FamilyFun magazine has just announced the winners of its annual Travel Awards. The below list includes the winners in the Animal Attractions category voted by families from across the country and includes on right here in metro Atlanta — the Georgia Aquarium. Perhaps it’s no surprise, but nice to see the list of 10 which provides some good ideas for a family trip.
Here’s the list and I will also include a look at some cool new programming at the Aquarium.
Animal Attractions
1. Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium (NE)
2. Saint Louis Zoo (MO)
3. Monterey Bay Aquarium (CA)
4. Georgia Aquarium
5. San Diego Zoo (CA)
6. Virginia Safari Park (VA)
7. Disney’s Animal Kingdom (FL)
8. Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden (OH)
9. Busch Gardens Tampa (FL)
10. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden (SC)
About the survey — This year, FamilyFun surveyed families traveling with kids ages 3 to 12. Over 2,000 respondents in four regions – West, Midwest, South, and Northeast – were asked to rate more than 460 vacation spots in the five categories.
Georgia Aquarium
Spring break will soon begin for many families and while you may not be headed around the world, that doesn’t mean you can’t can’t get up close and personal with animals from all over with the ultimate Atlanta “stay-cation.”
One of the best parts about visiting Georgia Aquarium, is witnessing the conservation and research going on all year long. Just last week, Georgia Aquarium staff was in California at the world’s largest rescue and rehabilitation facility, The Marine Mammal Center. The West Coast is experiencing an unprecedented amount of sea lion and elephant seal pup stranding’s and part of the Georgia Aquarium team flew out to help assist in the rescue and rehab of these little animals.
Georgia Aquarium is also home to over 10 million gallons of water and hundreds of the most engaging and impressive species of animals.
The aquarium has put together a top five at Georgia Aquarium this spring break.
1. Aquanaut Adventure: A Discovery Zone: Check out Georgia Aquarium's newest exhibit, Aquanaut Adventure. This unique experience allows parents and children to learn about aquatic life as they complete a series of educational and fascinating challenges. This educational journey through the Aquarium's previously-behind-the-scenes areas challenges guests of all ages through a series of activities in a variety of immersive environments. Aquanaut Adventure is included in admission to Georgia Aquarium.
2. Animal Encounters and Interactions: Guests can go behind the scenes and enjoy an exclusive personal experience with one of our aquatic animals through a Georgia Aquarium animal encounter or interactive program. During each program guests can learn more each animal and their care from one of Georgia Aquarium's expert trainers, and snap a photo to take home, courtesy of Georgia Aquarium. Guests can choose from a Penguin Encounter, Dolphin Encounter, Sea Otter Encounter, or a Journey with Gentle Giants swim or dive program.
3. AT&T Dolphin Tales: The AT&T Dolphin Tales show, a first-of-its-kind production, was more than two years in the making. It is an experience you won't want to miss which entertains, motivates and inspires guests. The show incorporates the beauty and agility of dolphins, live human actors, dramatic costuming and amazing effects. AT&T Dolphin Tales shows are held throughout the day and is included in Georgia Aquarium admission.
4. Behind the Seas Tours: Explore the secrets of Georgia Aquarium! Behind-the-scenes tours are available for guests interested in learning more about the day-to-day operations of the Aquarium and learn more about our animals and their care.
5. Explore! Atrium Show: This one-of-a-kind live show combines live-action film, animation, acrobatics, large-scale puppetry and dance. Explore! takes guests on an aquatic adventure that opens the imagination and explores our connection to the ocean. Dancing Sea Stars, a sponge diver and a 17-foot long whale shark puppet all join this journey of the world's aquatic habitats. Explore! runs twice a day on weekends through May 23 and is complimentary with admission to Georgia Aquarium.
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