You absolutely need to visit this place. Don't go to Gatlinburg and NOT go here. The Aquarium is large and they have an awesome variety and number of sea life . There is a petting pool for the kids... More

You absolutely need to visit this place. Don't go to Gatlinburg and NOT go here. The Aquarium is large and they have an awesome variety and number of sea life . There is a petting pool for the kids to touch crabs, and lots of interactive things for the youngsters. There is also large pool that has small sharks and Rays, where you can bend down and actually touch them. They also have a super nice glass tunnel where you can go through this and see the large sharks and sea turtles overhead. They also offer classes for Homeschoolers !!
Less

A must for anyone visiting Gatlinburg with children! Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is AMAZING! They do a rotation of a special exhibit which is always fantastic. We visit every year and... More

A must for anyone visiting Gatlinburg with children! Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is AMAZING! They do a rotation of a special exhibit which is always fantastic. We visit every year and are never disappointed. I suggest going as soon as they open to avoid the crowds.
Less

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is absolutely amazing!!! This has got to be the best aquarium anywhere!! The aquarium allows you to get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful... More

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is absolutely amazing!!! This has got to be the best aquarium anywhere!! The aquarium allows you to get up close and personal with some of the most beautiful creatures of the ocean including they're huge sharks!! This place is absolutely perfect for the whole family!!
Less

The Ripley's Aquarium has some really neat sea creatures in it's gigantic tank. It's amazing to walk thru the tunnels and feel like you are swimming under the sharks and other sea creatures. We... More

The Ripley's Aquarium has some really neat sea creatures in it's gigantic tank. It's amazing to walk thru the tunnels and feel like you are swimming under the sharks and other sea creatures. We were lucky enough to see some divers working with the animals. And I liked the "people mover" because it kept the traffic flowing in that crowded area. However, I felt like we didn't get a lot of variety. You basically look at the same tank the entire time you are touring the aquarium. I'd like to see more animals and less "things" like the pirate display.
Less

Since this is a Ripley's museum, I half expected it to be cheap and gaudy. But it defied all expectations. It's one of the best aquariums I've seen! Kids and adults will love the sharks as they... More

Since this is a Ripley's museum, I half expected it to be cheap and gaudy. But it defied all expectations. It's one of the best aquariums I've seen! Kids and adults will love the sharks as they swim right over your head in a walk-through aquarium. I also liked the stingray park - you can pet them as they swim by! It's very educational and exciting. Enjoy!
Less

If I could post pictures I would. We had a really great time. Not only did the kids have fun, but my husband and I had fun too. We loved watching the underwater dive shows and petting the... More

If I could post pictures I would. We had a really great time. Not only did the kids have fun, but my husband and I had fun too. We loved watching the underwater dive shows and petting the horseshoe crabs and stingrays. IT was fun seeing the sharks and the illusion of being under water. It's worth the price to get in. It really is fun. :)
Less

This place has it all! Featured exhibits include the Tropical Rain Forest where you can view all sorts of tropical forestation and wildlife. The Coral Reef where you can view various types of Coral... More

This place has it all! Featured exhibits include the Tropical Rain Forest where you can view all sorts of tropical forestation and wildlife. The Coral Reef where you can view various types of Coral and salt water fish. Shark Lagoon allows you to get up close and personal (as close as possible without actually touching a shark) to see how sharks react and live in their natural habitat. A Discovery Center full of educational factoids and displays for kids of all ages. The Gallery of the Seas where you can encounter all sorts of odd looking oceanlife. One of the favored attractions is of course the Touch-A-Ray-Bay where you can interact and actually touch a MantaRay (wow!).
Less