortable your experience feels. If you prefer a quieter visit, plan for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday morning during the school year. If you are visiting with children during summer break or a holiday week, expect longer waits and more congestion.

The aquarium does not offer timed-entry tickets or reservation systems to manage crowds, so arrival time is the main factor in how busy your visit will be.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food into the Georgia Aquarium?

No. Outside food and drinks are not allowed inside the aquarium. The facility has a café and snack bar with food available for purchase. You can eat in the outdoor plaza area before or after your visit if you bring your own food.

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. Buying online ahead of time does not save money but can reduce wait time at the entrance on busy days. During peak times like summer weekends, arriving early or buying online is recommended to avoid long lines.

Is parking included with my ticket?

No. Parking costs $15 and is a separate charge from your admission ticket. The aquarium has an on-site lot, or you can use street parking or other nearby paid lots.

What is the best age to take a child to the Georgia Aquarium?

Children of any age can visit. Children under 3 enter free, and children ages 3–12 pay $39.95. Toddlers may find the walk tiring since the aquarium is large, but there are benches throughout. Strollers are allowed, and many families with young children visit without issues.

Do I get a refund if I leave early?

No. Tickets are non-refundable once purchased. If you need to leave early, you do not receive a partial refund or credit toward a future visit.