If you’re trying to beat the heat, look no further than this handy guide to summer activities and fun in the Chattanooga area. From swimming holes and exciting attractions to museums and sweet treats, you’re sure to find your next adventure.
Take a Dip
There are many places to enjoy the water and go for a swim in Chattanooga, including several public pools. The Carver Community Center’s outdoor pool, which is free for all ages, is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Also outdoors, the Warner Park Pool offers $3 entry daily, with a pool and large splash pad that provide fun for all ages. There are also two free indoor pools: The Chris L. Ramsey Senior Community Center Pool and the pool at the South Chattanooga Complex. Several of the facilities also offer beginner and advanced swim lessons for children and adults.
In addition to pools, parks and recreational areas in and around Chattanooga offer beautiful views and a chance to cool off in the water. Chester Frost Lake in Hixson is a recreational campground with a beach area and floating, 38-piece water obstacle course, Nooga Splash. Nooga Splash is open daily until September 7 and offers fun for all ages – be sure to purchase tickets and sign the waiver in advance. There are also several swimming holes and waterfalls in the area where you can swim and explore, such as Big Soddy Creek Gulf, Foster Falls, and DeSoto Falls (please note: there are no lifeguards on duty at these areas). For those who enjoy boating and water sports, rental companies in the area provide day access to boats, kayaks, canoes, guided fishing expeditions, and more.
Soak Up Some AC
There are also many exciting indoor activities in the area that allow you to escape the sun and high temps. Open daily, the Tennessee Aquarium in downtown Chattanooga is the perfect place to escape the heat while still enjoying nature. Another popular attraction, Ruby Falls, takes you deep within a cave to an incredible underground waterfall – the cave is a cool 60 degrees year round.
For those who enjoy art, consider gallery hopping in the Bluff View Art District. Explore the many art galleries within the district that feature unique ceramics, jewelry, paintings, and more, then head to the Hunter Museum of American Art to browse their permanent collection and rotating exhibits that feature nearly 3,000 works of American art.
Great for younger children, the award-winning Creative Discovery Museum has immersive, hands-on exhibits that focus on STEM, the outdoors, art, and more. The Tennessee Valley Railroad offers a variety of exciting train rides throughout Tennessee and North Georgia. Grab a seat on a climate-controlled railway and take in the stunning mountain and river views. There are several different routes and ride lengths to choose from with different seating options for your journey, along with special dinner and high tea train rides.
When it’s too hot to play outside, play inside! Southside Social has bowling, darts, shuffleboard, ping pong, and arcade games, along with a full restaurant and bar. Downtown, the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum offers unlimited free pinball play on their retro pinball machines with ticketed entry. Inside Hamilton Place Mall, Dave and Busters has classic arcade games, along with food and drink for the whole family.
Grab A Sweet Treat
Nothing says summer like enjoying some ice cream or frozen yogurt. One of the most popular ice cream spots in the area, Clumpies Ice Cream Co. has a variety of classic and seasonal handcrafted ice cream flavors, available in cups, cones, and milkshakes. The Ice Cream Show offers a custom experience – choose an ice cream, frozen yogurt, sugar-free or dairy-free base, then choose from their many mix-in options like fruit, chocolate, and nuts to create your own flavor. Ben and Jerry’s has a scoop shop downtown, serving up their classic flavors like Cherry Garcia and Chunky Monkey, along with dairy-free options. If you prefer frozen yogurt, head to Signal Swirl on Signal Mountain for a variety of flavor and topping options. For gelato fans, Milk & Honey offers homemade gelato in rotating flavors.
Kristen Dee, BS, MA, Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Dee is a graduate of Winthrop University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in integrated marketing communications, with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude and IMC Student of the Year. Following Winthrop, Kristen earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor, Kristen successfully fulfilled roles involving internal corporate communications. Today, Kristen leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.