Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies — Attraction in Gatlinburg

As a family, we recently had the absolute pleasure of visiting Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, and I can honestly say it was a highlight of our trip to the Pigeon Forge area! From the moment we stepped inside, we were completely captivated by the vibrant underwater world, and it truly lived up to its reputation as a top-rated aquarium.

The star of the show, without a doubt, is the Shark Lagoon and its incredible underwater tunnel. We hopped onto the moving glide path, and it was like being transported to the bottom of the ocean. Sharks of all sizes, graceful sea turtles, and massive stingrays glided all around us and even directly overhead. The kids were absolutely mesmerized, pointing and gasping with every creature that passed. It's truly an immersive experience that photos can't quite capture – you feel like you're right there, swimming with them! There's also a stationary walkway alongside the moving one, which was great for pausing to read the informative signs or just taking a longer look at a particular creature.

Beyond the sharks, the Penguin Playhouse was another huge hit. We spent ages watching the adorable African and Gentoo penguins waddle on land and then torpedo through the water. The best part for the kids was definitely the crawl-through tunnels and pop-up domes that allowed them to get "nose-to-beak" with these playful birds. They loved feeling like they were right in the middle of the habitat. It was so much fun to see their little flippers flapping and their curious expressions.

The Discovery Center offered some fantastic hands-on opportunities that really engaged everyone. My little ones were thrilled to gently touch the smooth skin of stingrays in Touch A Ray Bay and even get a feel for the unique texture of moon jellyfish. These interactive exhibits made the learning experience even more memorable and exciting.

We also thoroughly enjoyed wandering through the Tropical Rainforest exhibit, marveling at the colorful fish, poison dart frogs, and even piranhas! The Coral Reef was a kaleidoscope of vibrant fish and intricate coral formations, truly a treat for the eyes. Each exhibit was thoughtfully designed, providing a glimpse into different aquatic ecosystems from around the world.

For those looking for an extra thrill, the Glass Bottom Boat Adventure over Shark Lagoon offers a unique perspective, though we opted to enjoy the tunnel from below this time. We also heard about their special programs like "Pancakes and Penguins" and "Sleeping with the Sharks," which sound like incredible, one-of-a-kind experiences for future visits!

The aquarium itself felt very clean and well-maintained, with plenty of space to move around, even with a stroller. There were also benches conveniently placed for resting, which was a thoughtful touch for families with young children.

Overall, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies exceeded our expectations. It's not just an attraction; it's an educational and entertaining adventure for all ages. Our family had an absolutely fantastic time, creating memories that we'll cherish for years to come. If you're in the Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge area, a visit to Ripley's Aquarium is an absolute must – you won't be...

Prepare to be amazed! Our family recently had the incredible opportunity to explore Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, and we can wholeheartedly say it's an absolute must-do for anyone visiting Gatlinburg, especially those with children. From the moment you step inside, you're immersed in a breathtaking underwater realm teeming with vibrant marine life. For families, this aquarium is a dream come true. Our kids were utterly captivated by the sheer variety of creatures on display. The interactive exhibits are a huge hit. The Penguin Playhouse, with its crystal-clear tunnels offering up-close encounters with playful penguins, had our little ones giggling with delight. The Touch A-Ray Bay provided a gentle and fascinating experience, and even touching a jellyfish was a memorable first! The Discovery Center offered even more hands-on learning, keeping them engaged and curious. Beyond the interactive fun, the sheer spectacle of the viewing areas is stunning. Walking through the Underwater Tunnel in the Shark Lagoon was an awe-inspiring experience for all of us. Sharks gliding overhead, majestic sea turtles gracefully swimming by, and giant stingrays soaring above – it's an unforgettable perspective you won't soon forget. The vibrant colors of the fish in the Ocean Realm and the unique creatures in the Tropical Rainforest kept us all mesmerized. We were also so impressed by how immaculately maintained the tanks are. The water is crystal clear, and it's evident that the well-being of the animals is a top priority. The habitats look thoughtfully designed, creating a healthy and thriving environment for these incredible creatures. This attention to detail truly enhances the visitor experience. It's no wonder that Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies consistently receives rave reviews online. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. The aquarium offers a fantastic blend of entertainment and education, sparking a genuine interest in marine conservation. The live shows and feeding demonstrations are also a fantastic addition, offering deeper insights into the lives of the animals. In short, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is an exceptional attraction that exceeded all our expectations. It's a fantastic destination for creating lasting family memories, fostering a love for the ocean, and experiencing the wonder of underwater life up close. We give it our highest recommendation – you absolutely won't be...

On July 30th I purchased the “Painting with Penguins” experience for my family because I thought it would be an enjoyable experience for our vacation, but it wasn’t enjoyable… it was uncomfortable and heartbreaking. The penguins weren’t walking across canvases with paint on their feet. The penguins were forcefully picked up, dipped into paint, and stamped onto the canvases by the employees. One employee was talking about how she has to pick up the penguin and grip it like a hamburger (as it struggled to escape) and it can’t do anything about it since she’s the superior creature because she has thumbs. It was beyond strange and one of the most awkward situations I’ve ever been in. It was obvious that the penguin was extremely stressed out as it flailed and tried desperately to escape. Every time the penguin got away from the employees, he would run and hide. The entire experience left us feeling shocked, extremely uncomfortable and worried for the penguin, but the employees acted as if it was completely normal and routine. Apparently, it is normal for this company because after our experience I looked up videos other people posted online. There are numerous videos showing different employees using the penguins as stamps. It seems like they were trained to do things this way if the penguins didn’t want to cooperate. We were even told as much by an employee during our experience. The employee stated that they do it that way because the penguins do not like to paint and the paint won’t smear as bad if they stamp them vs letting them walk freely. I paid nearly $400 for 3 people and the employee showed up 10 mins late and ended it 2 mins early after acknowledging that we paid for a 30 minute experience. By that point, I wasn’t upset for it to be cut short because it was horrible and I wanted out of there. I honestly feel like I paid money to watch someone mistreat a penguin for almost 30 minutes. I now have a “painting” that reminds me of animal abuse. My painting has even has penguin feathers stuck to it.. feathers he lost during his fight to get away. I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. You will leave this place feeling awful, wrong, and heartbroken for these poor penguins. It’s not at all like the photos online. These animals are being forced and “stamped” for entertainment and profit...