Ever wondered what animals do at night when you can't see them? Ever wanted to get up close and personal with an exotic sea animal? At Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, you can spend the night with the animals and, in the process, make unforgettable family memories!
Photo from https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/gatlinburg/
Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies has a bunch of options suitable for people of all interests and tastes. Their most popular sleepover is the Sleep with the Sharks sleepover. At this event, you will enjoy a night packed with fun activities, snacks, and private aquarium access, ending with bed time in the shark tunnel!
Sleep with the Sharks can be booked for groups ranging from 12 to 120 participants during almost any night of the year. Families who do not meet the large group requirements can also join in one of the pre-planned family nights, where a couple of families will be paired together to experience this unique event. Tickets for Sleep with the Sharks are available here.
Another popular option is the Penguin Pajama Party. This adorable sleepover features exciting activities, snacks, and private aquarium access just like the shark sleepover, but instead of sleeping in the shark tunnel, guests will get to spend the night by the penguin exhibit. So cute!! Tickets for Penguin Pajama Party are available here.
Photo from https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/gatlinburg/
This July, Ripley's Aquarium will be hosting a new, one-of-a-kind mermaid sleepover, where guests will enjoy mermaid-themed activities and snacks in addition to sleeping in the iconic shark tunnel. Kids who are crazy about mermaids will LOVE this event. They'll never forget getting to meet a mermaid! Tickets for the mermaid sleepover are available here.
Photo from https://www.ripleyaquariums.com/gatlinburg/
Are you over 21 and jealous of the fun that the kids get to have spending the night at the aquarium? Ripley's Aquarium also offers Sips and Sharks for adult guests! A ticket to this event gets you appetizers, drinks, behind-the-scenes tours, breakfast, and the Aquarium's signature shark tunnel sleepover! Tickets for Sips and Sharks are available here.
Participants in all overnight aquarium activities will want to bring a sleeping bag, warm pajamas, a pillow, and toiletries. The shark tunnel gets chilly at night, so you'll want to be prepared in case you get too cold.
These aquarium sleepovers are incredible, once-in-a-lifetime events. During your next visit to the Smokies, check out the aquarium after hours and make memories that you'll cherish for the rest of your life!
