Tickets for the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta: How to Choose, Save, and Plan Your Visit

If you’re searching for “Tickets Atlanta Aquarium”, you’re almost certainly talking about the Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta. It’s one of the city’s biggest attractions, and ticket options can feel confusing if you are trying to compare prices, times, and add‑ons.

This guide walks you through ticket types, prices, discounts, when to buy, and local tips so you can plan a smooth and affordable visit.

Where the Georgia Aquarium Is and How Tickets Work

The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta at:

It’s right next to World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park, and a short walk from the GWCC/CNN Center and Peachtree Center MARTA stations.

Basic Ticket Setup

Most visitors buy:

• Date- and time-based general admission tickets
• Optional add-ons (like animal encounters, Dolphin Presentation, or behind-the-scenes tours)

Tickets are generally cheaper and easier to manage when purchased in advance, especially on weekends, holidays, and school breaks.

Main Ticket Types for the Georgia Aquarium

Ticket categories can change over time, but these are the common options you’ll see when you search for Georgia Aquarium tickets in Atlanta.

1. General Admission (Standard Day Ticket)

This is the go-to option for most people.

Includes:

• Entry to the main galleries and permanent exhibits
• Access to daily shows and presentations that are included with admission (some may require same-day reservations)

Typically not included:

• Special animal encounters
• Some premium experiences or tours

This is the ticket you want if:

• You’re visiting once
• You want to see the exhibits at your own pace
• You don’t need a membership or combo pass

2. Memberships / Annual Pass Options

If you live in metro Atlanta and plan to go more than once in a year, a membership is often the best value.

Memberships usually include:

• Unlimited general admission for a year for the passholder
• Discounts on selected experiences, food, and gift shop purchases
• Occasional member-only hours or special events

A membership can make sense if:

• You’re an Atlanta local with kids who love the aquarium
• You host frequent out-of-town visitors and want to go with them
• You like shorter, repeat visits instead of one long day

3. Combo Tickets (Aquarium + Other Atlanta Attractions)

For visitors trying to see several attractions in one trip, combo tickets can bundle the Georgia Aquarium with:

• World of Coca-Cola
• Zoo Atlanta
• Atlanta CityPASS–style packages that combine multiple attractions

Combo options are useful if:

• You’re staying downtown or Midtown and planning a multi-day sightseeing schedule
• You already know you’ll visit at least two or three major attractions

Always compare:

• Individual ticket totals vs. combo price
• Which attractions you’ll realistically have time to see

4. Special Experiences and Add-Ons

For guests wanting something beyond the standard visit, the Georgia Aquarium offers add-ons such as:

• Animal encounters (for example, penguins or sea otters)
• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Interactive sessions or educational experiences
• Dolphin or sea lion presentations with preferred seating options

These usually require:

• Separate tickets or upgrades
• Advance reservations, especially on weekends and holidays

If you’re planning a birthday surprise, special outing, or educational field trip, build these add-ons into your ticket budget.

Typical Ticket Categories by Age

Exact age ranges can vary, but ticketing usually breaks down into:

When buying tickets, always confirm the age ranges for each category so you choose correctly.

Best Time to Buy Tickets for the Georgia Aquarium

Buy in Advance When You Can

🎫 Local tip: For Atlanta residents, buying tickets early is especially helpful during:

• Summer break (June–August)
• Spring break (March–April)
• Holiday periods (Thanksgiving week, Christmas–New Year week)
• Three-day weekends and major events downtown

Benefits of advance purchase:

• Better chance of your preferred entry time
• Often lower prices than same-day walk-up
• Less stress if you’re coordinating a group

Same-Day Tickets

Same-day purchase is sometimes available, but:

• Time slots may be limited or sold out
• You may pay more compared with advance rates
• Lines at the ticket window can be long on peak days

If you’re already downtown and decide to go last-minute, check availability and pricing before you walk over, especially if you’re with kids or a large group.

How to Save Money on Georgia Aquarium Tickets

People in Atlanta commonly look for ways to reduce the cost of aquarium admission. While offers change over time, here are general strategies that often help:

1. Go on Less-Crowded Days and Times

• Weekdays (especially Tuesday–Thursday) are often less crowded than weekends.
• Mornings and later afternoons can sometimes be calmer than mid-day.

Quieter days sometimes come with more favorable pricing when tickets use date-based pricing.

2. Look for Local Resident or Regional Offers

From time to time, the Georgia Aquarium may run promotions that benefit:

• Georgia residents
• Nearby state residents
• Atlanta-area locals during slower seasons

These can include discounted admission or special days. The terms change, so check for any “resident” or “local” offers before you buy.

3. Compare Membership vs. Single-Day Tickets

For an Atlanta family, it’s often worth doing a quick comparison:

• Add up what you’d spend on 2 or 3 single visits in a year
• Compare it to the cost of a family membership

If you enjoy quick after-school visits, rainy-day outings, or taking relatives when they visit, a membership might pay for itself faster than you expect.

4. Consider Multi-Attraction Passes

If you’re planning to visit:

• Georgia Aquarium
• World of Coca-Cola
• Zoo Atlanta
• Or other major attractions in a single trip

multi-attraction passes sometimes offer combined savings and can be easier than buying single tickets everywhere. Just be realistic about your schedule so you can actually use all the included admission.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips for Atlanta Guests

Getting There

If you live in or are staying in Atlanta, you have several options:

• MARTA (train + walk)

  • Use Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena/CNN Center Station or Peachtree Center Station on the Red/Gold lines.
  • It’s about a 10–15 minute walk depending on your route.

• Driving and Parking

  • There is typically on-site or nearby parking in decks close to the aquarium.
  • Rates vary by day and event activity downtown. Going early can help with finding a spot.

• Rideshare / Taxi

  • Many visitors choose rideshare to avoid downtown parking and traffic, especially during large events at nearby venues.

How Long to Plan for a Visit

Most Atlanta-area visitors report spending:

• 2–4 hours for a standard visit
• Longer if:
  • You’re traveling with young kids who move slowly
  • You’re doing multiple shows and add-on experiences
  • You like to take time reading the educational displays

If you’re pairing the Georgia Aquarium with World of Coca-Cola or another nearby attraction, consider making it a full-day downtown.

What to Bring (and Check Ahead of Time)

Before your visit, it’s helpful to review:

• Current bag policies (size limits, prohibited items)
• Whether strollers are allowed and any guidelines for them
• Food and drink rules (outside food is often restricted, with exceptions for medical or infant needs)

Commonly useful items:

• A light jacket (indoor temperatures can feel cool)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A fully charged phone or camera

Georgia Aquarium Tickets for Groups, Schools, and Events

Group Tickets

Atlanta-area schools, youth organizations, and large families often look into group ticket options.

Group tickets may provide:

• Discounted rates for a minimum number of guests
• Advance planning support for large groups or buses

If you’re organizing:

• A school field trip
• A summer camp outing
• A corporate group visit

it’s worth exploring whether there are group sales contacts or forms available so you can coordinate arrival times and pricing.

School and Educational Visits

Many Atlanta schools integrate the Georgia Aquarium into:

• Science lessons
• Marine biology units
• Environmental education programs

Teachers usually:

• Book field trips in advance
• Request educational materials to prepare students

If you’re a parent chaperone, expect:

• Set arrival and departure times
• Pre-arranged group ticketing handled through the school

Accessibility and Special Considerations

The Georgia Aquarium is designed to be accessible to a wide range of visitors, including those with mobility or sensory needs.

Common features (subject to change) include:

• Wheelchair accessibility in most public areas
• Availability of wheelchairs (sometimes first-come, first-served)
• Elevators and ramps between exhibit levels

If you or a family member has:

• Mobility limitations
• Sensory sensitivities
• Other accessibility needs

it can be helpful to:

• Check ahead for current accessibility services
• Choose less crowded times to make the visit more comfortable

Quick Checklist for Buying Georgia Aquarium Tickets in Atlanta

Use this short list before you purchase:

1. Pick the date and time

   • Aim for weekdays or non-peak times if you prefer smaller crowds.

2. Decide on ticket type

   • Single visit, membership, or combo pass with other Atlanta attractions.

3. Confirm ages and categories

   • Select the correct age group (adult, child, senior, infant).

4. Add extras if desired

   • Consider any animal encounters, tours, or special shows you want.

5. Plan transportation and parking

   • MARTA, parking decks, or rideshare depending on your situation.

6. Review policies

   • Bag size, food rules, stroller guidelines, and accessibility needs.

Once you’ve chosen the right Georgia Aquarium tickets for your Atlanta visit, you can focus on planning the rest of your day downtown—whether that’s walking over to Centennial Olympic Park, grabbing a meal nearby, or pairing your aquarium trip with another major attraction.