Activity Guide
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
The most-visited aquarium in the Southeast. Walk through a 340-foot underwater tunnel, touch stingrays, watch penguins, and see thousands of sea creatures under one roof.
place 88 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN
schedule Open daily 9 AM to 9 PM
attach_money $40 to $50 per person (check online)
child_friendly Best for all ages -- especially families
Before You Go
What to Know
Tickets
Buy online for small discount and skip ticket line
Duration
Plan 2 to 3 hours to see everything
Best Time
Weekday mornings are least crowded
Parking
Street parking or Ripley's lots nearby (paid)
Touch Tank
Stingray and horseshoe crab touch tank -- kids love it
Combo Deals
Ripley's offers multi-attraction bundles that save money
Where to Go
Ripley's Attractions in Gatlinburg
Ripley's operates multiple attractions in Gatlinburg. The Aquarium is the flagship but the others are worth knowing about.
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
place88 River Rd, Gatlinburg
scheduleDaily 9 AM to 9 PM
water340-ft shark tunnel, 10,000+ sea creatures, penguins
Ripley's Believe It or Not Odditorium
place800 Parkway, Gatlinburg
scheduleDaily 10 AM to 10 PM
auto_storiesWeird, wonderful interactive exhibits
Ripley's Haunted Adventure
place908 Parkway, Gatlinburg
scheduleDaily seasonal hours
warning_amberHaunted walkthrough, best for ages 10+
From $18/person
Ripley's Mini Golf
place340 Parkway, Gatlinburg
scheduleDaily 10 AM to 10 PM
sports_golfTwo 18-hole mountain-themed courses
From $12/person
Ripley's Mirror Maze
place800 Parkway, Gatlinburg
scheduleDaily 10 AM to 11 PM
categoryLaser maze and mirror maze combo
From $10/person
Last verified: May 2026. Hours and pricing are seasonal and subject to change.
Local Knowledge
Things Most Visitors Don't Know
How to make the most of a Gatlinburg aquarium day.
schedule
Go Right at 9 AM Opening
The shark tunnel and penguin exhibit draw the biggest crowds. See them first, before tour buses arrive around 10 AM. By 11 AM, the line for the shark tunnel can be 20 minutes.
water
The Penguin Feeding Is Free to Watch
Penguin feeding times are posted at the exhibit entrance. There is no extra charge and it is one of the most popular moments in the aquarium -- get there 5 minutes early for a front row spot.
child_care
Touch Tank Is a Full Experience
The stingray touch tank has trained staff who will teach kids how to hold their hands correctly. It is genuinely interactive and not just a drive-by. Budget 20 minutes here.
savings
Multi-Attraction Passes Save Real Money
If your group wants to see more than just the aquarium, Ripley's multi-attraction passes can save $15 to $25 per person. Buy online before you arrive.
groups
Great Rainy Day Option
The Aquarium is the best rainy day plan in the entire region. It is indoors, it is genuinely impressive, and it is big enough that you will not feel rushed sharing it with crowds.
restaurant
No Food Inside
There is no dining inside the aquarium. Eat before you go or plan a meal on the Gatlinburg strip immediately after. River Road Smokehouse is a short walk away.
On the Calendar
Events Worth Timing Your Trip Around
Annual events at or near the Aquarium.
Holiday Lights at Ripley's
Gatlinburg -- Annual -- Aquarium decorated for Christmas
Summer Splash Events
Gatlinburg Aquarium -- Special exhibits rotate in summer
Haunted Adventure Season
Gatlinburg -- Ripley's Haunted Adventure peak season
calendar_today See All Events
Add the Aquarium to your trip plan
Build your full Smoky Mountain itinerary, day by day.
Open Trip Planner