Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium in downtown Atlanta is one of the most spectacular family destinations in the Southeast. Housing more than 100,000 animals across 10 million gallons of water, it delivers an immersive ocean experience that rivals anything you'd find at a coastal aquarium — right in the heart of Georgia.

Families should plan for at least three hours, though most end up staying longer. The aquarium is divided into several themed galleries, each designed to showcase different marine ecosystems. The Ocean Voyager gallery is the crown jewel, featuring the only whale sharks in a U.

S. aquarium, while the Cold Water Quest gallery introduces kids to beluga whales, African penguins, and sea otters. The Tropical Diver gallery houses a stunning living coral reef.

The aquarium does an excellent job accommodating families with young children. Stroller access is available throughout, nursing rooms are clean and private, and the changing stations are well-maintained. The on-site Café Aquaria offers kid-friendly meals, though many families prefer to pack lunch and eat in the adjacent Pemberton Place outdoor area to save money.

For families wanting a deeper experience, the animal encounter programs are worth the splurge. Kids ages 6 and up can participate in penguin encounters, while the behind-the-scenes tour gives families a look at how the aquarium cares for its animals. Teens aged 10 and up can even do the Journey with Gentle Giants program to swim or dive alongside whale sharks and manta rays.

The aquarium sits in Pemberton Place alongside the World of Coca-Cola and the Center for Civil and Human Rights, making it easy to combine multiple attractions in a single day trip. Parking is available in the aquarium garage, though it fills up fast on weekends — arriving by MARTA (the Dome/GWCC/Philips Arena station) is a smart alternative for families comfortable with public transit.