Camps

Jr. Aquarist Camp

Activities during this program include: a behind-the-scenes look at shark feeding, feeding stingrays, water quality testing, dissecting a squid, and more!

Vet Camp

During this camp, we will perform some of the day-to-day activities that vets are responsible for, such as suturing, reading ultrasounds, examining specimens under a microscope, and more! We will also have the opportunity to hear from the veterinarian who takes care of the animals here at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.

Summer Night Splash

Make a splash after hours! Summer Night Splash is a one-of-a-kind evening camp experience that gives children the chance to explore the aquarium when the sun goes down. Running from 6:00–9:00 p.m., this immersive program invites campers to step into the water and safely interact with stingrays, learning firsthand about these incredible animals while gently petting them under staff supervision.

Throughout the evening, campers will enjoy a tasty dinner, a guided tour with a scavenger hunt, and a stingray encounter.  This special after-hours experience combines education, excitement, and unforgettable memories in a fun and safe environment.

Overnight Adventures

Overnight Adventures Camp is an exciting overnight aquarium camp experience that runs from 8:30 a.m. one morning until 3:30 p.m. the next afternoon, giving campers the chance to explore, learn, and sleep inside the aquarium. Campers will enjoy two full days of hands-on STEM-based activities, immersive learning experiences, and up-close animal encounters led by our expert education staff. The adventure continues with a guided tour of the aquarium featuring an interactive scavenger hunt, before settling in for the highlight of the night—Sleep with the Sharks! Aquarium admission and all meals are included, with lunch, dinner, breakfast, and snacks provided, ensuring a fun, safe, and worry-free experience for campers and families.