Thrifty Maven

Ah summer. Lazy days, vacations, and other fun in the sun are what many associate with summer break, but did you know that there is a loss in academic skills and knowledge over the course of summer vacation?

It is known as Summer learning loss and one way you can help combat that loss is with Stay-cations where learning is the focus.

Don’t worry about the kids griping “Oh Mom, it’s summer. I’m tired of learning” because today’s stay-cation location is the Georgia Aquarium. I have a sneaking suspicion they’ll be saying “Can we go Mom? Can we go?”

The Thrifty family was able to tour the world’s largest with over 8 million gallons of water, otherwise known as the Georgia Aquarium. The Georgia Aquarium is an entertaining, intriguing and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Located in downtown Atlanta, this Aquarium always has new and exciting events, animals and activities. It has spectacular, kid-friendly exhibits from the petting pools with sharks and rays to the central exhibit featuring the whale sharks.

The River Scout exhibit featured animals found in the rivers of Africa, South America, Asia as well as those that dwell off the coast of Georgia. Meet rare Albino alligators, get up close and personal piranhas, and watch my personal favorites, Asian small-clawed otters as they scamper about. (Head on over to view the Otter Cam your kids will love it!)

Coldwater Quest is a MUST see because it is here that you will meet the Georgia Aquarium’s beluga whales. These beautiful white beluga whale is found in the arctic and sub-arctic regions of the world including Russia, Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and several northern European countries. While we were there we took in one of lecture about these social animals and came away a lot more knowledgeable having done so. (Head on over to view the Beluga cam )

The Ocean Voyager’s exhibit will absolutely take your breath away as you and your family walk through a tunnel protected by thick acrylic glass. You will view fish swimming both above and around you so you get a very impressive floor-to ceiling view. Imagine getting this close to four whale sharks, the largest measuring about 22 feet In length. Simply priceless!

Our final stop was Tropical Diver. The living reef tank at this exhibit is very impressive. View the multicolored reef dwellers including Bartlett’s anthias, a little gem of a sea bass in colors of neon pink, yellow and green. And don’t just bypass the small tanks along the way. My favorite was the Pacific sea nettle, a jellyfish found in abundant numbers off the California and Oregon coasts; dark orange in color and trailing wispy tentacles, they look positively ethereal

The Georgia Aquarium gets a definite two flukes up with a splash. With something new every 90 days, you are sure to see things you’ve never seen before!

For more information about tickets and attractions, visit:

Georgia Aquarium
www.georgiaaquarium.org
225 Baker Street Northwest
Atlanta, GA 30313
(404) 581-4000

In keeping with current FCC Guidelines I want to let you know that I received no financial compensation for this post. I did receive complimentary passes to facilitate this review but this in no way influenced my review.