Summer Getaways: Take a Quick Trip to Georgia, Tennessee Aquariums

• What's your favorite summertime day trip in Georgia? Tell us in the comments below.

School is out, and play is on the minds of Georgia families looking to make the most of the summer.

You’re lucky. Metro Atlanta and North Georgia have so many family attractions and activities you almost can’t go wrong coming up with something everybody will love — beaches, mountains and the big city are all within an easy driving distance.

You’re also lucky to be a daytrip away from two of the nation's greatest aquariums — the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta and the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga.

Both have impressive air-conditioned displays that lure millions of visitors each year. And both are located within a short walk of other great activities in and around the cities.

The Georgia Aquarium, located in downtown Atlanta, has the wow factor of whale sharks, bottlenosed dolphins, and beluga whales. It is the world's largest aquarium with one of the largest enclosed underwater viewing areas.

The Tennessee Aquarium, located 2 to 3 hours from the Atlanta area in Chattanooga, is the world's largest freshwater aquarium and includes two buildings — one for freshwater and one for saltwater. Its River Giants exhibit shows some of the largest freshwater species found on Earth.

More on the aquariums

Georgia Aquarium
Location: 225 Baker Street, Atlanta, GA 30313
Regular hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday-Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: Rates vary dependent on time and ticket package. A Total Ticket on weekends currently costs $28.95 (ages 3-12) to $34.95 (adult). Purchase tickets online.

Tennessee Aquarium
Location: One Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Regular hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Tickets: $14.95 (kids) to $24.95 (adults). Buy online