Atlanta Aquarium Price Guide: What It Really Costs to Visit Georgia Aquarium

If you’re planning a trip to Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta, knowing the ticket prices, discounts, and extra costs upfront can help you build a realistic budget and avoid surprises at the door.

Below is a clear breakdown of Georgia Aquarium prices, how to save money as an Atlanta local or visitor, and what to expect once you arrive.

Where Is Georgia Aquarium and What Does Admission Include?

Georgia Aquarium is located at:

Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

It sits in the Centennial Park district, near the World of Coca‑Cola and the College Football Hall of Fame.

A standard General Admission ticket typically includes:

• Access to all main galleries and exhibits
• Daily dolphin and sea lion presentations (seating is first-come, reservations may be required)
• The 4D Theater (when available)
• Access for the date and time slot you choose when purchasing

Special encounters, behind‑the‑scenes tours, and animal experiences are usually extra.

Typical Georgia Aquarium Ticket Prices

Georgia Aquarium uses dynamic pricing, so tickets can change based on date, time, and demand. Weekends, holidays, and peak travel periods (like spring break and summer) usually cost more than weekday mornings.

To give you a sense of what to expect, here’s a general price range for standard admission if you buy directly from the aquarium (prices are approximate and can change):

*These are ballpark ranges, not guaranteed rates. Always check the aquarium’s official ticketing page or box office for current pricing.

How Dynamic Pricing Works in Atlanta

Georgia Aquarium’s pricing model is similar to what many Atlanta attractions use:

• Cheaper times: Weekday mornings, especially Tuesday–Thursday outside school breaks
• More expensive times: Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and school vacation weeks
• Advance purchase: Buying online ahead of time often costs less than purchasing onsite the same day

If you’re flexible, you can usually save by:

• Visiting on a non-holiday weekday
• Choosing an earlier time slot
• Booking your tickets several days or weeks in advance

Ways to Save on Georgia Aquarium Tickets in Atlanta

You don’t have to pay top dollar if you plan ahead. Common ways locals and visitors reduce the Atlanta aquarium price include:

1. Buy Online in Advance

Tickets purchased online directly from Georgia Aquarium are often cheaper than walk‑up tickets. Prices can be locked in based on the day and time you choose.

2. Look for Atlanta Resident or Local Deals

While Georgia Aquarium does not always have an “Atlanta resident” ticket, it sometimes offers:

• Seasonal specials or weekday discounts
• Back‑to‑school or off‑peak promotions
• Occasional Georgia resident deals

These may be time‑limited, so locals should check the aquarium’s ticket page periodically, especially in slower travel seasons (late fall, winter outside holidays).

3. Group Rates

If you’re visiting with:

• A school group
• A youth organization
• A church group or large family group

Group rates may be available once you hit a minimum number of people (often 15+). These are usually booked in advance through the aquarium’s group sales.

4. Memberships and Annual Passes

If you live in the Atlanta area and expect to visit more than once per year, an annual membership can be more cost‑effective than multiple single‑day tickets.

Memberships typically include:

• Unlimited general admission for 12 months
• Possible discounts on parking, food, and gift shop purchases
• Discounts on special encounters or guest tickets

For families in Metro Atlanta, memberships can make spontaneous weekend visits much more affordable over time.

5. Military, First Responder, and Other Discounts

Georgia Aquarium has historically offered discounted tickets or special offers for:

• Active-duty military
• Veterans
• Sometimes first responders or educators

These discounts usually require valid ID and may apply to the service member plus family or guests, depending on the promotion.

Extra Costs to Expect (Beyond Ticket Price)

When budgeting your trip, remember that the ticket price is only part of the total cost of visiting the aquarium in Atlanta.

1. Parking in Downtown Atlanta

Georgia Aquarium has an attached parking deck. Parking is commonly:

• A flat fee per vehicle (often around $15–$20, but check current rates)
• Sometimes slightly cheaper if purchased online with your ticket

You can also look at nearby private lots around Centennial Olympic Park Drive, but prices can be similar or higher on busy days.

2. Food and Drinks

Inside the aquarium, you’ll find:

• A cafeteria-style dining area with classic American options
• Snack stands and drink stations

Food prices are typically in line with other major attractions—more than a fast-food meal, but convenient if you’re spending several hours. To save money:

• Eat a larger meal before you go
• Plan a late lunch or early dinner outside the aquarium at one of the many nearby restaurants in downtown or Midtown

3. Souvenirs and Photos

There’s a large gift shop near the exit with plush toys, shirts, and other souvenirs. Professional photo packages are also offered.

If you’re on a tight budget, set a spending limit with kids before you arrive.

4. Special Experiences and Animal Encounters

Georgia Aquarium offers paid add‑ons that can significantly increase your total cost:

Common extras (prices vary and can change):

• Animal encounters (e.g., penguin, sea otter, dolphin, shark)
• Behind‑the‑scenes tours
• Swim or dive experiences (typically for certified divers or age‑limited participants)

These experiences often cost as much as or more than general admission, so build them into your budget if they’re a priority.

Best Time to Visit for Value in Atlanta

If you’re trying to balance price and crowd levels, timing matters.

For Lower Prices

You’re more likely to find lower prices:

• On weekdays, especially Tuesday–Thursday
• Outside major holidays (not during Thanksgiving week, Christmas–New Year, or spring break)
• During Atlanta’s school year rather than summer break

For Fewer Crowds

Crowds tend to be lighter:

• Right at opening time on weekdays
• Later in the afternoon on some weekdays (though you’ll have fewer hours before closing)

If you’re an Atlanta local, consider taking a weekday off or visiting on a teacher workday when other districts may still be in school.

Georgia Aquarium Price vs. Other Atlanta Attractions

While every attraction prices differently, Georgia Aquarium is generally considered one of the higher‑priced attractions in Atlanta, but also one of the most comprehensive, given:

• The size of the exhibits
• The number of species and shows included in admission
• Its central location in downtown Atlanta

When comparing cost, consider:

• How long you’ll stay (many guests spend 3–5 hours)
• Whether you’ll do multiple attractions in the Centennial Park area the same day
• If a membership or bundled ticket options (when available through city pass-style programs) might give better value for your plans

Tips for Atlanta Locals Visiting on a Budget

If you live in Atlanta or the suburbs (like Decatur, Marietta, or Sandy Springs), you have some advantages:

• Plan far ahead for family or school-break visits and lock in cheaper time slots
• Watch for off‑peak promotions in late fall or January–February
• Consider an annual membership if you have kids and expect repeat visits
• Carpool with friends or family to split parking costs
• Pair your aquarium visit with free or low‑cost activities nearby, like a walk through Centennial Olympic Park or exploring the exterior of the CNN Center area

Practical Visit Details for Your Budget Planning

A quick snapshot to help you estimate your total Atlanta aquarium visit cost:

• Tickets: Plan for about $40–$60 per adult, $35–$50 per child, depending on day and time
• Parking: Estimate $15–$20 if you use the main deck
• Food: Around $12–$20 per person for a meal inside, depending on choices
• Extras: Animal encounters or special tours can range anywhere from tens to over a hundred dollars per person, depending on the experience

If you’re a family of four from metro Atlanta:

• Expect a baseline of ticket + parking to run in the low to mid hundreds of dollars, especially on a weekend or busy day
• You can bring that down by choosing an off‑peak weekday, skipping extras, and eating before or after your visit

Understanding how Georgia Aquarium pricing works in Atlanta—dynamic ticket rates, timing, parking, and extras—makes it much easier to design a visit that fits your budget while still enjoying one of the city’s flagship attractions.