Experience the Interactive Penguin Exhibit

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies Presents:

The Interactive Penguin Exhibit - Penguin Playhouse

Who knew there were penguins in the mountains? Well, they're here in the Smokies at Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg, and they are just waiting for you and your family to pay them a visit in their amazing interactive habitat! These adorable little guys love to splash around and entertain you, but you don't have to just watch them from a distance. Dive in and experience all the great features that this exhibit has to offer!

Kids can crawl through the tunnel and watch as the penguins swim overhead... adults can too, if they dare to squeeze through! There is even a bubble you can pop your head into for a 360 degree view from within the water which allows you to get up close and personal with them by checking them out from every angle! It's almost as if you are swimming along side them as you make your way through the clear underwater tunnels.

It's not easy to figure out which one is your favorite, but every penguins' spots are unique so you should be able to tell them apart from one another. To make it even easier to pick out your faves, each penguin wears an armband with its name printed on it, pink for girls, and blue for boys. You will have a blast trying to get a glimpse of their names as they swish on by right in front of your very eyes. The habitat expands both indoors and out, and visitors are encouraged to see the penguins in both atmospheres.

These munchkins aren't shy either. They will swim right up to the glass to greet you, face to beak. They love to put on a show for you too. They'll float, they'll dive, and they'll waddle their way into your heart. And these guys like to make noise too! This particular type of penguin, the African Black Footed Penguin, has sounds that are so distinct, you won't soon forget them.

For the real fanatics that just can't get enough of these cute little creatures, you can interact with a penguin without the glass separating you by having your very own personal "penguin encounter" which will provide you with access to actually pet a penguin and get your photo taken with one of these magnificent birds! (Additional fee is required). Did we mention these are special penguins that have a creative streak too? Also for a nominal fee, you can watch up close as one of the penguins paints you a piece of rare artwork! They will provide you with their signature autograph in the form of an 8x10 painting made up of their unique footprints!

So, if you are curious about learning more about penguins, then the most fun way to learn more about them is to visit the Penguin Playhouse at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg, TN!