Haunted Seas Returns to Georgia Aquarium This Fall

This fall, Georgia Aquarium will undergo a spine-tingling transformation as Haunted Seas returns with an even more immersive experience. Starting October 4th, prepare to encounter brand-new characters, chilling legends, and eerie sights that will leave you with goosebumps.

Explore the Haunted Seas

Venture into the haunted depths of Ocean Voyager, where ghostly pirates roam, sharing tales of cursed treasures. Our Tropical Diver gallery will become a mesmerizing Mermaids Grotto, where enchanting sirens beckon you to explore a world of underwater wonders. As you journey through our River Scout gallery, brace yourself for the Haunted Jungle Cruise, where eerie sounds and ghostly sights guide you deeper into a twisted wilderness filled with more surprises.

Family Fun for All Ages

This year, we’ve expanded our offerings to ensure a frightful delight for the whole family! Experience daily Halloween-themed sea lion and dolphin presentations. On weekends from 2 to 6 p.m., the adventure intensifies with our enhanced trick-or-treat experience. New routes and even more stations await.

For those 21+ seeking a night of spooky fun, we’ve got double the trouble and fun – join us for our Sips Under the Sea: Halloween Party on Friday, October 25th, OR Halloween night, October 31st. This adults-only event offers handcrafted cocktails, delectable dining options, and a spooktacular dance floor amid a hauntingly beautiful aquatic backdrop.

Your Ticket to Halloween Fun

All Halloween activities are included with your General Admission ticket, so there’s no need to miss out on any of the spooky fun! Whether you’re exploring the haunted depths, trick-or-treating, or dancing the night away, Georgia Aquarium is the place to be this fall. We can’t wait to “sea” you!

 

For more details on “Haunted Seas” and to plan your visit, check out the full schedule of activities here

Celebrate “Free Kid Visit” Month at Georgia Aquarium This September!

September is here, and Georgia Aquarium has a treat for families! From September 3rd through September 30th, we’re thrilled to announce our “Free Kid Visit” month. During this time, every general admission purchase will get a FREE child admission for kids aged 3-12. This is the perfect opportunity to create unforgettable memories with your little ones as they explore the wonders of the deep blue sea. 

Why Visit in September?

September is a fantastic time to visit Georgia Aquarium. With the summer crowds starting to fade, you and your family can enjoy more space for your family to explore. Check out our new exhibit and touch pool, Explorers Cove, or catch our new Dolphin Presentation, “Destination: Dolphin”. Whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth, Georgia Aquarium offers a unique and educational adventure for kids of all ages. There’s always something new to see, learn, and experience.

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What’s the Deal?

  • When: Sale ends 9/30 (Offer valid for select days in September)
  • Who: Children ages 3-12 (Children under 3 are always free!)
  • Offer: One free child admission with every general admission purchase
  • Limit: Up to 6 tickets per transaction
  • How to Get This Offer: Available exclusively on our website

How It Works: 

  • Visit our Kids Free landing page and choose the date/time you want to visit in September. (This offer is only valid for visits between 9/3 and 9/30.)
  • You may only receive one free child admission per adult. For example, if you select two adult tickets, you can only choose up to two free child tickets.
  • Remember, this offer is not valid with any other discounts or promotions, and it is limited to admission only—no member benefits are included.

Make the Most of Your Visit:

Georgia Aquarium offers countless exhibits and activities perfect for young explorers. There’s something to captivate every child’s imagination. Here are some kid-friendly must “seas” included in your general admission ticket:

  • Gaze at our whale sharks in Ocean Voyager
  • Explore our NEW gallery, Explorers Cove. Featuring two interactive touch pools, an immersive marshland, and a digital interactive where kids can draw their own fish and watch them swim in a giant display pond. 
  • Get splashed in our Dolphin or Sea Lion Presentations 
  • Check out Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone. With 49 kid adventures, this exhibit aims to teach kids and parents about aquatic life in some of the most extreme environments on our planet.

Let your kids discover the underwater world this September without the extra cost. Plan your visit today and take advantage of our “Free Kid Visit” month—an opportunity to dive into learning, laughter, and lifelong memories at Georgia Aquarium. 

Get Your Tickets Now!

We can’t wait to welcome you and your little ones for a day of fun-filled discovery! Book your tickets online today, and prepare to create memories that will last a lifetime. 

**Book Now** and let the adventure begin! Also, be sure to check out the other Atlanta attractions participating in ‘Kids Free September’. See who is participating here.

 

Celebrating International Whale Shark Day with Fun Facts!

International Whale Shark Day is a perfect occasion to dive into the fascinating world of the largest fish in the sea! Whale sharks, with their distinctive spotted patterns and gentle nature, are a marvel of the ocean.

Here are some fun facts you might not know about these incredible creatures:

1. Gentle Giants of the Ocean

Despite their enormous size, whale sharks are known for their gentle nature. They feed on tiny prey, making them harmless to humans. Sadly, whale sharks are endangered due to a combination of environmental stressors and human threats such as fishing, climate change, and habitat loss.

Celebrating International Whale Shark Day with Fun Facts! 52. Record-Breaking Size

Whale sharks hold the record for being the largest fish in the world. They can grow up to 40 feet long and weigh as much as 20.6 tons! Imagine a fish longer than a school bus.

Celebrating International Whale Shark Day with Fun Facts!3. A Diet of Tiny Prey

Whale sharks eat mainly plankton, tiny fish, and occasionally small squid. They can only swallow small prey because their throats are very narrow, often compared to the size of a quarter.

Celebrating International Whale Shark Day with Fun Facts! 64. Unique Spot Patterns

Each whale shark has a unique pattern of spots and stripes, much like human fingerprints. Researchers use these patterns to identify and track individual sharks in the ocean.

Celebrating International Whale Shark Day with Fun Facts! 45. World-wide Whales

Whale sharks can be seen worldwide in the tropical Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Our research teams have traveled the world to conduct research on whale sharks in the Galapagos, Mexico, St. Helena, and Indonesia. 

6. Slow and Steady Swimmers

Despite their size, whale sharks are not particularly fast swimmers. The usual swim speed when feeding at the surface is roughly 2.3 mph, when cruising about 3 mph. When alarmed, the whale shark has been observed accelerating to a body length per second for very short bursts, but they cannot sustain fast swimming for long.

Celebrating International Whale Shark Day with Fun Facts! 37. Georgia Aquarium’s Majestic Residents

The Georgia Aquarium is home to several whale sharks, offering visitors a chance to see this endangered species up close. The Aquarium provides these gentle giants with a safe and enriching environment and contributes to global research and conservation efforts.

 

As we celebrate International Whale Shark Day, remember the importance of protecting these gentle giants and their ocean habitats. Visit the Georgia Aquarium to learn more about whale sharks and how you can contribute to their conservation. 

For more information, check out our whale shark animal guide.

Explorers Cove: Georgia Aquarium’s New Coastal Biome Exhibit!

Welcome, explorers! Prepare to embark on an unforgettable eco-tour in Georgia Aquarium’s newest exhibit: Explorers Cove. Opening this summer, Explorers Cove will transport you through three vibrant coastal biomes – the estuary, salt marsh, and coastal ocean – all connected by an artisanal floor pattern and an immersive interpretive storyline. Each biome has its own unique color scheme and educational content, creating a journey that’s as visually stunning as it is informative.Explorer's Cove: Georgia Aquarium's New Coastal Biome Exhibit!

Explore the Estuary

Estuaries are where rivers meet the sea, creating a unique environment brimming with life. Here, you’ll find a fascinating sturgeon fish touch pool, where you can gently interact with these ancient creatures. Snap a selfie with these prehistoric wonders and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Escape to the Saltmarsh

This saltmarsh biome features an exciting water play area perfect for kids (and kids at heart!). Watch as motion-responsive projection animals come to life and react to your movements, making every step an interactive adventure. The space is a haven for fun and discovery, inviting you to engage with nature.

Dive into the Coastal Ocean

Here, you’ll find a touch pool teeming with graceful cownose rays. Offering a hands-on experience that brings you face-to-fin with these captivating creatures. And don’t miss the innovative ‘paint-a-fish’ virtual reef projection, where your artistic creations come to life on a digital reef. Showcasing the beauty and diversity of ocean life in a truly unique way.

The journey through Explorers Cove is more than just a series of exhibits; it’s an adventure – telling the story of these interconnected coastal environments. Engaging and hands-on experiences ensure visitors of all ages will leave with a deeper understanding and appreciation of our planet’s aquatic ecosystems.

So, mark your calendars and get ready to dive into adventure at Explorers Cove! Whether you’re a budding marine biologist, a curious explorer, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, this new exhibit at Georgia Aquarium promises an unforgettable journey through some of Earth’s most fascinating and vital ecosystems. See you there!

Please see the links below for assets of our new Explorers Cove:
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Nintendo News: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Partnership Expands into a National Tour

The aquarium experience inspired by the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game is expanding to a national level! After debuting at the Seattle Aquarium, the experience is hitting the road in June, and making multiple stops across the U.S. throughout the year.

Each aquarium on the tour will host themed activities and offer guests the chance to explore the wonders of aquatic life with an Animal CrossingNew Horizons twist. By taking the tour national, even more fans will have a chance to interact with some of their favorite Animal Crossing characters while learning more about the real-world animal kingdom.

Nintendo News: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Partnership Expands into a National TourLocal exhibits will include:

  • Animal Crossing: New Horizons photo opportunity, featuring an aquarium themed background with characters from the game.
  • Themed signage throughout the aquarium will feature creature descriptions presented by Blathers with information directly from the game.
  • Standees of familiar characters from the game throughout the aquarium near a wide variety of habitats.
  • My Nintendo kiosks where guests can check in to receive 100 My Nintendo Platinum Points* redeemable on my.nintendo.com for exclusive digital and physical rewards.
  • Plus, guests may even have the opportunity to meet-and-greet Isabelle, Tom Nook, or K.K. Slider from the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game on select days and stops!

Nintendo News: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aquarium Partnership Expands into a National Tour 1Planned aquariums for this partnership include:

  • Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (Jun. 14 to Aug. 11)
  • Audubon Aquarium in New Orleans, Louisiana (Jun. 21 to Sep. 14)
  • Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Georgia (Aug. 1 to Sep. 26)
  • Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon (Aug. 26 to Oct. 20)
  • New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts (Sept. 21 to Dec. 14)
  • SEA LIFE Arizona Aquarium in Tempe, Arizona (Oct. 4 to Nov. 17)
  • Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee (Dec. 21 to Feb. 28)

Tickets for the experience are included with the cost of general admission and can be purchased from each aquarium directly. Excited and want to learn more? Head over to Nintendo.com for additional information: https://www.nintendo.com/us/events/play-events/animal-crossing-aquarium-tour/

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available for the Nintendo Switch family of systems on Nintendo eShop and through retailers.

Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at https://press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please register on the site.

*A Nintendo Account is required to receive and redeem points. Terms apply (https://accounts.nintendo.com/term_point).

A Look At 2024 – Georgia Aquarium Experiences

Plan Your 2024 Trip to Georgia Aquarium: A Look at What’s Ahead

A new year brings exciting new opportunities that promise a year filled with awe-inspiring events, remarkable exhibitions, and unforgettable experiences at Georgia Aquarium. Let’s dive into what’s in store at the Aquarium in 2024 as you plan a year’s worth of visits with your Resident Pass:

Spectacular Sea-sonal Sights:

Experience the excitement of our seasonal events! Every weeknight throughout June, soak up the rhythmic rays of summer Sound Waves Music Series, where live music meets the ocean. Sound Waves is more than live music, with a mission to celebrate local Atlanta artists while you connect with the ocean’s magnificent species.

In October, you don’t want to miss the spine-tingling excitement of Haunted Seas! See as the Aquarium transforms into the site of a spooky shipwreck. This fully immersive experience brings new characters, tales, sights, and trick-or-treats in a one-of-a-kind Aquarium experience you won’t want to miss.

And, of course, there’s no better way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year than during Holidays at Georgia Aquarium. Experience the magic of the winter season by taking in the sights and sounds of our completely transformed atrium with festive music, winter-inspired projections, daily lighting of our tree, a holiday-themed dolphin presentation, and the best photo-op with Santa in Atlanta! We cannot wait to see you throughout the year at all these spectacular events.

New Year, New Exhibit! – Get an Exclusive Sneak Peek:

Be one of the first to experience our latest exhibit! Opening this summer, our new Explorers Cove is sure to captivate guests of all ages with new hands-on experiences. This new exhibit will feature two expansive, interactive touch pools where guests can engage with sharks, rays, guitarfish, and sturgeon like never before. It will also house a captivating marsh environment for young explorers to experience the wetland ecosystem up close. Finally, guests use immersive technology to create their own species by drawing a digital animal and watch as it swims and interacts on a giant video wall with other animal creations. 

Uncover a new experience, new species, and a new opportunity to learn about the wonders of our world’s aquatic wildlife. Want to be the first to know all the updates on this new exhibit? Be sure to follow our social channels @GeorgiaAquarium and subscribe to our Newsletter for all the latest Aquarium news! 

Dive Into our Reimagined Dolphin Presentation:

This summer, we are excited to unveil our fin-tasticly rejuvenated dolphin presentation! Witness the grace, intelligence, and sheer splendor of these incredible creatures, as they dazzle you with their agility and charm. ‘Destination: Dolphin’ will explore the world of bottlenose dolphins and the pivotal role they play in understanding the health of our world’s oceans. This experience is fully immersive – with upbeat music, lighting, and effects – and a special surprise for those who dare to sit in the soak zone. It’s an experience that’ll leave you in awe of the ocean’s most beloved ambassadors. 

Enhance Your Experience:

No visit is the same at Georgia Aquarium – elevate your adventure by exploring our array of add-on experiences. Go Behind the Seas with an exclusive tour, where you’ll glimpse the inner workings of the Aquarium. Experience the joy of meeting your favorite animal up close and personal during an unforgettable animal encounter. Drink, dine, and dance the night away at our next Sips Under the Sea. Prefer to unwind while surrounded by the soothing sights of the sea? Grab a friend for a Wellness by the Water class and namaste with manta rays. Create selfie-worthy moments and foster a deeper connection with our world’s oceans during your next visit. 

Revitalized River Scout:

Anticipation has been building for the grand reveal of River Scout’s renovation in early spring 2024, where the spotlight will soon shine on the captivating African tigerfish. This revamped freshwater gallery promises an immersive experience, featuring a diverse array of species like Asian small-clawed otters, giant African puffers, and the fearsome piranhas, alongside eel-like Ropefish. As rainforest meets river, experience River Scout revitalized into a vibrant freshwater ecosystem. 

A Downtown Gem: 

Conveniently located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia Aquarium is the perfect complement to your day out. Whether you’re heading to a sporting event, concert, or exploring other attractions, maximize your visit by adding the Aquarium to your itinerary. Frequent visitor? Pay for a day and come back all year with a 2024 Resident Pass (some blackout dates apply). Planning a weekend getaway? Check out CityPass to save on Atlanta’s top attractions, including Georgia Aquarium. Immerse yourself in the ocean’s wonders and make your day an adventure to remember.

 

Prepare for a year of wonder, excitement, and unparalleled experiences at Georgia Aquarium. Become stewards of our world’s precious ocean while creating memories that will last a lifetime. Your next adventure awaits at Georgia Aquarium! What will you discover?

All of these exciting enhancements are included in your general admission ticket or Resident Pass.

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