The Georgia Aquarium is one of the largest and most popular aquariums in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. Located in Atlanta, Georgia, the aquarium features thousands of aquatic animals from around the globe, including whale sharks, dolphins, and penguins. With its stunning exhibits and interactive experiences, the Georgia Aquarium is a must-visit destination for families, couples, and individuals alike. However, like any other attraction, the Georgia Aquarium has its operating hours, and it’s essential to know when it closes to plan your visit accordingly. In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll delve into the topic of “When Does Georgia Aquarium Close?” and provide you with all the information you need to make the most of your visit.
Georgia Aquarium Operating Hours
The Georgia Aquarium is open 365 days a year, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The operating hours vary depending on the day of the week and the time of year. Here’s a breakdown of the aquarium’s operating hours:
Weekdays (Monday to Friday): 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Weekends (Saturday and Sunday): 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Holidays: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Extended Hours During Peak Season
During peak season, which includes summer vacation, holidays, and school breaks, the Georgia Aquarium extends its operating hours. Here’s a list of the extended hours:
- Summer Vacation (June 15 to August 15): 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Holidays (Christmas, New Year’s, and Thanksgiving): 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- School Breaks (Spring Break and Winter Break): 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Special Events and Closures
The Georgia Aquarium occasionally closes or has special events that may affect its operating hours. These events include: (See Also: How to Use Aquarium Heater? A Beginner’s Guide)
- Special exhibitions and events, such as Shark Week or Sea Otter Awareness Week
- Private events and parties
- Construction or maintenance activities
- Weather-related closures (e.g., thunderstorms or extreme heat)
How to Check the Aquarium’s Operating Hours
To confirm the Georgia Aquarium’s operating hours, you can:
- Visit the aquarium’s website: www.georgiaaquarium.org
- Call the aquarium’s customer service number: (404) 581-4000
- Check the aquarium’s social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
Georgia Aquarium Ticket Prices and Packages
The Georgia Aquarium offers various ticket prices and packages to suit different budgets and preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the current ticket prices:
| Ticket Type | Adult (12-64) | Senior (65+) | Child (4-11) | Child (3 and under) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $39.95 | $34.95 | $29.95 | Free |
| Annual Pass | $129.95 | $119.95 | $109.95 | N/A |
Special Ticket Packages
The Georgia Aquarium offers various special ticket packages, including:
- Dolphin Encounter: $59.95 (includes a behind-the-scenes tour and interaction with dolphins)
- Shark Cage Experience: $99.95 (includes a thrilling experience inside a shark cage)
- Sea Lion Encounter: $49.95 (includes a behind-the-scenes tour and interaction with sea lions)
Georgia Aquarium Exhibits and Attractions
The Georgia Aquarium features various exhibits and attractions, including:
Permanent Exhibits
The aquarium’s permanent exhibits include:
- Ocean Voyager: a 6.3 million gallon tank featuring whale sharks, dolphins, and other marine animals
- Sea Lion Encounter: a behind-the-scenes tour and interaction with California sea lions
- Dolphin Coast: a dolphin exhibit featuring a large viewing area and interactive experiences
- Penguin Coast: a penguin exhibit featuring a large viewing area and interactive experiences
Temporary Exhibits
The aquarium occasionally features temporary exhibits, including:
- Shark Week: a special exhibit featuring sharks and other marine animals
- Sea Otter Awareness Week: a special exhibit featuring sea otters and other marine animals
- Butterfly Encounter: a temporary exhibit featuring live butterflies and interactive experiences
Georgia Aquarium Dining and Shopping
The Georgia Aquarium offers various dining and shopping options, including: (See Also: Does Aquarium Salt Expire? Find Out Now)
Dining Options
The aquarium features several dining options, including:
- The Georgia Aquarium Café: a casual dining area serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks
- The Dolphin Café: a quick-service restaurant serving sandwiches, salads, and snacks
- The Ocean Voyager Café: a casual dining area serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks
Shopping Options
The aquarium features several shopping options, including:
- The Georgia Aquarium Gift Shop: a large gift shop featuring aquarium-themed merchandise
- The Dolphin Gift Shop: a smaller gift shop featuring dolphin-themed merchandise
Recap of Key Points
Here’s a summary of the key points discussed in this blog post:
- The Georgia Aquarium is open 365 days a year, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
- The aquarium’s operating hours vary depending on the day of the week and the time of year
- The aquarium offers various ticket prices and packages to suit different budgets and preferences
- The aquarium features various exhibits and attractions, including permanent and temporary exhibits
- The aquarium offers various dining and shopping options, including casual dining areas and gift shops
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What are the Georgia Aquarium’s operating hours?
A: The Georgia Aquarium is open 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends, and 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on holidays.
Q: How much do tickets cost?
A: Ticket prices vary depending on the type of ticket and the age of the visitor. General admission tickets start at $39.95 for adults, $34.95 for seniors, and $29.95 for children.
Q: What exhibits are included with general admission?
A: General admission includes access to the aquarium’s permanent exhibits, including Ocean Voyager, Sea Lion Encounter, Dolphin Coast, and Penguin Coast. (See Also: Is Lucky Bamboo Good for Aquarium? Unveiled)
Q: Can I purchase tickets online?
A: Yes, you can purchase tickets online through the Georgia Aquarium’s website or through a ticket vendor like Ticketmaster.
Q: Is the Georgia Aquarium wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, the Georgia Aquarium is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators connecting all levels of the aquarium.
Q: Can I bring food and drinks into the aquarium?
A: No, outside food and drinks are not allowed in the aquarium, except for bottled water and snacks for infants and children.