TSM Quick Take
Worth it for you?
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a top pick for families and animal lovers, thanks to its signature Shark Lagoon tunnel, interactive Penguin Playhouse, and hands-on ray touch pool. The walk-through galleries and themed exhibits offer plenty for kids, teens, and adults looking for an indoor activity, especially on rainy or hot days. It's a solid choice for those wanting a half-day break from outdoor attractions or hiking, and is stroller-friendly with lots of photo opportunities. The main drawback is the price—admission is among the highest for Gatlinburg attractions, and crowds can be heavy during weekends and holidays. Budget-conscious travelers or those seeking thrill rides may want to look elsewhere.
Free: A Local's Guide to the Smokies
8 lesser-known spots most visitors drive right past — Look Rock, The Sinks, Townsend tubing & more. 23-page PDF, instant download.
Quick decision
Should You Go?
Worth it for families?
yes – The interactive exhibits, Shark Tunnel, and penguins make it a standout for families with kids of all ages.
Worth it for adults only?
yes – Animal lovers and casual visitors will enjoy the exhibits, though it's less ideal for thrill-seekers.
Worth it on a rainy day?
yes – It's a popular indoor option and often recommended for bad weather.
Best time of day?
First hour of opening on weekdays or after 7pm on non-Saturdays.
How long does it take?
2–3 hours for most visitors; longer with kids or if you linger.
Biggest downside?
High admission cost and potential for heavy crowds during peak times.
Should you stay nearby?
yes – It's walkable from many downtown Gatlinburg hotels, making parking optional if you stay close.
Tickets
Ticket Strategy
Ticket prices are among the highest in Gatlinburg, so check the official site for current rates and any discounts before you go.
Single ticket
Confirm current pricing on the official site. This is the standard choice for most visitors.
Add-ons
No specific paid add-ons are highlighted in current research; focus on the main exhibits included with admission.
Prices change frequently—always check the official Ripley's site for the latest ticket options and any available discounts.
Duration
2-3 hours
Price
Adults ~$45, with discounts available through promo codes.
Best For
Families with kids • Aquarium enthusiasts • Visitors seeking interactive experiences
Website
ripleys.comFree: A Local's Guide to the Smokies
8 lesser-known spots most visitors drive right past — Look Rock, The Sinks, Townsend tubing & more. 23-page PDF, instant download.
Pro tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends and during summer months.
About Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies sits on River Road just off the Parkway, an indoor attraction built around its Shark Lagoon tunnel, where a moving walkway carries you under sharks swimming a few feet above your head. Alongside it are penguin encounters, touch tanks and a layout that keeps children engaged from one room to the next. It suits families, aquarium enthusiasts and anyone looking for something to do indoors when Gatlinburg weather turns.
Visitors consistently single out the shark tunnel and the penguin encounter as the highlights, describing both as worth the trip on their own. Reviewers mention friendly, knowledgeable staff and exhibits that are clean and clearly well cared for. Several note it's smaller than big-city aquariums, though most frame that as a fair trade for thinner crowds. The most common complaint is price relative to how long a visit lasts, and a few found jellyfish and stingray areas less interactive than expected. Crowding on busy days comes up too, with reports of groups treating exhibits as their own.
Doors open at 9 AM daily, closing at 9 PM Monday through Thursday and 10 PM Friday through Sunday. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day hours stretch later, to 10 PM on weekdays and 11 PM Friday through Sunday. The lot fills fast; if it's full, walking over from the Parkway strip is straightforward. Call (865) 430-8808 or check ripleys.com for tickets.
Come early in the day, especially on weekends and through the summer, or arrive late for a calmer walk-through. Weekdays are noticeably easier than Saturdays. Bring a light jacket, since several exhibit areas run cool.
Amenities & Features
- The walk-through shark tunnel with sharks swimming overhead
- Penguin encounter experience with knowledgeable and friendly staff
- Well-maintained exhibits with diverse marine life displays
- Family-friendly layout with activities specifically designed for children
Visitor Rating
From 41,959 Google reviews.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies has a Visitor Rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 41,959 reviews.Video
Watch Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Insider Tips for Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
Insider tips
Visitors most often point to Shark Tunnel, Interactive Touch Tanks, and Penguin Parade. Hours extend Memorial Day to Labor Day: weekdays close 10 PM and Fri-Sun close 11 PM.
Parking fills up quickly; consider walking from the Parkway strip if the lot is full. Avoid visiting on Saturdays and summer weekends for a more enjoyable experience.
Before you go
Plan around 2-3 hours unless you are only stopping in briefly. Current price guidance on this page is Adults ~$45, with discounts available through promo codes.
A website is linked here for direct confirmation of current details. Compare ticket links before you go, especially for weekends and peak travel periods.
From the reviews
Visitors frequently mention the excitement of the shark tunnel and the chance to see large marine life up close.
Families consistently praise the interactive touch tanks, although they can get crowded during peak times.
The variety of dive shows and penguin feedings are often highlighted as a must-see.
Highlights
Don't Miss
experience
Shark Tunnel
Walk beneath sharks and rays in a massive underwater tunnel.
activity
Interactive Touch Tanks
Kids can touch and learn about marine life like stingrays and horseshoe crabs.
activity
Penguin Parade
Enjoy daily live feedings and playful interactions with penguins.
experience
Dragons: Myths Made Exhibit
A new exhibit featuring dragon-themed displays for younger audiences.
activity
Diving Shows
Daily dive shows featuring marine life and feeding demonstrations.
Plan the arrival
Parking Strategy
Best option
Ripley's Aquarium Parking Garage (City of Gatlinburg)
Walkable from a hotel
Many downtown hotels are within walking distance, so you can skip parking if staying nearby.
Worst arrival times
Peak summer Saturdays and holiday weekends
Family tip
The Aquarium Parking Garage is adjacent and has elevator access, making it manageable for strollers and grandparents.
Know Before You Go
- Hours extend Memorial Day to Labor Day: weekdays close 10 PM and Fri-Sun close 11 PM.
- Parking fills up quickly; consider walking from the Parkway strip if the lot is full.
- Avoid visiting on Saturdays and summer weekends for a more enjoyable experience.
- Consider visiting during weekdays for a less crowded experience.
- Bring a light jacket as some areas can be cooler due to the exhibits.
Opening Hours
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a visit take?
Most families spend 2-3 hours to walk every gallery, ride the shark tunnel twice, and catch one or two scheduled shows.
When is the Penguin Parade?
Showtimes, feedings, and special experiences vary by date — check the official schedule at the entrance or on ripleys.com.
Can kids touch the animals?
Yes — touch tanks let kids interact with stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and small sharks. Staff guide young visitors and explain how to touch each species gently.
More in Gatlinburg
Nearby picks around Gatlinburg
Related Guides
Explore More
Plan around Gatlinburg
Explore Gatlinburg attractions
Discover top-rated spots
Top-rated aquarium in Gatlinburg
Complete Gatlinburg travel guide
Compare the two towns
Save money on your trip
Compare hotel prices
Expert travel tips