Homeschool Families

Homeschool Families

Homeschool families are invited to visit Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies at special rates, offered only at the ticket counter.

Homeschooling at the Aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium offers special programs for all home education students along with discounts at any time with appropriate documentation! For everyday homeschool discounts, pre-registration is required!

Click here to fill out the homeschool discount ticket form!

The link above is for reserving homeschool discount tickets only. All homeschool program inquiries should fill out the Request Program Information form.

Need to Know Info

Experiences

Classroom Programs

April 15, 2026 – Species Highlight: Cephalopods!

Squid, Octopi, and Cuttlefish, oh my! In this program, we will learn about animals that fall within the class Cephalopoda.

*Cephalopod lab component – see lab requirements.

May 20, 2026 – Newly discovered species

The ocean is a vast expanse! More than 80% of the ocean remains unexplored and uncharted! Unknown species lurk in these areas. This program focuses on new discoveries as ocean charting proceeds!

Homeschool Summer Series

Make this summer unforgettable with our Homeschool Summer Series – an exclusive lineup of six learning experiences designed just for homeschool families!

Go beyond the exhibits and dive into marine science through behind-the-scenes tours, guided dissections, or up-close animal encounters led by our education team. Each session offers a unique opportunity to explore the wondesr of the ocean in an engaging, interactive environment you won't find anywhere else.

Behind the Scenes Tours: June 10 and July 8, 2026
Shark Dissection: June 17, 2026
Sharks Up Close: Tails & Teeth Experience: June 24, 2026
Scales vs. Skin: Reptile & Amphibian Encounter: July 22, 2026
Squid Dissection: August 5, 2026

Spots are limited — reserve your palce and turn your summer into an ocean adventure!

Program Times

Virtual-Grade K-8: 10:30 a.m.

In Person-Grade K-8: 12:00 p.m.

Summer Series K-8: 10 a.m.