People sometimes say that Sevierville is where Smoky Mountain fun begins. It makes sense when you consider how many great things there are to do in and around Sevierville. You can experience the great outdoors by hiking the Mountains or explore the caverns tucked neatly below the foothills. You can visit educational attractions, see exotic animals up close and personal, admire classic cars and airplanes, get your thrills go-karting, play putt-putt golf, or simply sit back and relax while you take in the beauty of the mountain range.
In short, there’s plenty to do and see in this east Tennessee city, nestled in the heart of the Smokies. If you’re specifically looking for ways to entertain the kids, you’re also in luck. Here are five Sevierville attractions that will keep your children happy:
Smoky Mountain Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo
Smoky Mountain Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo is a neat combination of riding stables and zoo. When you hear it called “one of a kind,” it’s not hyperbole. It truly is one of the most unique attractions we’ve ever visited. Where else can your kids cozy up to Rocky Mountain elk, rub a camel’s nose, pet zebras, hug a baby goat, or tickle a Vietnamese pot-bellied pig? They’ll also go nose-to-nose with mini-horses and marvel at the size of draft horses. If your children are thrilled by the feel of animals eating out of their hands, they will love the mini-donkeys, Watusi, exotic cattle, and friendly reindeer who await them. Younger children will adore the pony rides, while everyone weighing less than 250 pounds (0.11 t) is invited along on the family trail ride. Here’s something we especially appreciated: All the animals at Smoky Mountain Deer Farm Exotic Petting Zoo enjoy regular veterinary inspections to keep them healthy. There are also handwashing facilities available around the park.
Forbidden Caverns
If you ever had the opportunity to visit a cavern as a kid, you know how thrilling the experience is. Forbidden Caverns is delightful for a number of reasons. The fact that it’s one of the 8,350 registered caves in Tennessee does nothing to diminish how spectacular it feels. You and your children will experience an entertaining and educational tour that takes you past towering chimneys, otherworldly formations, impressive grottos, and a stunning crystal clear stream. The cavern is filled with stereophonic sound and special lighting effects that only enhance the already special experience. The knowledgeable guides offer information about caverns that will leave you and your kids feeling like experts. Worried about tripping in an unfamiliar space? For your safety, the trials are well-lighted and there are handrails anywhere they are necessary.
Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo
If your kids are the kind who can’t get enough of animals, they’re sure to enjoy Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo. Although the kids are not in school, they will absorb enough information about animals found in the Rainforest to fill a small textbook. One thing we liked about this experience was that it was designed by one of the finest zoological contractors in the nation (his other work can be seen in Animal Kingdom at Disney World). Your kids will have the opportunity to view more than 600 live animals, representing more than 130 different species. They’ll be exposed to the reptiles that have roamed the planet for millions of years, as well as the more adorable furry creatures found in the Rainforest. We fell in love with the Crested Porcupine (which is cuter than the name implies), African Serval (which actually looks like a mini-cheetah), a variety of adorable lemurs, and the African Hedgehog (so ugly it’s cute), and many others. It’s a bit of a hike, but there is something to see around every corner.
Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park
Foxfire Mountain Swinging Bridge is part of Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park. The adventure park offers a lot of activities, many of which are not appropriate for young children. The swinging bridge though will thrill children of all ages. In fact, it may be you who needs to screw up the courage to walk across the 335-foot-long Bridge to Prosperity. Once across the longest swinging bridge in America, you and your children can explore the trails, stroll along the river walk, and play on the obstacle courses.
Sevierville Park
Remember being a kid and wanting nothing more than wanting to run, climb, and play? Sevierville Park is the perfect place for your kids to do what they love doing most – making their own fun. It is a clean, well-maintained park with plenty of equipment to explore and a great place to finish off a busy day.
Sevierville boasts so many fun things to do that it’s easy to come up with five. If our suspicions are correct, it won’t take your family long to add other favorites to the list.
