Disclosure: Complimentary Passes were facilitated for this post. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
If you’re familiar with the Smoky Mountain area you know that Gatlinburg is a very busy and popular tourist area. One reason is the Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
It is one of 3 Ripley’s Aquarium in North America and ranked #5 Aquarium in the World by TripAdvisor’s World Traveler’s Choice 2015 listing. But it is also home to 7 other Ripley’s attractions that your family can enjoy while in Gatlinburg,
Visiting is easy! Traditionally we pay for parking near the aquarium and visit that first. Then we make our way to visit the other attractions by using the bundled combo ticket. Visit the aquarium and 2-7 attractions for one price.
The best part about the combo ticket is that you can use your passes which are valid for one year from date of purchase. So visiting all of the attractions in one day is not necessary. Oh and children under 2 are FREE!
Since we are visiting the majority of the attractions in one day, we visited each attraction and stopped for lunch and shopping along the way. Experience eight unique attractions including Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, our 85,000 sq ft Aquarium of the Smokies, a 5D Moving Theater, the bone-chilling Haunted Adventure, the mind-bending Marvelous Mirror Maze, and two fully themed mini-golf courses!
Both golf courses are slightly away from the main attractions is is actually convenient since we were ready to get off of our feet for the day by the 6th attraction. We went to the mini-golf course after dinner and enjoy our evening playing golf as a family.
I noticed at the 5D Moving Theater that a child (maybe 8-10 years old) was at the theater and at the Haunted Adventure with his grandfather while we were visiting it. I sat near them and overheard their discussion about which attraction they would visit next. That got me thinking about what a fantastic gift these passes might be to a young child who visits the area annually with their family.
If you’re planning a trip to the Smoky Mountain area, consider purchasing a combo attraction ticket for your family. With so many attractions in the area, it’s nice to know that the multi attraction combo tickets can save you money and spread the time spent throughout your entire visit.
Readers: Save $3 Off Adult and $2 Off Child Admission to all of Ripley’s Attractions in Tennessee. Use Online Promo Code: USFAMILYGUIDE. Must purchase online.
Gatlinburg Parkway Attractions
• RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
• HAUNTED ADVENTURE
• 5D MOVING THEATER • MIRROR MAZE
• MINI GOLFS
• GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS ATTRACTION
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
It sounds like a really fun place to visit with the family! We’ve been to the Ripley’s in NYC and it was a blast.
Marielle Altenor says
I remember watching Ripley’s believe it or not when I was younger. Didn’t know they had an attraction! Looks like loads of fun!
MyTeenGuide says
What a fun place to visit. I loved watching the show when I was younger.
Amanda Ripsam says
When I lived in Toronto, Ontario, Canada we used to always go to the Falls and visit the Ripleys museums
Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
We were just in NC over New Year’s, but we haven’t been to TN in a while! Looks like there’s new things to do since I’ve last vacationed there!
Pam says
I love visiting the Smokies. We just went to Gatlinburg in May. There is so much to do and see up there.
Carmen Perez says
Wow, what a fun place to visit. Must check it our sometime when we’re in the area.
Liz Mays says
I would definitely have to stop in to the aquarium. I didn’t know it was ranked so high and it would be nice seeing the other Ripley’s attractions too.
Paula Schuck says
I had no idea Gatlinburg had attractions like this. Every time we go, we always hit woodworking shops and antique places.
Lois Alter Mark says
This looks like so much fun! I can’t believe I’ve never been to a Ripley’s! Will have to change that this year!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Wow looks like a great place to visit as a family. So much to see and do, love that they have live animals!
Lisa Rios says
Ripley’s Aquarium looks like a wonderful place to visit with your family with lots of fun all around which kids would love so much. Having watched the shows before I would love a direct visit as well.