Ripley’s attractions specialize in putting the utterly fantastic elements of our world right in front of our eyes. Ripley’s Aquarium of The Smokies , near Pigeon Forge, brings those same magical elements of the seas to an intimate setting where the mystery of underwater life can be explored and truly appreciated. Families and couples come to the Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies to experience the thrill of the Shark Lagoon, the majestic beauty of the Coral Reef, and the exotic flavors of the Tropical Rainforest. These exhibits merely scratch the surface of the facets of ocean life which Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies has to offer.
Education also plays an integral part of the fun. The Discovery Center gives visitors the opportunity to learn through hands-on activities. This children’s paradise lets kids test their wits against puzzles and sea-life quizzes. They can get up close and personal with puffer fish and touch the horseshoe crabs in the tanks open for exploring. The Ocean Realms exhibit allows visitors to gain an understanding of the kinds of diverse life that the sea has to offer. From the sea floor to the waters above, the tanks are inhabited by interesting creatures such as the weedy scorpion fish, the flounder, and the spotted garden eel.
The Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies exhibit areas are constantly changing so that visitors can come time and time again to have new experiences. With Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies hosting over 30,000 living species of fish in existence to choose from, you can gain a lifetime of knowledge by exploring the depths through these tanks. Each exhibit is also open to annual special experiences designed to engage eager participants. Guests have the opportunity to sleep with sharks, splash with the stingrays, or have a close encounter with the penguins. This destination is also home to the Penguin Playhouse. Here, you have the opportunity to crawl through encased tunnels that take you through the penguin habitat and beneath the waters where the penguins hunt and play. The Playhouse provides an interactive experience with penguins that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet.
Teachers, families, and individuals are all welcome to bring their groups to Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies. Special educational tours can be arranged in addition to bookings available for special events. Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies, near Pigeon Forge, has played host to weddings, business conferences, and too many birthdays to count. The magic of the ocean awaits.