Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies features many different types of aquatic creatures in engaging and interactive displays. The aquarium is best known for it's underwater tunnel allowing visitors to fully immerse in a spectacular array of marine life. The aquarium is suitable for visitors of all ages and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Best and worst times to go to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
The aquarium is open year round, but tends to be very crowded on weekends and holidays. To get better views of exhibits try to avoid these peak times and visit during the week.
Must see/do at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
The Tunnel - This 340 foot underwater tunnel puts visitors in the middle of the habitat of a variety of creatures such as sharks, eels, and turtles.
Penguin Playhouse - This indoor and outdoor penguin habitat lets visitors watch penguins swim and play up close.
Touch A Ray Bay - This interactive display lets you touch real stingrays safely as they swim through their habitat.
Admission to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Children's tickets are under $20, while adult tickets are under $30.
Parking at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Parking is available on site with a large city-owned parking garage directly behind the aquarium that charges less than $10 per day. If this garage is full, there are many other public parking spaces nearby along the main strip in Gatlinburg.
Public Transportation to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Though East Tennessee is largely car-dependent, the city of Gatlinburg has trolley service throughout the town, so tourists can travel from attraction to attraction. Many tourists also walk between destinations, as there are many destinations packed on the main strip in Gatlinburg, and it is not a difficult walk.
Food at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
The Feeding Frenzy Eatery is the aquarium's restaurant offering a variety park-type of meals, such as pizza and pretzels in the $5-$10 range. The aquarium is also located near many food options in the city of Gatlinburg including national chains like Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and Hard Rock Café, as well as local restaurants like Calhoun's, Smoky Mountain Brewery, and the Log Cabin Pancake House.
Insider tip for visitors to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Though they cost extra, the aquarium offers individualized experiences that are memorable and exciting, such as sleepovers in the underwater tunnel, penguin encounters allowing visitors to touch and interact with penguins, behind the scenes tours, and splash with stingrays, which allows visitors to get in the lagoon with the stingrays.
Author's bio: Peggy Carouthers has lived in the Knoxville area for more than 20 years. She is a freelance writer and has been published in "The Daily Times" and on the "Brazen Careerist" blog.