Learn About the New Touch Jellies Exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg

August 20, 2018

The newest exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg has recently opened! It offers a unique opportunity to actually touch real live jellyfish! This is also a fantastic educational experience to learn more about these unusual creatures that can often be seen drifting on the ocean surface! Here is everything you need to know about the new Touch Jellies exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg:

1. What to Expect

The Touch Jellies exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg is a brand new exhibit in the aquarium’s Discovery Center, a special area where you can learn more about the world’s most fascinating sea creatures! In the Touch Jellies exhibit, you have the chance to interact with Moon Jellies. The aquarium’s talented educators will be there to answer any questions about the jellies. While exploring the Discovery Center, you can also learn about Horseshoe Crabs and meet members of the Puffer Fish family that can inflate themselves for protection from predators!

2. About Moon Jellies

Moon Jellies are often found in the waters off the East Coast and along the California coast. Moreover, you can find them in Japan, Europe and the Gulf of Mexico. These creatures are named for their translucent and moonlike circular bells. The color of the moon jelly can change frequently depending upon its diet. A jelly feeding on crustaceans turns pink or lavender while a jelly feeding on brine shrimp has an orange tint. While moon jellies are sometimes feared by people swimming in the ocean due to their sting, they pose little threat to humans. However, you will be able to safely touch the moon jellies at Ripley’s Aquarium without worrying about getting stung!

3. Visiting Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg

Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg opens at 9 a.m. daily throughout the year, while closing times vary depending upon the season and day of the week. Be sure to check the official operating schedule at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies before your visit to confirm the times. The aquarium is located at traffic light #5 on 88 River Road in Gatlinburg, and there is parking available in the city-owned parking garage behind the aquarium for a nominal fee. There are a variety of admission plans available, including combo passes with admission to other Ripley’s attractions throughout Gatlinburg!

Where to Stay

Stay close to the new Touch Jellies exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg with a vacation at Auntie Belham’s Cabin Rentals! Our affordable cabins are just minutes from all of the exciting attractions, restaurants and shops of downtown Gatlinburg. We have cabins ranging from 1 to 9 bedrooms! Our wonderful cabin offers amenities like fully equipped kitchens, soothing hot tubs, game rooms, fireplaces and more! We even have a selection of pet-friendly cabins where you can bring your furry companion along for the fun!

Check out all of our cabins in the Smoky Mountains today to plan your vacation near Ripley’s Aquarium in Gatlinburg! We look forward to seeing you soon at Auntie Belham’s Cabin Rentals!