There are so many wonderful things I want to share with you about our trip to the Georgia Aquarium.
Before You Go
You will do lots of walking. I knew this going in, but still didn’t wear the most comfortable shoes and my purse was loaded down when I should have carried a back pack. I don’t recall seeing any strollers, and if I had a young one I would likely have worn a baby carrier as it would be much easier than a stroller.
You should be sure you eat before you go. There is a food court, but it is incredibly expensive. There is a great diner across the road from the aquarium, The Atlanta Breakfast Club, great Yelp reviews and two thumbs up from my crew.
Parking
We parked at a small parking lot across from the aquarium. It was a couple of dollars cheaper than the parking garage (and was more convenient to the diner). If you want to save a few bucks on parking pay for your parking ahead of time online.
Tickets
We purchased our tickets at the door, but you can purchase your tickets online prior to coming and save $$.
City Pass is a great way to see more that Atlanta has to over and to save by bundling. You can purchase admission to The Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca Cola (located next door), CNN Studio Tour, Zoo Atlanta or Center for Civil and Human Rights (also located next door), and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History or College Football Hall of Fame.
Your city pass is valid for 9 days leaving you plenty of time to visit all 5 of your choices. An adult ticket is for 13 years and older and will only cost $76 plus tax, which is a steal for the $120 value. A child ticket (aged 3-12) is only $61 plus tax. This is a great option if you are going to be in town a few days.
Save 40% on Atlanta’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!
Entering the Aquarium
After purchasing your ticket you will go through security to gain entrance. Being used to flying and family travel we were pleased that they didn’t want us to take our shoes off and didn’t even take our liquids, so it’s nothing like airport security.
The staff when we entered were all so pleasant. Almost immediately we were welcomed by a gentleman that suggest we check out the Dolphin show as it gets crowded later in the day. Such a great recommendation. Definitely check out the Dolphin Encounter first.
There were many school groups on the day we visited and I am guessing that is the case all year long. So, while it was a bit congested while they were there… the place looked like a ghost town when the field trips had left for the day.
Dolphin Encounter
I have to admit I wasn’t thrilled at visiting the aquarium. I feel like if you have seen one fish you have seen them all. How could they possibly make fish interesting.
Bring in mammals and you win me over, I guess.
The dolphin show is worth the admission in itself. I suggested to my husband that we just sit there the rest of the day and watch the show again and again.
When you are getting seated in the auditorium they will tell you over and over again that the first 10 rows are in the splash zone. I might have been tempted to sit in those rows had we been prepared for the splash zone. In these rows it is not a “will I get a little wet” you WILL get wet. Those sweet dolphins are happy to share a little love!
You can pay $5 a person to get reserved seating, but there seats were no better than ours and we arrived at a time when there was still plenty of great seats, so I recommend that you go early in your visit and save your $5.
App
The Georgia Aquarium has an app. It is a valuable asset to your visit. The map was so convenient to see where exactly we were and what we could visit next.
There are show times for the various shows that are performed; the Dolphin Encounter, the 4D movies and more. This was such a great asset to keep us moving in the right direction the entire visit.
Programs
The Georgia Aquarium has many different programs. They have a homeschool program on Tuesdays in the field of Aquanaut Adventure. It is a self-paced informal setting with the Georgia Aquarium educators available to answer questions.
They also host Sleep under the Sea; which is exactly as it sounds. Sleep over in the aquarium for a truly remarkable experience. They have nights for adults only with dinner and drinks. They have nights for scout groups. And my favorite option is a night for families. The prices and dates cary on these events.
Extras
You can get in on a dolphin encounter and get up close and personal with a dolphin, or you can dive with whale sharks or take advantage of the Beluga interaction. The extras are different prices and you will need to plan ahead as some of the interactions sell out quickly.
My thoughts of the Georgia Aquarium
I was very impressed by the Georgia Aquarium. Every staff member we encountered from purchasing tickets to the cashier in the gift shop were so incredibly friendly and welcoming. I was thrilled to walk by petting tanks for the various animals and see the animals on break. During their break they get to relax for a few minutes without a hand coming at them to pet them.
The aquarium does a great job keeping up the building, especially considering how many field trips were in the building while we were visiting. The employees were all so kind and genuinely made us feel that they were happy to have us there.
I was quickly won over and would gladly go back again in the near future.
Save 40% on Atlanta’s 5 best attractions with CityPASS. Shop Now!
Some of our other favorite area attractions:
Wild Animal Safari, Pine Mountain
Have you been to the Georgia Aquarium? What was your favorite part of your visit?
