Looking for the best family attractions to explore this summer? Whether you're planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or an indoor escape from the heat, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! delivers jaw-dropping fun in every corner of the world. With interactive exhibits, weird museums, aquariums, wax figures, thrill rides, and more, Ripley’s Attractions offer the perfect blend of entertainment and curiosity for kids and adults alike.
Here’s your guide to just a few of the top Ripley’s Believe It or Not! destinations and why they’re must-see attractions this summer!
1. Explore the Wonders of the Deep at One of Ripley’s Aquariums
Whether you're traveling through the Smoky Mountains, relaxing along the South Carolina coast, or exploring the heart of downtown Toronto, Ripley’s has world-class aquariums that dive deep into discovery, imagination, and unforgettable family fun.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies (Gatlinburg, TN)
Celebrate 25 years of oceanic wonder with Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and visit with penguins, mesmerizing jellyfish, and hands-on exhibits. This summer, don’t miss the all-new Dragons: Where Myths Become Reality exhibit and free family events like Dance Parties on the Plaza and Ocean Bluegrass Nights .
Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach (Myrtle Beach, SC)
Located at Broadway at the Beach, this popular destination features a 330-foot moving shark tunnel, playful penguins, and Sloth Valley . This summer, don't miss the all-new Goldfish Realms exhibit! With live dive shows, interactive touch tanks, and Combo Tickets with nearby Ripley’s Attractions, it's a can't-miss stop for coastal travelers.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada (Toronto, ON)
Just steps from the CN Tower, this stunning aquarium is home to North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel, Dangerous Lagoon, as well as 20,000+ sea creatures, vibrant coral reefs, stingray touch pools, and educational dive presentations the whole family will love.
Pick up a CityPASS and save with one-time admission to 5 attractions !
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CN Tower
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Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Plus choose 3 of the below attractions. No need to decide now—pick later.
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Royal Ontario Museum
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City Cruises Toronto
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Casa Loma
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Toronto Zoo
No matter where your summer adventures take you, Ripley’s Aquariums deliver immersive marine magic and a splash of the unexpected.
2. Ripley’s Grand Prairie— A Must-See in Dallas–Fort Worth, TX
Searching for indoor activities in DFW? Ripley’s Grand Prairie is the ultimate spot for curious minds and thrill-seeking families :
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Ripley's Believe It or Not! : A Texas-sized museum of weird with shrunken heads, toast art, and two-headed animals.
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A mind-twisting Mirror Maze packed with illusions and reflections.
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Power Up Arena : An immersive virtual gaming zone.
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The thrilling 7D Moving Theater with motion seats and multi-sensory effects.
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Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax : Snap photos with over 200 celebrity wax figures.
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Make your own custom wax hand souvenir !
🎟 Bundle your experience with Combo Tickets for unbeatable value .
3. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! St. Augustine— Dive into the Weird This Summer
Visiting the oldest city in America? Don’t miss the very first Ripley’s Believe It or Not! located in historic St. Augustine, Florida :
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Explore the Castle Warden , home to hundreds of bizarre artifacts and haunted history.
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Take a guided ghost tour and investigate paranormal activity with Team R.I.P.
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Ride the Red Train Tours for a narrated journey through over 100 historic sites.
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Enjoy oceanfront fun at Bayfront Mini-Golf , Florida’s oldest mini-golf course.
🚂 Tip: The Red Train Tour is a breezy way to explore on hot summer days .
4. Ripley’s Branson— Family Fun Around Every Corner
Branson is known for family entertainment, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Branson brings the weird to the Ozarks :
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Discover hundreds of unique exhibits like a real vampire killing kit and the world’s largest roll of toilet paper .
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View the Willard Wigan Micro Art Exhibition , featuring art so tiny it fits in the eye of a needle.
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Visit Ripley’s Super Fun Park , packed with laser tag, an interactive maze, and arcade games.
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Race through the Laser Maze and Smash Dash , perfect for competitive families.
🌀 Every visit is different thanks to rotating exhibits and seasonal events.
5. Ripley’s San Antonio— Right Across From the Alamo
Just steps from the Alamo, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! San Antonio is one of the best family attractions in downtown San Antonio :
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Explore Ripley's Believe It or Not! San Antonio , with strange animals, record-breaking artifacts, and interactive exhibits.
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Visit Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks and pose with Beyoncé, superheroes, and historical icons.
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Ride the 4D Moving Theater for a high-energy experience.
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Step into the Illusion Lab for glowing infinity rooms and brain-twisting fun.
🎟 Save 20% with the 4-Way Combo Ticket—use promo code: SAVASUMMER20 .
Why Choose Ripley’s This Summer?
✅ All-weather fun , perfect for rainy days or escaping the summer heat
✅ Family-friendly for all ages, from toddlers to teens (and curious adults)
✅ Photo-worthy moments and one-of-a-kind souvenirs
✅ More than 100 attraction s across nine countries
✅ Discount Combo Tickets to maximize the fun and savings
Plan Your Family Adventure Today
No matter where you’re headed this summer—Gatlinburg, Branson, St. Augustine, Orlando, San Antonio, or DFW—there’s a Ripley’s attraction nearby ready to amaze, inspire, and entertain your family.
Visit Ripleys.com to book your tickets, explore locations, and discover the weirdest destinations near you!