Fun + Attractions

Fun + Attractions

Chatt Choices™

Chattanooga Zoo

Chattanooga Zoo

Family Friendly Events

Family Friendly Events in Chattanooga

raccoon mtn caverns

A Kid’s Guide to Chattanooga

Entertainment for All Ages

Fun for the whole family is never far away in Chattanooga! From thrilling mountain views to award-winning museums, unique local attractions, and notable historic sites, the Scenic City is a top destination for entertainment and fun for all ages.

It’s no coincidence that Chattanooga has been twice named in WalletHub’s list of “Best Places to Raise a Family” and twice named one of the top four “Best Places to Live in Tennessee” by U.S. News & World Report. The Scenic City welcomes over 16 million visitors each year, drawing crowds with its broad range of family-friendly attractions and fun for all ages.

For animal lovers, the Tennessee Aquarium is a must-see destination. Ranked No. 10 on USA Today’s 2023 list of best aquariums in the United States, the aquarium is home to over 12,000 animals representing almost 800 species, including penguins, sharks, otters, and the largest collection of freshwater turtles in North America. More animal fun awaits at the Chattanooga Zoo with seasonal events and animals from all over the world, including giraffes, chimpanzees, jaguars, red pandas, and snow leopards. Anticipated to open in late 2024 is the Cape of Africa expansion, featuring porcupine, serval, and warthog exhibits. Also protecting wildlife is the 317-acre Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center. Focusing on supporting plants and animals native to East Tennessee, visitors can enjoy gardens, hiking trails, an animal exhibit, and educational experiences.

At Lookout Mountain, visitors can find several popular attractions. Rock City, winner of the 2023 Attraction of the Year award by the Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association, offers beautiful gardens, unique rock formations, art installations, and stunning mountain views. Ruby Falls is another must-see attraction, boasting the country’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public, located 1,120 feet below ground. Adventure seekers at Ruby Falls can also enjoy specialty tours, playful lodging at Treetop Hideaways, and High Point ZIP Adventure’s 40-foot climbing tower and over 700 feet of zip lines.

Those looking to explore Chattanooga’s history will enjoy attractions like the Chattanooga Choo Choo, where visitors can spend the night in addition to enjoying the train-themed escape room and Glenn Miller Gardens. Train enthusiasts will also love the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and the historic Incline Railway at the base of Lookout Mountain. Other notable history museums in Chattanooga include the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.

For fun on the Tennessee River, Southern Belle offers year-round cruises, including daily sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises as well as private charters. The Chatta-nooga Ducks also provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience on the river, offering narrated tours aboard WWII amphibious landing craft.

One of Chattanooga’s most popular attractions for kids is Creative Discovery Museum. In addition to hands-on exhibits with a focus on sustainable living and alternative energy, the museum also offers a variety of seasonal events and activities perfect for families with children. Exciting for families of kindergarteners in 2024, all kindergarten students enrolled in Hamilton County Public Schools will receive four free unlimited passes per student to Creative Discovery Museum.

On top of incredible museums, rich history, and wildlife attractions, Chattanooga goes above and beyond with offerings for athletes, sports fans, and anyone looking to get active. The expansive Tennessee Riverwalk consists of 16 miles of paved greenway, perfect for a scenic stroll, jog, or bike ride. Downtown, experienced and beginner climbers alike will enjoy High Point Climbing and Fitness. The climbing gym features an outdoor climbing wall that overlooks Broad Street as well as plenty of climbing and bouldering space for all ages and skill levels. Recreational facilities in the area include golf and tennis clubs, bowling alleys, and paintball fields. Sports enthusiasts also have a plethora of opportunities to watch sporting events such as roller derby bouts, rugby and professional soccer league matches, and minor league baseball games throughout the year.

Visitors looking for even more unique Chattanooga attractions will find plenty of exciting options. Guided tours are abundant, ranging from ghost tours and food tours to horse-drawn carriage rides and Segway adventures. Additionally, there are several axe throwing facilities, trampoline parks, and niche museums, including the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum and the International Towing Museum.

With a wide variety of options for curious minds, outdoors adventurers, and thrill-seekers of all ages, Chattanooga’s attractions ensure over-the-top fun and lasting memories for the whole family.

Entertainment for All Ages

Fun for the whole family is never far away in Chattanooga! From thrilling mountain views to award-winning museums, unique local attractions, and notable historic sites, the Scenic City is a top destination for entertainment and fun for all ages.

It’s no coincidence that Chattanooga has been twice named in WalletHub’s list of “Best Places to Raise a Family” and twice named one of the top four “Best Places to Live in Tennessee” by U.S. News & World Report. The Scenic City welcomes over 16 million visitors each year, drawing crowds with its broad range of family-friendly attractions and fun for all ages.

For animal lovers, the Tennessee Aquarium is a must-see destination. Ranked No. 10 on USA Today’s 2023 list of best aquariums in the United States, the aquarium is home to over 12,000 animals representing almost 800 species, including penguins, sharks, otters, and the largest collection of freshwater turtles in North America. More animal fun awaits at the Chattanooga Zoo with seasonal events and animals from all over the world, including giraffes, chimpanzees, jaguars, red pandas, and snow leopards. Anticipated to open in late 2024 is the Cape of Africa expansion, featuring porcupine, serval, and warthog exhibits. Also protecting wildlife is the 317-acre Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center. Focusing on supporting plants and animals native to East Tennessee, visitors can enjoy gardens, hiking trails, an animal exhibit, and educational experiences.

At Lookout Mountain, visitors can find several popular attractions. Rock City, winner of the 2023 Attraction of the Year award by the Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association, offers beautiful gardens, unique rock formations, art installations, and stunning mountain views. Ruby Falls is another must-see attraction, boasting the country’s tallest and deepest underground waterfall open to the public, located 1,120 feet below ground. Adventure seekers at Ruby Falls can also enjoy specialty tours, playful lodging at Treetop Hideaways, and High Point ZIP Adventure’s 40-foot climbing tower and over 700 feet of zip lines.

Those looking to explore Chattanooga’s history will enjoy attractions like the Chattanooga Choo Choo, where visitors can spend the night in addition to enjoying the train-themed escape room and Glenn Miller Gardens. Train enthusiasts will also love the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and the historic Incline Railway at the base of Lookout Mountain. Other notable history museums in Chattanooga include the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.

For fun on the Tennessee River, Southern Belle offers year-round cruises, including daily sightseeing cruises, lunch cruises, and dinner cruises as well as private charters. The Chatta-nooga Ducks also provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience on the river, offering narrated tours aboard WWII amphibious landing craft.

One of Chattanooga’s most popular attractions for kids is Creative Discovery Museum. In addition to hands-on exhibits with a focus on sustainable living and alternative energy, the museum also offers a variety of seasonal events and activities perfect for families with children. Exciting for families of kindergarteners in 2024, all kindergarten students enrolled in Hamilton County Public Schools will receive four free unlimited passes per student to Creative Discovery Museum.

On top of incredible museums, rich history, and wildlife attractions, Chattanooga goes above and beyond with offerings for athletes, sports fans, and anyone looking to get active. The expansive Tennessee Riverwalk consists of 16 miles of paved greenway, perfect for a scenic stroll, jog, or bike ride. Downtown, experienced and beginner climbers alike will enjoy High Point Climbing and Fitness. The climbing gym features an outdoor climbing wall that overlooks Broad Street as well as plenty of climbing and bouldering space for all ages and skill levels. Recreational facilities in the area include golf and tennis clubs, bowling alleys, and paintball fields. Sports enthusiasts also have a plethora of opportunities to watch sporting events such as roller derby bouts, rugby and professional soccer league matches, and minor league baseball games throughout the year.

Visitors looking for even more unique Chattanooga attractions will find plenty of exciting options. Guided tours are abundant, ranging from ghost tours and food tours to horse-drawn carriage rides and Segway adventures. Additionally, there are several axe throwing facilities, trampoline parks, and niche museums, including the Classic Arcade Pinball Museum and the International Towing Museum.

With a wide variety of options for curious minds, outdoors adventurers, and thrill-seekers of all ages, Chattanooga’s attractions ensure over-the-top fun and lasting memories for the whole family.

rock city

Lover's Leap at Rock City

Child at the creative discovery museum

Creative Discovery Museum

giraffe-at-chattanooga-zoo.RightColumn2

Giraffe at the Chattanooga Zoo

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