When you are in Atlanta, Georgia and are looking for a fun activity for kids, look no further than the Georgia Aquarium. As the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere and third largest in the world, the Georgia Aquarium has more than enough sea life to entertain your kids for hours on end.
Atlanta is one of the best places to vacation with families. And the Georgia Aquarium is one of the best Atlanta attractions for kids!. There are plenty of other kid-friendly attractions near the aquarium to make a perfect family weekend of fun!
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Georgia Aquarium Visitor Information
Location and Parking
Located in downtown Atlanta, about 15-20 minutes from the Atlanta airport, the Georgia Aquarium is easily accessible by car. Onsite parking is located at 357 Luckie Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30313. However, if the parking garage is full, there are several small, private lots surrounding the aquarium.
Admission and Hours
The Georgia Aquarium is open 365 days a year, hours varying. Admission ranges from $27 to $40, depending on the time you arrive at the aquarium. Discounts are offered to those who purchase tickets online.
Tips For Visiting the Georgia Aquarium With Kids
Arrive Early
The Georgia Aquarium is a popular attraction. Crowds start to form around lunchtime, and it can become quite hectic. We recommend arriving at opening. It will save you some money, and also your sanity!
Line Up Early for the Dolphin Celebration
The Dolphin Celebration offers first-come, first-served seating. The aquarium recommends lining up for the show at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the show. When we visited, it was a hectic day, and people were already lined up for the show more than an hour before showtime! If seeing dolphins is a priority, arrive at least 45 minutes early, or even more if it is a crowded day.
Visit the Second Level
The entrances to the various exhibits are all on the main floor, so it is easy to miss the other exhibits on the second level. In addition to the 4D theater, there is the Aquanaut Adventure exhibit, the Seaside Touch, where kids can touch various sea life, and the River Scout bridge. While these exhibits are small than the main ones on the first level, they offer a quiet reprieve from the mass of crowds on the first floor.
Visit the Oceans Ballroom (when available)
The Oceans Ballroom is another area in the aquarium that many people do not visit. It also gives visitors a beautiful view of both the beluga whales and the whale sharks without the crowds. The ballroom isn’t always available, as events can occupy it. But if the room is open on your visit, make a point to visit the area!
Leave the Stroller at Home
While the aquarium allows strollers, they advise against bringing them, especially large strollers. After visiting the aquarium on a crowded afternoon, I understood why! The exhibits twist, and wind, and can become slow-moving hallways. The added stress of pushing a stroller on top of navigating crowds will not make for a good time. Consider using a baby carrier when visiting the aquarium and leaving the stroller back at the hotel.
Nearby Atlanta Attractions for Kids
Within a short walk from the Georgia Aquarium are several other kid-friendly things to do in Atlanta. You can spend a long weekend in Atlanta with kids without ever having to leave the vicinity!
Centennial Olympic Park
Centennial Olympic Park is where the world gathered during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Now it is a family-friendly area containing playgrounds, fountains, and other fun places to explore. On a beautiful day, this is the perfect place to let your little ones run around and use up their energy!
SkyView Atlanta
Get amazing views of Atlanta from this 20-story tall Ferris Wheel! The climate-controlled gondolas make this an ideal activity, no matter what the weather is doing. Your kids will love the breathtaking views of Georgia’s capital, and you’ll appreciate the rest break. Even better, kids under two are FREE with a paying adult.
Children’s Museum of Atlanta
If you didn’t visit the local children’s museum while traveling, did you even visit the city? But in all seriousness, I love that there are so many wonderful children’s museums across the United States! It makes finding a fun place for kids to explore very easy when traveling.
The Children’s Museum of Atlanta is a short walk from the Georgia Aquarium and offers tons of activities for young children. Members of an Association of Children’s Museums museum can receive 50% off admission. You can check to see if your membership qualifies here.
The World of Coca-Cola
Directly across from the entrance of the Georgia Aquarium is the World of Coca-Cola. This museum gives allows you to learn more about the world’s most popular soft drink. From the 3-D movie to the behind-the-scenes bottling process, there is a lot to keep your kids entertained at this unique attraction.
The Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame
Calling all sports fans! Kids young and old will love visiting the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame. With several interactive displays and areas to test your football skills, this hall of fame is a fun way to spend your day. Bonus, children under three years old are FREE!
Atlanta Botanical Gardens
About a 10 minute drive from the Georgia Aquarium, the Atlanta Botanical Gardens is the perfect way to engage your child’s curiosity and bring out their love of nature! The gorgeous topiaries and fun canopy walk make this garden a family favorite. With various events throughout the year, this outdoor space is fun year-round!
Where to Stay in Atlanta with Kids
There is no shortage of hotel choices in Downtown Atlanta. If you have a favorite hotel chain, you will be able to stay close-by to all of the above attractions. The Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown is located within a short walk of the Georgia Aquarium. If you’d like a little more space and FREE breakfast, consider staying at the Embassy Suites at Centennial Olympic Park.
Have You Visited Atlanta With Kids?
Overall, Atlanta, especially the downtown area, is an excellent choice for a family vacation. There are tons of fun things to do in Atlanta for kids, and the close proximity of all of those attractions makes it even more ideal. Are you planning a trip to Atlanta with kids? We highly recommend it!
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