Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies Gatlinburg, TN

Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies
Located in Gatlinburg, TN

We had the opportunity to visit the Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in exchange for this review but all opinions are our own.

First of all this place is so much fun. Bub is a shark person. He has always enjoyed seeing sea life so anywhere we go we check out the closest Aquarium. This will be our fourth visit to this one. Each time has been just as interesting and fun as the first. It is a very clean and well kept facility. I would suggest a visit if you have the opportunity. It’s a fun trip for the entire family.

The view from the floor is something. There was a new section open we were excited to see. It was all about Swarms. I couldn’t wait!

There were more new exhibits and activities since the last time we had visited. There is an open area in the middle that is hands on. From learning stations to games to play area, there is something for each kid to get excited about.

Bub’s favorite part has always been the touch pool where you can touch sea creatures with your hands. CB isn’t much of a toucher and was rubbing hand sanitizer on her hands just at the thought of sticking her hands in the water.

Lou loves the educational displays. I am sure she pushed ever button they had. This was her domain. There was lots of stuff her size to do in this room and she loved every bit of it.

There are plenty of sharks to look at in amazement in the shark tunnel. The tunnel has always been my favorite part because you can just stand on the moving floor and watch these huge sharks swim right over your head.

Here is the tunnel at a better angle. It is always a site to behold. Although they do have a plaque that details an actual shark attack which Bub loves to point out.

You can also get an above view of the shark tank. I was so close to these sharks that I am glad they didn’t jump.

Everywhere you look there are things to learn. You could spend all day in the Aquarium and still probably not read everything there is to read.

This is another fish the kids were quite interested in. Can you name it?

The Penguin Playhouse is a fun addition. It was there the last time we visited but who could ever get enough of Penguins? Bub is still talking about the penguin named Derby. He tells everyone how the penguin followed him around.

There are tunnels the kids can crawl in and get a better view of these wonderfully cute little creatures. Did I mention penguins were one of my personal favorite animals?