Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo

The Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo offers an unforgettable hands-on animal experience where kids can feed and touch over 100 animals including deer, zebras, camels, kangaroos, and miniature horses. Unlike traditional zoos with barriers, children can walk among friendly creatures and create genuine connections with animals they've only seen in books, making it a perfect blend of education and entertainment.

• ✓Hand-feeding gentle deer that approach you throughout the park
• ✓Getting up close to exotic animals like zebras, camels, and kangaroos
• ✓Baby animal nursery with bottle-feeding opportunities
• ✓Miniature horses, donkeys, and pot-bellied pigs that kids can pet
• ✓Photo opportunities with unusual animals you won't find at typical petting zoos

1. 1.Arrive right at opening (10:00 AM) when animals are most active and hungry, making feeding time more interactive and exciting for kids
2. 2.Purchase animal feed at the entrance,bring quarters or small bills as it's sold in cups, and buy extra because kids always want more once they start feeding
3. 3.Wear closed-toe shoes that can get dirty; the farm involves walking on natural terrain and animals may step on little toes
4. 4.Bring hand sanitizer or plan to use their washing stations frequently, especially before snack breaks
5. 5.Don't miss the baby animal nursery near the entrance where kids can hold and bottle-feed the youngest animals,it's often the highlight for young children

Visit on weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) between 10:00 AM and noon for smaller crowds and more animal interaction time. Animals are most active in cooler morning hours, and visiting mid-week means fewer tour buses and more personalized experiences with staff.

Admission prices are budget-friendly (typically under $15 per person with children under 3 free), and animal feed is sold separately. The farm is mostly outdoors with some shaded areas, so dress for weather and bring sunscreen during warmer months.

Open year-round with consistent hours, though spring (March-May) is ideal when baby animals are born and weather is comfortable. Summer can be hot with limited shade, so visit early. Fall offers beautiful mountain scenery as a backdrop. The farm remains open during winter with indoor heated areas available.

The Old Mill Restaurant (5 minutes away) offers Southern comfort food with a kids menu in a historic setting. For quicker bites, Mel's Diner serves classic American fare including burgers and milkshakes that kids love.