Fall has arrived in Atlanta, and there are plenty of things to do with the whole family this season! At Georgia Aquarium’s Haunted Seas, families can dive into Halloween fun with spooky décor, themed animal presentations, and special treats. But the Aquarium isn’t the only place to get into the spirit — the city and surrounding areas are full of ways to celebrate, from family-friendly outings to spooky strolls and colorful cultural traditions. Here are some of the top things to do in and around Atlanta this fall:

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🍂 Family-Friendly Events

Families have no shortage of options to enjoy the season, and Haunted Seas at Georgia Aquarium is at the heart of it all. Guests can enjoy trick-or-treating throughout the Aquarium, themed animal presentations, and seasonal scavenger hunts—all surrounded by incredible marine life. It’s the perfect way to celebrate Halloween while exploring the underwater world. Just steps away, the city offers even more family-friendly frights, like Scarecrows in the Garden at Atlanta Botanical Garden, where creative, handcrafted scarecrows fill the paths. Or check out Brick-or-Treat Monster Party at LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta, where kids can join Halloween-themed builds and activities.

Families can also venture to Fernbank Museum’s Dinosaur Trick-or-Treat to collect candy alongside life-size prehistoric giants. You don’t want to miss Boo at the Zoo at Zoo Atlanta for costumed fun, treat stations, and animal encounters. For younger explorers, the Children’s Museum of Atlanta’s Trick-or-Treat offers an interactive space to celebrate the spooky season. Outdoors, families can experience Halloween Hikes at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, a guided trail adventure with costumed characters teaching about local wildlife. With Haunted Seas as your starting point, there’s no shortage of spooky, spirited experiences to enjoy in Atlanta this fall.

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👻 Adult / Spookier Fun

Looking for more frightful fun? This season’s best parties start at Georgia Aquarium’s Sips Under the Sea: Halloween Party. This adults-only (18+) evening lets guests enjoy spooky signature cocktails, an enchanted dance floor, and a handful of Halloween surprises—all set against the otherworldly backdrop of the Aquarium’s galleries. It’s sure to be a ghostly good time – costumes are encouraged. 

Just down the road, the Center for Puppetry Arts presents The Ghastly Dreadfuls, a mix of music, puppetry, and darkly funny ghost stories. For thrill-seekers, Netherworld Haunted House delivers heart-racing scares with elaborate sets and creatures lurking around every corner. While those who prefer a historical chill can explore Atlanta’s past on Haunted History Tours – Ghost Tours at the Fox Theatre.

One of Atlanta’s most iconic Halloween experiences is the Capturing the Spirit of Oakland Tours. Hosted at historic Oakland Cemetery, these after-dark tours share the stories of the city’s notable and notorious residents, all against the atmospheric backdrop of Victorian gardens and monuments.The Little 5 Points Boo-ze Ghost Tour adds a spirited twist, pairing pub stops with eerie neighborhood tales. For a more refined celebration, Halloween Afternoon Tea at The St. Regis Atlanta offers themed treats and seasonal sips in a luxurious setting. 

From high-energy parties to spine-tingling tours and elegant gatherings, Atlanta offers adults countless ways to celebrate Halloween in style.

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☀️ Día de los Muertos / Cultural Events

October and early November also bring opportunities to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a tradition that honors and remembers loved ones through food, music, and vibrant cultural expression. Oakland Cemetery’s Día de Muertos Festival celebrates with an afternoon of live music, traditional foods, and colorful community altars. A costume contest adds festive flair for both kids and adults.

Additional celebrations take place across metro Atlanta and beyond, including festivals like the Norcross Día de los Muertos Festival and the  Woodstock Arts Festival Series. Families can also enjoy special performances by the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, highlighting the rich history and artistry of the holiday through music and storytelling. 

These events offer meaningful ways to connect with the cultural heritage of Día de los Muertos while enjoying community spirit across metro Atlanta. 

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✅ Tips for Planning

Check schedules & tickets — Some events require advance purchase and may sell out.

Arrive early — Popular events can get crowded, especially on the weekends.

Respect traditions — Día de los Muertos is a cultural celebration of remembrance; take time to learn and appreciate its traditions.

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Whether you’re looking for haunted thrills, glowing pumpkins, or meaningful cultural traditions, Atlanta offers endless ways to make October unforgettable. So grab the family and start making memories!

Protecting Dolphins and Our Ocean: Georgia Aquarium’s Legacy Dolphin Health Research Program

At Georgia Aquarium, we believe caring for the ocean begins with understanding it. For over a decade, our scientists and veterinarians led one of the most important dolphin health studies ever undertaken, the Health and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) project. This groundbreaking work not only deepened our knowledge of dolphins but also revealed powerful connections between the health of marine animals, their ecosystems, and the people who share those waters.

What Is HERA?

Beginning in 2003, Georgia Aquarium and its partners launched HERA, a first-of-its-kind research program studying wild bottlenose dolphins in Florida’s Indian River Lagoon and South Carolina’s Charleston Harbor. Over the years, experts examined several hundred dolphins, gathering vital information about their health, exposure to pollutants, and resilience in the face of environmental change.

Every dolphin was carefully examined and then returned safely to its home waters, helping scientists collaborating from dozens of scientific research organizations build a living picture of how these animals, and the ecosystems they represent, are faring.

Why It Matters

HERA proved what many scientists had long believed: dolphin health offers early warnings about the health of our ocean and the communities that depend on it. The project uncovered:

• High levels of pollutants such as mercury and long-banned toxic chemicals, raising concerns for both dolphins and people who rely on local seafood.
• Signs of immune challenges and disease, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria and exposure to viruses that can spread quickly through wild populations.
• First detection of triclosan, an anti-bacterial compound, in dolphins at levels similar to those reported for humans, adding evidence on the persistence of these antimicrobials. This finding contributed in part to an FDA rule removing these chemicals from over-the-counter antibacterial soaps.
• Connections between dolphin health and human health, reminding us that a healthy ocean is essential for all life.

The data collected continues to guide conservation and public health decisions today, long after the last dolphin exam was completed.

A Visionary Leader: Dr. Gregory Bossart

At the heart of HERA was the leadership of Dr. Gregory Bossart, Georgia Aquarium’s Senior Vice President and Chief Veterinary Officer. Dr. Bossart was more than a brilliant scientist; he was a visionary who believed in the “One Health” approach, which is the idea that the health of people, animals, and the environment is deeply connected.

Through his leadership, Georgia Aquarium became a world leader in conservation medicine. He inspired countless colleagues and students with his belief that caring for dolphins and protecting the ocean are inseparable from caring for one another.

Though Dr. Bossart passed away in 2019, his legacy lives on. To celebrate his life and continue his mission, Georgia Aquarium created the Dr. Gregory Bossart Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship supports students in veterinary and marine sciences who share a passion for wildlife conservation and the health of our planet. New scholars carry Dr. Bossart’s vision forward each year, ensuring that the spirit of HERA continues to inspire and protect for generations to come.

Carrying the Work Forward

The lessons of HERA remain as relevant today as when the first dolphin was examined. Georgia Aquarium is proud to honor Dr. Bossart’s extraordinary leadership and to continue his life’s work: protecting animals, conserving nature, and inspiring hope for a healthier ocean.

Get ready to dive into a sea of spine-tingling fun—Haunted Seas returns at Georgia Aquarium from October 3 through November 2, 2025! This fang-tastic seasonal takeover transforms the Aquarium into a hauntingly immersive undersea adventure for guests of all ages.

What’s Under the Haunted Waves: Event Highlights

Throughout the month, our galleries will be reimagined with eerie décor and hauntingly fun surprises. Families can explore a pirate-haunted shipwreck in Ocean Voyager, encounter the mystical Mermaids Grotto inside Tropical Diver, and wander through the Haunted Jungle Cruise at River Scout. Adding to the excitement, dolphins and sea lions will take the stage for Halloween-themed presentations filled with spooky effects. On weekends, families can enjoy seasonal crafts, scavenger hunts with haunting prizes, and trick-or-treating featuring whimsical characters.

For guests 18 and older, prepare your costumes for a one-of-a-kind Halloween night celebration: Sips Under the Sea: Halloween Party! On October 31, we invite guests to enjoy signature cocktails, mocktails, a live DJ, and terrifying décor throughout the Aquarium. Explore after dark, dance beneath the waves, and celebrate the season in a truly unforgettable after-hours experience.

Why Haunted Seas Is Not to Be Missed

👻 Family-Friendly Frights

With a month full of playful scares, interactive activities, and themed shows, it will surely be a memorable Halloween outing for all ages.

🎃 New and Expanded Experiences

With expanded décor, more galleries transformed, and new seasonal activities, Haunted Seas 2025 promises the most immersive iteration yet.

🎟️ Included with General Admission

No separate purchase needed—Haunted Seas is included with your General Admissions ticket!

🦇 Aqua Pass Perks

Holders of the 2025 Aqua Pass enjoy *unlimited general admission through December 31, 2025, including access to Haunted Seas and other seasonal events.

*Some blackout dates apply; see our Aqua Pass page for more details and to purchase.

Planning Tips for A Spook-tacular Visit

Plan Your Weekends Ahead

Don’t miss our trick-or-treating, crafts, and scavenger hunt! Only offered on Saturdays and Sundays, October 4 through November 2nd.

 

Reserve Early for Presentations

We highly recommend making reservations for our Dolphin and Sea Lion Presentations. Presentations are included with your admission ticket, but seating is limited, and a reservation is required. Make your seat reservation here at no additional cost.

 

Go for the Aqua Pass if You Can

Get the best value with unlimited access to Georgia Aquarium’s signature seasonal celebrations—Haunted Seas and Holidays at Georgia Aquarium. Two unforgettable experiences you won’t want to miss!

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Ready to Dive In?

Unlock a Halloween adventure like no other—where the ocean meets the macabre, and fun lurks beneath every wave.

For more details, be sure to explore Haunted Seas 2025 directly on Georgia Aquarium’s official site:

Discover Haunted Seas 2025 at Georgia Aquarium

 

Summer Adventures Await

Get Ready for Unforgettable Experiences Across Atlanta

As summer arrives in Atlanta, get ready to enjoy a plethora of events and promotions that promise fun for all ages. Whether you’re a local or visiting, here’s your guide to the top happenings around the city:

🌟Georgia Aquarium: Glow Nights & More

Glow Nights
From May 30 to August 17, Georgia Aquarium transforms into a glowing wonderland inspired by the ocean’s bioluminescence. Experience radiant jellyfish, glowing corals, and captivating live performances, including jugglers, aerialists, and sway pole artists. Interactive activities like glow-in-the-dark tattoos and themed photo ops add to the magic. The event runs nightly from 4 PM until close and is included with general admission or Aqua Pass. Click here for more info.

20,000 Beers Under the Sea
On June 7, join the fourth annual 20,000 Beers Under the Sea event, featuring unlimited beer, cider, and seltzer tastings, gourmet cuisine, live music, and access to all Aquarium exhibits, including the Glow Nights experience. This 21+ event supports Georgia Aquarium’s education programs. Get your tickets now!

Georgia Aquarium x World of Coca-Cola Combo Deal
Experience two of Atlanta’s iconic attractions with a combo ticket offering flexible admission to both Georgia Aquarium and World of Coca-Cola, saving you more than 20%. It’s the ultimate summer deal for families, staycationers, and Atlanta visitors. This deal runs from July 14 through August 29, 2025.

 

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🎟️Children’s Museum of Atlanta: Summer Pass    🎨High Museum of Art: Summer Exhibitions

The Children’s Museum of Atlanta offers a Summer Pass for $89, providing unlimited general admission for two named adults and up to four children for three months. Enjoy weekday morning member hours and endless opportunities for play and learning. The pass is valid from May 1 to June 30 and is perfect for families seeking fun and educational activities. Learn more about Summer Pass.

The High Museum of Art presents various exhibitions this summer, including “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Exhibit,” an interactive experience where families can help Mickey and friends plan a surprise party for Pluto. Engage in digital activities and imaginative play – designed to build physical, cognitive, and social-emotional skills. The exhibit runs through September 1, 2025. Experience the exhibit.

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🌺 Atlanta Botanical Garden: Summer Events      🦁 Zoo Atlanta: Savanna Nights

The Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a serene escape with its lush landscapes and seasonal blooms. This summer, enjoy special events like “Cocktails in the Garden,” featuring live music, botanical cocktails, and stunning garden views. Check the garden’s event calendar for more details and ticket information.

Zoo Atlanta’s Savanna Nights returns on June 20, July 18, and August 8, offering adults a unique after-hours experience with animal viewing, live music by DJ Dmark, and engaging activities. Zoo Atlanta Members (21 and over) receive free admission, while non-members can purchase tickets – advance registration is required. Get your tickets here.

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🎉 Plan Your Summer Adventures

Atlanta’s summer lineup is packed with exciting events and promotions that cater to all interests. Whether you’re exploring the glowing wonders of Georgia Aquarium, enjoying interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum,  or relaxing in the beauty of the Atlanta Botanical Garden, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these unforgettable experiences—plan your summer adventures today!

 

Posted May 21, 2025