Penguin Playhouse - Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Crawl through tunnels and see these amazing birds swim and splash in their Playhouse, both an indoor and outdoor habitat! One of the world’s best penguin exhibits, view our feathered friends from above and below the water in this unique interactive exhibit.

Pop up on the penguins’ private beach and get nose-to-beak with these curious creatures.

BUY TICKETS & SEE PENGUINS

Visit the Aquarium and watch them swim, eat, and play. Through the tunnels and pop ups you can get nose to beak with the penguins!

order tickets

Take home a one-of-a-kind piece of art in the Penguin Painting Experience. You are up-close as the penguin paints signature footprint art on canvas!

Paint with me

Ages 4 & up can learn more up close about our African Penguins, Pet a Penguin, and get a souvenir photo with the penguin!

penguin encounter

PENGUIN FUN FACTS:

DID YOU KNOW: Penguins are designed for living in water, not the air?

They have small wings with tiny feathers which act more like flippers rather than wings.

DID YOU KNOW: There are Warm Weather Penguins?

The African Penguin (also known as the Blackfooted Penguin) is found on the southwestern coast of Africa. The largest Colony is on Dyer Island, near Kleinbaai. All Warm Weather Penguins have a black band on their chest.

DID YOU KNOW: There are 18 species of penguins?

Worldwide there are 18 species, all living below the equator. The Emporer Penguin and the Adelie Penguin are the only two species that see snow and ice year round.

DID YOU KNOW: Penguins have a distinctive black and white coloration?

This coloration is called “counter-shading”. It allows them to hide from predators like sharks, seals, and occasionally killer whales. It also allows them to sneak up on the fish they eat, like herring, anchovies, and sardines.

DID YOU KNOW: Each penguin has a unique spot pattern?

The spot pattern is as unique to each individual penguin as our own fingerprints are to humans!

COME IN & WADDLE WITH US! PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE

OWN AN ORIGINAL PENGUIN PAINTING!

You can purchase an original penguin painting created by our very own penguins at the aquarium.
50% of all the proceeds go straight to SANCCOB and their conservation efforts on behalf of these amazing birds. The Aquarium offers a number of unique experiences including Penguin Painting and Penguin Encounter!

MORE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES

SANCCOB

It’s an acronym for The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds. Long name, but a great worthy cause. This non-profit seabird rehabilitation center is based in Cape Town, South Africa. They are internationally recognized for their rehabilitation efforts.

Treated over 85,000 birds since inception in 1968. In addition to rehabilitation, especially for threatened species, they aim to raise awareness about conservation through education.

PENGUIN PAINTINGS

SIZES & PRICES:
• 5X7 – $30.00
• 9X12 – $45.00

Available in Cargo Hold Gift Shop

PENGUIN EXPERIENCES

Penguin Encounter:
Get face-to-face with one of the playful penguins!

Cost Per Person – $49.99
Ages – 4 & up
Times and Dates vary
Please fill out a form below!

BRAND NEW! LIVE PENGUIN CAM!

CLICK HERE TO MAKE A PENGUIN RESERVATION

SLEEPOVERS AT THE AQUARIUM

Have a PJ Party with the Penguins! This overnight provides you access to the entire aquarium for a “feather-filled” night. Sleep right next to the penguins and watch them waking up in the morning. After Breakfast you will meet and touch one of the birds.

MORE INFO