The most useful of all Georgia Aquarium tips is to buy a dated, timed ticket online in advance and arrive right at opening on a weekday — prices start around $54.99 but vary by date, and the earliest slot is the only reliable way to beat both the ticket-calendar surge pricing and the crowds. Everything else — parking, the gallery route, stroller rules, and how long to budget — follows from that one decision.
Georgia Aquarium tickets are not a flat price. They’re sold on a calendar where weekday dates typically start near $54.99 and weekend or holiday dates run higher, plus flexible “Anytime” tickets and an annual Aqua Pass, both priced separately. These Georgia Aquarium tips break down that pricing structure, the crowd patterns, what’s included versus what costs extra, and the logistics — parking, MARTA, bags, food, strollers, and nearby attractions — you need before you go.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the cheapest way in? | Dated, timed tickets start around $54.99 and move with demand; children under 2 are always free. |
| When should you go to avoid crowds? | Tuesday through Thursday at the first entry slot of the day, away from school holidays. |
| How long should you budget? | 3 to 4 hours for the full aquarium; most guests spend 2 to 4 hours. |
| What does parking cost? | $30 for non-members and $20 for members in the on-site deck, cashless only. |
| Can you skip the car? | Yes. MARTA is $2.50 per trip and leaves a 10 to 15 minute walk from Dome/GWCC, Civic Center, or Peachtree Center. |
| Is it stroller-friendly? | Yes, standard strollers up to 29 by 52 inches; no wagons, jogging strollers, push cars, or ride-ons. |
| Are dogs allowed? | No. Service animals only. |
Quick-Pick Table: Georgia Aquarium Tickets and Logistics
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Ticket pricing | Dated tickets from $54.99, price varies by date; Anytime tickets and Aqua Pass both $69.99 |
| Best time to visit | Weekday mornings at opening; low-sensory hours run until 10 a.m. daily |
| Visit length | 3-4 hours recommended for the full aquarium; most guests spend 2-4 hours |
| Parking | On-site deck: $30 non-members, $20 members, cashless only |
| MARTA | Dome/GWCC or Civic Center/Peachtree Center stations, 10-15 min walk; $2.50 fare |
| Stroller policy | Allowed if under 29″x52″; no wagons, jogging strollers, or ride-ons |
| Bag/food policy | No lockers or bag check; outside food barred except kids’ small snacks/allergy needs |
How does Georgia Aquarium ticket pricing work?
Georgia Aquarium sells three ticket types, and the price you pay depends on which one you pick, not just when you visit. Dated, timed tickets are the cheapest entry point, starting around $54.99 on a calendar where the exact number moves with demand — expect higher prices on weekends, holidays, and school breaks. Because pricing is dynamic and changes without notice, treat any number here as a starting point and check the live calendar at booking.
- Dated/timed tickets: starting near $54.99, price varies by date; your visit begins at the arrival window you select
- Anytime tickets: $69.99, no specific date required, valid one year, no blackout dates
- Aqua Pass: $69.99, unlimited visits for the calendar year, with holiday and peak-period blackout dates
- Kids: children under 2 are always free; watch for periodic “kids free with adult ticket” promotions, which aren’t always running
- Combo savings: Atlanta CityPASS bundles Georgia Aquarium with World of Coca-Cola and other attractions at a discount off separate admission
Tip: Book your date as far ahead as you can. Popular weekend and holiday dates sell out, and prices climb closer to full ones as the calendar fills.
| Ticket type | Price | Valid for | Blackout dates | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dated, timed ticket | From $54.99, varies by date | The arrival window you select | Not applicable | Cheapest entry if you can commit to a weekday date |
| Anytime ticket | $69.99 | One year, no specific date required | None | Plans that might still move |
| Aqua Pass (annual) | $69.99 | Unlimited visits for the calendar year | Holiday and peak periods | Locals coming back more than once |
| Children under 2 | Free | Any visit | Not applicable | Babies and young toddlers |
| Paid add-ons (encounters, tours, sleepovers, dive/swim) | Not published | Booked separately from admission | Limited daily capacity; age and height minimums | Older kids who want hands-on time |
| Atlanta CityPASS | Not published | Not published | Not published | Bundling the aquarium with World of Coca-Cola and other attractions at a discount |
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings, right at opening, are the least crowded time to visit Georgia Aquarium. The aquarium is open 365 days a year with hours commonly running 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., though hours are subject to change and should be confirmed before you go.
- Best days: Tuesday through Thursday, away from school holidays
- Best time: the first entry slot of the day; weekends are the busiest and fill fastest
- Sensory bonus: low-sensory hours run every day until 10 a.m., with reduced lighting, minimal music, and limited microphone use — useful even for families without sensory needs, since it’s simply quieter
Tip: If your 6-year-old melts down in crowds, book the earliest available dated ticket — it’s the single biggest lever you control.
What is included, and what costs extra?
General admission covers every gallery plus general-seating dolphin and sea lion presentations, which require a same-day, on-site reservation but no extra fee. Anything beyond walking the galleries and watching a show from general seating costs extra.
- Included: all galleries — Ocean Voyager, Cold Water Quest, Tropical Diver, Explorers Cove, Southern Company River Scout, SHARKS! Predators of the Deep, Truist Sea Lion Studios, and Dolphin Coast; general-seating dolphin and sea lion presentations (reserve same-day on-site)
- Paid add-ons: animal encounters (beluga, dolphin, penguin, sea lion, sea otter, shark and ray), behind-the-scenes tours, overnight sleepovers, and dive/swim programs including swimming with whale sharks
- Booking window: add-on experiences often have limited daily capacity and age/height minimums — book these separately and in advance, especially for a 10-year-old who wants an animal encounter
Tip: Reserve your dolphin or sea lion presentation seat as soon as you arrive — same-day reservations fill up, and general seating isn’t guaranteed if you wait until afternoon.
What is the best gallery route with young kids?
Start at Ocean Voyager for the whale sharks while your kids are fresh, then work outward through the smaller galleries so the biggest wow moment comes first, not last. A logical walking order based on the aquarium’s own gallery map:
- Ocean Voyager Built By The Home Depot: the marquee tank with whale sharks and manta rays — see it early before the crowds build
- Cold Water Quest: beluga whales and cold-water species
- Tropical Diver: reef fish and a shallow, colorful tank that holds younger kids’ attention
- Explorers Cove: sea otters and hands-on touch experiences
- Southern Company River Scout: Georgia’s own rivers and wildlife
- SHARKS! Predators of the Deep: a good mid-visit reset before the presentation theaters
- Truist Sea Lion Studios and Dolphin Coast: save these for a scheduled show time, checking posted presentation times when you arrive
Tip: Check the show schedule at the entrance and build your gallery order around presentation times rather than walking the map in strict order — that avoids doubling back.
Can you bring a stroller into the aquarium?
Standard strollers are allowed but discouraged, and there are hard size limits: no larger than 29 inches wide and 52 inches long. Wagons, wagon-strollers, push cars, jogging strollers, and ride-on toys are not permitted; medical or sensory strollers are exempt from the restrictions.
- Allowed: standard single or double strollers within the size limit
- Not allowed: wagons, wagon-strollers, push cars, jogging strollers, ride-ons
- Rentals: no stroller rental service is listed; bring your own compliant stroller
- Wheelchairs: free wheelchairs are available first-come, first-served with a photo ID left at Guest Relations
Tip: Galleries get tight around the biggest tanks. A compact umbrella stroller moves through crowds far more easily than a full-size travel system. If stroller access decides where your family goes, our guide to stroller-friendly waterfalls in North Georgia applies the same test outdoors.
Can you bring bags, snacks, and water inside?
There are no lockers or bag check at Georgia Aquarium, so plan to carry everything for your entire visit, and all bags are subject to a security search at entry. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, with one exception built specifically for families.
- Bags: no lockers or coat/bag check anywhere in the building; all bags searched at entry
- Outside food: not permitted, except small snacks for young children or visitors with food allergies
- Water: refillable bottle filling stations are located throughout the building — bring an empty bottle rather than buying one
Tip: Pack light. A small backpack with allergy-safe snacks and refillable water bottles covers most families without needing a locker you won’t have access to anyway.
Where do you park, and what does it cost?
The on-site Georgia Aquarium parking deck runs $30 for non-members and $20 for members, cashless only. The deck has 1,600 spaces, covered and rooftop levels, and a maximum vehicle clearance of 6 feet 8 inches at every entrance.
- On-site deck: $30 non-members, $20 members, card/digital payment only
- Address for GPS: 357 Luckie Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
- Clearance: 6’8″ maximum at all deck entrances and ramps
- Alternative: independent downtown lots near Centennial Olympic Park sometimes undercut the deck rate; compare before you commit if the deck price matters to your budget
Tip: A golf cart shuttle runs between parking and the aquarium entrance on a first-come, first-served basis — useful if you’re carrying a car seat or a tired 6-year-old.
Can you get to Georgia Aquarium on MARTA?
Georgia Aquarium is a 10-15 minute walk from MARTA’s Dome/GWCC/CNN Center station on the Blue/Green line, or from Civic Center or Peachtree Center stations on the Red/Gold line. Skipping the parking deck by train is realistic if you’re comfortable with a short walk through downtown.
- By train: Dome/GWCC/CNN Center (Blue/Green) or Civic Center/Peachtree Center (Red/Gold), both about a 10-15 minute walk
- By bus: Route 32 connects from the Civic Center and Five Points MARTA stations
- Fare: $2.50 per trip, with day, weekly, and monthly unlimited passes available
Tip: If you’re combining the aquarium with other downtown stops, see our free things to do in Atlanta with kids guide — several free downtown attractions sit along the same MARTA walk.
What else is within walking distance?
World of Coca-Cola and Centennial Olympic Park both sit within a few minutes’ walk of Georgia Aquarium, making downtown Atlanta an easy multi-attraction day. CNN Center and the College Football Hall of Fame are also nearby.
- World of Coca-Cola: a short walk away at 121 Baker St NW; Atlanta CityPASS bundles it with Georgia Aquarium at a discount off separate tickets
- Centennial Olympic Park: free green space with the Fountain of Rings splash area, an easy break between paid attractions
- CNN Center and College Football Hall of Fame: both within the same walkable downtown block
Tip: If you’re pairing the aquarium with a full downtown day, check current combo-ticket savings before buying attractions separately — bundled pricing changes seasonally. Families staying longer in the area can also work in a day at Stone Mountain Park, about 25 minutes east of downtown.
How long should you budget for a visit?
Budget 3 to 4 hours to see the entire aquarium at a comfortable pace with young kids, though most guests spend 2 to 4 hours depending on how many presentations they catch. Add extra time if you’ve booked an animal encounter or behind-the-scenes add-on, since those run on their own schedule separate from general admission. A 3-hour visit still leaves half a day free, and our roundup of easy hikes near Atlanta with kids covers short trails you can reach the same afternoon.
How accessible is Georgia Aquarium?
Georgia Aquarium offers free wheelchair rentals, dedicated low-sensory hours every day until 10 a.m., and a quiet sensory room, making it workable for a wide range of family needs. The aquarium holds WheelChariot Gold Certification for accessibility.
- Wheelchairs: free, first-come first-served, with a photo ID held at Guest Relations; no advance reservations
- Parking: Level 3 accessible parking; limited oversized-vehicle spaces up to 8’2″ on the first floor
- Sensory support: low-sensory hours daily until 10 a.m. (reduced lighting, minimal music, limited microphone use), the Wilkins Rhodes Sensory Room, free sensory bags, and headphone zones
- Other features: closed captioning devices for presentations, tactile elements at select stations, and staff available for exhibit descriptions
More Georgia Aquarium Tips for Planning Your Visit
Book your dated ticket first, then build your day around it — arrive at your entry window, head straight for Ocean Voyager, and check presentation times at the door so you’re not backtracking through the building later. If your visit is part of a longer Atlanta trip with kids, our free things to do in Atlanta with kids guide and our weekend getaways from Atlanta guide both pair well with a downtown aquarium day.
Which plan fits your visit?
| If you… | Do this | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Only have a half day | Take the first entry slot, go straight to Ocean Voyager, then work outward through the smaller galleries | 3 to 4 hours covers the whole aquarium and most guests spend 2 to 4, so a morning slot still leaves half a day free |
| Have a stroller | Bring a compact umbrella stroller within the 29-by-52-inch limit | Wagons, wagon-strollers, push cars, jogging strollers, and ride-ons are barred, and no rental service is listed. Galleries get tight around the biggest tanks |
| Are bringing the dog | Leave the dog at home | Service animals only. There is no kennel or bag check in the building, and no lockers anywhere inside |
| Have a kid who melts down in crowds | Book the earliest dated ticket and use the low-sensory hours | Low-sensory hours run every day until 10 a.m. with reduced lighting, minimal music, and limited microphone use. There is also a sensory room, free sensory bags, and headphone zones |
| Want the cheapest way in | A dated weekday ticket, MARTA instead of the deck, and empty refillable bottles | Dated tickets start near $54.99 versus $69.99 for Anytime, MARTA is $2.50 per trip against $30 to park, and bottle filling stations sit throughout the building. Children under 2 are always free |
| Can only come on a packed weekend | Book the first entry slot and reserve your presentation seat the minute you walk in | Weekends are the busiest and fill fastest. Dolphin and sea lion general seating needs a same-day on-site reservation and is not guaranteed if you wait until afternoon |
| Do not want to drive downtown | Ride MARTA to Dome/GWCC/CNN Center, Civic Center, or Peachtree Center | All three leave a 10 to 15 minute walk at a $2.50 fare. Route 32 buses also connect from Civic Center and Five Points. With a car seat or a tired kid, the $30 deck and its golf cart shuttle win instead |
FAQ
How much are Georgia Aquarium tickets?
Dated, timed tickets start around $54.99 and vary by date, with weekends and holidays priced higher. Anytime tickets and the annual Aqua Pass are both $69.99. Prices are dynamic and change without notice, so check the live booking calendar rather than relying on a fixed number — the biggest of all Georgia Aquarium tips is to book early once you settle on a date.
What is the best time to visit Georgia Aquarium to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings at opening are the quietest. The daily low-sensory hours, which run until 10 a.m. with reduced lighting and sound, also tend to be less crowded even for families without sensory needs.
Can you bring a stroller into Georgia Aquarium?
Yes, standard strollers up to 29 inches wide and 52 inches long are allowed, though the aquarium notes they’re discouraged given crowd density. Wagons, jogging strollers, push cars, and ride-on toys are not permitted; medical and sensory strollers are exempt from the size rule.
Can you bring food into Georgia Aquarium?
Outside food and drinks are generally not allowed, except small snacks for young children or visitors with food allergies. There are no lockers or bag check, so plan to carry everything you bring for your full visit.
How much is parking at Georgia Aquarium?
The on-site deck charges $30 for non-members and $20 for members, cashless only. Independent lots near Centennial Olympic Park sometimes cost less — compare before you commit if price matters.
How long should you plan to spend at Georgia Aquarium?
Plan on 3 to 4 hours to see the full aquarium at a relaxed pace with kids. Add extra time for any paid add-on like an animal encounter or behind-the-scenes tour, which run on separate schedules from general admission.
Is the Anytime ticket worth it versus a dated ticket?
Only if your plans might still move. The Anytime ticket costs $69.99, needs no specific date, stays valid for a year, and has no blackout dates. Dated, timed tickets start near $54.99 but climb on weekends, holidays, and school breaks. If you can lock in a weekday date now, the dated ticket is the cheaper choice.
Should you park at the aquarium deck or ride MARTA?
Ride MARTA if a 10 to 15 minute downtown walk works for your crew. The fare is $2.50 per trip from Dome/GWCC/CNN Center, Civic Center, or Peachtree Center. The on-site deck costs $30 for non-members and $20 for members and is cashless. With a car seat or a tired 6-year-old, the deck and its golf cart shuttle win.
What should you do if you only have a half day at the aquarium?
Book the first entry slot of the day, walk straight to Ocean Voyager for the whale sharks while the kids are fresh, and reserve a dolphin or sea lion presentation seat as soon as you arrive. Three hours covers the galleries at a comfortable pace, since most guests spend 2 to 4 hours, and that still leaves your afternoon free.
What is the cheapest way to do a family visit here?
Pick a weekday dated ticket, which starts near $54.99 rather than the $69.99 Anytime price, ride MARTA in at $2.50 per trip instead of paying $30 for the on-site deck, and carry empty bottles for the filling stations inside. Children under 2 are free, and Atlanta CityPASS bundles the aquarium with World of Coca-Cola at a discount.
How we checked this guide: Dates, hours, admission and parking prices, and access details were verified against the official sources listed below on . Operators change schedules and raise prices without notice, so confirm anything time-sensitive before you drive. The figures in this guide also feed our Georgia Attraction Transparency Index and Family Day-Out Cost Index.
Sources
- Georgia Aquarium — Tickets
- Georgia Aquarium — Visitor Information
- Georgia Aquarium — Frequently Asked Questions
- Georgia Aquarium — Directions & Parking
- Georgia Aquarium — Accessibility
- Georgia Aquarium — Gallery Map
- MARTA — Fares & Schedules
- World of Coca-Cola
Hank Whitlock is the pen name of the It's Georgia editor. Every guide is built around the questions a busy family actually asks before a trip: how long is the drive, what does parking cost, can the stroller make it, are dogs allowed. Details are checked against official park, city, and venue sources, and each guide shows the date it was last updated.
