If you’re looking for someplace different to take the kids, away from the crowds of Gatlinburg, look no further than the Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo. Located off of Hwy 441(Dolly Parton Parkway) outside of Sevierville, TN, the Deer Farm is a 143 acre exotic petting zoo and deer park nestled among trees 5 miles outside Sevierville and 15 minutes from Gatlinburg, TN
Kids will enjoy watching the peacocks that wander the property with their beautiful feathers. Once inside the farm, there are animals such as kangaroos, wallabies, and prairie dogs. If you look closely, you may even catch a glimpse of a Joey in the kangaroo pocket. Feed is available in the gift shop for $2.50 for a 22 oz cup of feed. Refills on feed are half price. The feed can’t be used to feed the kangaroo or wallabies, but can be fed to a majority of the animals.
Kids will enjoy feeding and petting the goats, sheep, deer, reindeer and camel. Kids and adults can go into the goat enclosure to pet and feed the goats. It is best to leave the feed cup in the cup holders on the outside of the fence when inside the enclosure so the goats don’t jump up trying to get it out of your hand. Kids are allowed to pet and hold the baby goats while inside the fence.
Along with the goats, there are plenty of other animals such as reindeer, elk, deer, emu, camels, exotic cattle, donkeys, sheep and zonkeys that can kids can enjoy petting and feeding. The animals are very gentle and are enjoy the extra feed and attention.
After enjoying the petting zoo, you can visit the stables located near the gift shop. Kids can take a guided pony ride within a fenced in trail. Parents or guardians guide the pony along the trail. It’s a picture perfect experience for parents and children.
Guided horseback riding is available for adults and children. Children are allowed to ride alone, but any child under 3 must double up with a parent. Kids 3+ are encouraged to ride alone with the help of the guide. Experienced guides take riders on shaded, well-maintained 8’ and 10’ trails. The experienced and friendly staff will keep riders entertained, as well as make sure their ride is an enjoyable experience.
The petting zoo and stables are open year around (weather permitting). Be sure to check here for rates and coupons. Have fun!