Top 4 Reasons to Visit the Penguin Playhouse at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

aquarium of the smokies
November 29, 2019

One of the most exciting interactive exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is the Penguin Playhouse, a huge habitat where you can view the aquarium’s adorable penguins! This is a unique opportunity to get up close to these fascinating birds and learn all types of interesting facts about them! Here are the top 4 reasons why you need to visit the Penguin Playhouse at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies:

1. Unique Viewing Habitat

penguins in the aquarium

One of the reasons why so many guests love the Penguin Playhouse at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is because of the unique viewing habitat! You not only have the chance to see the penguins from above, but you can crawl through tunnels to see them from below too! As you make your way through the clear underwater tunnels, you will have a blast watching the penguins swim through the water! You can even pop up through a large bubble on the penguins’ private beach and get nose-to-beak with these playful creatures!

2. Learn About Penguins

The Penguin Playhouse at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is also an educational experience where you can learn more penguins! After your visit to the aquarium, you will know all kinds of cool stuff about penguins to impress your friends and family members back home! If you have any questions during your visit, feel free to ask one of the friendly staff members who would be delighted to provide any information!

3. Interactive Penguin Encounters

little boy pointing at penguins in aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies offers guests the chance to enjoy an interactive Penguin Encounter! This is your opportunity to actually pet a live penguin, so you won’t want to miss out on this adventure! The Penguin Encounter also includes a souvenir photo with a penguin so you can always remember this incredible event! There is an additional fee for this special encounter and reservations are recommended.

4. Penguin Painting Experience

If you would like to see one of the Aquarium’s penguin artists in action, be sure to sign up for the Penguin Painting Experience! This fun program allows you to get up close to one of the penguins as it creates its signature footprints on canvas. You get to take the penguin painting home with you as a souvenir! The Penguin Painting Experience requires an additional fee and reservations are recommended to avoid disappointment on the day of your visit!

Where to Stay

The deck of Mountain Paradise view from inside living room

Stay close to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies when you book one of our cabins! Our cabins are tucked away in scenic locations among the Smoky Mountains but are still just minutes away from all of the fantastic shops, restaurants, and attractions in downtown Gatlinburg! We have cabins of all sizes to accommodate your needs, as well as a selection of pet friendly cabin rentals for those folks who want to bring their furry companion along for the fun! While staying with us, enjoy all types of wonderful amenities including a fully equipped kitchen, hot tub, fireplace, and much more!

Check out all of our cabins in the Smokies today to plan your vacation near Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies! We look forward to your stay with us!

Related Blog Posts

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies
May 9, 2022
Top 4 Reasons Why Your Kids Will Love Having Breakfast with a Mermaid at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg
ripley's odditorium
February 18, 2019
4 of the Most Unique Attractions in Gatlinburg You Have to Visit
ripley's davy crockett mini golf
August 10, 2022
Everything to Know About Ripley’s Davy Crockett Mini Golf
fannie farkle in gatlinburg
September 10, 2019
Top 3 Arcades in Gatlinburg for an Exciting Day of Family Fun