General admission costs at the Georgia Aquarium
General admission to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta costs $39.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are free. These prices cover access to all the main galleries and exhibits, including the whale shark tank, beluga whales, sea lions, and thousands of other marine animals across the facility.
Prices can vary slightly depending on the season and whether special events are happening. The aquarium sometimes runs promotions during slower periods or offers discounts for advance online purchases, so checking their website before you visit may save you money compared to buying tickets at the gate.
Key Takeaways
- Standard admission is $39.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3 to 12, with children under 3 admitted free.
- Online advance purchases often cost less than tickets bought on the day of your visit.
- Annual memberships start around $99 and pay for themselves after three visits if you plan to return.
- Special experiences like private tours, animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes programs cost extra and range from $50 to several hundred dollars.
- Military, senior, and Georgia resident discounts are available and can reduce admission by $5 to $10 per ticket.
Discounts that can lower your ticket price
The Georgia Aquarium offers several discount categories. Military personnel with valid ID receive $5 off general admission. Seniors ages 65 and older pay $34.95 instead of the full adult price. Georgia residents can save $10 on adult tickets and $5 on child tickets by showing a valid Georgia ID at the gate or entering a Georgia zip code during online purchase.
If you live near Atlanta or plan multiple visits, an annual membership often makes financial sense. Membership starts around $99 for an individual and includes unlimited visits, discounts on special programs, and sometimes free guest passes. A family membership costs more but covers everyone in your household.
Special experiences and add-on programs
Beyond general admission, the Georgia Aquarium offers paid experiences that let you interact more closely with animals or see behind-the-scenes areas. These include animal encounters where you can touch or feed certain species, private group tours, and specialty programs. Costs for these extras typically range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on what you choose.
The aquarium also runs seasonal special events and exhibitions that may have separate admission fees or require a higher ticket tier. Check their events calendar to see what is happening during your planned visit, as some programs book up in advance.
How to buy tickets and save money
Buying tickets online before your visit almost always costs less than purchasing at the gate. The aquarium's website allows you to select your visit date and explore any discounts you may have access to for before checkout. You receive a confirmation email with a barcode or ticket number that you scan upon arrival.
Some third-party ticket resellers and travel websites also offer Georgia Aquarium tickets at discounts, though you should verify the seller is legitimate and that the discount is real. Occasionally, local hotels, employers, or community organizations have partnership deals that include discounted admission, so it is worth asking if you have access to any of those.
What is included in your admission
Your general admission ticket gives you access to the main galleries and permanent exhibits. This includes the Ocean Voyager exhibit with the whale sharks, the Tropical Diver section, the Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest with beluga whales and sea otters, and the River Scout gallery. You can spend as much time as you want in each area and revisit exhibits.
General admission does not include special shows, animal encounters, or private tours. Some live presentations and demonstrations happen throughout the day at no extra cost, but premium experiences require separate payment or a higher membership tier.
Planning your visit and timing your ticket purchase
Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends, and visiting during school days (when children are in class) means shorter lines. The aquarium is busiest during summer vacation, spring break, and holiday weeks. If you can visit during a slower period, you will have a more comfortable experience, though ticket prices remain the same year-round.
Buying your ticket a few days or a week in advance online is the simplest way to lock in the lowest price and avoid the ticket booth line. If you are unsure whether you will visit, many online purchases allow you to change your date up to a certain number of days before your scheduled visit.
Parking and other costs to budget for
Parking at the Georgia Aquarium is not free. The aquarium has an on-site parking garage, and rates vary but typically run $15 to $20 for a standard vehicle. If you use a ride-sharing service or public transportation, you avoid parking fees, and the aquarium is accessible by MARTA (the Atlanta transit system).
Food and beverages inside the aquarium are available at cafes and restaurants, and prices are higher than outside vendors. Many visitors bring their own snacks or eat before arriving to reduce costs. The aquarium does allow outside food in most areas, so packing a lunch can save money if you plan a long visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I buy them the day I visit?
You can buy tickets at the gate, but online advance purchases are cheaper and let you skip the ticket line. If you buy online, you typically receive a confirmation email with a barcode to scan at entry.
Are there discounts for large groups?
Yes. Groups of 15 or more people may may have access to for group rates, which offer per-person discounts. Contact the aquarium directly or check their website for current group pricing and how to book.
What happens if I buy a ticket but cannot go on my scheduled date?
Most online tickets allow you to change your visit date for free up to a certain number of days before your scheduled visit. Check the terms when you purchase to see what flexibility you have.
Is parking included with admission?
No. Parking is a separate fee, typically $15 to $20 for standard vehicles. You can avoid parking fees by using public transportation (MARTA) or a ride-sharing service.
Can I bring my own food into the aquarium?
Yes, outside food is allowed in most areas of the aquarium. This can help reduce costs if you plan a long visit, since food purchased inside is more expensive than typical restaurant prices.