The perfect guide to planning an unforgettable spring break.

Georgia Aquarium – Where the Ocean Meets the Skyline

Skip the sandy sandwiches, sunburn, and mid-day thunderstorms and embark on an unforgettable adventure. Rain or shine, our fully indoor experience ensures a perfect day of exploration and excitement. Experience eight captivating galleries showcasing thousands of fascinating marine animals, including remarkable sharks and playful otters – it’s like eight vacation destinations all in one place. Immerse yourself in the magic of our daily animal presentations or meet them up close in our animal encounters. Where else can you swim with whale sharks, play with dolphins, AND dance with sea lions? Georgia Aquarium promises a journey filled with discovery and awe-inspiring moments. 

For kids ages 5-10 years old, check out our new Spring Break Camp H2O! From April 1 through 5, campers will spend the week engaged in fun and exciting activities. They will discover interesting facts about our aquatic friends and explore the vast ocean ecosystem. All Aquarium galleries and presentations are included.​

Make this Spring Break one to remember – dive into the extraordinary at Georgia Aquarium!

Attend the Atlanta Science Festival 

It’s our favorite annual Atlanta spring tradition! The Atlanta Science Festival is an annual celebration of the world-class learning and STEM career opportunities in metro Atlanta. Engineered by Science Atlanta and 80+ community partners – including Georgia Aquarium. Featuring 100+ engaging events covering a range of science topics geared towards all ages. This festival is committed to expanding access to science learning in the Atlanta area. Take part in all the fun happening March 9-23, 2024. 

Don’t miss Georgia Aquarium’s event – Saving the Seas, on Saturday, March 16. Dive into the world of marine research and conservation to experience firsthand what it’s like to be a marine conservationist. As a leader in ocean conservation, Georgia Aquarium will be hosting a presentation focusing on different conservation projects, from protecting our coral reefs to the re-establishment of zebra sharks to protecting key species. Explore threats facing our environment through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities based on Aquarium-wide initiatives. Tickets are required for this event for both Aquarium members and non-members. 

Check out the festival’s online schedule and register for these exciting events! Stay up to date on all things #ATLSciFest by following @ATLSciFest.

Head to the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Spring has sprung at the Atlanta Botanical Garden! With over 30 acres of outdoor gardens, it’s nestled in the heart of Midtown Atlanta. You don’t want to miss the annual spring Orchid Daze and Atlanta Blooms, celebrating thousands of beautiful, fragrant orchids and tulips in bloom. 

Are they looking for some outdoor, family-friendly activities for spring break? Check out Spring Break Science Camp, where kids can experiment with plant engineering, adaptations, and seasonal changes. The Garden also offers Spring Break Family Fun – the whole family can partake in seasonal activities like storybook time and gardening activities for free with garden admission.

Cheer on Your Favorite Atlanta Teams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

With a capacity of 93,000 fans, feel Atlanta’s pride and support one of the city’s biggest sports teams. 

As Atlanta becomes the hub for US soccer, join the legendary Atlanta United FC fans for a match and experience The Golden Spike. The Home Depot Backyard is also a hub for home game tailgating! Check out their calendar to see all the upcoming events.

Experience the History of America’s Game at The College Football Hall of Fame

The College Football Hall of Fame aims to inspire and entertain by celebrating the passion and traditions of college football and its greatest players and coaches. Immerse yourself in college football history this spring break and experience the new Microsoft Gaming Lounge. Described as fun, interactive, educational, and entertaining – this new exhibit allows attendees to play video football games on Xbox systems. The Microsoft Gaming Lounge’s opening is timely as a new NCAA football video game will return in 2024 after nearly a decade offline. 

Save on your Atlanta Spring Break experiences with CityPASS. This one pass gives you discounted access to five of Atlanta’s family-friendly downtown attractions.

Posted March 12, 2024 

Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Tampa Unite to Release Rehabilitated Manatees

As part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, Georgia Aquarium and Zoo Tampa collaborate to release two rehabilitated manatees to their natural habitat after a journey of care and recovery. 

The story of these majestic sea creatures unfolds as they are released back into the ocean waters:

Where it all started:

Their journey began when the Zoo Tampa team rescued these young, stranded manatees after being found stranded, cold-stunned, and emaciated. They provided initial health assessments and care for several weeks. However, due to their fragile state, it was deemed necessary for the manatees to gain additional weight and vitality before being released back into their natural habitat.

As part of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership, Georgia Aquarium staff stepped in to help provide a haven for these marine mammals while nurturing them back to health at our off-site facility.

 

See their journey from Zoo Tampa to Georgia Aquarium:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turning a new (lettuce) leaf: 

Under the watchful eye of Georgia Aquarium staff, the manatees underwent an attentive rehabilitation process to ensure they were ready to return to the ocean. Over the past several months, the dedicated care and attention of the Aquarium team paid off. The manatees gained substantial weight and strength. 

Before being officially approved for release, the manatees underwent thorough health assessments to ensure they were in peak condition. These assessments, combined with the unwavering care from the Zoo Tampa and Georgia Aquarium teams, ensure that these manatees have the best possible chance for survival.

Check in with our manatees before their release:

A manatee-tale ending: 

The time has finally come!

Reuniting with the team at Zoo Tampa, this story comes full circle. On January 30, the Georgia Aquarium team traveled to the coast of Tampa, FL. Joining Zoo Tampa staff and other partners in releasing these two manatees back into their home waters. 

The successful rehabilitation and release of these two manatees symbolizes a beacon of hope for the ongoing efforts to protect and preserve marine life. Its also a reminder of the impact that collaborative initiatives and compassionate care can have on the lives of these and other species, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant marine ecosystem.

Take a look at their heartwarming release (get the tissues ready):

 

 

This story is not only a testament to the successful collaboration between two renowned institutions, but also a celebration of the Manatee Rescue & Rehabilitation Partnership’s mission to provide a safe haven for manatees in need. Georgia Aquarium takes pride in being a valuable member of this partnership, contributing to the conservation and well-being of these incredible marine mammals.

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.