Where: 225 Baker St NW, Atlanta, GA
Did you know that one of the best aquariums in the entire country can be found right in the heart of Atlanta? Since the Georgia Aquarium opened in 2005, locals and visitors alike have flocked to the great tanks downtown to see everything from penguins and sea lions to whale sharks. Every member of your family will find something fascinating at this spot—my son loves to watch the manta rays loop circles in the Ocean Voyager exhibit, while I love to see the otters enjoy their daily shrimp and mussels meal. Even better, visiting will strengthen your child’s bond with the sea, and will remind them of how precious our planet is. If you’re planning your first (or fifth!) visit to the aquarium, make sure to consult our list of insider tips first—I’m an annual pass holder and I promise this advice will help make your trip easier. You’re welcome!
1. Pay for parking ahead of time
Visit the Georgia Aquarium website to get a parking discount! If you’re a member, you’ll save even more cash by paying in advance. You can also skip the parking kiosk line since you’ve prepaid.
2. Buy tickets online, too
You may find some special events, evening discounts and other cost-savings by visiting the aquarium’s ticketing page. By shopping online, instead of at the walk-up windows, you’ll get the early bird discount and be able to bypass the ticket line—it’s a double win!
3. Follow social media for sales and discounts
The Georgia Aquarium has a great social media team that often publicizes special events, discounts and more. Catch up with them on twitter here.
4. Try a City Pass
If you’re going to be in town for a while, try a City Pass. This pass will also let you visit attractions like Zoo Atlanta, the World of Coca-Cola and more for one price. The more you visit, the more you save.
5. Check out the Dolphin Show schedule
The aquarium takes animal rest and enjoyment seriously, so the dolphins aren’t overworked. They perform at specific times in the arena, and that schedule can change without notice. Be sure to check the app or online schedule to see when the dolphins are expected to wow you with their smarts and agility. Since its opening, the dolphin show has had a few changes, upgrades and variety in programming. We can tell you it’s not the same show you’ve seen before!
6. Avoid peak times
Peak times for the Georgia Aquarium can vary. During the school year, field trips can literally swamp the exhibits. Try visiting just after lunch or during the cooler evenings to avoid crowds. On weekend mornings, the aquarium opens an hour early and crowds are extremely low during those early hours. You’ll be guaranteed to have lots of walking space.
7. Find member parking
Head to the second floor of the parking garage if you have a Member Pass. There are dedicated parking spots along the interior wall near the elevators just for you!
8. Leave the stroller in the car
Some of the exhibit hallways can be fairly narrow. Leave your strollers in the car unless they are absolutely necessary. We recommend baby wearing if your little ones can’t walk the whole time.
9. Visit Pemberton Place for snacks
Just outside, between the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola, is Pemberton Place. There is a great little snack shop for sandwiches and drinks, as well as patio seating and restrooms. No outside food can be brought into the aquarium, so help yourself to snacks before entering.
10. Attend a feeding session
Where: Posted in each exhibit are feeding times for the animals. Watching the trained whale shark giants eat from color-coded buckets is a sight to see! You can also see penguins swim for fish or otters play with puzzles for snacks. Seeing at least one feeding session can be fun for the whole family.,
11. Make a meeting spot
Cell phone service can be spotty in the giant atrium, so choose a meeting spot and time, if you’d like to split up and visit different sea creatures.
12. Don’t forget about the security check
There’s a bag check before you enter the aquarium. Leave giant backpacks at home, and choose small purses or none at all to breeze through security at a speedy pace.
13. Attend special events
The Georgia Aquarium occasionally holds special events and fundraisers that take place in the atrium or Ocean Voyager Exhibit and are not to be missed. Who wouldn’t want to sip cocktails while watching whale sharks slip by? Or sleep under the soft, color-changing orbs in the atrium?
14. Ask questions of every volunteer you see
Those nice people standing in front of many of the exhibits are Georgia Aquarium volunteers! They are extremely knowledgeable and know fun facts about each animal as well as have the ability to answer any questions you might have about your visit. Chat someone up and learn something new.
15. Don’t miss the hands-on petting tanks
If you’ve got brave ones in your crew, head to one of the three touch pools around the aquarium, where little ones actually touch a variety of sharks and rays (don’t worry, it’s totally safe). Just tell your little ones what to expect and how to treat the animals with care.
16. Book a behind-the-scenes tour
Called the “Behind the Seas Tour,” these backstage looks at the tank tops and nurseries are very cool! See coral being created, shark eggs incubating and other small animals that are under various kinds of care. Learn how the whale sharks know what bucket to eat from and how many gallons of water the building holds.
17. Take a photo in front of the giant Tropical Diver Tank
Of course, you’re not allowed to use a camera flash in the building, for the animals’ safety. Instead, prep your camera for the giant window in front of the Tropical Diver Tank. When the realistic waves create the surf, the light is bright and wonderful for a family photo!
18. Sit and stare in the Ocean Voyager Auditorium
At the end of the Ocean Voyager Exhibit, sit on the auditorium’s carpeted bleachers and watch the whale sharks circle by. How many can you see? Your little ones are sure to be mesmerized as they watch the manta rays do vertical loops during feeding time.
19. Experience the Aquanaut Adventure
Take the elevator to the top floor to tour the Aquanaut Adventure, a touchable science exhibition that’s fun for the whole family as you search for answers under the sea. Insider tip: Find the color-changing octopus and watch him work on his puzzles!
20. Pop up with the penguins
Get on the ground and crawl through a tunnel to “swim” with the penguins. At the end, pop up into a capsule to see what the penguins see and watch them waddle around on the rocks.
21. Stop by the Underwater Tunnel in the River Scout
Pause after the first tank on the right in the River Scout exhibit. You’ll see an “entrance” at waist level. Have your kids (or, if you’re nimble yourself) crawl into the tunnel to see the fish from the inside. Your friends on the outside can take some neat photos of you!
22. Get in line early for sea lions
The sea lion show is extremely popular! Get in line early for the best seats and to have an unobstructed view of the wondrously large mammals.
23. Watch a film in the 4D theater
Head to the 4D Funbelievable Theater to experience the sea from the animals’ point of view. It’s one of the most advanced theaters in the world, featuring interactive seats and unique special effects that are built into the theater itself.
24. Have a bite to eat at the Cafe Aquaria
If you have a member pass, be sure to show it when at checkout. Did you know you could save 10 percent on your entire purchase at Cafe Aquaria? There are kids’ meals, drinks, treats and more. If you want a lighter option, there’s the Seaside Delights counter with coffee and espresso beverages, frozen yogurt, salads and wraps.
25. See a cool view from the second floor
Make a stop after you exit Cold Water Quest (upper exit), to see the aquarium from a second floor viewpoint—you’ll see the lights on the ceiling, the folks below, and even across the atrium to the 4D theater!
