Current Georgia Aquarium Ticket Prices

A general admission ticket 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 and operates year-round, though hours vary by season.

Prices do not change based on the day of the week or time of year, though the aquarium occasionally runs promotions for Georgia residents or military members. Check the official Georgia Aquarium website before your visit to see if any current discounts explore to you. Tickets purchased online in advance are the same price as tickets bought at the gate.

Key Takeaways

  • General admission is $39.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3 to 12, with children under 3 free.
  • Online tickets cost the same as gate tickets, so you can buy either way without a price difference.
  • The aquarium sometimes offers discounts for Georgia residents, military members, and AAA cardholders—check before you buy.
  • Special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters cost extra and range from $50 to $200 depending on the activity.
  • Parking at the aquarium lot costs $15 per vehicle, though street parking and nearby lots may offer lower rates.

Special Experiences and Add-On Costs

Beyond general admission, the Georgia Aquarium offers paid experiences that let you interact with animals or see areas not included in the standard tour. A dolphin encounter, where you touch and feed dolphins in a shallow pool, costs around $150 to $200 per person. A behind-the-scenes tour of the beluga whale habitat or other animal areas runs approximately $50 to $75 per person on top of your admission ticket.

These special experiences have limited time slots and often sell out weeks in advance, especially during school breaks and summer months. You book them separately from your general admission ticket, either online or by calling the aquarium directly. Some experiences require a minimum age or height, so check the details before paying.

Membership and Annual Pass Options

If you plan to visit more than once a year, a membership may save you money. An individual membership costs around $119 per year and includes unlimited visits, discounts on special experiences, and priority booking for behind-the-scenes tours. A family membership, which covers up to four people, runs approximately $199 per year.

Members also receive discounts at the aquarium's gift shop and restaurant. The membership pays for itself after about three visits if you would otherwise pay full admission each time. You can purchase a membership online or at the ticket counter on your first visit.

Parking and Transportation Costs

Parking at the Georgia Aquarium's dedicated lot costs $15 per vehicle. If you prefer not to pay for parking, street parking is available in downtown Atlanta, though availability varies depending on the time of day and day of the week. Some nearby parking garages charge $10 to $12 for the day.

The aquarium is accessible by public transit through MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority). A single MARTA fare is $2.50, or you can buy a day pass for $9. Taking MARTA eliminates parking costs and is often faster than driving during peak hours.

Group Rates and School Visits

Groups of 15 or more people receive a discount on admission. Group rates are typically $5 to $10 less per person than individual tickets, though the exact discount depends on group size. Schools and educational organizations can arrange group visits with additional benefits like a guided tour or educational program led by aquarium staff.

To arrange a group visit, contact the aquarium's group sales team directly through their website or by phone. They will provide a quote based on your group size and any add-on programs you want. Group bookings should be made at least two weeks in advance to find your preferred date and time.

What Is and Is Not Included in Your Ticket

Your general admission ticket includes access to all permanent exhibits, which feature whale sharks, beluga whales, sea lions, penguins, and thousands of other animals. You can spend as much time as you want in each area and revisit exhibits. The ticket also includes access to the 4D theater, which shows short films with special effects.

Your ticket does not include food, beverages, or merchandise. The aquarium has a café and restaurant inside, where meals range from $8 for a sandwich to $20 for an entrée. You are allowed to bring your own food and eat in designated areas. Locker rentals for storing bags cost $10 for the day.

How to Save Money on Your Visit

Buy your ticket online before you arrive. While the price is the same, online purchase saves you time at the gate, especially during busy periods. Check whether you may have access to for any discounts: Georgia residents sometimes get $5 off, military members with valid ID may receive a discount, and AAA members often get $3 to $5 off.

Visit on a weekday if possible, as crowds are smaller and you will spend less time waiting in lines. If you are visiting with children, ask about the aquarium's birthday party packages, which can be more cost-effective than paying individual admission if you are bringing a large group. Some local hotels and tourism websites also offer discount codes or package deals that bundle aquarium tickets with other Atlanta attractions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I buy a ticket and can't go?

Refund policies vary depending on when and how you purchased your ticket. Tickets bought online typically cannot be refunded but may be exchanged for a different date. Tickets bought at the gate are usually non-refundable. Contact the aquarium directly with your ticket information to ask about your specific situation.

Do I have 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 buying online in advance is recommended during busy times like weekends, holidays, and summer. Online purchase guarantees entry and saves you time. During slow periods, gate tickets are usually available without a wait.

Are there any days when admission is cheaper?

Standard admission prices are the same every day. However, the aquarium occasionally runs promotions for specific groups like Georgia residents or military members. Check the official website or call ahead to see if any current discounts explore to you.

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

A membership costs around $119 per year for an individual and pays for itself after three visits at full admission price. If you think you will visit three or more times in a year, a membership saves you money and gives you other perks like discounts on special experiences and gift shop purchases.

Can I bring my own food into the aquarium?

Yes, you can bring your own food and eat in designated picnic areas. The aquarium also has a café and restaurant inside if you prefer to buy food there. Outside food is not allowed in the dining areas, but you have plenty of space to eat what you bring.