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 

From Fluffy Chicks to Playful Calves—Meet Our Youngest Stars

Over the past twenty years, Georgia Aquarium has proudly welcomed a growing family of baby animals, each one a symbol of care, conservation, and scientific achievement. These births mark milestones not just for the Aquarium but also for global aquatic animal research and preservation efforts.

🐋 Shila – Beluga Whale Calf

On May 17, 2020, Shila, the beloved beluga whale calf, made her grand entrance into the world. Born to beluga whale Whisper, Shila weighed 174 pounds and measured 5 feet 4 inches long at birth. She now weighs 1,052 pounds and is 10 feet 6 inches long. Both mother and calf have since been thriving under the watchful care of our animal health and husbandry teams. You can watch her incredible journey here.

🦭 Scarlet – California Sea Lion Pup

Scarlet, an energetic California sea lion pup, was born on October 30, 2017. She was the first sea lion born at Georgia Aquarium and holds a special place in our hearts. Follow along with her story on our YouTube channel.

 

🐣 Puffin Chicks

Since 2018, 12 puffin chicks have hatched at the Aquarium. Our first chick, Fern, hatched on July 21, 2018, and our most recent, Gale, was born on July 26, 2024. Each chick plays a critical role in understanding African penguin behavior and breeding, aiding in the efforts to restore this endangered species. You can learn more about some of our chicks here.

🐧 African Penguin Chicks

Meanwhile, our African penguin colony has flourished. Since 2012, we’ve welcomed 49 penguin chicks. Our very first chick was Amara, a female, who hatched on January 9, 2012. Most recently, Ishirini joined the Aquarium family on February 1, 2025—her name means “twenty” in Swahili, which correlates perfectly with the 20th anniversary of Georgia Aquarium. Check out our latest video highlighting our latest chicks here.

Each of these births represents our mission in action: advancing research, enriching habitats, and inspiring the public to protect our ocean’s wildlife. As we celebrate two decades of care and conservation, we look forward to many more heartwarming arrivals in the years to come

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Two members of our Fish and Invertebrates team — Nathan Farnau and Zelie Wooten — recently traveled deep into South America’s Amazon Basin, along the Rio Negro, to participate in a decades-long conservation initiative known as Project Piaba, supporting sustainable fisheries in the area.

This groundbreaking project, started over 30 years ago, focuses on the tiny but mighty tetra — a popular freshwater fish beloved by home aquarists worldwide. Since the 1950s and ’60s, demand for these shimmering swimmers has supported a sustainable livelihood for local fishers. In a rare twist in global aquaculture, this fish trade has become a surprising ally in rainforest protection.

Instead of turning to agriculture or logging to survive, communities along the Rio Negro have created a niche economy centered around catching wild tetras. Not only does this reduce pressure on the rainforest, but it actively incentivizes its preservation. One of Project Piaba’s core messages states: “Buy a fish, save a tree.”

A Living Lab in the Amazon

Nathan and Zelie spent two weeks aboard a liveaboard research vessel, navigating the winding waterways and immersing themselves in the region’s diverse ecosystems. From canoeing through narrow tributaries to snorkeling in murky waters, they encountered the remarkable wildlife of the Amazon—pink river dolphins, rays, caiman, vibrant bird species, and, of course, an abundance of freshwater fish.

During their travels, they had the chance to visit fishing communities and witness firsthand the importance of sustainable fish harvesting practices. The trip aligned perfectly with the annual Fish Festival, where local traditions shine through songs, dances, and dress inspired by native fish species. It’s a vivid reminder of how deeply intertwined the people and the river truly are.

Innovation That Sustains

By working with local fishers and exporters, they’re helping implement more sustainable practices in transport, handling, and fish care. One such initiative is a 30-day conditioning period for tetras. During this time, the fish acclimate to new water conditions, receive immune-boosting nutrients, and are carefully monitored to optimize their health throughout transport.

Another exciting advancement is the introduction of a traceability study. Each container of fish is tagged with a unique barcode and scanned at every step in the supply chain — from the moment it leaves the river to when it reaches a retailer. This transparency not only ensures higher fish welfare standards but also adds value for consumers who can now learn the story behind each fish they purchase.

A Fragile Future, A Powerful Message

Despite Project Piaba’s long-running success, the region faces new challenges. Prolonged droughts and the influx of commercially farmed tetras from Southeast Asia have threatened the environment and the livelihoods of the communities that depend on this delicate ecosystem. Supporting sustainable wild-caught fish might be the key to ensuring rainforest preservation remains a viable economic model.

Looking ahead, Georgia Aquarium is excited to support a major PR initiative this September, designed to raise awareness about the project and encourage consumers to buy from these eco-conscious sources.

Rethinking Conservation

This trip served as a powerful reminder that conservation isn’t one-size-fits-all. In this case, responsible extraction, when done with care and community, helps both people and nature thrive.

In a world where aquaculture often gets a bad reputation, this is an inspiring exception. This fishery is not only sustainable, it’s essential to livelihoods, biodiversity, and the rainforest itself.

So next time you’re looking to add a new member to your home aquarium, remember:
Buy a fish, save a tree.

Looking for a unique and unforgettable way to celebrate this Mother’s Day? Georgia Aquarium has everything you need to make her feel extra special, with meaningful experiences and memories you’ll cherish for years to come. Here are five fin-tastic ways to celebrate with us:

1. Spend the Day with Mom’s Favorite Animals

Sometimes the best gift is simply quality time. Stroll through the galleries, admire awe-inspiring marine life, and spend the day making memories together.

2. Experience an Animal Encounter Together

Share a one-of-a-kind moment during one of our up-close animal encounters. Whether it’s meeting a penguin, sea otter, dolphin, or one of our other amazing animals, these magical interactions are the perfect way to connect with nature and each other.

3. Catch the New Sea Lion Presentation

Don’t miss our newly updated Salt Water Showdown! Our lively sea lion presentation is full of energy, fun, and fascinating facts that are sure to delight the whole family.

4. Gift an Aqua Pass for Year-Round Visits

Purchase an Aqua Pass that lets you and Mom enjoy unlimited visits for the rest of the year! It’s the gift that keeps giving—perfect for animal lovers and memory-makers. 

Did You Know?

Get $10 off your Aqua Pass through May 11, 2025!

5. Grab a Unique Gift

Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit, and your support helps fuel our conservation research, educational programs, and world-class animal care. Honor the moms in your life with a unique gift in their name with our gifting options:

• Name a Georgia Aquarium Moon Jelly for Yourself or a Loved One
• Name Your Own Dolphin Seat

Want a gift Mom will cherish forever? Pick out a one-of-a-kind painting by our Aquarium animals: 

• Paintings by our Own Animal Artists

 

However you choose to celebrate this Mother’s Day, make it meaningful—make it magical—make it at Georgia Aquarium. Plan your visit today and give Mom a day she’ll never forget.

Posted May 6, 2025

On April 22, 2025, Georgia Aquarium was closed to the public in honor of Earth Day. Our incredible staff volunteered with local organizations in support of a healthier planet and as a nod to our 20 years of global conservation. 

Aquarium staff members volunteered across Georgia, participating in environmental cleanups, animal shelter support, and local restoration projects. Together, we’re building a legacy that protects not just our oceans but our shared home.

Earth Day has never been just one day for the Aquarium. It’s woven into everything we do—from marine conservation to sustainable practices behind the scenes. This year being our 20th anniversary year, we’re proud to take that commitment beyond our walls. This is more than a day of service—it’s a celebration of two decades of conservation, community, and connection. We’re so grateful to the Atlanta community for supporting us over the years, and this is one small way we can give back. 

Happy Earth Day, Atlanta—let’s keep making waves for good. 🌎💙