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Packing for a Splash: What You CAN Bring to the Georgia Aquarium (Besides Your Undying Love for Aquatic Life)
So, you've snagged tickets to the Georgia Aquarium, the aquatic wonderland that boasts whale sharks the size of school buses and enough fishy friends to make Nemo feel like a small fry. You're probably picturing yourself surrounded by dazzling displays and feeling all kinds of Jacques Cousteau (minus the questionable mustache). But before you dive headfirst into this watery adventure, let's talk about what to pack (besides your overwhelming sense of awe).
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What Can You Bring Into The Georgia Aquarium |
Essentials for a Fin-tastic Day:
- Your Magnificent Self (and Maybe a Buddy): This one's a no-brainer. The Georgia Aquarium is best experienced with a partner in crime, someone to ooh and ahh over the giant Pacific octopus with you. Just be sure your friend isn't a closet fish-napper (we're looking at you, cousin Timmy).
- A Refillable Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is key, especially when you're surrounded by all that cool, refreshing...well, you get the idea. The aquarium has plenty of refill stations, so ditch the disposables and save some sea turtles (and a few bucks). Pro-tip: Pack a reusable straw too, those little guys get a bad rap these days.
- Comfy Shoes: There's a lot to see at the Georgia Aquarium, and trust us, your feet will be thanking you for ditching the stilettos. Think sneakers or comfy sandals – this ain't no fashion show (although, who are we to judge your fabulous aquatic outfit?).
- Camera (Minus the Flash-a-ma-jig): You're going to want to capture all those fishy faces (and maybe a goofy selfie with a beluga whale). Just remember, flash photography is a no-no for some of the animals. Bonus points: If you manage to snag a pic of the elusive platypus, you basically won the internet.
Things to Leave at Home (Unless You Want Security to Give You the Side-Eye):
- Outside Food and Drinks (with a Few Exceptions): The Georgia Aquarium has its own food court, but if you must bring something, pack a small snack for the little ones or dietary needs. Just no smuggled goldfish – they have plenty of those already.
- Selfie Sticks and Tripods: These space hogs can be a pain for other visitors. Just picture someone accidentally poking a moray eel in the eye with a selfie stick – not cool. Embrace the natural arm length selfie or ask a friendly stranger to snap a pic.
- Large Strollers: The aquarium gets crowded, and those behemoth strollers can make navigating the exhibits a nightmare. If you absolutely need a stroller, opt for a compact, lightweight one.
- Weapons (Even the Spiky Kind): This one should be a no-brainer, but hey, stranger things have happened (pun intended). Leave the spiky mace and nunchucks at home, there are plenty of amazing creatures to be dazzled by, not attacked.
Frequently Asked Packing Questions: How to Conquer the Georgia Aquarium Like a Pro
- How to avoid meltdowns with hangry children? Pack a small, healthy snack (think apple slices or granola bars) to keep those energy levels up.
- How to stay cool (besides being amazed by the jellyfish)? The aquarium can get a little chilly, so bring a light jacket or sweater if you tend to run cold.
- How to capture the perfect underwater moment (without getting wet)? The acrylic viewing panels are pretty darn clear, so you shouldn't need any fancy equipment. Just make sure there are no distracting reflections and focus on those fishy friends!
- How to avoid getting lost in the kelp forest of exhibits? Grab a map at the entrance and plan your route beforehand. Bonus tip: Don't miss the dolphin and sea lion shows – they're flipper-ific!
- How to prepare for cuteness overload? There's no cure for this one, just embrace the squee-worthy feelings and cuddle a stuffed animal from the gift shop on your way out.