We recently had the chance to travel to Atlanta for a long weekend. My husband had some meetings so we decided to tag along and be tourists. Even though I grew up in Atlanta, it’s fun to go back with my kids and do the touristy stuff I really didn’t do when I lived there. Here is a list of our favorite things to do in Atlanta.
The first day we headed to the Georgia Aquarium for the day. We knew it would be fun, but we didn’t realize just how much fun we’d have! It was a blast!
We were met as soon as we got there by one of their staff who showed us behind the scenes. WOW! What an experience. When we go to aquarium’s, usually we just see whats at eye level and we don’t grasp all that goes in to making an aquarium run. I was amazed with the facility. We went under the aquarium to see the fish hospital {so to speak} and the nutritionist who runs the kitchen {yes, the aquarium has a kitchen which prepares food JUST for the fish}. Crazy huh?
The penguin exhibit was closed (due to renovating) but we were able to go back to where they are “vacationing” to get to see them upclose. This was my 3 year olds favorite part of the day. They are so cute!
The Dolphin Tale show ….Ummm amazing! I’ve been to the aquarium before but have never seen this show. I cannot believe I haven’t yet. It’s wonderful – and the best part? Its free and part of your admission. It might’ve been the pregnancy hormones {or maybe not} but I got emotional through it. {Yes, I’m weird}.
A few of our family’s “tips” for visiting the Aquarium:
- If it’s not raining, don’t park in the Aquarium parking garage. It’s nice, but you can park right across the street for half the price. Parking in the parking garage is $10 and right across the street from the garage is $5.
- Eat lunch before you come. We got a pizza, salad, and two drinks for $21 and it wasn’t great.
- Bring a water bottle. There aren’t “water cups” or even a water dispenser at the soft drinks fountain of the cafeteria.
- Eat early – after 11:30am, the cafeteria area {whether you brought your lunch or you’re eating there, got SO crowded}
- Bring an umbrella stroller – because this place gets pretty crowded, bulky strollers are hard to navigate around the aquarium.
- Book a Behind the Scenes tour if it’s in your budget – definitely worth seeing! You won’t be disappointed!
Our family “Must Sees” at the Aquarium:
- Cold Water Quest – our favorite? The Beluga’s.
- Georgia Explorer – our favorite? The different touch pools.
- Ocean Voyager – our favorite? The Manta-rays & Whale Sharks.
- River Scout– our favorite? The Albino-Aligator.
- Tropical Diver – our favorite? The Jelly-fish
Our overall rating for the Georgia Aquarium: A- …why?
- Very educational for children of all ages and adults too.
- Keeps the attention of even the young ones all day.
- The Dolphin Show was outstanding {especially for the kids!}
- Even though it may seem a bit pricey, it’s definitely worth the price!
Become a member of the Georgia Aquarium and receive special perks!
Sounds like a great visit to the aquarium! My husband can see the aquarium from his office ~ but we have only been once when it first opened. We need to go back soon!