Current ticket prices at the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta charges different prices depending on your age and when you visit. General admission for adults is $39.95, children ages 3–11 cost $34.95, and seniors 65 and older pay $34.95. Children under 3 enter free. These are the standard weekday and weekend prices, though the aquarium occasionally runs promotions that lower the cost for a day or two.

Prices can shift seasonally and during school holidays, so the amount you pay may be higher or lower than the base rate depending on when you plan to go. The aquarium's website shows the exact price for your chosen date when you select it, so you will know the final cost before you commit to buying.

Parking at the Georgia Aquarium costs $15 for a standard vehicle if you pay at the gate. You can also purchase parking in advance online for $12, which saves you a few dollars and lets you skip the parking booth line.

Key Takeaways

  • Adult tickets are $39.95, children 3–11 are $34.95, and seniors 65+ are $34.95; children under 3 enter free.
  • Prices vary by date and season, so check the aquarium's website to see the exact cost for the day you want to visit.
  • Parking costs $15 at the gate or $12 if you buy it online in advance.
  • The aquarium runs occasional promotions that can lower ticket prices for specific dates.
  • Annual memberships are available and pay for themselves after three or four visits if you plan to return.

Annual memberships and season passes

If you visit the Georgia Aquarium more than once a year, a membership may save you money. An individual annual membership costs $119.95 and includes unlimited visits, guest discounts, and priority entry. A family membership (up to four people) costs $249.95 and covers the same benefits for all members.

A family membership pays for itself after three visits if all four members would otherwise pay full price. An individual membership breaks even after about three visits as well. Members also receive 10% off food and merchandise inside the aquarium, which can add up if you buy lunch or a souvenir.

Ways to reduce the cost of your visit

Several organizations and programs offer discounted Georgia Aquarium tickets. Georgia residents can sometimes find deals through their employer's benefits program or through local libraries, which occasionally distribute discount vouchers. Military members and veterans receive a discount on admission—bring a valid military ID at the ticket counter.

The aquarium also runs flash sales and seasonal promotions, usually announced on its social media accounts and email newsletter. Signing up for the aquarium's email list takes less than a minute and alerts you when prices drop. Some dates in the off-season (late fall and winter, excluding holidays) have lower base prices than peak summer weeks.

If you are visiting Atlanta as part of a larger trip, look into city tourism packages. Some hotels and travel sites bundle aquarium tickets with other attractions at a lower combined price than buying each ticket separately.

What is included in your ticket

Your admission covers access to all the main exhibit areas: the Tropical Diver, Georgia-Pacific Cold Water Quest, Beluga whales, sea lions, and the massive Ocean Voyager tank with whale sharks. You can spend as much time as you want in each area and revisit exhibits throughout the day. Most visitors spend three to four hours exploring, though you can move through more quickly if you skip the interactive touch pools and feeding demonstrations.

Some special experiences cost extra beyond your base ticket. The Beluga encounter, where you touch and interact with beluga whales in a shallow pool, costs an additional $35 per person and requires advance booking. Trainer talks and feeding demonstrations are included with admission but happen at set times, so check the schedule when you arrive.

Planning your visit to avoid peak prices

Weekday visits, especially on Tuesday through Thursday, tend to have lower ticket prices than weekends. School days in September and early October, after summer vacation ends but before fall break, are typically the least crowded and cheapest times to visit. Summer weeks and school holidays (spring break, winter break, Thanksgiving week) have the highest prices and the most visitors.

If you have flexibility with your dates, visiting on a rainy day or during a weekday afternoon can mean both lower prices and shorter lines. The aquarium is indoors, so weather does not affect your experience, but many families avoid visiting on days with bad forecasts.

Combination tickets and nearby attractions

The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta near other paid attractions like the World of Coca-Cola and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. Some ticket vendors and tourism websites offer combination packages that bundle two or three attractions at a discount. These packages typically cost less than buying each ticket separately, though the savings depend on which attractions you choose.

Check the Georgia Aquarium's official website directly before buying through a third-party vendor, because the aquarium sometimes runs its own promotions that match or beat package deals. Buying directly also ensures you get the most current pricing and avoid any processing fees that third-party sites may add.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

You can buy tickets at the gate, but purchasing online in advance is faster and sometimes cheaper. Online tickets let you skip the ticket line and go straight to security. The aquarium's website shows you the exact price for your chosen date before you buy.

Are there any days when the Georgia Aquarium is closed?

The aquarium is open most days of the year, but it closes on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. It may have reduced hours on some holidays. Check the aquarium's website or call ahead if you are planning a visit around a holiday.

Can I bring my own food and drinks inside?

Outside food and drinks are not allowed in the main exhibit areas. The aquarium has a café and food vendors inside, though prices are typical for venue food. You can eat in the lobby area if you bring your own lunch, but not in the galleries themselves.

What is the best time of day to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings, especially between 10 a.m. and noon on Tuesday through Thursday, are usually the quietest. Avoid late afternoon on weekends and school holidays when families arrive after school or work. The aquarium is open until 9 p.m. most nights, so an evening visit on a weekday can also be less crowded than midday.

Is there a discount if I visit multiple times in one month?

The aquarium does not offer a multi-visit discount for a single month, but an annual membership becomes worthwhile if you plan to return three or more times in a year. If you are only visiting once, buying a single-day ticket is the most cost-effective option.