Aquariums allow children to experience all the wonders of the ocean without even getting wet... well, you may get a little wet if you decide to touch a sting ray in the "water-petting zoos"...
The Georgia Aquarium is a world of marine biology in a controlled environment (my favorite kind when dealing with children)... and most of the staff can't wait to give you fascinating tidbits of information like how it is the home of the largest tank in the world... the size of a football field!
...and if you are over the age of 12 you can even set up an appointment to scuba dive in the tank! talk about field work!