Duration
1-2 hours (longer if you catch both live shows and spend time in petting zoo)
Price
$9.99-$16.99 per person (plus $3 for animal feed)
Best For
Families with young children • Rainy day backup plans • Animal lovers wanting hands-on experiences
Pro Tip
Bring $3 cash for animal feed at the petting zoo - watching the goats and emus get excited is half the fun, and your kids will want to feed them multiple times.
About Rainforest Adventures Zoo
Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo stands out as one of the most impressive indoor zoos in the Smokies, located right in Sevierville. This tropical haven houses over 130 species within a climate-controlled environment that provides welcome relief during sweltering summer days.
Children are drawn to the interactive petting zoo featuring goats and emus, while hands-on encounters during keeper talks allow visitors to actually touch various animals. The chatty cockatoos are particularly entertaining for those who enjoy engaging with feathered friends.
Jungle Jim's live shows at 1 PM and 3 PM are genuine highlights worth planning around - his entertaining presentations allow children to pet the animals he showcases. Visitors have encountered sloths, poison dart frogs, and lemurs during these memorable experiences.
While smaller than major metropolitan zoos, this intimate size ensures families can explore every exhibit without exhausting young visitors. Most displays are housed indoors across one accessible level, making navigation easy for wheelchairs and strollers.
The zoo serves as an excellent rainy-day alternative when outdoor Smoky Mountain attractions become impractical. Knowledgeable staff members demonstrate genuine passion for animal care and education, enhancing the overall visitor experience with their expertise and enthusiasm.
Amenities & Features
Don't Miss
Jungle Jim's Live Animal Shows
These daily shows at 1 PM and 3 PM are honestly the best part of the visit. Jungle Jim combines education, magic tricks, and hands-on animal encounters that keep both kids and adults laughing. You'll get to pet animals up close during the show.
Interactive Petting Zoo
The outdoor petting area has friendly goats, sheep, and emus that love attention. For $3, you can buy feed and watch these animals get genuinely excited to see you coming. Our kids could spend an hour here alone.
Talking Cockatoos
These colorful birds live in an open area in the center of the zoo and will actually have conversations with you. They're incredibly social and entertaining - some visitors spend 20 minutes just chatting with them.
Primate Exhibits
The lemur and monkey areas are really well-designed, and if you time it right, you might catch feeding time. We've watched baby primates playing and even got to observe keeper talks where they explain each animal's personality.
Reptile Collection
From poison dart frogs to California King Snakes, the reptile exhibits showcase species you won't see at typical zoos. During keeper talks, you might even get to touch some of the friendlier snakes like Beetlejuice.
Climate-Controlled Comfort
Most of the zoo is indoors and air-conditioned, making it a perfect escape from hot summer days or rainy weather. The flat, accessible layout means everyone can enjoy the full experience without getting worn out.
Know Before You Go
- Arrive early on weekends - it gets crowded after 11 AM
- Bring comfortable shoes and light layers for air-conditioned indoors plus outdoor petting area
- Cash recommended for $3 animal feed, though they sell it at the front desk
- Indoor location makes this great for rainy days when other attractions close
- Fully wheelchair accessible with flat walkways throughout
Visitor Sentiment
Based on reviewsRainforest Adventures Zoo receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Sevierville, it's a solid choice for the area.
Rainforest Adventures Zoo Opening Hours
Best Times to Visit Rainforest Adventures Zoo
Visit during weekday mornings for the calmest experience.
Tags
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours for Rainforest Adventures Zoo?
The zoo is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, 363 days a year. They're only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
How much does Rainforest Adventures Zoo cost?
Adults are $16.99 and children are $9.99. You can find $2-off coupons in local coupon books around town, and animal feed for the petting zoo costs an extra $3.
Do I need reservations for Rainforest Adventures Zoo?
No reservations are required. It's a walk-in attraction, though we recommend arriving early on weekends to avoid crowds.
How long should I spend at Rainforest Adventures Zoo?
Plan on 1-2 hours to see everything comfortably. If you catch both live shows and spend time in the petting zoo, you could easily fill 2+ hours.
Is Rainforest Adventures Zoo good for kids?
Absolutely - it's designed with families in mind. The interactive shows, petting zoo, and hands-on animal encounters keep kids engaged, and it's perfect for toddlers through teens.
Is there parking at Rainforest Adventures Zoo?
Yes, there's parking available on-site. The facility is handicap accessible with flat, easy walking throughout.
What animals can you see at Rainforest Adventures Zoo?
You'll see over 130 tropical species including sloths, lemurs, monkeys, poison dart frogs, snakes, birds, and reptiles. The petting zoo has goats, sheep, and emus you can feed and touch.
When are the live animal shows at Rainforest Adventures Zoo?
Jungle Jim hosts live shows daily at 1 PM and 3 PM. These interactive shows include magic, education, and chances to pet animals - they're honestly the highlight of the visit.
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More great places in Sevierville
We use a weighted 10-point scoring system to evaluate the best places to visit and things to do in the Smokies.
Scoring is carefully evaluated based on reviews, social signals and expert assessments.
Rainforest Adventures Zoo receives consistently positive feedback from visitors. Located in Sevierville, it's a solid choice for the area.
Last Updated Dec 27, 2025
109 Nascar Dr Sevierville TN 37862
109 Nascar Dr Sevierville TN 37862
Sevierville
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