Anyone who’s ever traveled to Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains before knows the area boasts a host of family-friendly attractions, resorts and activities. For those who haven’t visited in a while, though, a new attraction is on the horizon, premiering this winter.
Xperia: Ocean Journey is a digital experience ideal for the child who can’t get enough of sea creatures and other marine life. With immersive storytelling, realistic “animal” encounters and self-guided explorations, Xperia: Ocean Journey engages the senses for a one-of-a-kind educational activity, encompassing contributions from international audio and video designers, and displayed via audio and visual elements ranging from projections and LED displays, to audio from more than 300 surrounding speakers.
“Our goal is to provide an educational and entertaining adventure that showcases the beauty and importance of the world’s oceans, while simultaneously bringing a touch of the coast to Tennessee,” said Summer Blalock, general manager, Xperia.
The experience takes about an hour to 1.5 hours and is open to guests of all ages (those under the age of 7 may need more help enjoying the experience). Tickets start at $15.50 and the indoor attraction is open year-round.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedCaribbean
Sep 21, 2026Sonesta Sint Maarten’s Newest Deal is Perfect Excuse for Fall Getaway
Autumn at home might be filled with changing leaves and pumpkin spice, but, in the Caribbean, it means sunshine and sandy beaches. In other words, it’s a great place to sneak off for a fall getaway to recharge and refresh before the holidays are upon us, and the current deal offered at Sonesta Sint Maarten resorts make it an affordable option for families and couples.
Sponsored Content
Best of Both Worlds
Enjoy the best of both worlds when you fly with TAP Air Portugal thanks to the Portugal Stopover program. With the program, TAP passengers, whether traveling for business, leisure or both, can stop in Portugal for up to 10 days at no additional airfare on the way to their final destination. What does this mean for travelers wishing to explore by both land and sea? It means after flying to Portugal with TAP and experiencing the country in an entirely new way, travelers can then embark on scenic river and ocean cruises from Portugal’s port cities, or fly with TAP to another European destination.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026“MasterChef” Experience Coming to Dreams Resorts & Spas in Mexico, Caribbean
Beyond resort pools and beaches, family travelers (especially little ones) crave immersive and learning experiences. One brand, Hyatt’s Dreams Resorts & Spas, leans into this shift with an expanded collaboration with MasterChef Junior.
Hotels
Sep 18, 2026Best Western Rewards, WorldHotels Rewards Launch Global Double Points Promotion
Family travelers looking to book a getaway before the end of 2026 won’t want to miss new wallet-friendly rates and deals from BWH Hotels. Available Sept. 8 to Dec. 31, this deal lets members of Best Western Rewards and WorldHotels Rewards earn double points on qualifying stays at any Best Western-banded hotel worldwide or participating WorldHotels property.
Sponsored Content
Celebrating 25 Years of The Peninsula Chicago
June marked The Peninsula Chicago’s 25th anniversary, commemorating a quarter century for the hotel as a pillar of luxury on North Michigan Avenue.
Travel Tips
Sep 16, 2026On Location: Experience The Real-Life Settings of Your Favorite Films and TV Shows
Set-jetting is more than just a cute play on words. It’s a travel concept that lets you visit the real-life settings of some of your favorite movies and television shows. At one time you had to go someplace like Universal Studios in Hollywood to visit your favorite movie and television show sets. While you can still take studio tours (the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London is the place to go if you are a diehard fan of the Harry Potter franchise), these days there are filming locations all over the world, and the tourism industry makes visiting them in person as easy as buying a plane ticket.
ShareThis