What You'll Pay for Georgia Aquarium Admission

The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta charges different prices depending on your age and when you visit. Adult tickets cost $39.95, children ages 3–12 cost $34.95, and seniors 65 and older cost $34.95. Children under 3 enter free. These are the standard walk-up prices at the ticket window or online.

Prices are higher during peak times. Summer months (June through August) and holiday weeks charge a premium: adults pay $44.95, children pay $39.95, and seniors pay $39.95. The aquarium defines peak dates on its website calendar, so check before you plan your visit.

Online tickets purchased in advance are the same price as tickets bought at the door, but buying ahead lets you skip the ticket line and go straight in. The aquarium's website shows you the calendar and lets you select your exact date before you pay.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard admission is $39.95 for adults, $34.95 for children 3–12 and seniors 65+, and free for children under 3.
  • Peak season (summer and holidays) raises prices by $5 per ticket across all age groups.
  • Buying tickets online in advance costs the same as walk-up tickets but saves you time at the entrance.
  • The aquarium's website calendar shows which dates are peak pricing so you can plan your budget.

When Peak Pricing Applies

Peak pricing runs during the busiest times of year. Summer vacation (June 1 through August 31) is always peak season. Holiday weeks around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's also charge the higher rate. Spring break weeks in March and April may be peak depending on the year.

The aquarium posts its full peak calendar on its website each year, usually by January. You can view the calendar month by month and see exactly which dates cost more. If you have flexibility in when you visit, choosing an off-peak weekday in fall or winter will save you $10 per adult ticket.

Parking and Additional Costs

Parking at the Georgia Aquarium costs $15 per vehicle if you park in the aquarium's own lot. Street parking is available in the surrounding area but can be hard to find during busy times. Some visitors use paid parking garages nearby, which may cost $10–$20 depending on how long you stay.

Food and drinks inside the aquarium are priced like most tourist attractions. A meal runs $12–$18, and bottled water costs $4–$5. You can bring your own water bottle and refill it at fountains inside. The aquarium allows outside food in some areas, so packing snacks can save money if you plan a long visit.

Discounts and Membership Options

The Georgia Aquarium offers a membership program that pays for itself after two visits. Annual membership starts at $99 per person and includes unlimited visits, discounts on food and gifts, and special member-only events. Family memberships are available at higher price points depending on how many people you add.

Military members and their families receive a 10% discount on admission with a valid military ID. Some employers and credit unions offer discounted Georgia Aquarium tickets through their benefits programs—check with your HR department or union to see if your workplace participates.

Atlanta residents may find deals through the city's recreation department or local libraries, which sometimes distribute discounted tickets. Call ahead to ask whether your library branch has them in stock.

How to Buy Tickets Online

Visit the Georgia Aquarium's official website and click the "Buy Tickets" button. Select your visit date from the calendar—the price will update automatically if that date is peak season. Choose the number of adults, children, and seniors, then add any memberships or special options.

You'll enter your email address and payment information. The aquarium accepts all major credit cards. After you pay, you'll receive a confirmation email with a barcode or ticket number. Print your tickets or show the barcode on your phone at the entrance—no need to wait in the ticket line.

If you buy tickets at the door instead, arrive early during peak times because lines can be long. Off-peak weekdays usually have shorter waits.

Group Rates and Special Visits

Groups of 15 or more people receive discounted admission. Group rates are typically 10–15% off standard prices, but the exact discount depends on group size and the date. Contact the aquarium's group sales team directly through its website to request a quote and book your group visit.

The aquarium also offers special experiences like behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters, which cost extra on top of admission. These range from $50 to $200 per person depending on what you do. These are booked separately from general admission and require advance notice.

What's Included in Your Ticket

Your admission ticket gives you access to all the aquarium's exhibits and viewing areas. This includes the whale shark tank, the tropical diver exhibit, the cold water quest section, and all other permanent displays. You can spend as much time as you want in each area—there's no time limit on your visit.

Your ticket does not include special experiences like animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, or the 4D theater film, which cost extra. Food, drinks, and gift shop purchases are also separate. Parking is not included in admission and costs $15 if you use the aquarium lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I buy tickets online?

Refund policies vary by ticket type. Standard admission tickets are usually non-refundable but can often be changed to a different date. Check the terms when you buy, or contact the aquarium directly if you need to cancel. Special experience tickets have stricter cancellation rules.

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

You can buy tickets at the door, but during peak times (summer, holidays, weekends) lines can be 30 minutes or longer. Buying online ahead of time costs the same and lets you walk straight to the entrance. Off-peak weekdays usually have short waits at the ticket window.

Are there discounts for Georgia residents?

The aquarium does not offer a blanket Georgia resident discount on admission. However, some Atlanta residents can access discounted tickets through the city's recreation department or public libraries. Military members get 10% off with valid ID. Check with your employer or credit union for workplace discounts.

What time of year is cheapest to visit?

Off-peak times are September through May (except holidays). Weekdays are cheaper than weekends year-round. A weekday visit in October or November will cost the least—$39.95 per adult instead of $44.95 during summer.

Can children under 3 really enter free?

Yes, children under 3 do not need a ticket. You can bring them in free, but they will not have their own seat or viewing space. If you want a stroller or want them to have their own area, you may want to purchase a child ticket anyway, though this is not required.