Everyone from toddlers to grandparents will love petting, feeding, and interacting with critters at these Pigeon Forge animal adventures. From exotic, tropical creatures to familiar farm animals, these friendly creatures offer a chance to get close to nature.
1. Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo
This zoo boasts more than 130 species, from monkeys to lemurs to eye-poppingly colorful frogs. Book a close-up private encounter with charming otters or sweet sloths. Even on a rainy or chilly day, the zoo makes a great stop, thanks to climate-controlled buildings where you can visit animals indoors.
2. Parrot Mountain and Gardens
Gorgeous landscaping and charming “parrot cottages” make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a magical village where birds rule the roost. The gardens blaze with colors as tropical birds fly freely around you. In the nursery, pet tiny chicks and watch the keepers feed them. In the bird garden, walk among 70 feathered beauties and feed them seeds from your hand.
3. Jayell Ranch Family Adventure Park
You’re not dreaming. That really is a kangaroo, right here in Pigeon Forge! This guest from Down Under lives here with friends including a lively capuchin monkey, giant tortoises, and tropical birds. While you’re here, enjoy indoor snow tubing, ziplining, horseback riding, and ATV rides.
4. Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo
Hand-feed graceful deer in a pretty farmyard setting. Meet the rest of the farm family, too, including zebras, camels, reindeer, ostriches, giant rabbits, and miniature horses. Add a guided horseback ride on a calm steed.
5. Big Rock Dude Ranch
Spend time with adorable goats, rabbits, exotic emus, and more animals at this horseback riding ranch. The petting zoo features feathered friends like chickens, ducks, and elegant peacocks. There’s more fun here, too! Take a trail ride. Try gem mining, where you might discover amethysts and jade. Fish in the stocked catch-and-release pond.
6. Smoky Mountain Llama Treks
Take a guided hike in lush woods, with a llama as your hiking buddy. You won’t ride the llamas, but will walk alongside them, leading them and getting to know each other. If you don’t want to hike, come to the llama farm to pet and learn about these fascinating pack animals.
Stay in a Pigeon Forge cabin rental so you’re close to all these animal adventures. Book your private, luxurious cabin online right now!
