What Georgia Aquarium tickets cost

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 are the prices for a single-day visit during regular hours. The aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta at 225 Baker Street Northwest.

Prices do not change based on the day of the week or season, though the aquarium sometimes runs promotions for specific groups — military members, seniors, or residents of certain counties. It's worth checking the Georgia Aquarium website before you buy, since these offers appear and disappear throughout the year.

If you plan to visit more than once, a membership costs $149 per year for an adult and includes unlimited visits, guest discounts, and parking. A family membership runs $249 per year. The membership pays for itself after about four visits if you're buying individual tickets each time.

Key Takeaways

  • General admission is $39.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3 to 12; children under 3 are free.
  • Ticket prices are the same every day of the week and do not vary by season.
  • The aquarium frequently offers discounts for military, seniors, and regional residents — check before purchasing.
  • An annual membership costs $149 for one adult and pays for itself after four visits.
  • Parking is included with admission and is located on-site in a dedicated garage.

Where to buy tickets and how far in advance

You can buy tickets at the gate when you arrive, but purchasing online in advance is faster and sometimes cheaper. The Georgia Aquarium's official website sells tickets directly. You print them at home or show them on your phone at the entrance — no need to pick them up at a booth.

Online tickets are occasionally discounted by a dollar or two compared to gate prices, though the difference is small. Buying online also lets you skip the ticket line, which can be long on weekends and during school holidays. You can purchase tickets up to 30 days in advance.

Third-party ticket sites like Groupon or Viator sometimes sell Georgia Aquarium tickets at a discount, usually 10 to 15 percent off. These are legitimate resellers, but read the fine print — some require you to print tickets at home, while others mail them. Verify the expiration date and any blackout dates before you buy.

Special experiences that cost extra

Beyond general admission, the aquarium offers add-on experiences for an additional fee. A "Beluga Encounter" lets you interact with beluga whales in a shallow pool and costs around $50 per person on top of admission. A "Trainer for a Day" program runs roughly $300 and includes behind-the-scenes access and hands-on work with animal care staff.

A "Private Dive" in the Ocean Voyager exhibit — the massive tank with whale sharks and manta rays — costs $500 per person and requires scuba certification. These experiences must be booked in advance through the aquarium's website or by calling their group sales line.

The aquarium also sells a "Combo Pass" that bundles admission with certain attractions in downtown Atlanta, like the World of Coca-Cola or the Georgia Dome tour. These packages are cheaper than buying each ticket separately, but only if you plan to visit multiple attractions in one trip.

What's included with your ticket

Your admission covers access to all permanent exhibits, including the Ocean Voyager (the main tank), the Tropical Diver, the River Scout, and the Cold Water Quest sections. You can spend as much time as you want in each area — there's no time limit on your visit.

Parking in the on-site garage is included with admission. You don't pay separately at the gate. The aquarium is in downtown Atlanta, so parking would otherwise cost $10 to $15 if you used a street lot or nearby garage.

Your ticket does not include food, beverages, or merchandise. The aquarium has a café and a gift shop inside, and prices are typical for a major attraction — a sandwich runs $12 to $15, and a drink costs $5 to $7. You're allowed to bring your own food and water bottles, which many families do to save money.

Hours and how long to plan for your visit

The Georgia Aquarium is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during most of the year. Hours extend to 6 p.m. during summer months (June through August) and around major holidays. Check the website before you go, since hours occasionally shift for special events or maintenance.

Most visitors spend two to three hours at the aquarium. If you move quickly and skip the interactive exhibits, you can see the main tanks in 90 minutes. If you watch the feeding demonstrations, read the plaques, and spend time at the touch pools, plan for four hours or more.

The aquarium is busiest on weekends, school holidays, and summer afternoons. If you prefer a quieter experience, visit on a weekday morning or during the off-season (September through May). Arriving right when the doors open at 10 a.m. also means shorter lines at the entrance.

Group rates and school visits

If you're bringing a group of 15 or more people, the aquarium offers discounted group rates. The per-person price drops to around $30 to $35 depending on group size and the day of the week. Groups must book in advance through the aquarium's group sales department.

Schools and educational organizations can arrange field trip visits with special pricing and educational programs led by aquarium staff. These programs focus on marine biology, conservation, and animal behavior. Contact the education department directly to discuss what's available for your group's age and learning goals.

Birthday parties and private events can also be held at the aquarium. Packages start around $400 and include a private space, admission for your guests, and a staff member to lead activities. These must be booked weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can buy tickets at the gate when you arrive, but online purchase is faster and sometimes slightly cheaper. On busy days — weekends, holidays, summer afternoons — the ticket line can take 15 to 30 minutes. Buying online lets you skip that line entirely.

Are there discounts for military, seniors, or students?

The aquarium runs periodic discounts for military members, seniors over 65, and Georgia residents in certain counties. These offers change throughout the year, so check the website or call ahead to see what's current. Some discounts are only available when you buy at the gate, not online.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Yes. You can bring your own snacks, sandwiches, and water bottles into the aquarium. There's no outside food restriction. The aquarium also has a café inside if you prefer to buy meals there, though prices are higher than bringing your own.

What if I want to see the whale shark feeding or other demonstrations?

Feeding times and keeper talks are included with your general admission ticket — no extra charge. Times vary by day and season. Check the schedule posted at the entrance or ask a staff member when you arrive so you don't miss the ones you want to see.

Is parking really free with admission?

Yes. The on-site parking garage is included with your ticket. You don't pay at the gate or at the parking booth. If you lose your parking ticket, bring your admission ticket to the parking attendant and they'll validate it.