Community Archives - Georgia Aquarium

Plan Your Thanksgiving Activities with Our Guide to Downtown Atlanta

As the in-laws begin to arrive and family debates reach a simmering point, it’s time to give that overstuffed living room a break. This Thanksgiving week, swap the couch for adventure and head Downtown Atlanta! Check out all the holiday festivities the whole family will be talking about even after your Thanksgiving feast:

Dive into Holidays at Georgia Aquarium

Dive into the holidays and experience the sea-son like never before at Holidays at Georgia Aquarium! (November 10th – January 1st)

Home for the Holidays? See the Atlanta Hawks!

Want the ‘True to Atlanta’ experience? See the Atlanta Hawks at a home game with a special ticket discount offer: Tuesday, November 21, and Wednesday, November 22, at 7:30p.m.

No Strings Attached at the Center for Puppetry Arts

Tour the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, take in a show like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer™, or even make your own puppets all at the Center for Puppetry Arts.

Taste the (Holiday) Feeling at World of Coca-Cola

Sample over 100 flavors and check out the new immersive Beverage Lab experience at World of Coca-Cola.

There’s S(no)w Place Like the Children’s Museum of Atlanta

With so many hands-on experience for kids like; Snow Days, Holiday PJ Movie Night, and Daily Programs – there’s something for the whole family to enjoy at the Children’s Museum of Atlanta.

Kick-off the Holidays at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Catch the Atlanta Falcons take on the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday, November 26, at 1:00 p.m.

Deck the Halls at College Football Hall of Fame

Experience all the College Football Hall of Fame has to offer beyond paying tribute to college football’s greatest. Visit for game day, seasonal and celebratory family-friendly events held year-round.

Georgia Aquarium Receives First Gold Certification from WheelChariot

WheelChariot is a platform focused on improving accessibility for people with disabilities.

Georgia Aquarium has achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the first Gold Certified organization recognized by WheelChariot, a pioneering platform dedicated to promoting accessibility for people with disabilities. This distinctive certification underscores the Aquarium’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity, making it a leading accessible destination in the Atlanta metro area.

WheelChariot is a local Georgia-based organization, founded by graduates from the Georgia Institute of Technology, whose focus is forming a more inclusive society where everyone has equal access to goods and services. WheelChariot’s platform provides businesses with the tools and insights needed to enhance accessibility and foster an environment of inclusion. By providing a unique opportunity for businesses to receive first-hand feedback, engage with and learn from a vibrant community dedicated to improving accessibility; WheelChariot helps businesses, like Georgia Aquarium, improve their accommodations based on real user experiences.

“We at WheelChariot are deeply grateful and immensely proud of Georgia Aquarium’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity,” said Gabriel Jones, CEO of WheelChariot. “Their decision to trust in a homegrown initiative spearheaded by Georgia entrepreneurs speaks volumes of their dedication not only to superior guest experiences but also to fostering a supportive local community. As passionate advocates for Atlanta, we dream of seeing our beloved city become a leading hub for accessible tourism. Georgia Aquarium’s trailblazing achievement in receiving the first WheelChariot Gold Certification not only marks a significant milestone in their journey towards inclusivity but also sets an exemplary model for others. We fervently hope that their leadership and commitment inspire many more establishments to join us in this vital endeavor. Together, we can make Atlanta a beacon for accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that every visitor, regardless of ability, enjoys the rich, diverse experiences our city has to offer.”

Through the WheelChariot for Business initiative, establishments like Georgia Aquarium not only have the opportunity to highlight their commendable efforts, but also gain public-facing certification. This certification allows businesses to proudly promote their commitment to inclusivity, assuring visitors of their dedication to providing accessible experiences for all.

In 2018, Georgia Aquarium became the first aquarium designated as a Certified Autism Center.

Last fall, it was named KultureCity’s Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year for training more than 80% of staff and volunteers on compassionately and effectively working with guests on the autism spectrum and providing sensory features for those who need or want them. Georgia Aquarium is also honored to have hosted more than 2,900 military personnel and guests who have been physically, emotionally, or mentally wounded through their Veterans Immersion Program, offering swims or dives 365 days a year. Now, being recognized as the first WheelChariot Gold Certified organization the Aquarium’s hopes to continue expanding efforts to make their facility accessible to all by setting the example of best practices. This Gold Certification recognizes Georgia Aquarium’s exceptional efforts to make their facility accessible to all through the wide range of accessibility measures, including but not limited to: providing wheelchairs, golf carts, tactile and specialized exhibit information, and a sensory room. The Aquarium’s encounter programs are also all designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring every guest the opportunity to participate in these experiences.

“We are honored to be the first organization to receive Gold Certification from WheelChariot,” said Sam Herman, director of guest programs at Georgia Aquarium. “Every year, we see millions of guests come through our doors. Our commitment to accessibility extends beyond the basics, demonstrating our passion for providing a memorable and enriching experience for every visitor. Georgia Aquarium’s mission is to inspire awareness and preservation of our aquatic world, and we believe that every individual, regardless of their abilities, should have the opportunity to be a part of this mission.”

Georgia Aquarium’s journey toward achieving WheelChariot Gold Certification reflects on their incredible dedication to creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for guests with disabilities. With this new achievement, Georgia Aquarium aims to set a new standard for accessibility in the metro Atlanta community.

Together, WheelChariot and Georgia Aquarium are taking a significant step forward in setting a higher standard for accessibility in Atlanta, and hope this certification serves as an inspiration for other businesses looking to promote accessibility and inclusivity.

To learn more about Georgia Aquarium’s accessibility offerings, please visit georgiaaquarium.org.

For more information about WheelChariot, please visit wheelchariot.io.

For photos and videos, please see below:

Photos

Video

For further information or media inquiries, please contact:

Gabriel Jones

CEO, WheelChariot

(678) 730-4778

gabriel@wheelchariot.io

Hannah Hardwick

Public Relations Specialist, Georgia Aquarium

hhardwick@georgiaaquarium.org

Georgia Aquarium Releases Fall Bounce Pass Ahead of Holiday Season

Georgia Aquarium is launching a brand-new Fall Bounce Pass as a seasonal offer for all guests. The pass provides unlimited general admission to the Aquarium through the remainder of 2023, until December 31, for the same price as a one-day ticket.

The Fall Bounce Pass is only available for purchase through Tuesday, October 31, online at georgiaaquarium.org. There are no residency restrictions, so all guests can purchase a single pass for $47.99 plus tax, the same price as a single-day ticket.

This Fall Bounce Pass is a special seasonal perk for Georgia Aquarium’s guests. This pass will give visitors unlimited access to the Aquarium’s eight galleries featuring over 11 million gallons of water and home to thousands of animals, including whale sharks, manta rays, rescued southern sea otters, hammerheads, beluga whales, and many more. During the holiday season, guests will also get to enjoy special theming throughout the Aquarium, including ‘Haunted Seas at Georgia Aquarium’ this Halloween season and ‘Holidays at Georgia Aquarium’ coming this winter. The Fall Bounce Pass is the perfect way for guests to experience all Georgia Aquarium has to offer for the holidays at an unbeatable value. The Aquarium also offers two animal presentations that showcase sea lions’ and dolphins’ unique behaviors and training techniques; these performances will also be specially curated for the holidays. It’s the most wonderful time of the year to take advantage of this special pass offer.

“The holidays are a special time at Georgia Aquarium. We have numerous events and surprises planned over the next few months that will allow our guests to experience the Aquarium in a way they never have before,” said Dan Dipiazzo, chief marketing officer at Georgia Aquarium. “We are excited to offer this new pass as an opportunity for guests and their families to visit the Aquarium throughout the rest of 2023 and experience all we have to offer for the price of just one visit.”

For guests looking for an upgraded experience, the Aquarium offers several membership options that provide 12 months of unlimited access to the Aquarium and discounts on parking, animal encounters, events, and additional tickets. Guests can also add on to their visit with Georgia Aquarium experiences and encounters. Take a look behind the scenes at some of the Aquarium’s most popular exhibits during a Behind the Seas Tour. Get up-close and personal with African penguins, sea otters, belugas, and some of your favorite animals at Georgia Aquarium during an animal encounter; or get in the water with whale sharks and manta rays in our Journey with Gentle Giants Swim or Dive. Proceeds from Fall Bounce Pass purchases, memberships, encounters, and tickets all contribute to Georgia Aquarium’s initiatives, giving the Aquarium the continued ability to provide educational experiences to guests conduct research on species like whale sharks, and aid animals in need of a home or rescue.

Fall Bounce Pass holders will receive unlimited visitation to Georgia Aquarium for the remainder of 2023, ending on December 31. This pass is subject to blackout dates listed on the website. Passholders will be required to make a reservation before each visit, which can be done by logging into their account at georgiaaquarium.org. The Fall Bounce Pass is only available for a limited time. For more information, visit georgiaaquarium.org/fall-bounce-pass.

For media photos and broll, see links below:
Fall Bounce Pass Photos and Broll
Credit: Georgia Aquarium

Get the Most from Your Georgia Aquarium Membership

Are you already a Georgia Aquarium member? Make sure you’re taking advantage of all your benefits! Have you been thinking about becoming an Aquarium member, but need to know more before you dive in? We are here to help!

Members enjoy discounts on admission, tours, parking, and much more. Learn more about our memberships and all the perks you’ll receive below:

Membership Perks

All memberships include:

- One full year of membership from the date of purchase.
- A digital member ID card as well as a physical member card if preferred
- Unlimited entry 365 day a year; no blackout dates!
- A 10% discount on additional General Admission tickets
- Exclusive member-only discounts on events, birthday parties, camps, and more
- 10% off Cafe Aquaria snacks, beverages, and meals
- Discounts on Georgia Aquarium programs and animal encounters
- 10% off gift shop purchases
- $5 parking discount – Members pay $15 for parking (General parking rate is $20)
- Free access to members-only events
- All membership levels are tax deductible *Georgia Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization

Membership Options

All membership levels include the great perks listed above!

Individual

Pays for itself after only two visits! Give yourself the gift of unlimited visits to Georgia Aquarium for a whole year.

Family

Includes two free guest tickets! Up to four memberships are included.

Land & Sea

Georgia Aquarium- Includes up to four memberships as well as two free, one-time-use general admission tickets. Zoo Atlanta – Includes up to three adults and four children under the age of 18, as well as one free single day admission ticket.

Give the Gift of Membership

Give a gift that keeps giving all year long. Gift memberships include all member benefits and can be emailed or mailed. Gift memberships can be activated by the recipient at any time.

Ways to Save on Your Membership Purchase

Military Discount

As a thank you for the extraordinary sacrifices our military, veterans, and their families make to serve this great country, we’re honored to offer all current and former members of the United States Armed Forces 20% off Individual and Family Memberships

Teacher Discount

Teachers carry the torch of knowledge for current generations and those to come. As an educational institution, Georgia Aquarium recognizes that impact and would like to thank you by offering all educators 20% off Individual and Family Memberships

Upgrade Your Ticket

Upgrade from a day of fun to a whole year of adventure! We give guests the option to upgrade their general admission ticket to a membership (within 60 days of original purchase). Simply take your ticket or order number and contact us by visiting our Member Services desk, email us at ambassadorteam@georgiaaquarium.org or call our membership team at 404-581-4000.

Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide. Your membership not only helps maintain our in-house research efforts, but also helps Georgia Aquarium continue education programs, advance animal care, and global research.

For more information on our memberships and how to purchase, please visit our membership page.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.

Georgia Aquarium Tips & Tricks for Visiting

What to know before visiting the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere

Don’t worry, we have your back. The Aquarium compiled a list of ‘tips and tricks’ every guest should know before planning their visit, to ensure its smooth sailing straight to the fun! Here is everything you need to know:

When is the best time to plan a visit?

Know before you go! As one of the world’s largest aquariums, Georgia Aquarium attracts guests from across the globe. It may come as no surprise that the summer and holiday seasons are the busiest times of year.

Pro Tip: We highly recommend planning your visit around the morning or evening hours.

Where do I park?

Georgia Aquarium has one main attached parking garage located at 357 Luckie Street NW. This seven-level deck includes general parking in addition to spots dedicated to electric vehicle charging and disability parking. There are elevators on every level to ensure easy access to the main entrance. We also encourage guests to use alternate modes of transportation on busy days, like MARTA (there is a train stop at the Georgia World Congress Center/CNN Center within walking distance of the Aquarium), or rideshare.

Pro Tip: Purchase your parking for the garage in advance and save time!

Where do I purchase tickets?

Purchasing tickets is easy – simply visit the Aquarium website or download the mobile app to browse ticket options and experiences. Purchase tickets in advance to skip the lines and save money – by purchasing Advance Tickets, guests receive a discount on their purchase. By downloading the mobile app, guests can access all Georgia Aquarium reservations, maps and information.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to make seat reservations for the Dolphin and Sea Lion Presentations ahead of time, as seats fill up quickly.

Skip the feeding frenzy!

The Aquarium’s Café Aquaria offers a delicious variety of dining options for guests and their families. The café is open daily, 30 minutes after the Aquarium opens.

Pro Tip: Skip the line and order ahead by downloading the Thrive app and creating an account before you arrive. The Thrive app makes it easy to place and pick up your order at Cafe Aquaria.

Where is the best place for a picture?

While the entire Aquarium serves as a unique background for any selfie, there are a few extra special photo spots! Here are some locations to keep in mind for your next visit:

The Ocean Voyager gallery is known for its breathtaking viewing window and domed tunnel that surrounds guests with aquatic life from above. But some may not realize there is a bubble window, located just past the tunnel, that is the perfect size to sit in. With a stunning view into Ocean Voyager as the backdrop, this spot is not one to miss.
While the Sharks! Predators of the Deep gallery is designed to draw in guests with its dimly lit ambiance and powerful backdrop music, that turns the fear of sharks into fascination – it doesn’t offer that picture perfect “golden hour lighting”. The best lighting in this gallery can be found at the large dome window at the end of the exhibit – once fear is transformed into fascination, and light is shed on these misunderstood creatures of the deep.
As guests enter the Aquarium, they may be racing to get inside to see a whale shark or sea otter. But don’t rush to pass through the turnstiles or you might miss one of the most colorful photo ops in the entire building – the jelly wall. This exhibit displays countless jellies in a rainbow-colored array of lights. Since these jellies are translucent, they reflect the colors being light from above, giving the effect of rainbow-colored jellies – and serving as a one-of-a-kind photo spot.
Speaking of color – the coral wall in the Tropical Diver gallery competes for most vibrant exhibit. Filled with brightly colored coral and fish, brightened by natural sky lighting above, it is one of the most popular places for photos.
Lastly, while inside the Aquarium there are countless opportunities for the perfect new profile picture – outside the entrance is the largest standing penguin statute in the state of Georgia – you can’t miss it!

Don’t skip the tour.

There is so much to see and learn at Georgia Aquarium, but there is even more magic to discover behind the scenes. You don’t want to skip the Behind the Seas Tour, which offers guests a backstage look at the most popular exhibits while learning what it takes to care for all of the animals who call Georgia Aquarium home. The Behind the Seas Tour can be purchased in advance on our website, or visit the Animal Interaction Desk located on the second level to purchase spots!

Learn more on our website.

For frequently answered questions, animal information, and additional Aquarium resources, please visit our website.

Stay updated on all things Georgia Aquarium by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Be sure to tag us or use #GeorgiaAquarium when posting about your visit!

Georgia Aquarium Kicks Off Summer ‘Splash’ Sale

This sale will be over in a splash!

Today, for a limited time, Georgia Aquarium begins its Summer Splash Sale. This sale offers a 40% discount on weekday tickets and is only available for purchase today, July 28 through Thursday, August 3, 2023. Tickets must be purchased in advance at georgiaaquarium.org.

Please see below for additional details and information:

This discount is only applicable to tickets purchased for weekdays (Monday-Friday) from July 31through September 29, 2023.
Tickets must be purchased in advance at georgiaaquarium.org or the Aquarium’s mobile app
- The 40% discount will automatically be applied at checkout if the above weekday dates are selected.
Tickets must be purchased at least one day in advance of visit date
Limit eight tickets per transaction
Not valid with any other discount or offer

For more information on Georgia Aquarium, the Summer Splash Sale, and other membership offers, please visit georgiaaquarium.org.

For media photos and broll, see links below:

Splash Sale Photos

Splash Sale Broll

Credit: Georgia Aquarium

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