During your vacation, your family may want to take a glimpse of wildlife up close. While there is no traditional Gatlinburg Tennessee Zoo, there are smaller zoos, petting zoos, and an aviary. There are multiple options for keeping the kids and the entire family entertained.
Nearby Gatlinburg Tennessee Zoos can offer a unique experience for families planning a trip to Gatlinburg. Scheduling plenty of activities is on the agenda for visitors to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the surrounding towns of Sevierville and Pigeon Forge are full of attractions, shopping, dinner shows, and other exciting venues.
Keep reading for the best options for viewing and interacting with wildlife while you are visiting the beautiful town of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Gatlinburg Tennessee Zoos Nearby

image provided by Rainforest Adventures Zoo
Rainforest Adventures Zoo
Located in Sevierville, Rainforest Adventures Zoo is open every single day of the year. This zoo is home to animals that you are likely to see on television channels Animal Planet and Discovery. At Rainforest Adventures Zoo, you will observe mammals, reptiles, birds, bugs, and amphibians.
Rainforest Adventures Zoo
109 Nascar Drive
Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 428-4091
Hours: 9:00AM-5:00PM Daily
Admission: Adults $16.99 Children: $9.99
Ober Mountain’s Wildlife Encounter

image provided by Ober Mountain’s Wildlife Encounter
After riding an aerial tram 2 miles from Downtown Gatlinburg to Ober Mountain, you will arrive at Ober Mountain’s Wildlife Encounter. Here, you will be able to see a black bear family, river otters, turtles, snakes, and more. There is an enclosed aviary, displaying several birds of prey.
The Wildlife Encounter is USDA licensed as an exhibitor. The animals here are never captured in the wild.
Keep in mind, during the winter months, some animals will be in hibernation and out of view.
Ober Adventure, LLC
1001 Parkway, Suite 2
Gatlinburg, TN 37738
(865) 436-5423
Hours: 10:00AM-5:00PM Daily
Admission: $29.00 for Tram Only $49 for Tram and Activity Wristband
*Unlimited Tram rides and some activities on any given day.
Parrot Mountain and Gardens

image provided by Parrot Mountain and Gardens
Voted #1 Family Fun in the Smokies, Parrot Mountain and Gardens is home to hundreds of birds, trees, flowers and plants. Parrot Mountain is situated on four acres of meticulously manicured gardens.
Here, you will visit the Secret Garden and the Bird Garden. Artist Thomas Kinkade’s work was an inspiration for the beautiful grounds of the Secret Garden. Next, you will visit the Bird Garden. You can visit the many species of birds and feed them by hand. You will also have a chance to visit the baby bird nursery.
Parrot Mountain and Gardens
1471 McCarter Hollow Road
Pigeon Forge, TN 37862
(865) 774-1749
Hours: 10:00AM-6:00PM Year-Round except November/December 10:00AM-5:00PM
Open All Year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day
Admission: $27.95 for Adults and $14.95 for Children
There are plenty of options for viewing wildlife during your next Smoky Mountain vacation. Be sure to check out the nearby Gatlinburg Tennessee Zoos and look for coupons at Visitors Centers or your hotel. Some attractions offer a discount for purchasing tickets online before arriving.
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