Is the Atlanta Aquarium Really the Biggest? What Atlanta Families Should Know

If you live in Atlanta or you’re planning a family trip here, you’ve probably heard people say that the Georgia Aquarium is “the biggest aquarium in the world.” But is that actually true today—and what does “biggest” even mean?

Here’s a clear breakdown, focused on what Atlanta families and visitors actually need to know.

Is the Atlanta Aquarium the Biggest in the World?

In terms of total water volume, the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta is commonly recognized as one of the largest aquariums in the world and the largest in the United States.

Aquariums sometimes trade places in global rankings as new facilities open or expand, but:

• The Georgia Aquarium is still among the top few largest aquariums worldwide.
• It remains the biggest in the U.S. by total water volume.
• It is especially famous for its massive tanks housing whale sharks, something only a handful of aquariums in the world offer.

So if you’re wondering whether the Atlanta aquarium is “the biggest”, the most accurate, up‑to‑date way to say it is:

For planning a family visit, this means you should expect a huge facility with a lot to see, easily a half‑day to full‑day activity.

Where Is the Georgia Aquarium Located in Atlanta?

For anyone living in or visiting the city, the aquarium is centrally located and easy to combine with other downtown attractions.

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

It sits in the downtown / Centennial Park area, right next to:

• World of Coca‑Cola
• Centennial Olympic Park
• Walking distance to State Farm Arena and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium
• Close to the CNN Center and multiple downtown hotels

This location makes it a convenient anchor activity for a day out with kids, especially if you’re already planning time in downtown Atlanta.

What Makes the Georgia Aquarium “So Big”?

When people talk about “biggest,” they usually mean total tank volume and overall scale of the exhibits. Here’s what that looks like in Atlanta.

Key Features That Stand Out

• Enormous ocean tank: One of the largest single aquatic habitats in the world, home to:

  • Whale sharks
  • Manta rays
  • Large schools of fish and other marine life

• Multiple major galleries, each devoted to different ecosystems, such as:

  • Cold water habitats (like belugas)
  • Tropical reefs
  • Rivers and freshwater environments
  • Sharks and predators
  • Local Georgia aquatic life

• High capacity for visitors: It’s designed to handle large crowds, especially on weekends and school breaks.

For Atlanta families, the size translates into:

• A lot of walking (strollers are very common and helpful for younger kids)
• Enough variety that different age groups usually find something they love
• A visit that can feel more like a full-scale attraction than a quick museum stop

How the Georgia Aquarium Compares to Other Aquariums

If you’re used to smaller local aquariums in other cities, the Georgia Aquarium will likely feel significantly bigger and more complex.

Simple Comparison Snapshot

You don’t need to worry about finding a “bigger” aquarium elsewhere in Georgia. For scale, this is the flagship aquarium attraction for the entire region, and many people from neighboring states plan trips specifically to see it.

What This Means for Atlanta Families and Visitors

Because the Georgia Aquarium is so large, it affects how you plan your day.

How Much Time Should You Plan?

For most people in Atlanta:

• Quick visit with kids: 2–3 hours
• Typical family visit: 3–5 hours
• Full, slow-paced experience: 5–6+ hours, especially if you:
  • Watch multiple shows
  • Do animal encounters or add-on experiences
  • Stop for a sit-down lunch or snack breaks

If you’re local, many families find annual memberships worthwhile so they can break the aquarium into multiple shorter visits instead of trying to see everything at once.

Best Times to Visit (From an Atlanta Local’s Perspective)

Crowds can feel as big as the building, especially on:

• Weekends
• School holidays
• Rainy days, when everyone looks for indoor activities

To make the most of such a large aquarium:

• 🕗 Arrive early (right at or near opening time) for lighter crowds.
• 🕓 Later afternoons on weekdays can also be calmer, especially during the school year.
• Consider avoiding major downtown event days (big games, concerts) when parking and traffic are heavy.

Family-Friendly Features Inside the Aquarium

Even though it’s huge, the Georgia Aquarium is laid out to work well for families and kids of different ages.

What Kids Tend to Love Most

Common favorites for Atlanta-area families include:

• The big viewing windows in the main ocean tank
• Tunnel walk-throughs, where fish (and sometimes sharks) swim overhead
• Interactive touch pools, usually with rays or other gentle species
• Dolphin or sea lion presentations, which many kids see as “shows”

Because the aquarium is so large, you don’t have to see everything in one trip. If you’re local to Atlanta, many parents pick 2–3 must-see areas and save the rest for another visit.

Getting There, Parking, and Transit Options in Atlanta

Even the “biggest” aquarium isn’t much fun if getting there is stressful. Here’s what matters for Atlanta-specific logistics.

Driving and Parking

The Georgia Aquarium has on-site parking in a large parking deck, typically accessed from Luckie Street NW.

From an Atlanta driver’s standpoint:

• Expect heavier traffic on I‑75/85 and around downtown during:
  • Rush hours
  • Events at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium or State Farm Arena
• If you’re coming with small kids or strollers, parking in the official deck is usually the simplest option, since it connects relatively easily to the entrance.

Using MARTA

If you’d rather not deal with downtown parking, MARTA can be a good choice, especially from within the city or from the airport.

• Take MARTA rail to either:
  • Dome/GWCC/State Farm Arena/CNN Center Station (Blue/Green Line)
  • Peachtree Center Station (Red/Gold Line)
• From either station, the aquarium is about a 10–15 minute walk, mostly through the Centennial Park area.

For many Atlanta visitors staying downtown, walking or using MARTA can be easier than driving and parking.

Tips for Making the Most of Such a Big Aquarium

Because of its size, a little planning goes a long way.

Before You Go

• Check operating hours for the day you plan to visit; hours can vary.
• Look at the daily schedule for shows or presentations you care about.
• Decide if you want add-on experiences (like behind-the-scenes tours or animal encounters), which may require separate reservations.

While You’re There

• Grab a map or check the digital directory when you arrive.
• Start with your top priority exhibits (often the whale shark tank or a specific show) before kids get tired.
• Build in snack and rest stops—there are multiple food and seating areas inside.
• For younger kids, keep an eye on stroller parking areas and elevator locations; the staff is generally used to helping families navigate.

If You Live in Atlanta: Is It Worth Going More Than Once?

Many Atlanta families treat the Georgia Aquarium as a recurring outing, not just a one-time tourist stop.

Because it’s one of the largest aquariums in the world, there’s usually:

• Enough variety that each visit can focus on different sections
• Seasonal changes in programming, events, and exhibits
• Opportunities for school field trips, camps, or special family days

For locals, the aquarium is often part of a broader downtown day, paired with:

• A picnic or play time at Centennial Olympic Park
• A visit to World of Coca‑Cola
• Walks around the College Football Hall of Fame or nearby attractions

If you’re in the Atlanta metro area, the sheer size and variety of the aquarium mean that repeat visits can still feel fresh, especially for growing kids who notice new details each time.

In short: Yes, Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium is truly huge—one of the largest on the planet and the biggest in the United States. For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta, it’s a major, all-day-capable family attraction right in the heart of downtown.