How Much Is the Atlanta Aquarium? A Local’s Guide to Ticket Prices & Ways to Save

If you’re planning a family day at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, one of the first things you probably want to know is: How much does it cost to go?

While exact prices can change, this guide walks you through typical ticket ranges, extra costs, discounts, and money-saving tips so you know what to expect before you head downtown.

Where Is the Atlanta Aquarium?

The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta at:

It’s right next to Centennial Olympic Park, close to the World of Coca-Cola, the College Football Hall of Fame, and the CNN Center, which makes it easy to pair with other family activities.

What Does It Cost to Visit the Atlanta Aquarium?

General Admission Ticket Ranges

Pricing can vary based on day of the week, season, and how early you buy, but in general you can expect:

• Adults (usually ages 13–64): often in the $40–$60 range
• Children (usually ages 3–12): often in the $35–$50 range
• Young children (under 3): commonly free
• Seniors (typically 65+): usually a slightly reduced rate compared with standard adult tickets

These general admission tickets usually include:

• Access to most exhibits
• Daily dolphin presentation (with seating based on availability)
• Access to sea lion and other shows/presentations, when offered
• Most regular educational talks and gallery access

For planning purposes, a typical Atlanta family of four (two adults, two kids) should be prepared for roughly $150–$200+ just for admission, depending on timing and available deals.

How Pricing Usually Works (And Why It Varies)

You’ll notice that “How much is Atlanta Aquarium?” doesn’t have a simple one-number answer. A few key factors affect the total:

1. Day & Season

• Weekends, holidays, and school breaks in Atlanta often cost more.
• Weekdays during the school year are often less expensive and less crowded.

2. Advance Purchase vs. Same-Day

• Buying tickets online in advance typically offers the best available price.
• Same-day tickets at the door can sometimes be more expensive and may have limited time slots, especially on busy days.

3. Time-Slot Demand

The aquarium often uses timed-entry tickets. High-demand time slots (like late morning or early afternoon) may cost more than earlier or later times.

Popular Ticket Options & Upgrades

Standard General Admission

Most visitors just need standard general admission, which covers:

• All main galleries and exhibits
• Self-paced touring
• Access to scheduled presentations and shows, as available

This is usually the baseline cost people mean when they ask how much the Atlanta aquarium is.

Animal Encounters & Special Experiences

If you’re looking for something extra, optional add-ons can increase your total cost. These may include experiences like:

• Dolphin, sea lion, or penguin encounters
• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Virtual reality or simulator experiences
• Specialty photo packages

These can range from modest add-ons to premium-priced experiences per person, depending on what you choose. For a family, one or two upgrades can easily add $50–$150+ to the total tab.

Annual Memberships

If you live in the Atlanta area and plan to visit more than once in a year, it’s worth checking membership prices, which often include:

• Unlimited general admission for a year (for the member)
• Possible discounts on parking, food, and gift shop purchases
• Discounted guest tickets on certain days
• Early or special access to certain events

A membership can cost more up front than a single visit, but may save money for frequent visitors or local families.

Extra Costs to Plan For

Parking

If you’re driving in from Atlanta suburbs or metro neighborhoods, parking is another cost to keep in mind.

• The aquarium is near dedicated parking decks and downtown garages.
• Expect parking to be roughly in the $10–$20+ range, depending on the day and where you park.
• Booking parking in advance online sometimes offers small savings compared with drive-up rates.

If you’d like to avoid parking fees, consider:

• MARTA (rail) to Peachtree Center Station, then walk or use a short rideshare.
• Rideshare or taxis directly to the Baker Street entrance.

Food & Drinks

You’re not typically allowed to bring full meals inside, so plan for on-site food costs:

• Main dining areas often offer burgers, sandwiches, salads, kids’ meals, and snacks.
• Prices are usually higher than a typical fast-food stop, more in line with large attractions and stadium-style dining.

To control costs, many Atlanta families:

• Eat a big meal before visiting
• Bring small, permitted snacks (check current rules for what’s allowed)
• Plan a late lunch or early dinner at a nearby restaurant after the visit

Photos & Souvenirs

The Georgia Aquarium offers:

• Professional photo stations
• Gift shops with plush animals, apparel, toys, and souvenirs

These can add up quickly, especially with kids. Setting a souvenir budget ahead of time helps avoid surprises.

Typical Total Cost for a Family Visit

To get a realistic sense of “how much is the Atlanta aquarium” for a day out, here’s a rough, ballpark estimate for a family of four from metro Atlanta (two adults, two children):

👉 Overall, many families spend somewhere between $200 and $400+ for a full aquarium day when you include tickets, parking, and food. Your total can be lower if you go on a cheaper day and skip extras, or higher if you add premium experiences.

Discounts & Ways Atlanta Visitors Can Save

While discounts change over time, here are common ways locals and visitors reduce costs:

1. Buy Online in Advance

• Advance online tickets are often cheaper than buying on-site.
• You can also choose a lower-priced time slot when schedules are flexible.

2. Look for Weekday or Off-Peak Deals

• School days, especially Tuesdays–Thursdays, can sometimes be more affordable and less crowded.
• If you’re in Atlanta year-round, consider going during the school year instead of holidays or summer weekends.

3. Consider Membership if You’ll Return

If you:

• Live in Atlanta or nearby suburbs (Decatur, Marietta, Sandy Springs, etc.)
• Have kids who love animals
• Expect to visit at least two or three times in a year

…then a membership can sometimes cost less than multiple sets of day tickets, especially when you factor in discounts on food, parking, or guest passes.

4. Local Library Family Passes (For Georgia Residents)

Georgia residents sometimes use the:

• Georgia Public Library System family pass program (availability and rules can vary over time).

Many metro Atlanta libraries, like those in Fulton County, DeKalb County, and Cobb County, may participate in statewide museum and attraction pass programs. These passes often:

• Require you to check out a DVD or resource and watch it
• Provide admission benefits for a limited number of people
• Are popular and may be booked out in advance

If you live in or near Atlanta, contact your local public library branch (for example, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System) and ask if they currently offer a Georgia Aquarium family pass or similar program, and what the rules are.

5. Group Rates

If you’re organizing:

• A school field trip,
• A youth group,
• A church group, or
• A large family gathering

…it may be worth asking about group pricing, which can sometimes bring the per-person cost down.

6. Check For Special Atlanta-Area Promotions

At various times, the aquarium has offered:

• Resident specials (for Georgia residents, occasionally)
• Seasonal promotions around holidays or Atlanta events

When you’re ready to buy, it can help to check current offers and compare days and time slots.

How Long to Plan for Your Visit

Your time investment also affects how you feel about the cost.

Most Atlanta-area families recommend planning:

• At least 3–4 hours for a quick visit
• 5–6 hours if you want to see most shows, linger at exhibits, and eat on-site

If you’re driving in from farther suburbs (like Lawrenceville, Woodstock, or Fayetteville), it can make sense to make a full day of it and explore nearby attractions in downtown Atlanta to get more value out of the trip.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Families and Visitors

To make the most of what you spend:

• Go early in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.
• Check traffic if you’re coming via the Downtown Connector (I‑75/85), especially on weekdays.
• Consider MARTA to avoid high parking or traffic stress.
• Plan your must-see exhibits (like whale sharks, dolphins, or penguins) so you don’t miss them.
• Set clear expectations with kids about souvenirs and snacks before you arrive.

In summary, the cost of visiting the Atlanta (Georgia) Aquarium depends on when you go, how many people are in your group, and whether you add extras. For most individuals, expect admission to run somewhere in the $40–$60 range per person, with total family costs rising once you include parking, food, and optional experiences. With some planning and smart timing, it can be a memorable Atlanta outing that fits your budget.