- Discover the best Ripley’s attractions for families in the Smoky Mountains.
- Stay at The Lodge at Five Oaks in Sevierville for comfort, amenities, and more.
- Walk across the street to Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf.
- Enjoy free breakfast every morning, an outdoor pool with a slide, and more.
- Use combo passes to save on Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies tickets and other top attractions!
Read on to find out more about some of the top Ripley’s attractions here in the Smoky Mountains.
The Best Family Friendly Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains are packed with family friendly things to do. Ripley’s attractions are some of the top options for families with kids of all ages. Here’s a quick look at some of the must-visit Ripley’s spots:
| Attraction Name | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies | Aquarium | All ages, animal lovers |
| Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf | Mini Golf | Families, young kids |
| Ripley’s Mountain Coaster | Mountain Coaster | Thrill-seekers, families |
| Ripley’s Believe It or Not! | Oddities Museum | Curious minds, all ages |
1. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies is one of the top attractions in the Smoky Mountains and offers fun for visitors of all ages. Guests can spend hours exploring underwater exhibits filled with fascinating marine life, interactive experiences, and unforgettable encounters with sea creatures. With more than 10,000 sea animals inside the aquarium, there is always something exciting to discover during your visit.
Highlights
- Famous walk-through shark tunnel
- Interactive stingray touch experience
- Popular penguin exhibit
- Family-friendly indoor attraction in Gatlinburg
Mini-Summary: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies delivers an exciting underwater adventure packed with marine life and interactive exhibits.
2. Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf

Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf is a fun-filled attraction located just steps away from The Lodge at Five Oaks. Families can choose from three unique 18-hole mini golf courses featuring playful farm-themed decorations, creative obstacles, and entertaining challenges. Whether you’re competing for the best score or simply enjoying time together, this attraction offers plenty of family fun in Pigeon Forge!
Highlights
- Three different 18-hole mini golf courses
- Fun farm-themed atmosphere
- Creative obstacles and interactive elements
- Convenient location near The Lodge at Five Oaks
Mini-Summary: Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf offers family-friendly competition and fun just minutes from our front door!
3. Ripley’s Mountain Coaster
Ripley’s Mountain Coaster is the perfect Smoky Mountain attraction for visitors looking for adventure and excitement. Riders control the speed of their own cart, allowing for either a relaxing scenic ride or a thrilling high-speed experience down the track. Families can also ride together in two-person carts, making this attraction both exciting and accessible for a variety of ages.
Highlights
- Self-controlled mountain coaster experience
- Choose between a fast or relaxed ride
- Two-person carts available
- Great for families and thrill-seekers
- Unique Smoky Mountain attraction
Mini-Summary: Ripley’s Mountain Coaster combines scenic mountain views with customizable thrills for an unforgettable ride.
4. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! features some of the strangest and most fascinating exhibits in the Smoky Mountains. Visitors can explore displays filled with unusual artifacts, interactive exhibits, space rocks, and Ripley’s famous shrunken heads. Every room offers something unexpected, making it a fun and surprising attraction for curious guests of all ages.
Highlights
- Interactive exhibits and displays
- Unique artifacts and oddities
- Space rocks and Smoky Mountain exhibits
- Fun attraction for all ages
Mini-Summary: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! delivers a one-of-a-kind experience packed with strange discoveries and interactive fun.
Save Money with a Ripley’s Combo Pass
If you’re planning to visit several Ripley’s attractions during your Smoky Mountain vacation, be sure to pick up a Ripley’s combo pass to help save money on admission. A combo pass is a great option for families and groups who want to experience multiple attractions while staying within their vacation budget. Instead of purchasing individual tickets for each activity, guests can bundle attractions together for added convenience and savings.
Highlights
- Save money compared to purchasing separate attraction tickets
- Convenient way to visit multiple Ripley’s attractions
- Great option for families and groups
- Helps maximize your Smoky Mountain vacation experience
Mini-Summary: A Ripley’s combo pass is an easy and affordable way to enjoy multiple top attractions during your Smoky Mountain getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies popular for families?
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies features more than 10,000 sea animals, interactive exhibits, and unforgettable underwater experiences for visitors of all ages. Families especially enjoy the walk-through shark tunnel, penguin exhibit, and stingray touch experience.

How close is Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf to The Lodge at Five Oaks?
Ripley’s Old MacDonald’s Farm Mini Golf is located just steps away from The Lodge at Five Oaks. Its convenient location makes it easy for families to enjoy mini golf during their stay.
What can visitors expect at Ripley’s Mountain Coaster?
Ripley’s Mountain Coaster offers a self-controlled ride where guests can choose a relaxing scenic experience or a faster thrill ride. Two-person carts are also available, making it great for families and thrill-seekers.
What types of exhibits are featured at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!?
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! includes unusual artifacts, interactive exhibits, space rocks, and Ripley’s famous shrunken heads. Every room is filled with surprising and fascinating discoveries for guests of all ages.
Why should visitors purchase a Ripley’s combo pass?
A Ripley’s combo pass helps guests save money by bundling multiple attractions together instead of purchasing separate tickets. It’s a convenient and affordable option for families and groups visiting several attractions.
What amenities does The Lodge at Five Oaks offer guests?
Guests staying at The Lodge at Five Oaks can enjoy free breakfast every morning, an outdoor pool with a slide, and a comfortable location near top Smoky Mountain attractions.
Check Out Ripley’s Attractions and More in the Smokies
When you visit some of these top Ripley’s attractions in the Smoky Mountains, you are sure to have tons of fun during your trip to the area! And, of course, if you want to make the most of your getaway, then you will need to find the right accommodations. Fortunately, The Lodge at Five Oaks has everything you need for an amazing Smoky Mountains vacation! From amenities like an outdoor pool, to conveniences like free breakfast each morning, and more, there is lots to love. Check out our Sevierville hotel rooms right here and book your stay today!










