An Attraction Your Child Will NEVER Forget – Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

My boys especially love learning about anything living! Even before my oldest son was able to read, we would find him sitting on his bed with his nose in an encyclopedia learning all about animals, insects, and sea creatures! He has passed that love on down to his brother and now it is beginning with his 4-year-old sister! Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, TN was the perfect attraction for all three of our kids!

Splash With the Stingrays

When my oldest was around 7 years old, we took him for his first “Splash With the Rays”. He is now 14. He AND his brother have begged every year since to have that opportunity again. We let them take the dive this year and gave them another experience they will never forget! They are already asking when they can do it again!

Splashing with the stingrays was my favorite. I have been wanting to do it for a long time. I got to touch them as they swam around us and I learned a lot more about one of my favorite living things. ~Ryan, age 10

Those who participate in the “Splash” also get a behind the scene’s tour.

When we were on the behind the scenes tour, they took us to a very dark room. They lifted the lid of a tank and there were glowing fish in there. We learned that one bright light could kill them. We found out that this exhibit is not a well-known enhibit since it is in a more hidden spot of the aquairum. It was really cool! ~Cameron, 14 years old

Penguins

The penguin exhibit is another favorite of our family. The children can climb under the penguin exhibit and get a close-up interaction with the cute little creatures!

Mermaids

Every little girl I know seems to have a thing for mermaids these days. Ripley’s Aquarium has incorporated Mermaids in their dive show. My little girl is still asking if they are going to sleep in the water! Haha!

I liked the Mermaids, they swam with the fish and were pretty! ~Camila, age 4

Jelly Fish and Horseshoe Crabs

Right before entering the penguin exhibit, you will come to a whole section of interactive exhibits for children to learn more about jelly fish, horseshoe crabs, and much more.

Children are given the chance to talk to trained specialists about the specific creatures.

Sharks, Pirhanas, and More

Ripley’s Aquarium gives everyone a chance to get up close to all the sea creatures without the danger! Ride the moving sidewalk under the Shark Lagoon or even ride the new Glass Bottom Boat above the Shark Lagoon!