Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia
Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia
We had a fantastic time at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. This beautiful Aquarium features fascinating sea and river creatures. It is the largest aquarium in the United States with a capacity of 8.5 million gallons.
This aquarium works hard to educate visitors about the animals, their habitat, and how we can protect both. In addition to being educational, the aquarium is a lot of fun. Between the shows, galleries, and exhibits we were busy and entertained for hours.
The Aquarium
When you first arrive at the aquarium, you will purchase and/or scan or tickets and enter through the security check. After entering the building, you see a massive room that is the epicenter for the entire aquarium. From here, you can access customer service, the cafe, restrooms, a coffee shop, the Virtual Voyager, and some gift shops. You can also enter all of the galleries, exhibits, and shows from this area.
Ocean Voyager
Our very first stop was at the Ocean Voyager Exhibit.
We entered into the acrylic tunnel in Ocean Voyager and we could see the ocean creatures all around us. You can either walk through or stand on the large conveyor belt to watch the fish, stingrays, and whale sharks swim overhead.
Another highlight of Ocean Voyager is the huge glass wall showcasing all of the sea creatures. The Georgia Aquarium has one of the largest viewing windows in the world. This is probably one of our favorite spots in the whole aquarium. It is so peaceful. There are seating areas where you can sit and watch the ocean swim by.
Coldwater Quest
The second exhibit we visited was Coldwater Quest. The entrance is actually upstairs and it exits downstairs. This exhibit features Beluga Whales, Penguins, and Sea Otters. We also saw Puffins, Sea Dragons, Garibaldi Damselfish, and Japanese Spider Crabs.
Beluga Whales
African Penguins
The penguin exhibit has a long hallway that is one huge acrylic wall. We were able to watch the penguins swim, nest, and play. There are also some tunnels that lead to pop-up windows. The kids were right there next to the penguins.
Tropical Diver
The Tropical Diver Gallery is relatively and this was our first time seeing this exhibit. We loved all of the peaceful and relaxing areas here.
I could have watched these jellyfish all day!
The Pacific Barrier Reef
The Pacific Barrier Reef has a beautiful viewing wall. This is one
of the largest living reef exhibits of any aquarium in the world. It is so relaxing to just sit here and watch all of the fish swim through the tropical coral reefs. There were even waves crashing above – such a tranquil place!
River Scout
The River Scout Exhibit features animals from the rivers of Georgia as well as the rivers of Africa, South America, and Asia. We saw Albino Alligators, an Emerald Tree Boa, and Piranha.
The exhibit also features the Asian small-clawed otter. They are normally very active and social, but they were napping while we were there. It was still cute to see them snuggled together sleeping.
Shows
The Dolphin Show, Sea Lion Show, and 4D Shows are all included in the price of admission.
AT&T Dolphin Coast Show
If there is one thing you MUST DO at the Georgia Aquarium, you must watch the Dolphin show!
We actually watched the show twice on the day we went. Both shows were similar but offered a few new details. The kids loved sitting in the front 10 rows because that was a splash zone. I recommend bringing a change of clothes if you think you and/or your kids will want to sit in the splash zone. It is a lot of fun, but you can get soaked and you will smell a little like fish.
We visited the aquarium a few years ago, and it was similar to a Broadway-style show and the dolphins were featured and they performed tricks. The new show is more educational and interactive. We learned a lot about the animals and felt involved in the show. Watching these beautiful dolphins was really amazing. And, we learned a lot about them and how to protect their natural environments.
Sea Lion Show
We also really enjoyed the Sea Lion Show. It is more intimate than the Dolphin show but is also entertaining and fascinating. If you are brave enough to sit in the “splash zones” you will find yourselves only a few feet away from the sea lions during portions of the show.
We really enjoyed watching the sea lions swim and interact with their trainers. At the end of the show, they even did a dance routine set to music. I liked that it was fun and educational at the same time. We really fell in love with these sweet animals!
4D Shows
The Aquarium offers a 4D show which includes a video, bubbles, wind, and watery 4D effects. It is a very fun experience but is it also very stimulating if your children are sensitive to over-stimulation. Read more about the 4D shows and featured films HERE.
Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone
This is the newest gallery at the Georgia Aquarium. It is a series of hallways located on the upper levels. The hallways are filled with interactive and educational STEM challenges. This fun area is usually only open in the afternoons (starting around 2 p.m.). You can ask someone at customer service for the exact opening times.
I would definitely recommend visiting the Georgia Aquarium if you are anywhere near Atlanta, Georgia. It is a fascinating place whether you are a kid or an adult and it is perfect for families!
You may also enjoy: 25 Things to do in Atlanta, Georgia with Kids
More Information
Tickets prices for the aquarium start at $27 and aquarium parking is $12-$15. There is parking on the surrounding street areas.
Georgia Aquarium // 225 Baker Street NW – Atlanta,GA 30313 // 404.581.4000
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About The Author
KristyB
Wife. Mom. Graphic Designer. Photographer. Professional Nap Taker. Part-time Traveler (with kids in tow, of course!)
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Thank you! I hope you get to go, Neha!
This Georgia Aquarium seems massive. We love aquariums and are in Florida so we will be visiting soon.
It is pretty huge, Vanessa! I really recommend it if you’re in Atlanta.
This is such a cool place for kids and adults alike. I loved the Ocean Voyager Exhibit. Loved the pictures you have clicked 🙂
Thanks! The Ocean Voyager is one of my favorite galleries at the aquarium.
This is such a big aquarium! My kids loved going to these places when they were younger.
It’s quite impressive, Cindy!
I would love to visit the Aquarium if I was around that area as I have kids they would live it. This looks like a great place and a lot to see. Love the stimulator and also the way it’s been set up in zones. The large glass ceiling with those fishes above you is a treat. They do have a great collection it seems and very well run. Thanks for sharing.
If you ever make it over to Georgia, you’ll love visiting the aquarium, Amar!
Oh wow, they have Beluga whales too! That is so cool! I love that it has penguins too. We have a similar one here in Toronto called Ripley’s Aquarium, I think you and your kids would enjoy it too. 🙂 It doesn’t have whales and penguins though.
Yes, I could watch the Beluga whales all day. Thanks for the tip about Ripley’s in Toronto! We’ve been to the Ripley’s Aquarium in the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee and it was really nice.
Such a great place. My kids love the aquarium at Frost Science in Miami, and this one looks even bigger so i bet they’d have a great time!! Hope to take them one day:)
Your kiddos would love it if you guys ever make it to Atlanta.
This aquarium looks fabulous! The last one I went to was Ripley’s in Myrtle Beach and they had a cool shark tunnel too. I love that feature ~ very cool! I will, have to make sure to go when I am in Atlanta 🙂
OOOoooh! The aquarium in Myrtle Beach sounds cool. My kids would love the shark tunnel. Thanks for the suggestion!
I’ve been to the Georgia Aquarium before and it’s one of my favorites. It’s very well done and great place for adults and kids.
We love it too, Cindy!
Wow, I didn’t know this aquarium has so many different animals! That definitely makes it worth visiting. Your pictures are absolutely amazing, they are making me want to pack and visit right away!
Our local zoo here near Seattle just renovated its aquarium and I am excited to see it. The one in Seattle is not spectacular and you think it would be?!
I would love to visit the aquarium in Seattle!
This aquarium looks absolutely worth visitng. The Animals are so various and beautiful. I would be interested in the Tropical Diver part the most. And love the pictures with the blue background and silhouettes of people, that looks magical.
Yes, the Tropical Diver Gallery is so relaxing! I could stay there all day.
Seems like a fantastic place to visit. I really liked the acrylic tunnel in Ocean Voyager where you can see the ocean creatures such as whales, sharks, and stingrays all around. Awesome pictures.
Yes, we love to watch the whale sharks and sea creatures in the acrylic tunnels!
What a beautiful aquarium! Next time I am in town, I will be headed there! Thank you!
I really recommend it! It’s a beautiful and interesting place.
I just came back from snorkeling so looking at your pictures brought back nice memories. I love this aquarium and it’s so beautiful that it’s worth going even without kids!
I bet snorkeling was amazing! I went one time in Hawaii and it was unbelievable. I love getting so close to the fish and sea creatures.
How nice! This aquarium looks very similar with the one we have in Long Beach, California. I guess these kind of fish tanks are now everywhere. I like the idea of interactive and educational STEM challenges. Keeps the youngsters interested.
I’ll have to check out the aquarium in Long Beach the next time we’re in California. The STEM challenges at the Georgia Aquarium are new and the kiddos really enjoyed spending time in that area.
wow, I loved this tour of the aquarium. It’s so vibrant and full of life. I will certainly not miss the Dolphin show in the Georgia aquarium. I am already excited at just reading about it!
I’m so glad you want to go, Sinjana! Yes, the dolphin show is fantastic. They are amazing creatures.
What a lovely aquarium. Don’t think I can ever get sick of it and my daughter still finds them fascinating. My 2 favourite things whenever I go to an aquarium is the jellyfish section and the penguins. The jellyfish are so beautiful aren’t they?? Love how your photos are so clear with the bright blue water as the background. And the penguins are just so adorable!
Thank you, Amy! The jellyfish were my favorite, too. They were so peaceful to watch! And, I could watch the penguins play in the water all day. They were so fun and full of personality.