Georgia Aquarium

1. Programs and Events at the Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium provides unique experiences, including a sleepover program. After the facility closes and everyone retires for the night, groups, families, adults, scouts, and couples have the opportunity to sleep over. Included in this program is general admission to the aquarium itself on the day of the sleepover, as well as the following day.

Guests enjoy access to dinner, breakfast, all presentations, activities, guided tours, and a place to sleep directly in front of one of the stunning gallery windows.

Both animal encounters and animal interactions are additional programs offered by the aquarium. For animal encounters, guests can get up close to penguins, sea otter, and dolphin. To participate in a penguin or sea otter encounter, guests must be at least seven years of age.

Additional requirements for participating include anyone 16 years old and under must be accompanied by a paying adult. Animal encounters cover a maximum of three children, 16 and under for each paying adult, and anyone under the age of 18 is required to sign a liability waiver, as well as program guidelines. Either document must then be signed and dated by one parent or a legal guardian.

Animal interactions are different from encounters. In this case, guests have the opportunity to physically connect with certain aquatic animals. Guests can choose the Dive Program or Journey with Gentle Giants Swim. As part of the Beluga interactive program, visitors of the Georgia Aquarium don a provided wet suit on top of a personally owned bathing suit and while standing in waist-high water, interact with these remarkable creatures alongside a highly professional whale trainer.

This particular program has a limited schedule so reservations are mandatory. To participate in the Beluga interactive program, there is no age restriction. However, anyone interested in the program must be a minimum of 60 inches tall. For someone under the age of 16, this program is offered but only if that individual is accompanied by a participating adult. In addition, minor participants must sight a liability waiver, which is then signed by the parent or legal guardian.

The Journey with Gentle Giants consists of swimming or diving with manta rays, whale sharks, and other aquatic life. Heading to the Ocean Voyager exhibit, participants suit up over a bathing suit, followed by scuba diving or snorkeling alongside thousands of animals. Both of these programs create lifelong memories.

The Georgia Aquarium also provides special tours that give visitors a much greater appreciate for the animals, their caregivers, and the work that goes on behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly and safely. Visitors have two options, the All Access Tour and the VIP tour, both requiring reservations.

2. Get involved

Dedicated to the conservation of at risk and endangered sea life, the Georgia Aquarium has created a number of programs that allow people to get involved in making a difference. As a worldwide leader in conservation and research programs, there are numerous opportunities for guests, staff members, partners, researchers, and donors, all working together to improve life for aquatic animals.

Currently, more than 1,500 people are involved with the aquarium's Volunteer Program. Being passionate about conservation and aquatic life, these volunteers have individual skills that are used in a variety of ways. Anyone interested in joining in the effort can complete an online application. Some of the ways that these volunteers make a difference include:

. Guest Services - Welcome and assist guests

. Gallery Interpretation - Engage with visitors of all ages who want to learn more about aquatic life

. Activity Tables - Encourage young guests to get involved with arts and crafts but also prompt adults toward one of the conservation activities

. Educational Programs - Greet and assist groups or children visiting the aquarium as part of a field trip

. Behind the Scenes - Assist with testing water quality, making repairs, cleaning out exhibits, and more. For this, participants must be 18 years or older, complete additional training as required, and volunteer at least 50 hours within one of the facility's public areas.

The Next Wave Society is another amazing program offered by the Georgia Aquarium with the goal of increasing support and awareness of philanthropy. This membership program offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities, each environmentally-focused. Included are innovative fundraising projects, talking with other leaders, showcasing creativity, attending various private social events, and much more.

Comprised of professionals who are 100% committed to the goal of better conservation, educational programs, and research initiatives, the Next Wave Society helps prepare for the future and its many challenges pertaining specifically to aquatic life.

There are even internships available at the Georgia Aquarium. Although there is no pay involved and travel funds, food, and housing do not apply, this is an incredible opportunity worth consideration. The internships provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for connecting with professionals and having hands-on experiences.

Ultimately, the internships are inspiring, supportive to animal research and conservation, passionate, and they instill learning not provided anywhere else.

3. Plan your trip

For smaller parties, such as scout gatherings and birthdays, the Georgia Aquarium is the ideal destination. For birthday parties, the aquarium provides an all-inclusive service that eliminates stress and enhances fun. Each party is assigned a professional coordinator who handles everything to ensure the celebration is extra special.

Small events such as birthday Parties are scheduled for 90 minute slots and include a special themed area that is beautifully decorated. This also includes a sheet cake, ice cream, and milk or juice, party gift bags for attendees, a $10 gift voucher for the birthday boy or girl, a "Happy Birthday" shout out in the Ocean Voyager Gallery, parking voucher for one vehicle, party paper products, utensils, and birthday card and photo, and customized Behind the Seas Tour privately held for people attending the party.

Included in the price of parties at the Georgia Aquarium is admission to the different galleries, admission to any special or temporary exhibits, and admission to the AT&T Dolphin Celebration.

Back to: Things to Do in Georgia, 23 Best Things to Do in Atlanta, Georgia

225 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, Phone: 404-581-4000, website, Map

Map: