Yes. I am aware that the whole point of my blog is primarily to tell you about my adventures in arts and crafts, particularly thieving the ideas of others. I am going to take a few posts and go off course, just a little. Today, I want to talk about SHARKS!!
On our recent trip to the Smoky Mountains we decided to take our kids to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. You see, my kids are boys, 6 and 3. They love the Kratt Brothers shows, particularly Wild Kratts. Their favorite episode features - you guessed it - SHARKS! We had been to this aquarium in the past, but the experience wasn't great, do to no fault of the aquarium. The last time we went the boys were 4 and 10 months. My then four year old was HORRIFIED. He nearly ran through the whole thing. Scared of the dark, scared of the - SHARKS!, scared of the octopus; he was just plain scared! That day was a nightmare for all involved.
You might ask why we would try it again... Well it is amazing the difference that a couple of years can make. My now 6 year old is totally cool with the dark and - SHARKS! My three year old isn't scared of ANYTHING. Never has been. He is all about it. So a fishing (as you might say) we did go. My sincere "Thank you!" to the Kratt brothers for helping to educate my boys on - SHARKS!
The aquarium is wonderful. They have beautiful and mesmerizing tanks and sea life exhibits. Don't believe me? See for yourself...
Did I mention the SHARKS!?
(No children or parents were scared out of their whits while making these photos.)
While the SHARKS! were exciting and awe inspiring, I have to say, and I think my boys would agree, that the African penguins really made the whole day! Particularly a little tuxedo wearing fellow by the name of Steve, who kept the boys entertained for quite some time.
All this doesn't even take into account the hands on stations where you can actually pet a stingray (no barbs) or horseshoe crab, or the many other interactive exhibits you and your children will love! We had a wonderful experience at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. If you and your family are ever in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, it is well worth the price of admission to take a tour. Have fun!
Hi Allison ~ Thanks for sharing your travel to the aquarium. Your boys are darling! I’ve raised two boys myself, they are now 18 and 19 and in college. Your story brought back many memories of our own travels to aquariums and zoos with our sons. It was always fun to watch them see animals for the first time and their reactions to them. From your pictures I can tell that your sons had a great time. If you ever travel to Ohio we have great zoos and aquariums in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati plus many more great parks and museums. I can always send you info if you are interested. ~ Tamra
ReplyDeleteThanks Tamra! I would love to visit Ohio someday soon! I cringe at the thought of my boys as teens. I just want to put bricks on their heads and keep them my babies forever...
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