The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo in Sevierville is a 143-acre farm and petting zoo just a few miles north of Pigeon Forge, and perfect for families with kids. The petting zoo allows visitors to get up close and personal with some of the world’s most interesting animals while the riding farm is perfect for brand-new or seasoned riders.
Images courtesy of Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Petting Zoo
The Petting Zoo
Come at any time during opening hours to enjoy spending time with a variety of fun and friendly animals at the petting zoo. Children and adults of all ages love walking among the goats, zebras, emus, mini horses, reindeer, elk, kangaroos, and more. Visitors are invited to watch, pet, feed, and snap photos of the animals, according to the farm’s safety guidelines.
All animals at the petting zoo are well cared for by loving and professional staff. Habitats are kept clean and safe, and each animal receives regular veterinary visits and care.
Riding Stables
Schedule a horse ride while you’re visiting the farm. Choose from a 30, 45, or 60-minute ride with trained professional riders who will take you and your group on a fun and safe trail trip.
Like the petting zoo animals, rest assured the riding horses at Smoky Mountain Deer Farm are some of the happiest, healthiest, and most well cared for in Tennessee. Each one gets at least two days off a week, time in the shade between rides, and is well groomed and loved by staff and riding attendants.
Pony Rides
For youngsters (or anyone under 100 lbs. and 56” who isn’t ready for a horse ride), pony rides are an extra special treat. Friendly and trained pony-ride attendants will help your child safely mount a sweet and gentle pony. Parents or guardians can then lead the rider and pony on a slow-paced, sandy track in the shade.
All attractions at the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo are open year-round, 7 days a week (only closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day).
For more information visit the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo website or Facebook page, or call (865) 428-3337.
Love animals? Here are some other family-friendly animal attractions you may enjoy
Parrot Mountain and Gardens Open through November, Parrot Mountain features fabulously landscaped pathways and four acres of beautiful habitats for birds of all sorts — over 70 species
RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo Open year-round, RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo features over 600 animals (that’s 130 species!) from rain forests around the world.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies Voted the #1 aquarium in America, Ripley’s Aquarium lets you watch penguins swim and play, be surrounded by sharks in the Underwater Tunnel, and even pet live stingrays.
Overlap your petting zoo trip with one of the area’s annual festivals
For double the fun, consider coinciding your trip to the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm & Exotic Petting Zoo with one of the following annual festivals.
May: Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival Held every year in Sevierville during the latter part of May, the Bloomin’ Barbeque & Bluegrass Festival features live bands, a vocalist contest, arts and crafts, kid-friendly games and activities, and lots of delicious barbeque.
September: Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival See the best of bluegrass at this annual festival in Kodak. Alcohol-free and very family-friendly, the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival features on-the-hour performances from noon until 11 at night and delicious Southern cooking served at each evening’s supper.
