Most visitors to Atlanta these days make tracks for the Georgia Aquarium. I highly recommend it, my children enthusiastically recommend it, but let’s talk about a few important details before you go.

Please go EARLY. The exhibits are gorgeous, stunning, and enormous. You’ll want lots of time to oodle the fishies and stand in awe as the whale sharks swim above your head. But then, if it’s crowded, you’ll be shuffled along and miss the photo op of a massive grouper staring eyeball to eyeball with your toddler. Going early ensures lots of space to move around at your pace. I might also warn parents about the "OMG, where is my child?" factor---when crowded, kids tend to sneak in front of the masses of adults for a better look…which means if you turn your back for second they can literally disappear. This is not good for any mommy. Going early ensures that there will NOT be huddled masses in front of every exhibit.

Some of the exhibits are dark and it makes keeping up with kids a challenge. Set rules and arrange a meeting point if you do get waylaid by a sea of people, believe me it’s like a Who concert in there sometimes. Fortunately all of the exhibits are spokes around the center of the aquarium. We pick a spot in near the touch tank (ultra cool marine petting zoo) to reconnoiter.

DO NOT MISS the leafy sea dragons and Japanese spider crabs…two of the most extraordinary (and just plain weird) sea creatures in the place. 

Eat at Ted’s Montana Grill afterwards---just a short hop across the park (you should walk) the food is a sure bet for any group (bison burgers, chicken and of course Edy’s Dreamsicle milkshakes).