Atlanta Aquarium Ticket Prices: What To Expect Before You Go

If you’re planning a visit to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, knowing how much tickets cost—and how to save on them—can make a big difference for your budget and your schedule.

Below is a clear breakdown of typical ticket types, price ranges, and local tips specifically for visiting the aquarium in downtown Atlanta.

Where Is the Atlanta (Georgia) Aquarium?

The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta at:

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
Phone: (404) 581-4000

It sits near Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame, so many people plan multiple attractions on the same day.

Typical General Admission Ticket Prices

Georgia Aquarium uses date-based pricing—busy days usually cost more than slower weekdays. Prices also vary by how and when you buy.

Standard General Admission (Most Common Ticket)

What it usually includes:

• Admission to all main galleries and exhibits
• Access to daily presentations (like dolphin and sea lion shows; seating may require reservations)
• Access to touch pools and interactive areas (when available)

Typical price range (per person):

*These ranges are approximate and can vary by date, time, and promotions.

Buying online in advance is often cheaper than buying at the gate, especially for popular weekends and holidays.

Ways Atlanta Locals and Visitors Commonly Save

If you live in Atlanta—or are planning a family visit—there are a few standard ways people reduce their aquarium costs.

1. Buy Tickets Online in Advance

Buying online directly from the aquarium before you arrive typically offers:

• Lower prices than walk-up
• Timed entry that helps avoid longer lines

If your schedule is flexible, check different days and times to see which are cheaper.

2. Look for Atlanta Attraction Bundles

Many visitors combine the aquarium with other downtown attractions. There are multi-attraction passes that can reduce your per-attraction cost, often including:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• Zoo Atlanta or other popular spots

These passes are usually best if you know you’ll visit several attractions within a short window (often 1–9 days).

3. Check for Resident or Member Options

While availability and terms change, here are some common patterns to look for:

• Annual memberships:
  Pay more up front, but often pay for themselves in 2–3 visits, especially for families who live in metro Atlanta and visit multiple times a year.

• Special resident days or promotions:
  Occasionally there may be offers that benefit people who live in Georgia. These can be time-limited, so they’re worth checking before you go.

For any membership, compare the cost to how many times you realistically plan to visit in a year.

Special Ticket Types and Add-Ons

Beyond basic admission, the Georgia Aquarium frequently offers extras that increase costs but add experiences.

Animal Encounters and Behind-the-Scenes Experiences

Typical optional upgrades may include:

• Animal encounters (such as sea otters, penguins, or other featured animals)
• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Specialty experiences (occasionally offered with limited capacity)

These usually cost an additional fee per person, often ranging from a moderate add-on to a premium price depending on the experience.

If you are planning a birthday, anniversary, or special trip to Atlanta, these can be memorable—but they’re not required to enjoy the aquarium.

4D Theater and Shows

General admission usually includes access to the aquarium’s regular presentations, but:

• Some 4D movies or premium experiences may have separate charges or require reservations.
• Check whether these are included on the specific ticket type you purchase.

Group, School, and Organization Pricing

If you’re organizing a visit for a school, camp, or large group in Atlanta:

• The aquarium typically has group rates for a minimum number of paying guests.
• School field trips often receive special pricing when booked in advance and may include educational programming.

For up-to-date details and requirements, contact the aquarium directly:

• Group and School Inquiries: Call the main line at (404) 581-4000 and ask for group sales or educational programs.

Because group tickets usually must be pre-booked, it’s best to plan weeks (or even months) ahead, especially for spring and early summer.

Parking and Extra Costs to Factor In

Ticket price is just part of the total cost of a Georgia Aquarium visit, especially if you’re driving in from around metro Atlanta.

Parking

The aquarium has a parking deck nearby (often shared with other destinations in the area). Expect:

• A flat daily parking fee in the typical range of a downtown Atlanta garage.
• Possible higher demand on weekends, holidays, and big event days (Falcons games, concerts, conventions, etc.).

If you’re trying to save:

• Consider MARTA to the Peachtree Center or Dome/GWCC/CNN Center stations and walk.
• Look at nearby paid lots and compare rates.

Food, Drinks, and Souvenirs

Inside the aquarium you’ll find:

• Cafeteria-style dining and snack stands
• Gift shops with souvenirs, toys, and apparel

These are optional expenses but can add significantly for families. Many Atlanta locals plan their visit around:

• Eating before or after at nearby restaurants around Centennial Olympic Park or in Midtown
• Setting a souvenir budget with kids in advance

Best Time to Visit for Value and Crowds

The amount you pay for tickets often lines up with how busy the aquarium is.

In Atlanta, common patterns include:

• Lower prices and fewer crowds:
  Weekdays outside of school holidays, especially early mornings or late afternoons.

• Higher prices and more crowds:
  Weekends, spring break, summer vacation, and major holidays.

If you live in Atlanta and have schedule flexibility, choosing a weekday can make the experience calmer and sometimes cheaper.

Accessibility and Special Considerations

The Georgia Aquarium is designed to be accessible for most visitors. While accessibility doesn’t usually change ticket price, it can affect planning:

• Wheelchair and stroller access is available; rentals are often on-site for an additional charge.
• Service animals are typically allowed under standard public-access guidelines.
• Guests with sensory sensitivities can plan for quieter times (usually weekday mornings).

If you or someone in your group has specific accessibility needs, calling ahead at (404) 581-4000 can help you understand what accommodations are currently available.

Quick Reference: What Most Atlanta Visitors Spend

Here’s a simple way to think about costs for a typical day at the Georgia Aquarium for someone in or visiting Atlanta:

• Single adult ticket: Expect around $40–$55
• Child ticket: Expect around $35–$45
• Parking: Usual downtown Atlanta rate for a day in a nearby deck
• Food and extras: Highly variable; budgeting at least a modest meal or snack per person is common
• Add-ons (encounters, tours): Extra per person, optional

If you plan to visit multiple times a year, especially with family, it’s worth comparing those totals to the cost of an annual membership.

In summary, tickets for the Atlanta (Georgia) Aquarium generally fall in the $40–$55 range for adults and slightly less for children, with prices shifting by date and time. Buying in advance online, visiting on less popular days, and considering multi-attraction passes or memberships are the most common ways Atlanta residents and visitors keep their aquarium trips more affordable.