The Top Places to Have a Birthday Party in Knoxville, TN
Does your little one love animals? Would she rather be outside enjoying nature than just about anywhere else? If this sounds like your child, consider one of these nature-inspired birthday options:
The Knoxville Zoo
The News Sentinel Birthday Party Place at the zoo will host an hour and a half party. A zoo party provides admission for 20 guests and an everything-included Saturday or Sunday party hosted by a party consultant for less than $300 (rate depend on zoo membership). You can even arrange for a creature to come to your child’s birthday party for an extra fee. For more information of birthday parties or to register for your party and reserve your date, please call 865.637.5331 x352 or email rgorzeman@knoxville-zoo.org.
Wildlife Wonders ZOO TO YOU
Bring the jungle to your child’s birthday party at home! That’s right, ZOO TO YOU is a live, up-close-and-personal animal experience that travels. You can have anything from a few small, cuddly or scaly critters for an hour or a stage show with larger animals to a full petting zoo experience. Over 150 animals are available and they travel to several states including Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and Georgia. They offer lots of packages and themes. Programs run around $250 (plus travel) for a 45 minute program. For more information about ZOO TO YOU birthday parties, visit http://www.azootoyou.com/ or call 706-348-7279.
Ijams Nature Center
Maybe your child is more interested in enjoying animals in a natural setting. The perfect environmentally-friendly birthday party could be held at Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville. Up to 15 party-goers and their parents can enjoy the lively outdoors in one of the available party themes: “Reptiles and Amphibians,” “Insects and Spider,” “Birds of Prey,” or “The Animals of Ijams.” Each party includes a pavilion rental, an educational program, nature walk on a trail and a magnifying glass for each child. Also enjoy ponds, explore meadows, and meet non-releasable animals of the 155-acre park. For more info Contact Kara East at 577-4717 ext. 15 or keast@ijams.org.
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies
s the most visited aquarium in America, the Ripley’s Aquarium is the prefect outing for your sea life loving child’s birthday party! Enjoy piranhas in the Tropical Rain Forest, colorful fish in Coral Reef, the aquarium tunnel beneath the Shark Lagoon, horseshoe crabs in Discovery Center, a giant octopus in Gallery of the Seas, and touch a ray in Touch-A-Ray Bay. Although they do not formally host birthday parties, group rates are available. Visit http://www.ripleysaquariumofthesmokies.com/home.htm or call: 888-240-1358 or 865-430-8808 ext. 2109
Petting Zoos & Pony Rides
Does your child enjoy getting up-close and personal with the animals? Or do you really wish you could giver your child the pony that is at the top of her birthday gift wish list? If so, a trip to a petting zoo or a “Pony Party” might be just what will make your child’s animal themed birthday unforgettable. Here is a list of Knoxville area petting zoos and pony ride facilities and phone numbers:
House Mountain Farm Corryton, TN: 865-776-5436;
Weisgarber Stables Knoxville, TN: 865-558-0963;
Deer Farm Pony Rides Sevierville, TN: 865-428-3337;
Tally Ho Pet World Oneida, TN: 423-569-8989;
Wilderness Ranch Inc Butler, TN: 423-768-3030;
Just Fer Paws Gatlinburg, TN: 865-430-3383
Celebrate your child’s birthday with an animal themed party he will remember! Knoxville has a number of unique options, one of which is sure to make your child’s animal/nature-themed birthday bash one to remember.
