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!
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!
