General admission costs at the Georgia Aquarium

General admission to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta costs between $30 and $45 per person for adults, depending on when you visit. The price varies by season: peak times like summer vacation and holiday weeks cost more than off-season weekdays. Children ages 3 to 12 typically cost $20 to $30, and children under 3 enter free. Seniors (65+) usually receive a discount of $5 to $10 off the adult price.

Prices are lower if you buy tickets online in advance rather than at the gate. The aquarium's website shows current pricing for specific dates, so you can see the exact cost before you commit. Weekend and holiday pricing is consistently higher than weekday pricing year-round.

Key Takeaways

  • Adult general admission ranges from $30 to $45 depending on the season and day of the week, with online tickets cheaper than gate prices.
  • Children ages 3 to 12 cost $20 to $30, and children under 3 enter free with a paying adult.
  • Seniors (65+) receive a discount, usually $5 to $10 off the standard adult price.
  • Peak season (summer, holidays) costs more than off-season weekdays, so visiting on a Tuesday or Wednesday in January or September saves money.
  • Special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters cost extra on top of general admission.

What's included in general admission

Your general admission ticket gives you access to all the main exhibits: the Beluga whale habitat, the manta ray touch pools, the tropical diver exhibit, the cold water quest section, and the Georgia-Pacific cold water quest. You can spend as much time as you want in each area and watch feeding demonstrations and educational talks that happen throughout the day at scheduled times.

General admission does not include special experiences like the dolphin encounter, the sea lion show, or the behind-the-scenes tour. Those are add-ons you purchase separately, and they fill up quickly on busy days. If you want to do one of these, buy it when you buy your general admission ticket or arrive early to book it in person.

Add-on experiences and their costs

The Georgia Aquarium offers several paid experiences beyond general admission. A dolphin encounter (where you touch and interact with dolphins in a shallow pool) costs roughly $70 to $100 per person on top of your admission ticket. The sea lion show add-on is typically $15 to $25 per person. A behind-the-scenes tour that takes you to areas the public doesn't normally see runs $40 to $60 per person.

Other add-ons include a trainer for a day program (around $200 to $300), a private group tour, and special photography packages. These experiences have limited spots and sell out, especially during peak season. Book these when you purchase your admission ticket if possible, or call ahead to reserve a spot.

Season and timing affect your total cost

The aquarium charges different prices based on when you visit. Summer (June through August), spring break, Thanksgiving week, and December 15 through January 2 are peak season and cost the most. Off-season includes January through February and September through October, when prices drop noticeably. March, April, May, and early November fall in between.

Weekday visits are cheaper than weekends year-round. A Tuesday in February might cost $30 for an adult, while the same person pays $40 on a Saturday in July. If your schedule is flexible, visiting on a weekday in an off-season month saves the most money. The aquarium's website shows pricing for each specific date, so you can compare before you decide.

Membership and annual pass options

If you plan to visit more than once or twice a year, a membership may save money. An individual annual membership typically costs $90 to $130 and includes unlimited general admission for a year, plus discounts on special experiences and the gift shop. A family membership (usually 2 adults and up to 4 children) runs $180 to $250 annually.

Members also get perks like early entry on certain days, discounts on add-on experiences, and invitations to member-only events. If you visit three times in a year, the membership usually pays for itself. The aquarium's website lists current membership pricing and what each level includes.

Parking and other costs to budget for

Parking at the Georgia Aquarium costs $15 for standard parking and $25 for preferred parking closer to the entrance. If you use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft, budget $15 to $30 each way depending on traffic and where you're coming from. Street parking is not available in this area of downtown Atlanta.

Food and drinks inside the aquarium are more expensive than outside restaurants. A sandwich runs $12 to $16, a drink $5 to $7, and a snack like popcorn $6 to $8. You can bring your own food and drinks (except glass containers and alcohol) and eat in the designated picnic areas, which saves significantly if you're visiting with a family.

How to find current prices and book tickets

The Georgia Aquarium's official website (georgiaaquarium.org) shows ticket prices for every date and lets you buy in advance. Prices update regularly based on demand, so checking the website is the only way to know the exact cost for your chosen date. You can also call the aquarium's main number to ask about pricing, but the website is faster.

Third-party ticket resellers sometimes offer discounts, but prices are usually the same or higher than buying directly from the aquarium. Buying directly from the official website guarantees you get the lowest available price and avoids any confusion about which ticket type you're purchasing. Print your confirmation email or show it on your phone at the gate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy tickets in advance or can I buy them at the gate?

You can buy tickets at the gate, but online tickets are cheaper and you avoid waiting in line. On busy days, the gate line can take 30 minutes or more. Buying online also lets you see the exact price before you commit and guarantees entry if the aquarium reaches capacity (rare but possible on peak days).

Are there discounts for military, students, or teachers?

The aquarium offers military discounts (usually $5 off) with a valid military ID. Student and teacher discounts vary by season and are not always available. Check the website or call ahead to ask what discounts are currently offered, as they change throughout the year.

Can I bring my own food and drinks inside?

Yes, you can bring outside food and non-alcoholic drinks in non-glass containers. The aquarium has picnic areas where you can eat. This is a good way to save money if you're visiting with children or planning a long visit. Glass bottles, alcohol, and outside beverages in glass are not allowed.

What time of year is cheapest to visit?

January (after the 2nd) through February and September through October are the cheapest months. Weekdays in these months cost the least. A weekday visit in February might save you $10 to $15 per person compared to a weekend in July.

Is the membership worth it if I only visit once a year?

Probably not. A single visit costs $30 to $45 per person, while a membership costs $90 to $130 for one person. You would need to visit at least twice in a year for the membership to pay for itself. If you have a family of four, the math changes — a family membership might be worth it with just two visits.