Ripleys Aquarium in Gatlinburg Tennessee is a favorite attraction in the area. Teeming with life, Ripleys Aquarium is home to 10,000 exotic sea creatures which consist of more than 350 distinct species. In fact, Ripleys Aquarium boasts that they actually have more creatures at their facility then there are people living in Gatlinburg!

In Ripleys Aquarium there are 9 exhibits for visitors to explore and discover. Ocean Realm is a display all about fish while Systems Control is the main artery of Ripleys Aquarium in Gatlinburg. Here the aquarium creatures' health is assured at all times. Millions of gallons of water need quality control as the marine animals require special temperatures and filtered water conditions. This modern and delicate life-support system is integral to supporting aquatic life and gives visitors a better understanding of what's involved in taking proper care of the sea animals.

The most popular exhibit at Ripleys Aquarium in Gatlinburg is Shark Lagoon. This exhibit is particularly neat because guests step onto a "glidepath" and this takes them through an acrylic tunnel which is surrounded by a huge aquarium. Thousands of fish in all shapes and sizes fill this enormous tank! While moving through the tunnel visitors come face to face with snappers, green sea turtles, massive stingrays, sawfish and huge sharks!

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Ripleys Aquarium in Gatlinburg is not only there to turn a profit. It's evident how much care is involved in running the Aquarium and also the labor involved in creating educational activities for kids to learn more about the animals at the aquarium and what they can do to have a positive effect on marine conservation. Learning about environmental issues is best done by actually getting hands-on experience and there are lots of unique educational tools used at Ripleys Aquarium in Gatlinburg such as a variety of games, aquarium talks and fun events that help kids learn while still having fun.

Ripleys Aquarium in Gatlinburg has an underwater gallery called the Gallery of Seas which is a really exciting exhibit filled with octopus, seahorses, jelly fish and more that seem like creations of art rather than living aquatic life! Their incredibly fascinating movement, vibrant colors and curious shapes make them another favorite at the aquarium. Some of the other fun displays and exhibits at Ripleys Tennessee Aquarium include Stingray Bay, Mars Exhibit and Touch a Ray Bay.

The best time to visit Ripleys Tennessee Aquarium is earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to beat the crowds and get a better and closer look at the exhibits. The aquarium is open 365 days a year but hours do vary do so be sure to check before visiting. Tickets range from $20.00 for adults, $11.00 for kids 6-11 and $5.00 for kids 2 to 5 but confirm prices before purchasing tickets.

There are a few dining options inside the aquarium that offer meals and if the shopping bug bites there's also a gift shop on the premises. Ripleys Tennessee Aquarium is connected to a few other fun attractions including Ripleys Moving Theater, Ripleys Haunting Adventure and Ripleys Davey Crocket Mini-Golf. Other attractions near the aquarium include Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the Dixie Stampede, Dollywood, Elvis Presley Museum and more. If the Ripleys Tennessee Aquarium doesn't wear the kids out than there are plenty of other fun things to do in the area!