Planning a trip to the Georgia Aquarium with kids?
This guide will help you make the most of your visit.
From must-see exhibits to insider tips, we’ll cover everything you need to know.
The aquarium is one of the largest in the world and home to whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, and more.
Kids can walk through a 100-foot underwater tunnel, touch stingrays, and even meet penguins up close.
But with crowds, show reservations, and ticket options, planning ahead is key.
This guide breaks it all down, so you can spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying the experience!
About the Georgia Aquarium
The Georgia Aquarium is located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, at 225 Baker St NW.
It is one of the city’s top attractions and sits near Centennial Olympic Park, the World of Coca-Cola, and other major sites.
This massive aquarium is the largest in the Western Hemisphere, holding over 10 million gallons of fresh and saltwater.
It features more than 120,000 animals across various exhibits and is one of the only places outside of Asia to house whale sharks.
Other notable marine life includes manta rays, beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins, and African penguins.
The aquarium offers a 100-foot underwater tunnel, one of the largest aquatic viewing windows in the world, and multiple interactive exhibits.
For kids, the Georgia Aquarium is a hands-on, exciting experience filled with touch pools, climbing tunnels, STEM-based activities, and live shows.
Families can watch a dolphin presentation, explore the shark habitat, or get close to sea lions.
With so many immersive experiences, it’s a great choice for a fun and educational day out with kids.
Planning Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Georgia Aquarium is on weekdays, especially Monday through Thursday.
Mornings right after opening tend to be the least crowded, while afternoons and weekends are busier.
If you prefer fewer crowds, avoid school holidays and summer months, when the aquarium sees the most visitors.
The average visit lasts 3 to 6 hours, but it can take a full day if you want to see every exhibit, attend shows, and participate in animal encounters.
Planning your visit around show schedules and feeding times will help you make the most of your time.
Tickets & Discounts
General admission tickets cost $47.99 per person, but children under 2 years old enter for free.
To save money, purchasing tickets online in advance reduces the price to $42.99.
The Atlanta CityPASS offers bundled discounts, including entry to other attractions like Zoo Atlanta and the World of Coca-Cola.
Georgia residents can visit for free on their birthday, making it a great time for a special trip with kids.
Military members also receive discounted admission, with special savings available on Military Mondays.
Parking & Transportation
The Georgia Aquarium has an on-site parking deck, accessible from Luckie Street and Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd.
Parking costs $20 on-site, but visitors can save money by pre-paying online for $12.
Several nearby lots offer alternative parking at different rates, and some Atlanta hotels offer aquarium packages that include parking discounts.
Public transportation is also an option.
The MARTA train stops nearby, and several bus routes serve the area.
What to Bring & What to Leave at Home
Strollers are allowed, but they must be under 29 inches wide and 52 inches long.
Jogging strollers, wagon strollers, and push cars are not permitted, so plan accordingly if visiting with young kids.
Since the aquarium is kept cold indoors, bringing a light sweater is recommended.
For children sensitive to noise, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help, as the dolphin and sea lion shows include loud music and effects.
Small snacks for toddlers and children with food allergies are allowed, but outside food and drinks are otherwise prohibited.
Best Exhibits for Kids at the Georgia Aquarium
Ocean Voyager
The Ocean Voyager exhibit is one of the largest aquatic exhibits in the world and a must-see for kids.
The highlight is a 100-foot-long acrylic tunnel that allows visitors to walk underwater, surrounded by marine life.
Kids can look up and see whale sharks, manta rays, and thousands of fish swimming overhead.
At the end of the tunnel, a massive floor-to-ceiling viewing window (23 feet tall, 61 feet wide) gives a clear, up-close look at the largest fish in the ocean.
This is a great spot for kids to sit and watch the animals glide through the water.
Dolphin Coast & Dolphin Show
The Dolphin Coast exhibit is home to a pod of common bottlenose dolphins.
The main attraction here is the interactive dolphin presentation, where visitors can watch dolphins jump, splash, and perform tricks.
The show features music, lights, and educational commentary about dolphin behavior and conservation.
Reservations are required, and seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended.
Sea Lion Show (Under the Boardwalk)
The Under the Boardwalk show features California sea lions showcasing their intelligence and playful personalities.
Trainers guide them through fun tricks, dives, and jumps, all while teaching visitors about sea lion conservation.
The show is included with general admission, but seating is limited, so it’s best to reserve a spot early in the day.
Sharks! Predators of the Deep
This 1.2-million-gallon exhibit is one of the largest shark habitats in North America.
It features some of the ocean’s most powerful predators, including hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, sand tiger sharks, and silvertip sharks.
The large floor-to-ceiling viewing windows make it easy for kids to observe these fascinating creatures up close.
Beluga Whales & Cold Water Quest
The Cold Water Quest exhibit is home to the beluga whales, one of the aquarium’s most beloved attractions.
These playful white whales love to interact with visitors, making them a favorite among kids.
This area also features sea otters and harbor seals, giving children the chance to see how these cold-water animals move and play.
African Penguins Exhibit
The African Penguins exhibit offers a unique interactive experience.
Kids can crawl through tunnels and pop-up viewing areas to get a closer look at the penguins as they waddle, swim, and dive.
The exhibit is designed to mimic the penguins’ natural rocky habitat, making it both fun and educational.
Touch Tanks & Interactive Experiences
For hands-on fun, kids can visit the touch pools to interact with stingrays, starfish, and small sharks.
The stingray touch tank is a favorite, allowing children to gently feel the smooth texture of these friendly creatures.
The experience is guided by aquarium staff to ensure safety for both visitors and the animals.
River Scout
The River Scout exhibit brings the freshwater habitats of rivers to life.
It features alligators, snapping turtles, piranhas, and playful otters.
Kids can watch otters swim and dive, see turtles up close, and learn about the diverse species that live in rivers around the world.
Aquanaut Adventure
This exhibit is perfect for kids who love to explore and learn.
The Aquanaut Adventure section includes STEM-based challenges, where children can test their skills and knowledge about aquatic life.
After completing five challenges, they earn a special certificate.
It’s an engaging way for kids to interact with science while having fun.
Tropical Diver
The Tropical Diver exhibit is a colorful, relaxing space filled with tropical fish, jellyfish, and living coral reefs.
Kids can watch schools of fish dart through the coral and see graceful jellyfish floating in illuminated tanks.
The vibrant colors and calming movement of the fish make this a great stop to slow down and enjoy the beauty of the ocean.
Fun Extras for Kids
Behind-the-Seas Tour
The Behind-the-Seas Tour gives families a closer look at how the Georgia Aquarium operates.
This guided tour takes visitors behind the exhibits, showing the massive filtration systems, food preparation areas, and animal care facilities.
Kids can watch staff feed the whale sharks and learn about the daily routines of marine biologists.
It’s a great way to see how the aquarium keeps over 120,000 animals healthy and thriving.
The tour costs $15.99 per person and lasts about 30-45 minutes.
Animal Encounters
For a more hands-on experience, the aquarium offers several animal encounters.
The most unique option is the chance to swim or dive with whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean.
This experience is limited to certified divers and strong swimmers and requires advance reservations.
Kids who prefer a dry-land experience can interact with penguins, sea lions, and beluga whales.
These encounters allow visitors to feed, touch, and learn about the animals while a trainer provides insight into their behaviors and care.
Reservations are required, and these activities fill up fast.
4D Funbelievable Theater
The 4D Funbelievable Theater combines a 3D movie with interactive effects for an immersive experience.
This short film adds an extra layer of excitement to the visit, making it especially fun for younger kids.
The show is included in general admission, but seating is first-come, first-served.
Special Events & Programs
The Georgia Aquarium hosts several special events and programs throughout the year.
Toddler Time is a monthly event featuring storytelling, songs, and hands-on activities for young children.
It’s designed to be fun and educational, introducing kids to marine life in an interactive way.
The aquarium also offers overnight sleepovers, where families can camp out near the exhibits and experience the aquarium after dark.
Camp H2O is an interactive outdoor experience often designed for children and families with a focus on water-related activities and education.
It typically aims to educate participants about water conservation, the aquatic environment, and the importance of water in daily life through various fun and engaging activities.
These may include swimming, water safety lessons, and environmental science projects.
The specifics can vary depending on the organization running the camp.
For adults, the Sips Under the Sea event offers a kid-free, after-hours experience with cocktails, music, and access to exhibits.
Dining & Food Options
The Georgia Aquarium has an on-site restaurant called Café Aquaria, which offers a selection of kid-friendly and classic meal options.
The menu includes hamburgers, pizza, chicken tenders, sandwiches, salads, and BBQ, along with snacks, desserts, and drinks.
For families who need a quick bite, there are grab-and-go options available.
Seating is indoors, and the café can get crowded during peak hours.
While outside food is not allowed, exceptions are made for young children and guests with food allergies.
Visitors who prefer to eat elsewhere have the option to leave the aquarium and return later the same day.
Reentry is allowed, so families can take a break and explore nearby dining options in downtown Atlanta.
Popular restaurants within walking distance include fast-casual spots, sit-down restaurants, and coffee shops.
To save time, it’s best to plan meals around show schedules and peak crowd times.
Accessibility & Family-Friendly Features
The Georgia Aquarium is designed to be accessible and family-friendly, making it easy for visitors of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Wheelchairs are available for free at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.
For children who are sensitive to loud environments, the aquarium can be overwhelming due to music, crowd noise, and live show effects.
Parents may want to bring earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to help reduce sensory overload.
While there aren’t designated quiet zones, less crowded areas like the Tropical Diver exhibit or the seating near the Ocean Voyager viewing window can provide a break from the noise.
The aquarium also offers family-friendly amenities, including nursing rooms and baby-changing stations located throughout the facility.
Final Tips for Visiting with Kids
The Georgia Aquarium can be a loud and stimulating environment, especially during live shows and in crowded exhibits.
Dolphin and sea lion presentations include loud music, sound effects, and flashing lights, which might be overwhelming for young children or those with sensory sensitivities.
Bringing earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help reduce discomfort.
To make navigating the aquarium easier, download the Georgia Aquarium mobile app before your visit.
The app provides a digital map, show schedules, and ticket storage, making it easier to plan your day.
Since a visit to the aquarium can last several hours, planning breaks is essential.
Some of the best spots to rest and recharge include the Ocean Voyager viewing window, which has bench seating and a calming underwater atmosphere, and the Tropical Diver exhibit, where the slow-moving jellyfish and coral displays provide a more relaxed setting.
Taking short breaks throughout the visit will help kids stay engaged and prevent exhaustion.
Is the Georgia Aquarium Worth Visiting with Kids?
The Georgia Aquarium is one of the top family attractions in Atlanta, offering interactive exhibits, live shows, and rare marine animals.
For many families, it’s a must-visit.
The biggest pros include the diverse marine life, the chance to see whale sharks and beluga whales up close, and hands-on experiences like touch pools and animal encounters.
The dolphin and sea lion shows add extra entertainment, and the STEM-based activities in Aquanaut Adventure make it both fun and educational.
However, there are a few cons to consider.
The aquarium can be crowded, loud, and expensive, with general admission starting at $47.99 per person.
Some premium experiences, like animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours, require additional fees and advance reservations.
In terms of age suitability, the aquarium is great for all ages, but toddlers and younger kids may struggle with the loud shows and long walking distances.
Kids ages 4 and up tend to get the most out of the experience, as they can engage with exhibits, follow along with presentations, and appreciate the scale of the massive tanks.
To make the most of your visit, plan ahead, book tickets online, arrive early, and schedule show reservations as soon as you enter.
