Wild Adventures: Top Animal Attractions in Pigeon Forge for Families

From black bears, to tropical frogs, to friendly sea lions, animals are everywhere in Pigeon Forge! Meet native Smoky Mountains creatures and exotic animals from all over the world, at these animal attractions. 

1. Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo

Featuring 130 species of tropical animals, this zoo is as fun as it is educational. See monkeys, lemurs, poison dart frogs, crocodiles and more, including youngsters born right here. Book a “sloth encounter” to feed the adorable sloths. 

2. Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo

Hug a baby goat. Scratch a pot-bellied pig. Pet a zebra. This petting zoo is truly a hands-on experience! Meet elk, emus, camels, deer and even “zonkies”--irresistible zebra-donkey mixes. The farm also offers pony rides and horseback riding. 

3. Ober Mountain’s Wildlife Habitat

Get up close to the Smoky Mountains’ native animals. Watch river otters cavort, meet Ober’s family of black bears, and see bobcats, foxes, skunks, and birds of prey. The Wildlife Habitat is included with admission to Ober.   

4. Parrot Mountain and Gardens

Hundreds of stunning tropical birds fill the air at these splendid gardens. See baby parrots, hold a parrot or cockatoo, and feed birds right out of your hand. You’ll want to take plenty of selfies with these dazzling feathered friends! 

5. SkyLand Ranch’s Miniature Animals

SkyLand offers rides, shops, and entertainment, but youngsters and grown-ups alike love the tiny animals, too. Pet miniature horses, donkeys, cows, goats and sheep. Don’t miss the full-sized longhorn cattle!  

6. Wildlife in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

In Pigeon Forge, you’re on the doorstep of wilderness holding more than 200 varieties of birds, 67 species of mammals and 80 species of reptiles. Whether you drive, hike, or sit down for a picnic, you can spot animals from black bears to salamanders to coyotes.

7. Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies

See an incredible 10,000 sea creatures under one roof. Penguins waddle through the hallways daily. Sharks circle beneath you as you ride in a glass-bottomed boat. You can touch a smooth stingray as it glides past!

8. Animal Encounter at Pirates Voyage Dinner Show

Meet the animal actors of the Pirates Voyage show. Go behind the scenes with sea lions, birds, dogs and fish from the swashbuckling pirate extravaganza. Book a time in advance and add the encounter to your show ticket. 

Reserve a comfy, private Pigeon Forge cabin today and plan your animal adventures!