Unique Experiences That You Can Enjoy at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

It is well known that Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the top attractions in Gatlinburg for both first time visitors and repeat guests. This is because it is a state-of-the-art facility with fascinating exhibits showcasing more than 10,000 exotic sea creatures! However, did you know that you can also participate in several special programs that the aquarium has to offer to the public?! Check out these unique experiences to enjoy at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies:

1. Penguin Encounter

If you have ever wanted to get up close and personal with a penguin, you now have a chance at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! The Penguin Encounter program provides guests with the fantastic opportunity to meet one of these adorable creatures from the aquarium’s indoor and outdoor penguin habitat. During the program, you will learn all about penguins from the aquarium’s staff expert, pet a penguin and receive a souvenir photograph with the penguin! The Penguin Encounter is available for anyone ages 4 and up, and a chaperone is required for children ages 4 - 7.

2. Splash With the Stingrays

Another unique experience at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is the Splash With the Stingrays program, where you can enjoy interacting with the aquarium’s stingrays! During this program, you will go on a fun behind the scenes tour and into the aquarium’s Touch-A-Ray Bay. This is exactly as it sounds: the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to touch a living stingray! After your experience, you will receive a souvenir t-shirt to remember this awesome part of your Smoky Mountain Vacation! Bathing suits are required for the program, but towels are provided for you. The program is available for all ages 5 and up, and guests must be at least 40” tall to participate.

3. Penguin Paintings

Did you know that penguins could paint?! Join the Penguin Paintings program at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies as you find out for yourself that the answer is a definite “YES”! This amazing program gets you up close to one of the aquarium’s beautiful penguins as it creates its own signature footprint art on canvas! The best part is that you can take home the 8 x 10 penguin painting home with you to show off to your friends and family. The Penguin Paintings program is available for anyone ages 4 and over, and children ages 4-7 require a chaperone. Get the latest information about all of these unique experiences !

Where to Stay

If you want to stay near Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies but in a quiet and beautiful setting among the Great Smoky Mountains, Parkside Cabin Rentals has just what you need! We have cabins ranging from one bedroom to 7 bedrooms to easily accommodate all of the guests in your family or group. While staying with us, enjoy a wide range of fantastic amenities including full kitchens, private decks with scenic views, hot tubs, game rooms and more! Check out all of our cabins in Gatlinburg TN today to stay close to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and all of the other great Gatlinburg attractions. We hope to see you soon at Parkside Cabin Rentals!