Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg is consistently ranked among the top aquariums in the United States and stands as the most-visited aquarium in the country. Located in the heart of Gatlinburg just 15 minutes from Pigeon Forge, this world-class facility houses over 10,000 exotic sea creatures across thoughtfully designed exhibits that take families from tropical coral reefs to the depths of the open ocean.

The signature attraction is Shark Lagoon, a massive tank viewed through a 340-foot underwater tunnel with a moving gliding walkway. Families are transported through a transparent tunnel as sand tiger sharks, nurse sharks, green sea turtles, giant groupers, and thousands of tropical fish swim above, beside, and below. The effect is profoundly immersive — children gasp, point, and press their faces against the acrylic as a shark glides inches from their nose.

A stationary walkway runs parallel for families who want to stop and absorb the scene at their own pace.

The Penguin Playhouse houses a colony of African penguins in a climate-controlled habitat with above-water viewing and a large underwater window where visitors watch the penguins' remarkable underwater agility. Above water, the penguins waddle, preen, and interact with a comedic charm that captivates young children. The scheduled feeding times, posted at the exhibit entrance, are the best moments to visit as the penguins become hilariously active and competitive.

Tropical Reef galleries showcase the dazzling diversity of coral reef ecosystems. Tanks filled with clownfish, lionfish, seahorses, and pulsing corals in vivid colors create a visual spectacle that keeps kids moving from tank to tank, pointing out new discoveries. The jellyfish gallery follows the same artistic approach as other Ripley's locations, with translucent moon jellies and sea nettles floating through tanks illuminated by slowly changing colored lights.

The meditative quality of this exhibit provides a welcome calm moment in the middle of an exciting visit.

The touch-a-ray bay near the end of the tour is consistently rated as children's favorite experience. A shallow pool allows visitors to gently stroke the smooth backs and wingtips of cownose stingrays as they circle past. Staff members guide proper touching technique and share fascinating facts about ray biology.

The combination of touching a living ocean creature and learning about it in real time creates moments of genuine wonder that screen-based education simply cannot match.

The aquarium is entirely indoors and climate-controlled, making it one of the best rainy-day activities in the Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge area. However, this same quality means it becomes the default destination when weather drives tourists indoors. Experienced families save the aquarium for a sunny day when outdoor attractions draw the crowds, and they visit the aquarium with minimal waits and elbow room.

The facility is fully stroller-accessible with elevators at level changes. Nursing rooms with changing stations are available. The dark lighting in many exhibits is designed for optimal animal viewing but can initially disorient very young children — most adjust within minutes.

Photography is encouraged throughout (without flash). The aquarium does not have an on-site restaurant, but its downtown Gatlinburg location means dozens of dining options are within a 5-minute walk.