Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo

Why go: Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo puts you face to face with more than 130 species of tropical and temperate wildlife in a fully indoor, climate-controlled setting that works on a rainy afternoon just as well as a sunny one.

About Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo

Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo is a primarily indoor wildlife attraction in the Governor’s Crossing area of Sevierville, housing more than 400 animals across 130-plus species from rainforests and temperate habitats around the world. The collection spans reptiles, mammals, birds, amphibians, and insects, with exhibits designed to place visitors close to the animals rather than at a distance.

The zoo draws on loan agreements with accredited facilities across the country and emphasizes conservation education alongside the visitor experience. A portion of every admission and encounter ticket goes directly toward global conservation partnerships, including programs focused on sloth habitat in Costa Rica, rainforest protection through the Rainforest Trust, and freshwater otter conservation with WWF Nepal.

The facility is single-level and fully air-conditioned, making it one of the more accessible and weather-proof options in the Smokies corridor. It is open 363 days a year, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Getting to Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo

The zoo sits in the Governor’s Crossing development off the Parkway. Coming from Sevierville, watch for traffic light 13.4 across from Walmart, turn into Governor’s Crossing on Collier Drive, then take the first left onto Hurley Drive. The zoo is adjacent to the Holiday Inn Express. Parking is free and available on-site.

Why Choose Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo

Few attractions in the Smokies combine genuine wildlife education with this level of accessibility. The indoor layout means the experience is not dependent on season, temperature, or weather, and the single-level floor plan removes barriers that make many outdoor attractions difficult for guests with mobility needs.

• Fully indoor and climate-controlled. The zoo operates year-round in an air-conditioned facility, making it a practical choice when the weather is not cooperating and a comfortable one in peak summer heat.
• 130-plus species under one roof. The collection covers tropical birds, primates, reptiles, crocodilians, amphibians, insects, and mammals including kangaroos, lemurs, sloths, and otters. The breadth of species is unusual for a single-building attraction.
• Conservation with every admission. The zoo directs a portion of each ticket toward three active global conservation programs, giving the visit a direct connection to field work protecting sloths, rainforests, and river otter habitat.
• Completely accessible layout. The facility is single-level with no stairs, wide pathways, and smooth flooring throughout. It accommodates wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers without any portion of the zoo being off-limits.
• Scheduled live animal encounters. The Jungle Jim live animal show brings reptiles, birds, and other animals out for hands-on interaction with volunteers from the audience, adding a performance element that goes beyond exhibit-only viewing.

Must Do

Plan your visit around at least one of these experiences. The live show in particular runs on a set schedule, so check the posted times when you arrive.

• Jungle Jim Live Animal Show. The zoo’s signature daily performance features an entertainer who brings live animals out for interaction, calls up audience volunteers, and blends humor with genuine species education. It runs on a scheduled timetable, so check the posted times when you arrive and plan your visit around it.
• Close Encounters: Sloth and Otter Experience. An add-on behind-the-scenes tour that takes small groups into keeper areas to hand-feed resident sloths and otters. Advance booking is required and time slots are limited, so reserve at rfadventures.com before your visit if this is a priority.
• Aussie Walkabout Area. A 17,000-square-foot section housing kangaroos, Dorper sheep, pygmy goats, and a tropical aviary. Guests can pet and feed the sheep and goats in an open setting that is especially engaging for young children.
• Reptile Exhibits. The zoo holds one of the larger reptile collections in the region, including multiple python species, anacondas, boa constrictors, crocodilians, and an extensive tortoise display. Handlers bring select snakes and lizards out at scheduled show times for supervised handling.

What to Expect

Plan on one and a half to three hours depending on pace, the number of children in your group, and whether you catch a live show. The facility is compact enough to cover thoroughly in a single visit without feeling rushed.

• Live show scheduling. Snakes and certain other reptiles are brought out during the Jungle Jim show rather than being available for open handling throughout the day. Check the posted show schedule at the entrance and time your visit accordingly if reptile interaction is the priority.
• Parking and entry. Parking is free in the Governor’s Crossing lot. Walk-in tickets are available at the door; online purchase through rfadventures.com is also an option. Last admission is at 4:00 PM.
• Feeding opportunities. Animal food is available for purchase on-site for the goat and llama area. Feeding the animals is a highlight for younger visitors and tends to draw a crowd at busy times.
• What to bring. Comfortable walking shoes are fine; the floor is smooth throughout. There is no need to dress for outdoor conditions. Photography is encouraged and the indoor lighting is generally workable for phone cameras.
• Gift shop. A shop on-site carries wildlife-themed merchandise. Pricing draws favorable comparisons to gift shops elsewhere on the Parkway.
• Military and local discounts. Active and retired military receive a discount with valid ID. A local resident discount is also available with ID at the door.

Nearby in Sevierville

• NASCAR SpeedPark. A go-kart and racing-themed attraction with multiple tracks and rides right on the Parkway, just steps from Governor’s Crossing.
• Adventure Park at Five Oaks. A zipline and aerial adventure park on the Parkway offering canopy tours for a range of experience levels.
• Five Oaks Riding Stables. Guided horseback trail rides through wooded terrain on the Parkway, suitable for beginners and families with young children.
• Jayell Ranch Family Adventure Park. A family-oriented ranch offering ATV rides, ziplines, horseback riding, and gem mining across a large property just off the Parkway.

Explore More

My Smoky Mountain Guide Sevierville is a great resource for finding things to do and places to eat.

• Sevierville Food and Beverage Guide. Find local restaurants, casual dining, and specialty eats throughout the Sevierville area.
• Sevierville Outdoor Adventure. Explore ziplines, riding stables, caverns, jeep rentals, and more outdoor experiences in and around Sevierville.
• Sevierville Attractions. Browse theme parks, water parks, museums, and family-friendly attractions across the Sevierville area.
• Sevierville Things to Do. A complete guide to entertainment, outdoor adventure, and attractions throughout Sevierville.