Georgia Aquarium ticket prices and what's included

A general admission ticket to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta costs between $30 and $45 for adults, depending on the day and season. Children ages 3 to 12 typically cost $20 to $30, and children under 3 are free. Prices are higher during peak travel seasons (summer break, spring break, and holidays) and lower on weekdays outside those periods.

Your general admission ticket includes access to all the main galleries and exhibits — the Tropical Diver, Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest, Beluga whales, sea lions, and the massive Ocean Voyager exhibit with whale sharks. You can spend as much time as you want in each area, watch scheduled animal presentations, and use the interactive touch pools. The ticket does not include special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours, animal encounters, or the 4D theater film, which cost extra.

Key Takeaways

  • General admission ranges from $30 to $45 for adults and $20 to $30 for children ages 3 to 12, with prices varying by season and day of the week.
  • Peak seasons (summer, spring break, holidays) have the highest prices; weekdays in fall and winter are usually the cheapest.
  • Special experiences like animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and the 4D theater cost $15 to $50 extra on top of admission.
  • Buying tickets online in advance usually saves $5 to $10 compared to buying at the gate.
  • Annual memberships start around $100 and pay for themselves after three or four visits if you plan to return.

How ticket prices change by season and day

The Georgia Aquarium uses dynamic pricing, meaning the same ticket costs different amounts depending on when you visit. Summer (June through August), spring break (March and early April), and major holidays (Thanksgiving week, Christmas week, New Year's week) are peak season. During these times, expect to pay the highest prices — often $40 to $45 for adults.

Weekdays in fall and winter outside holiday weeks are the cheapest. A Tuesday in November or January might be $30 to $35 for an adult ticket. Weekends year-round cost more than weekdays. If you have flexibility in when you visit, going on a rainy Tuesday in October or February will save you the most money.

Discounts and ways to save on admission

Buying tickets online through the Georgia Aquarium's website before you arrive usually saves $5 to $10 compared to buying at the gate. You print the ticket or show it on your phone, and entry is the same. Some hotels in Atlanta include discounted aquarium tickets as part of their package deals, so ask when you book your room.

Georgia residents and military members may receive discounts — check the aquarium's website for current offers, as these change. If you plan to visit more than once in a year, an annual membership ($100 to $150 for an individual) covers unlimited admission and often includes discounts on special experiences and the gift shop. Families who visit three or four times in a year usually save money with a membership.

Special experiences and add-on costs

Beyond general admission, the Georgia Aquarium offers paid add-ons. A behind-the-scenes tour costs around $30 to $50 per person and lasts 45 minutes to an hour. Animal encounters — where you touch or feed certain animals under staff supervision — range from $15 to $50 depending on which animal and how involved the experience is. The 4D theater film costs about $10 to $15 extra.

Dining inside the aquarium is available but expensive — expect to pay $12 to $18 for a sandwich or entree and $4 to $6 for a drink. Bringing your own food is not allowed in the galleries, though there is a designated picnic area outside. Many visitors eat before or after their visit to save money.

What to bring and what's included in your ticket

Your admission includes a map and a schedule of animal presentations and feeding times. Presentations happen throughout the day in different galleries — the sea lion show, the beluga whale talk, and the penguin feeding are popular. Arriving early and checking the schedule helps you plan which presentations to catch.

The aquarium is indoors and air-conditioned, so you do not need to worry about weather. Comfortable walking shoes are important because the exhibits cover a lot of ground. Strollers are allowed, and the facility is wheelchair accessible. Lockers are available to rent for $5 to $10 if you want to store bags while you walk around.

Planning your visit and timing

Most visitors spend three to four hours at the Georgia Aquarium. If you move quickly and skip the presentations, you can see everything in two hours. If you watch multiple animal presentations and spend time at the touch pools, plan for four to five hours. The aquarium opens at 9 or 10 a.m. depending on the season and closes between 5 and 9 p.m., also depending on season.

Arriving right when the aquarium opens gives you the shortest wait times and the least crowded galleries. Weekday mornings are quietest. If you visit on a weekend or during peak season, expect crowds, especially in the Ocean Voyager gallery with the whale sharks. The aquarium is busiest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Parking and transportation costs

Parking at the Georgia Aquarium costs $15 for a standard car. If you use a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft, expect to pay $10 to $20 each way depending on where you are coming from in Atlanta. Public transportation — the MARTA rail system — costs $2.50 per trip and drops you within walking distance of the aquarium in downtown Atlanta.

If you are visiting from out of town, factor parking or transportation into your total cost. Parking for a full day is cheaper than multiple ride-share trips if you are staying in the area for other activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy tickets at the gate or do I have to buy them online?

You can buy tickets at the gate, but online tickets are usually $5 to $10 cheaper and let you skip the ticket line. Buying online in advance is recommended, especially during busy seasons when the line can be 20 to 30 minutes long.

Are there any free days or times to visit the Georgia Aquarium?

The Georgia Aquarium does not have free admission days. Some Atlanta residents may receive discounts through employer programs or community partnerships, but there is no blanket free entry period. Check the aquarium's website for current resident or military discounts.

What's the cheapest time to visit?

Weekday visits in fall or winter (September through February, outside holidays) have the lowest prices. A Tuesday in November or January will cost significantly less than a Saturday in July. Buying tickets online adds another $5 to $10 in savings.

Do I need to buy tickets for children under 3?

No, children under 3 are free. You do not need a ticket for them, but they still need to enter with an adult. Children ages 3 and up require a paid ticket.

Is the Georgia Aquarium worth the cost?

That depends on your interests and how long you stay. Most visitors spend three to four hours and see it as worth the price. If you have young children or plan to return within a year, an annual membership often saves money compared to buying individual tickets.