dog act at The Comedy Barn

July 7, 2025

Top 7 Places to Take the Kids to See Animals in Pigeon Forge & the Smokies

Do your kids love animals? Then they will love all of the fun shows and animal encounters in the Smokies! From seeing animals in the wild at Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the live animal performances at our comedy show, here are some of the best places to take the kids to see animals in Pigeon Forge and the surrounding area:

1. The Comedy Barn

birds at comedy barn show

The Comedy Barn has it all. We have the best comedy show with animals performing tricks and live entertainment performances with gospel and country music and dancing, in addition to talented jugglers and ventriloquists. You won’t believe just how fun our clean comedy theater is, and the kids will be entertained from start to finish. We guarantee the animal tricks will be one of the main highlights of your kid’s experience at our Pigeon Forge show! You'll have the chance to see cats performing impressive balancing acts, birds showing off their basketball skills, or dogs who jump over hurdles and perform other fun tricks.

2. Dolly Parton’s Stampede

Dolly Parton’s Stampede is one of the best dinner shows where you get to see animals in Pigeon Forge. The equestrian performers make trick riding look easy, and the majestic horses are mesmerizing to watch. Make sure you arrive a few minutes early to visit the horses along the World Famous Horse Walk! In addition to horses, guests will get to see buffalo, longhorns, chickens, and pigs! The kids will also love the comedy portion of the show with Skeeter and Nugget, the resident chicken.

3. Pirates Voyage

At Pirates Voyage Dinner and Show, there are live animals throughout the swashbuckling adventure, including sea lions, dogs, and tropical birds. This action-packed show featuring pirate battles, a hideaway lagoon, and a special Luau celebration is an experience your family won’t want to miss! Want to get a closer look at the animals on stage? The Pirates Voyage Animal Encounter provides a 30-minute experience for the kids to interact with several of the animal performers, including Salty the Sea Lion!

4. Hatfield & McCoy

diving dog at Hatfield & McCoy

Visiting Pigeon Forge with toddlers? They’ll love the hilarious dinner show at Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud featuring diving dogs into the 22-foot-deep swimming hole on stage. You can even sit in the front row and be in the Splash Zone! Before the show even starts, there is another opportunity to see animals in Pigeon Forge at this attraction. They have barnyard animals that live outside that you can take the kids to see; it’s the perfect pre-show activity to get them excited for the show!

5. Dollywood

You probably don’t think of Dollywood as a place to take the kids to see animals in Pigeon Forge, but they actually have a wonderful show featuring eagles and other large birds. The 30-minute Wings of America Birds of Prey show runs daily at the Craftman’s Valley area of the theme park, and you’ll be amazed at all that you will learn about the impressive species!

6. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Pigeon Forge is just a short drive from Gatlinburg, and the kids will love seeing all of the amazing sea creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Rated as one of the top aquariums in the country, this attraction combines education and fun for the entire family. Walk under Shark Lagoon to admire the sea turtles, sharks, eels, and other animals, then head over to Touch A Ray Bay to feel the slippery back of a sting ray. The kids will also be able to interact with penguins at the Penguin Encounter!

7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park

black bear in the Smoky Mountains

A trip to Pigeon Forge and the Smokies isn’t complete without visiting the National Park, and there are many beautiful places to explore that the kids will love. Whether you simply enjoy a scenic drive or take an easy hike to a waterfall, you’ll have the opportunity to see an abundance of animals in their natural habitat, including deer, fish, birds, squirrels, and of course, the Smoky Mountain black bear! Cades Cove is one of the best areas for wildlife, and the 11-mile scenic loop is perfect for families with kids.

More Kid-Friendly Activities in Pigeon Forge

Our clean comedy show is one of the best places to take your kids to see animals in Pigeon Forge, but that’s just the beginning of fun attractions and activities you can enjoy as a family. Explore more unique things to do in Pigeon Forge with kids!