Military Discounts at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re wondering “Does the Atlanta Aquarium have a military discount?”, the short answer is yes – the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta typically offers discounts for U.S. military members.

However, the details matter: who qualifies, how to claim it, and how it compares to other ways to save on tickets with kids or a larger family.

Below is a clear breakdown tailored to Atlanta-area military families, veterans, and visitors planning a trip to the Georgia Aquarium.

Does the Georgia Aquarium Offer a Military Discount?

Yes. The Georgia Aquarium generally offers a military discount on admission.

While exact prices can change over time, Atlanta visitors and locals usually find:

• Discounted general admission for active duty military
• Discounts that may extend to reserve members, retirees, and veterans
• Occasional special military appreciation days or events

Because pricing and policies are updated periodically, it’s smart to verify the current discount before you buy, especially if you’re planning a larger family visit.

Who Qualifies for the Military Discount?

Eligibility is usually based on U.S. military status and valid ID. Commonly recognized groups include:

• Active Duty (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard)
• National Guard
• Reserve members
• Retirees
• Veterans (often with accepted proof of service)
• Dependents (spouses and children) in some cases, depending on the specific offer

Because offers can vary, it’s best to check whether the discount:

• Applies only to the service member, or
• Extends to immediate family members on the same visit

What Kind of Discount Can You Expect?

The Georgia Aquarium’s military discount typically comes in one of these forms:

• Reduced-price general admission ticket
• Special promotional offers around certain holidays (for example, Memorial Day or Veterans Day periods)
• Occasionally, special free or deeply discounted admission events for military members and their families, usually on selected dates

The exact dollar amount or percentage can change, so think of it as a meaningful but variable savings, not a fixed rate.

How to Claim the Military Discount

1. Buying Tickets Online

Many Atlanta military families find it easiest to purchase tickets online in advance using a military verification step. Often, the process looks like this:

1. Select “military” or “military discount” ticket type during online checkout (if available).
2. Complete an online verification through a third-party military verification service, when prompted.
3. Bring your military ID with you on the day of your visit in case staff need to confirm.

Online purchase is especially helpful if:

• You’re driving in from a base outside the city (such as Fort Moore or Dobbins ARB).
• You want to lock in a specific entry time, which the aquarium often uses to manage crowd levels.

2. Buying Tickets at the Box Office

You can also request the military discount in person at the ticket windows:

• Go to the Georgia Aquarium ticketing area in downtown Atlanta.
• Present a valid military ID or accepted proof of service.
• Ask specifically for military pricing before you pay.

This can work well if:

• You’re already in downtown Atlanta with your family.
• You prefer to talk to a staff member about current offers.
• You have questions about applying the discount to multiple family members.

What ID Do You Need?

To access the military discount, be prepared to show one of these common forms of ID (exact requirements can vary):

• Uniformed Services ID Card (active, retired, or reserve)
• Veteran ID card (from the VA or other official source, where accepted)
• DD-214 (for veterans, sometimes accepted as proof when paired with photo ID)
• Military dependent ID (for spouses/dependents when a discount applies to them)
• DoD-issued ID where appropriate

If you’re a veteran without a standard military ID, consider:

• An official Veteran Health Identification Card from the VA
• A state-issued driver’s license with a veteran designation (if Georgia or your home state provides one)

Always bring a backup form of ID if you’re unsure which card qualifies.

Georgia Aquarium Location and Contact Info (Atlanta)

If you want to confirm the most current military discount details directly, you can contact or visit:

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

When you call, you can ask:

• “What is your current military discount on tickets?”
• “Does the discount apply to my family members as well?”
• “Do I need to purchase tickets online or can I get the discount at the door?”

Staff are used to helping Atlanta-area military families and out-of-town visitors, so they can usually clarify quickly.

Planning a Military Family Visit with Kids

Since this topic falls under “Family and Kids,” it helps to think about practical planning for a military family day at the aquarium.

Timing Your Visit

When you’re coming from around Atlanta—whether from the suburbs, nearby bases, or in-town neighborhoods—consider:

• Weekdays and early mornings: usually less crowded, easier with younger children.
• School breaks and weekends: busier, but can be the only option for some families.
• Holidays like Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Fourth of July: may have special military offers, but can also be high-traffic days.

Budgeting for a Family

Even with a military discount, costs can add up with kids and extended family. Plan for:

• Tickets (with military rate applied where eligible)
• Parking in downtown Atlanta (in nearby garages or lots)
• Food and drinks inside the aquarium or at nearby restaurants in Centennial Park area
• Optional extras like animal encounters, shows, or photo packages

For many Atlanta families, the military discount helps make a full-day outing more affordable, especially when combined with other local planning (like sharing parking or packing snacks where allowed).

Quick Reference: Military Discount at Georgia Aquarium

Other Tips for Atlanta Military Families and Visitors

A few Atlanta-specific pointers to round out your visit:

• Combine your trip with nearby attractions: The aquarium is right by Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and the College Football Hall of Fame, making it easy to plan a full family day downtown.
• Check base resources: If you’re stationed near Atlanta (for example, at Dobbins Air Reserve Base or another regional installation), your base’s ITT (Information, Tickets & Travel) office may know about additional ticket options or local attraction deals.
• Watch for special military appreciation periods: Atlanta organizations, including major attractions, sometimes coordinate around national military recognition dates, which can bring extra discounts or special events at or near the aquarium.

In summary: Yes, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta does offer a military discount, but the exact details—who qualifies, how much you save, and how to apply it—can change. If you’re planning a family and kids outing in Atlanta, especially if you’re active duty, Guard, Reserve, retired, or a veteran, it’s well worth calling the aquarium or checking their current ticket options before you go.